Two crossbenchers are pushing for an independent regulator to oversee the private health system, which they say would act as a “referee” to keep insurer arrangements in check.

With the backing of the AMA, federal MPs Andrew Wilkie and Dr Monique Ryan introduced a motion in Parliament this week proposing a Private Health System Authority to monitor contracts between insurers and hospitals and to assess outcomes for patients.

The motion comes after years of complaints from private hospitals, which claim the insurance industry has been gouging providers since the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 20 private hospitals have closed since 2023, and in 2024-25, the sector recorded a $756 million loss, according to the Australian Private Hospitals Association.