Australian Immigration Daily News

The Australian Government has issued the Health Insurance (Eligible Persons in the Support for Trafficked People Program and the Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program and their Dependents) Order 2025 (No. 826) under subsection 6(1) of the Health Insurance Act 1973.

This Order revokes the earlier Order No. 824 and provides that:

• Participants in the Support for Trafficked People Program (STPP) and the Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program (FMSSP) are recognised as eligible persons under the Act.

• Dependents of participants in these programs, including children, elderly family members, and people with disabilities residing in Australia, are also eligible.

• Eligible persons and their dependents may access Medicare benefits, regardless of visa type.

The STPP, established in 2003, supports victims and survivors of people trafficking with health, safety, and well-being needs. The FMSSP, introduced in January 2025, provides specialised support to individuals at risk of, or affected by, forced marriage, including casework, counselling, accommodation, financial assistance, and health care.

This Order, commencing on 24 September 2025, consolidates these measures to ensure consistent Medicare access for participants and their dependents in both programs.

Source: Social-Security-Special-Benefit---Class-of-Visas-Determination-2025.pdf and Social-Security-Special-Benefit---Class-of-Visas-Determination-2025-explanatory-statement.pdf