Senator Jana Stewart
Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba
Labor Senator for Victoria

The Albanese Government is making Medicare stronger for Victorians.

On 1 November 2023, the largest investment in bulk billing in the 40-year history of Medicare took effect.

Bulk billing is the beating heart of Medicare. And now the Albanese Labor Government is making it even better by tripling of the bulk billing incentive for local GPs.

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 indexation boost and tripling of the bulk billing incentive provides a significant increase to the Medicare payments that GPs get to bulk bill eligible patients. This means in regional and rural Australia, a doctor will get around 48 per cent more for the same visit.

These changes will make it easier for2.8 million Victorians to find a bulk billing doctor.

In addition to the Albanese Labor Government’s investment in bulk billing, we are investing in an $1.5 billion indexation boost across the board to Medicare rebates, increasing the amount that doctors receive for Medicare services and reducing pressure on GPs.

The Albanese Government is committed to making it more affordable for you and your family to get the health care you need. 

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart:

“Having grown up in regional Victoria and coming from a family that relied on doctors bulk billing to get our health needs looked after, I know how important it is for local communities to be able to see a doctor when and where they need it.

“I’m thrilled that Labor’s investment will improve GP access for 2.8 million Victorians.

“Combined with our cheaper medicines policy, electricity bill relief, cheaper child care and increased rent assistance, Labor’s historic investments into bulk billing will deliver targeted cost of living relief to Victoria’s regional and rural communities without adding to inflation.

“Doctors’ groups have called this a “game-changer” and GPs have said this will help them maintain and even shift back to bulk billing.”