THE federal government has pledged $8.5 billion to strengthen Medicare, promising more bulk-billed GP visits, increased doctor and nurse training, and reduced out-of-pocket costs for patients.<\/p>\n
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) welcomed the announcement, saying it was a significant step toward addressing years of underfunding.<\/p>\n
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the package followed the association’s long-running campaign for greater investment in general practice.<\/p>\n
“This funding package will help address affordability issues for many vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians who do not currently qualify for bulk billing incentives.<\/p>\n
“But greater support for patients with more complex needs can’t afford to be ignored.”<\/p>\n
The investment will deliver an additional 18 million bulk-billed GP visits annually and expand bulk billing incentives to all Australians from November 1.<\/p>\n
Practices that bulk bill every patient will receive an extra 12.5 per cent loading on Medicare rebates, with the number of fully bulk-billed practices expected to triple to around 4,800 by 2030.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the funding would ensure healthcare access without financial stress.<\/p>\n
“I want every Australian to know they only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, to receive the healthcare they need.”<\/p>\n
The plan also includes 400 nursing scholarships and training for 2,000 new GPs each year by 2028, addressing workforce shortages identified by the AMA.<\/p>\n
The Coalition moved quickly this week to match Labor’s $8.5 billion commitment, pledging an additional $500 million for Medicare-funded mental health support.<\/p>\n
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the Coalition would offset the cost by cutting thousands of public service jobs.<\/p>\n
“The government’s put on an additional 36,000 public servants,” Mr Dutton said at a press conference on Monday.<\/p>\n
“We will reduce that number and the savings there will be about $6 billion a year.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE federal government has pledged $8.5 billion to strengthen Medicare, promising more bulk-billed GP visits, increased doctor and nurse training, and reduced out-of-pocket costs for patients. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) welcomed the announcement, saying it was a significant step toward addressing years of underfunding. AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the package followed the […]<\/p>\n