From today, the Federal Government has tripled the bulk billing incentive for GPs (a 34 per cent increase in payments).

Canberra’s Federal Labor politicians – Senator Katy Gallagher, Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Alicia Payne MP, and David Smith MP – say this is “the largest investment in bulk billing in the 40-year history of Medicare”.

“Bulk billing is the beating heart of Medicare,” the politicians say.

“After nine years of cuts and neglect by the former government, bulk billing rates have declined sharply, and it’s never been harder or more expensive for Australians to see a GP.”

The Federal Government plans to invest $1.5 billion to increase Medicare rebates across the board, paying doctors more for the medical services they provide to patients under the Medicare system, and reducing pressure on GPs.

“Our historic investments into bulk billing will make a big difference in Canberra,” Senator Gallagher said. “Doctors’ groups have called this a ‘game-changer’, and GPs have said this will help them maintain and even shift back to bulk billing.”

“When I speak to doctors and nurses in my electorate, the need for more support for Medicare to make bulk-billing sustainable is the first thing they raise,” Dr Leigh said.

“Canberra has some of the lowest rates of bulk billing in the country, and Canberrans know how hard it can be to find a bulk billing doctor,” Ms Payne said.

“The Government’s historic investment in bulk billing means more children, families, pensioners, and concession card holders in Canberra will have access to the universal, prompt and world class medical care they deserve.”