Overview

• New ATO figures show $1.4 billion was released on compassionate grounds in 2024–25, with 112,400 applications lodged and 67,900 approved.
• $817.6 million went to dental care, with $255 million for weight loss treatments, $74 million for IVF and $218 million for other medical procedures.
• The ATO reports about 30% of the 93,500 medical applications were rejected for not meeting rules, citing inaccurate statements in some medical reports.
• AHPRA and the Medical and Dental Boards issued fresh guidance and warned that unlicensed financial advice could attract ASIC penalties, with enforcement actions ranging from cautions to tribunal referrals.
• Approvals were concentrated among people aged 31–55, middle‑income earners and women, as consumer advocates reported cases of patients being overcharged for treatments.