This piece was first published in Canberra Daily on Saturday 27 May 2023.

Canberrans know how hard it is to see a bulk-billing doctor in the capital.

Under the Coalition, Canberra has seen bulk-billing rates slide to among the lowest in the country – below the national average of 42.7 per cent.

As a result, many Canberrans have not been able to afford the care they need.

As your representative, I have been highlighting this need at every opportunity (including recently in this publication) and advocating for our government to address the bulk-billing shortfall in our city, which also serves as a health hub for our broader region.

That’s why I was so pleased that the Budget included a historic investment of $5.7 billion to strengthen Medicare – making it more affordable and accessible.

This is a game changer for primary care in the capital, where it’s steadily been getting harder and more expensive to see a doctor.

The centrepiece of this announcement is $3.5 billion to triple incentives for GPs to bulk-bill.

It’s the largest-ever investment in bulk-billing incentives in Medicare history, and will revolutionise our health care landscape, with an immediate benefit for 11.6 million Australians and far-reaching benefits for patients and communities across the nation.

This cash injection means 19,887 children under 16 and 22,030 pensioners and other concession card holders in Canberra will be bulk-billed.

The bulk-billing incentive in Canberra will also rise from $46.35 to $62.05 – an increase of 34 per cent.

The Medicare rebate will also increase for standard consultations with nurse practitioners and participating midwives.

By cutting the cost of seeing a medical practitioner, the Albanese Labor Government will ensure that every Australian, regardless of their ability to pay, can get the medical attention they need.

Australia’s health care delivery will also be modernised through reforms to increase access to primary care and promote coordinated care teams – in response to the recommendations of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.

A $445.1 million investment over five years will enable GPs to work in collaboration with nurses and allied health professionals to deliver comprehensive and holistic care – so patients can benefit from a more integrated and personalised approach to their health care needs.

Our hospitals have been put under intense pressure by the pandemic, and are still struggling.

By redirecting care from hospitals to community settings, patients will get appropriate and timely treatment while also lifting the strain on hospital resources.

The Budget also has measures to improve access to multidisciplinary care for individuals with chronic conditions in underserviced communities.

An urgent care clinic will also be established on Canberra’s southside – one of 50 across the country to take pressure off the hospital system.

This Budget highlights Labor’s commitment to fixing our sick health care system – for both medical practitioners and their patients.

The government is fixing a decade of Coalition Government cuts and neglect to our health system – including a six-year freeze on the Medicare rebate – because every Australian deserves access to universal, timely, and world class medical care.

Labor built Medicare, and we will always protect it.

This piece was first published in Canberra Daily on Saturday 27 May 2023.