More than 97 per cent of Australians now live within 20 minutes\u2019 drive of a general practice that bulk bills all patients. <\/p>\n
Health Minister Mark Butler says the figures show Labor is well ahead of its goal. <\/p>\n
\u201cAustralian patients are paying less for their GP visits, with one in two general practices across the nation now committed to bulk billing all patients,\u201d Butler said.<\/p>\n
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Health Minister Mark Butler has revealed new data on the program. Credit: 7NEWS<\/p>\n
\u201cFor doctors and practice managers, bulk billing is now an attractive option for the first time in many years. <\/p>\n
\u201cStrengthening Medicare and delivering free visits to the doctor have only happened due to the Albanese Labor Government\u2019s investments.\u201d <\/p>\n
The biggest jump has been in rural areas, where the percentage of bulk billing practices has lifted by 27 per cent to 59 per cent.<\/p>\n
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Regions to get extra boost<\/p>\n
Remote areas continue to have the highest proportion of bulk billing clinics at 77 per cent.<\/p>\n
Ballarat resident Brendan Johnson, 50, says he \u201ccannot afford the additional cost of using a GP who doesn\u2019t bulk bill\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter mixed experiences previously I have recently moved into an area with a bulk billing doctor and it has made a huge difference,\u201d Brendan said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving someone I trust, who also bulk bills, means I don\u2019t hesitate to access care.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have a strong relationship with a fully bulk billing GP. I don\u2019t have to endure discomfort and pain, I am able to discuss my needs and seek treatment when I need it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dr Nadeem Khaja who runs a surgery in Glenbrook says \u201cthe program has reduced the financial burden of accessing healthcare:\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Bulk billing GP practices have risen since the 2025 election. Credit: 7NEWS<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program has been a significant and positive development for General Practitioners (GPs) and their patients,\u201d Dr Khaja said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the perspective of GPs, I feel the program has helped improve the delivery of healthcare by reducing the administrative burden associated with collecting payments from patients.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has freed up GPs and their administrative staff from the additional responsibility of managing patient payments, allowing them to focus more of their time and resources on providing quality healthcare services.\u201d<\/p>\n
State bulk billing break down58 per cent in New South Wales, up from 39 per cent a year ago.55 per cent in Victoria, up from 32 per cent.45 per cent in Queensland, up from 24 per cent.43 per cent in South Australia, up from 19 per cent.32 per cent in Western Australia, up from 15 per cent.47 per cent in Tasmania, up from 17 per cent.80 per cent in the Northern Territory, up from 60 per cent.21 per cent in the ACT, up from 10 per cent.<\/p>\n Fuming Sam Konstas stares down umpire after shock call<\/p>\n 2 min read<\/p>\n