Canberra has witnessed a significant expansion in its healthcare services with the addition of five new bulk-billing general practitioner (GP) practices, following the Albanese government’s implementation of new practice incentives over the weekend. This development doubles the number of fully bulk-billing GP practices in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) since the federal election in May, bringing the total to 11. Despite this progress, the ACT still reports the lowest bulk-billing rate in the country.
The majority of local GP clinics, approximately 90 percent, have opted out of the bulk-billing program. However, for Ruki Peiris, owner of the Jamison Medical and Skin Cancer Clinic, the additional Medicare funding has allowed the practice to eliminate the $60 gap fee previously charged for standard consultations. “We thought we should take this pathway, which the government has given us,” Peiris stated, emphasizing his commitment to community service over profit.
Government Incentives and Future Projections
Labor’s pre-election modeling suggested that the new incentives, combined with extending bulk billing to all patients with a Medicare card, could enable 25 Canberra GP clinics to fully bulk bill by 2030. The broader policy aims to make nine out of ten GP visits free across Australia by the same year.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese underscored the importance of these changes during a visit to the Jamison Medical and Skin Cancer Clinic, stating, “The figures show that this tripling of the bulk billing incentive means that practices will be better off if they bulk bill 100 percent of their patients.”
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the positive outlook, the Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) express concerns about the viability of bulk billing in the ACT. RACGP ACT and NSW President Rebekah Hoffman highlighted the financial challenges, noting that the average fee for a GP consultation in the ACT is $102, whereas Medicare payments with the incentive would be less than $70. “It would mean GPs taking a 30 percent drop in fees – whilst still doing the same incredible work they do and whilst still having all the same costs of running a small business,” Hoffman explained.
Finance Minister and ACT Labor Senator Katy Gallagher acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic, stating that the practices making the switch were just the beginning. “We will have to stay on this to make sure Canberrans get the benefit this investment allows,” she said.
Local and National Implications
ACT Independent Senator David Pocock welcomed the government’s efforts but cautioned that more work is needed to reach the goal of 25 fully bulk-billed practices. “While a good start, there is more work to do, and I look forward to tracking progress over the next couple of years,” he remarked, questioning how many practices would accept new patients.
Of the 11 practices now offering fully bulk-billed services, several cater to specific groups, such as refugees, individuals with drug and alcohol dependencies, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Meanwhile, opposition health spokesperson Anne Ruston criticized the government’s pledge, stating it had “unraveled on the first day,” with only 13 percent of metropolitan GP practices nationwide opting to bulk bill.
“We are clearly a long way from the 25 fully bulk billed practices that have been promised,” said Senator Pocock.
Looking Ahead
As Canberra continues to navigate the complexities of healthcare reform, the focus remains on expanding access to bulk-billing services. Senator Pocock urged the government to ensure that nine out of ten GP consultations are free in Canberra by 2030, aligning with national commitments. He also emphasized the importance of routinely bulk billing concession cardholders and young people under 16, as is common in other regions.
The expansion of bulk-billing practices in Canberra marks a significant step towards more accessible healthcare, yet it underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing financial viability with public health goals. As the government and healthcare providers work towards these ambitious targets, the coming years will be critical in determining the success of these initiatives.
