Medicare safety net changes shelved until next year, government fails to gain Senate support

By Jane Lee
Updated December 1 2015 - 5:08pm, first published 4:12pm
Health Minister Sussan Ley says the government is "pausing discussions" on the changes. Photo: Andrew Meares
Health Minister Sussan Ley says the government is "pausing discussions" on the changes. Photo: Andrew Meares
IVF, psychiatric and oncology  groups have rasied concerns the proposed changes would make treatment unaffordable for some patients. Photo: Craig Abraham
IVF, psychiatric and oncology groups have rasied concerns the proposed changes would make treatment unaffordable for some patients. Photo: Craig Abraham

The Turnbull government is putting off plans to change the Medicare safety net until next year, after failing to attract enough support on the Senate crossbench.