Ahead of the upcoming federal election, the Coalition has matched Labor’s $8.5 billion commitment to strengthening bulk-billed GP visits. It has also raised the stakes by an additional $500 million.
This announcement, made by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and shadow health minister Anne Ruston, comes as Labor leader Anthony Albanese was formally unveiling his government’s Medicare promise in Launceston.
The Coalition’s proposal is aimed at reinforcing Medicare by making bulk-billed general practitioner (GP) visits more accessible, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pensioners, concession card holders, and children under 16.
This comes amid growing concerns over the affordability of primary healthcare, as Australians face rising out-of-pocket expenses for GP consultations.
One key component of the Coalition’s counter-offer is the inclusion of a previously announced $500 million allocation for bulk-billed mental health appointments.
The Dutton-led Coalition government pledges a record $9 billion investment in Medicare to address what it calls Labor’s healthcare crisis, ensuring Australians can see a doctor without financial strain, according to a statement from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Senator Anne Ruston.
The Coalition emphasises the pressing need to improve access to bulk-billed services amid growing concerns about healthcare affordability under Labor’s leadership.
“To tackle this issue, a Dutton government will match Labor’s $8.5 billion Medicare funding commitment in full, aiming to repair the system and restore bulk billing rates to previous Coalition levels,” the statement reads.
This pledge builds upon the Coalition’s previously announced $500 million initiative to reinstate crucial Medicare funding for mental health services, which they claim was significantly reduced under the Albanese government.
The unexpected announcement not only undermines a key Labor election policy but also counters the Albanese government’s claims that Medicare would suffer under the Coalition.
Earlier, Health Minister Mark Butler rejected the Coalition’s criticism of Labor’s approach to healthcare, accusing the opposition of manipulating bulk-billing figures.
Ahead of the official announcement, Mr. Butler promoted the Albanese government’s $8.5 billion Medicare investment, which is set to be rolled out over four years.
The funding aims to raise bulk-billing rates to 90 percent nationwide by the end of the decade.
This comes as Australians prepare to vote while facing increasing difficulty in securing bulk-billed appointments compared to when Labor took office in 2022.
