I don't criticise the lifestyles of others and there are certainly no guarantees in life, but we can shorten the odds and lengthen the odds, when it comes to health. But, just as with many other insurances, I believe that known wise choices deserve to be rewarded with a discount.

I also support the suggestion of taxing lollies [which I enjoy eating, so I would pay a little extra here] to subsidise an adequate dental service for all Australians.

As a general principle, we can't have a "user pays" system for healthcare and then claim to be a civilised country. But we could have an "abuser pays" system, with the real life villains, the manufacturers/marketers of known grossly unhealthy lifestyle choices, being taxed to pay for their detrimental effects on the community at large.

Well i for one believe that the cost of health insurance can come down.

but that would be neither here nor there if this party doesnt make it