# Labor struggles as Frydenberg eyes return

> Independent Monique Ryan criticizes the government's handling of its health insurance rebate bill as Josh Frydenberg considers a political comeback.
- Title: Labor struggles as Frydenberg eyes return · the Guardian
- Summary: Independent Monique Ryan criticizes the government's handling of its health insurance rebate bill as Josh Frydenberg considers a political comeback. The…
- Keywords: albanese government, monique ryan, josh frydenberg, labor party, private health insurance, australian politics, news, politics, Labor, struggles, Frydenberg, eyes
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/australia-news/audio/2026/oct/16/monique-ryan-on-labors-difficult-week-and-josh-frydenbergs-possible-return-australian-politics-podcast
- Published: 2026-10-19T05:31:27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: albanese government, monique ryan, josh frydenberg, labor party, private health insurance, australian politics, news, politics
## Labor's health rebate bill stalls
The Albanese government struggled this week to pass a budget saving measure reducing private health insurance rebates for over-65s as the political year nears its end.
## Ryan: government on back foot
Independent MP Monique Ryan, member for Kooyong, was a vocal critic of the bill and argues the government is continually on the back foot over key proposals.
## Frydenberg considers Canberra return
Ryan responds to speculation that Josh Frydenberg, her former political rival and treasurer in the Morrison government, is considering a possible return to Canberra after launching his memoir.
## Key takeaway

The Albanese government struggled to pass a budget measure on private health insurance rebates this week, drawing criticism from independent MP Monique Ryan.