An early verdict is in on the Albanese Government’s 2025 election commitment to invest $8.5 billion to see the number of bulk billed GP practices grow to 4800 by 2030.
The Health Minister has released data to 7NEWS showing more than 4000 GP practices across Australia are now fully Medicare Bulk Billing Practices, compared to 2300 12 months ago.
The number of fully bulk billing practices has more than doubled in South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the ACT.
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More than 97 per cent of Australians now live within 20 minutes’ drive of a general practice that bulk bills all patients.
Health Minister Mark Butler says the figures show Labor is well ahead of its goal.
“Australian patients are paying less for their GP visits, with one in two general practices across the nation now committed to bulk billing all patients,” Butler said.
“For doctors and practice managers, bulk billing is now an attractive option for the first time in many years.
“Strengthening Medicare and delivering free visits to the doctor have only happened due to the Albanese Labor Government’s investments.”
The biggest jump has been in rural areas, where the percentage of bulk billing practices has lifted by 27 per cent to 59 per cent.
Regions to get extra boost
Remote areas continue to have the highest proportion of bulk billing clinics at 77 per cent.
Ballarat resident Brendan Johnson, 50, says he “cannot afford the additional cost of using a GP who doesn’t bulk bill”.
“After mixed experiences previously I have recently moved into an area with a bulk billing doctor and it has made a huge difference,” Brendan said.
“Having someone I trust, who also bulk bills, means I don’t hesitate to access care.
“I have a strong relationship with a fully bulk billing GP. I don’t have to endure discomfort and pain, I am able to discuss my needs and seek treatment when I need it.”
Dr Nadeem Khaja who runs a surgery in Glenbrook says “the program has reduced the financial burden of accessing healthcare:”.
“The Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program has been a significant and positive development for General Practitioners (GPs) and their patients,” Dr Khaja said.
“From the perspective of GPs, I feel the program has helped improve the delivery of healthcare by reducing the administrative burden associated with collecting payments from patients.
“It has freed up GPs and their administrative staff from the additional responsibility of managing patient payments, allowing them to focus more of their time and resources on providing quality healthcare services.”
State bulk billing break down
- 58 per cent in New South Wales, up from 39 per cent a year ago.
- 55 per cent in Victoria, up from 32 per cent.
- 45 per cent in Queensland, up from 24 per cent.
- 43 per cent in South Australia, up from 19 per cent.
- 32 per cent in Western Australia, up from 15 per cent.
- 47 per cent in Tasmania, up from 17 per cent.
- 80 per cent in the Northern Territory, up from 60 per cent.
- 21 per cent in the ACT, up from 10 per cent.
