The Labor government tripled the incentive in November 2023, and it is currently available to those that bulk bill children under 16, pensioners and concession card holders.

According to the RACGP, independent analysis shows its plan would lift the national bulk billing rate to 85 per cent.

‘Many people are missing out on essential care’

“At the same time, while GP numbers are increasing, they aren’t keeping pace with the need for care across Australia.”

It says an increase in the GP workforce would generate 5.2 million additional consults per year, while out-of-pocket costs for consults longer than 20 minutes would be halved on average, from $59 to $25, saving $268 million each year.

‘We know there is more to do’

“For Labor, bulk billing is the beating heart of Medicare. But what we have done so far is making a meaningful difference,” he said.

Health Minister Mark Butler said there is “more to do” on bulk billing. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

When asked about the RACGP’s plan, he said he welcomes dialogue with the college, which had asked for a tripling of the bulk billing incentive that Labor delivered.

“I’ve said over the course of the last several weeks, of course Labor will take to the next election a strong Medicare policy,” he said, adding the government will be “talking closely” with the RACGP, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and patient groups.

In a video on Instagram, Opposition leader Peter Dutton said a Coalition government would “guarantee growing Medicare funding, supporting bulk billing, and double Medicare-funded mental health sessions”.