This Digest was prepared for debate. It reflects the legislation as introduced and does not canvass subsequent amendments. This Digest does not have any official legal status. Other sources should be consulted to determine the subsequent official status of the Bill. Background The Hearing Services Administration Bill 1997 and the accompanying Hearing Services and AGHS Reform Bill 1997 propose significant changes to the way in which hearing services are delivered and the clientele to whom those services are delivered.
Estimates vary on the number of people with a hearing impairment.
The table below indicates the proportion of the Australian population, by age group, with some form of hearing impairment. It is apparent from the table that the likelihood of hearing impairment increases with age. Eligible Australians include children under 21 years, pensioners, veterans, ComCare clients, members of the defence forces and some Commonwealth employees. Since the expansion of eligibility in 1993 and 1994, government subsidised services have been provided to around 75 per cent of the people requiring hearing services in Australia. AHS has provided most services but has contracted with private providers to supply services as demand has increased.