Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the question. As I have said, though, the question from the opposition is about a matter that does and should rest with the finance minister. I have provided what information I can in respect of the question. What I can say about what information I have been provided with information on is that the government expects that the conversion will provide Medibank with greater flexibility in the pursuit of effective business strategies as well as encouraging greater competition between those existing in the marketplace. Therefore, it will assist in keeping downward pressure on premium rises. The Medibank board is supportive, as I have said, of the conversion. It has advised that the conversion will not affect members and, critically, will not put upward pressure— (Time expired)