Labor promises more bulk-billed GP visits in Geelong region

GP services across Geelong, the Bellarine, and the Surf Coast would see a major expansion in bulk billing under an Albanese Government plan to boost access to free healthcare.

If re-elected, Labor has pledged an additional 306,600 bulk-billed visits in the region and an increase in fully bulk-billing GP practices from 22 to around 55.

Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker said the investment would help ensure more people can see a doctor without out-of-pocket costs.

“Labor built Medicare, we will protect it and improve it for all Australians,” Coker said.

“There will be more free GP visits with more bulk billing across Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast because of our historic investment in Medicare.

“We want every Australian to know they only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, to receive the healthcare they need.”

From November 1, Labor will expand bulk billing incentives to all Australians and introduce an additional 12.5 per cent loading payment for GP practices that bulk bill every patient.

The initiative is expected to bring 9 out of 10 GP visits under bulk billing by 2030, tripling the number of fully bulk-billing practices to around 4,800 nationwide.

According to modelling from the Department of Health and Aged Care, GP practices that fully adopt bulk billing could receive an average of $344,000 in additional Medicare payments each year.

Health Minister Mark Butler said the investment was the largest in Medicare’s history and aimed to reverse funding cuts.