Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Grogan for the question and for her focus on health care and Medicare, which is something that I know every Australian holds dear to their heart. We went to the election promising we would make it easier and cheaper to see a doctor, and we are delivering on that promise with the biggest investment in bulk-billing in the 40-year history of Medicare. It'll make it easier for more than 11 million Australians to see a bulk-billing doctor—because we know that, over a decade of cuts to and neglect of Medicare under the former government, bulk-billing rates declined sharply. Because of our government's actions, it will be easier for five million children and their families and for seven million pensioners and other concession card holders to find a bulk-billing doctor. Together, these patients account for around three out of the five visits to general practice.

In our major cities, a doctor will get 34 per cent more for a standard bulk-billed consultation of under 20 minutes, taking the Medicare payment for eligible patients to over $60. In regional and rural Australia, a doctor will get around 50 per cent more for the same visit, taking the Medicare payment to between $70 and just over $80, depending on the location.

Doctors themselves have called this a game changer. We've heard from doctors across the country that this will allow them to bulk-bill their patients. Whether they're a family in Brisbane, a pensioner in Geraldton or a concession card holder in the Hunter Valley, they will all get bulk-billed care, thanks to this multibillion dollar investment. All they'll need to do is show their Medicare card.