Medicare

Campbell defended the government's record, contrasting it with the Coalition's previous attempt to introduce co-payments. Campbell highlighted the tripling of bulk-billing incentives in 2023 and the subsequent expansion to all patients in 2025. Campbell stated that hundreds of practices had already signed up, delivering 18 million additional bulk-billed visits annually. Campbell emphasised that Labor was delivering tangible improvements in urgent care, mental health, and women's health services.

Penfold expressed hope that the incentives would benefit her constituents but noted that many GPs were refusing to sign up due to complexity and high operational costs. Penfold argued that the incentives did not offset soaring energy prices and could jeopardise clinic viability. Penfold criticised the government for not delivering an urgent care clinic in her electorate despite its need. Penfold also raised concerns about new costs for pathology tests, which she argued contradicted the government's narrative of affordable healthcare.

Cook reported that 11 fully bulk-billed clinics were now operating in her electorate, with more expected to join the program. Cook highlighted the upcoming opening of a Medicare urgent care clinic in Carindale, responding to local petitions. Cook also detailed investments in women's health, including increased rebates for contraceptive services and expanded endometriosis clinics. Cook argued these measures provided significant cost-of-living relief and improved access to care for women and families.

Venning described a crisis in regional healthcare access, citing high rates of diabetes and low life expectancy in his electorate. Venning argued that the government's policies undermined the GP business model by diverting simple consultations to urgent care clinics, leaving GPs to subsidise complex cases with lower rebates. Venning noted that clinic closures were forcing reliance on expensive locum doctors, draining local health network funds. Venning claimed the Coalition had previously increased Medicare funding and maintained high bulk-billing rates.

Phillips highlighted the positive response to the expanded incentives in her electorate, with 21 practices indicating intent to become fully bulk-billing. Phillips shared testimonials from patients and practice managers about the financial relief provided by removing gap fees. Phillips noted that the additional incentive payment was particularly beneficial for regional GPs, potentially earning them significantly more than mixed-billing counterparts. Phillips also mentioned the expansion of urgent care clinic hours in Batemans Bay and the upcoming Nowra clinic.