Labor Promises $644 Million for 50 New Medicare Urgent Care Clinics

The Albanese government plans to expand its bulk-billed urgent care network if re-elected, aiming to improve access to non-emergency healthcare across Australia.

• Labor has pledged $644 million to establish 50 additional bulk-billed urgent care clinics, increasing the total network to 137 clinics nationwide.
• The new clinics are designed to provide walk-in care for minor injuries and illnesses, helping to ease pressure on hospital emergency departments.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that 80% of Australians would live within a 20-minute drive of a clinic once the expansion is complete by mid-2026.
• The initiative is part of Labor's broader $8.5 billion Medicare commitment, which also includes plans to achieve universal bulk-billing for most GP visits by 2030.
• While the opposition has expressed support for bulk-billing reforms, concerns have been raised about expanding the clinic network before completing a full performance review.

4 Articles

The Sydney Morning Herald Australian Broadcasting Corporation 9News SBS News