Both the federal government and the opposition have pledged to inject billions of dollars into Medicare as healthcare becomes a key issue of the general election campaign.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced $8.5 billion in funding – “the biggest boost to Medicare in its history”, he said.
While admitting it was an “ambitious” goal, Albanese said he wants nine out of 10 GP visits to be fully bulk billed for all Australians by 2030. The changes would mean an extra 18 million bulk-billed GP visits a year.
“Labor built Medicare, we will protect it and improve it for all Australians,’’ Albanese said at a rally in Tasmania. “I want every Australian to know they only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, to receive the healthcare they need.”
Under its plan, Labor has also promised to boost the number of GPs – pledging 2,000 new trainee doctors a year by 2028.
“This is a policy that lifts up our entire nation and ensures no one is held back, and no one is left behind,” the Prime Minister said.
Not to be outdone, shortly after opposition leader Peter Dutton committed $9bn towards Medicare while calling for parliament to reconvene before the election to pass the legislation.
During his announcement, and in an effort to neutralise Labor’s “Mediscare” attacks, Dutton said the Coalition would not be cutting health spending. “We’ve been very clear about that,” said the opposition leader and former health minister. “I believe very strongly in general practice … let [Labor] come and legislate it in the parliament.”
Greens leader Adam Bandt also called on Albanese to recall parliament and commit to the policy. “Let’s make it law before the election,” he said. “There’s no reason to hold this reform ransom to the outcome of the election.”
Welcoming the bipartisan funding commitment, Australian Medical Association president Dr Danielle McMullen said equitable access to affordable GP care is essential. The funding “will help address affordability issues for many vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians who do not currently qualify for bulk-billing incentives”.
McMullen also welcomed funding to boost Australia’s GP workforce. “This will make a significant difference to attracting more doctors into general practice, helping to improve accessibility,” she said.
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