It has never been harder or more expensive to see a doctor than under the Albanese Labor Government. Data from the Department of Health continues to confirm the severity of this primary care crisis.
According to new data released by the Department in response to a Question on Notice from the Coalition, access to GP bulk billing has gone backwards in every single electorate across the country under Labor.
Pearce in Western Australia has seen the largest decrease, with the GP bulk billing rate falling by 20% to 69.6% in 2023-24, compared to the Coalition’s last year in government.
In fact, 94 electorates have seen GP bulk billing fall by 10% or more under Labor.
Nationally, 40 million less bulk billed GP services have been accessed by Australians in 2023-24 under Labor, in comparison to 2021-22 under the Coalition.
Shadow Minister for Health, Senator Anne Ruston said that despite all of Labor’s promises, grandstanding and lies, the data makes it clear that Medicare has only been weakened under their watch.
“It is seriously concerning that Australians living in every single electorate across the country have had their access to free GP appointments sent backwards, particularly in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis,” Shadow Minister Ruston said.
“Less Australians are getting access to bulk billing under Labor, which means they are having to pay record high out-of-pocket costs to see a doctor because of this government’s mismanagement.
“We know that this is forcing more and more Australians to avoid seeing a doctor because they just cannot afford it, which is why we saw more than 20 million less GP visits last year.
“Instead of addressing this crisis, Labor’s focus is on lying to Australians about Medicare. On the other hand, the Coalition is focused on how to restore bulk billing and get our healthcare system back on track.”
Only a Dutton Coalition Government will fix Labor’s primary care crisis to ensure all Australians have timely and affordable access to a GP.
ENDS
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