An elected Miles Labor Government will establish 50 bulk billing GP clinics in an unprecedented move to fix primary care.
The commitment will ensure Queenslanders have greater access to bulk billing GPs, easing cost-of-living pressures and our busy hospitals.
In his latest cost-of-living announcement, Premier Steven Miles announced an elected Labor Government would invest $365 million to establish 50 bulk billing GP clinics in an unprecedented move to fix primary care, which has historically been a Commonwealth responsibility.
Bulk billing has been declining on the back of a decade of neglect by the former Federal LNP government, placing more pressure on our hospital emergency departments, with both presentations and worsening chronic conditions.
Mr Miles described the erosion of Medicare under the former LNP government as the single biggest public policy regression of his lifetime.
Healthcare is a universal right and it’s something Queenslanders should be able to access for free, no matter where they live.
Queenslanders will have greater access to bulk billing GP clinics, alleviating pressures on the family budget and busy hospitals.
Queenslanders unable to access bulk billing appointments are typically left $40 out of pocket for a GP consult.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, seven per cent of people who needed to see GP in 2022-23 delayed or did not see one when needed due to cost – double the amount of the previous 12 months.
The locations of the 50 clinics and the support required will be determined based on need in consultation with industry.
The $365 million cost will be funded from additional borrowings.
Only a Miles Labor Government will support Queenslanders to have better health care, closer to home.
We are delivering more beds, new hospitals, and satellite hospitals, and attracting a greater workforce through our GP incentives. The LNP’s plan will be a risk to Queensland’s health system. They will cut 12,000 health workers, 1200 hospital beds and cut satellite hospitals.
Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:
“The real problem with our health system is access to primary care.
“That’s why our hospitals are overwhelmed.
“Everything else in our health plan is working, but we need to fix primary care.
“It’s a major cost of living issue. People are choosing between going to the doctor and paying the rent.
“It has to stop. I want Queenslanders to be able to access a bulk billing doctor.
“These 50 clinics will mean more Queenslanders will have a bulk billing clinic, no matter where they live.
“I will continue to do what matters to Queenslanders by pulling every lever to drive down cost-of-living pressures, and deliver better health care, closer to home.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health, Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman:
“We know too many Queenslanders are delaying essential medical care, simply because they can’t afford it.
“By delivering these GP clinics, we are directly tackling cost-of-living pressures and helping families to stay healthy.
“This is about making sure healthcare is available closer to home, while reducing pressure on family budgets and our busy emergency departments.
“We will work closely with GP groups like the AMAQ, RDAQ, and the RACGP to ensure these 50 new clinics are placed where they’re needed most.”
ENDS