THE HON STEPHEN JONES MP

ASSISTANT TREASURER

MINISTER FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES

MEMBER FOR WHITLAM

THE HON MARK BUTLER MP

MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGED CARE

MEDIA RELEASE

More patients in the Illawarra and Southern Highlands are accessing bulk-billing services at their local GP, thanks to the Albanese Government’s record investment in Medicare.

It comes after the government committed to providing $6.1 billion to strengthen Medicare, ensuring more GPs are bulk-billing patients across the country.

Since Labor’s tripling of the bulk-billing incentive on 1 November last year, bulk-billing rates in the Illawarra and Southern Highlands have increased by 4.6%. As of March 2024, 78.6% of all GP visits were bulk-billed in the electorate of Whitlam.

Nearly 20,000 additional trips to the GP were bulk-billed in the region between October 2023 (before the incentive was tripled) and March 2024.

Locals are also receiving cost of living relief at their local pharmacy, following the largest reduction in the PBS co-payment in the history of the PBS and the introduction of 60-day scripts.

Since January 2023, patients in the Illawarra and Southern Highlands have saved more than $2.1 million on nearly 183,000 cheaper scripts.

It’s part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to making it cheaper and easier to see a doctor and purchase medication, after a decade of cuts and neglect by the Coalition.

Quotes attributable to Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones:

“It’s important locals can visit their GP and pay using their Medicare card, not their credit card. That’s why we’ve made the largest investment in bulk-billing in Medicare’s 40-year history.

“I’m pleased to see the local bulk-billing rate increase to 78.6 per cent. After a decade of cuts by Dutton and the Liberals, we’re working to strengthen Medicare. But there’s more work to do, including ensuring our region has enough qualified health professionals to meet demand.

“Under our government, we’re making it cheaper and easier to see a GP and it’s the same story for purchasing medicines.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Mark Bulter:

“Doctors’ groups have called our tripling of the bulk billing incentive a ‘game changer’ – and clearly it is in Whitlam.

“The Albanese Government’s $6.1 billion investment in Strengthening Medicare is making it easier to see a doctor for free, fully bulk billed.

“Every extra bulk billed visit to a GP means one less gap fee, taking pressure off household budgets.”

“This is a win all round – for patients, doctors and the health system – and it is helping make Medicare stronger.” 

[ENDS]