The Labor Party is proposing a significant increase in Medicare bulk-billing rates for GP visits, pledging to make nearly all doctor appointments free. The Coalition, however, is claiming they will match Labor’s $8.5 billion proposal, promising an expansion of affordable healthcare access. Despite the promise, concerns exist about the effectiveness of these plans and the impact on patients who may still face high costs due to insufficient government rebates. The debate touches on broader issues within the healthcare system, includingthe struggles of patients outside specific cohorts to find free appointments and calls for wider reforms to address accessibility and support for those with complex health needs.

Source: 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