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The Health Services Union (HSU) has strongly endorsed Prime Minister Albanese’s landmark $8.5 billion Medicare reform package as a historic step toward guaranteeing the future of bulk bulling.
“This is the largest single investment in Medicare since its creation and represents a return to the core principle that accessing healthcare should depend on your Medicare card, not your credit card,” said HSU National Secretary Lloyd Williams.
“Our members see firsthand how rising out-of-pocket costs force people to delay seeking medical care. This comprehensive reform package will make an immediate difference by expanding bulk billing access to all Australians, not just concession card holders.”
Williams particularly welcomed the increased support for regional and remote healthcare, with bulk billing incentives of up to $41.10 per appointment in the most remote communities.
“The tiered payment structure recognises the unique challenges faced by health workers and patients in regional Australia. This package will help address critical workforce shortages across the country.
“The HSU has long advocated for strengthening Medicare’s foundations through better funding and workforce support. This reform package delivers on both fronts and will help ensure our members can continue providing quality care to all Australians.”
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"An historic step forward" for bulk billing.
And a giant leap towards electoral success.
let's hope so Steve Davis - if Dutton gets back in we are as doomed as the USA
Anyone believe that Der Spud will follow through on his volte-face electoral "promise" if he gets in?
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/23/coalition-to-match-dollar-for-dollar-labors-plan-to-make-gp-visits-cheaper-in-85m-medicare-boost
Good point GL.
And isn't it nice to see Labor setting the agenda?
It is a bit worrying that Dutton would instantly back the Labor move on bulk-billing without any analysis : Liberal stalwarts won't like that.
It was the coalition who put bulk billing and the concept of universal healthcare at risk by freezing Medicare rebates for ten years. They have not had a 'come to Jesus' moment.
Dutton has not backed this policy initiative for any other reason than cynical political one-upmanship.
It was pleasing to see Dutton copy Labor on this policy, just like the policy to fix the Bruce Highway, yep, the Libs will do that too.... in a policy vacuum...of is it the vacuum in the heads of the Liberal politicians, that apart from Nuclear, there is no policy so 'we will do what ever Labor says they will do', which makes an absolute mockery of their claim that Labor are big spenders.
Oh I forgot, the libs are hoping to save money by sacking public servants and putting that work out to tender.
Far more responsible use of taxpayer funds.