Could This Be Money Better Spent? | CPD

One of my many soapbox issues is private health insurance rebate. "In fact, if the rebate were replaced with direct funding of private hospitals (set at the current level of support), we could save the budget’s bottom line $2 billion each year."(CPD) It is unjustifiable in my view. Why should my taxes subsidise preferential health treatment for those who can afford it. I'm a believer in government responsibility for maintaining a top level public system, thus, I don't subscribe to private health insurance but am forced to provide it for others. Some of the benefits they enjoy - in addition to less waiting - include spas, gyms and other 'non-medical' benefits. Why?