The share of Australians bulk-billed for all their GP care has risen to 63%, up from 56% a year earlier, according to a report by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. The increase follows government financial incentives for doctors and practices that bulk-bill all eligible Medicare services. The proportion remains below the 70% recorded in 2019. Dr Michael Wright said the results show patients benefit when governments invest in general practice. Health economist Luke Slawomirski urged caution, noting the survey covers about 7% of the GP workforce and that access and patient outcomes also matter.
Experts say gaps in Australia's health system may be linked to recent violent incidents. Health economist Luke Slawomirski says earlier and more consistent mental health care could prevent some crises. Internal NSW government documents revealed a shortfall of nearly $600 million for public mental health services. Australian Medical Association vice president Julian Rait says many medical graduates cannot find training positions, worsening shortages in rural and regional areas. Research by Redbridge found that healthcare is among the top concerns for One Nation voters, who are gaining support.
A preliminary audit has found that about 20,000 endoscopy procedures in New South Wales may be overdue, with final figures still to be validated. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said on Saturday the government would invest $17 million to address the delays. The audit followed concerns raised by clinicians and patients about endoscopy wait times. Endoscopies are used to investigate, diagnose and monitor a range of conditions, including bowel cancer. Cancer Council NSW chief executive Sarah Hosking said prolonged delays have long been a concern for patients and that early detection is vital.
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Independent MP Helen Haines privately lobbied Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for urgent rural health funding five days before she was allegedly struck by a car outside her electorate office. ABC News understands she gave him a report showing a $2.7 billion funding gap between city and regional areas. Brendan Nugent faces charges including intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. His lawyer told a court that he has mental health concerns and a neurological condition. Ms Haines remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.
The National Rural Health Alliance says the health spending gap between rural and urban Australians has widened to $9.23 billion in 2026. The gap was $8.35 billion in 2025 and $6.55 billion in 2023. Each rural Australian receives, on average, $1,218 less in healthcare funding a year than city residents, an increase of $138 on last year. People in towns of 5,000 or fewer bear the largest shortfall, at $6,368 less per person each year. The alliance is calling on federal and state governments to act urgently.
New research shows rural, regional and remote Australians receive $1218 less per person in health expenditure than people in metropolitan areas. The gap has widened by $138 per person after adjusting for inflation. Small rural towns face the largest shortfalls, totalling $6605 per person, and the largest health workforce gaps. Its chief executive, Susi Tegen, said where people live is affecting the care they receive.
The Australian Medical Association has called on the federal government to commit to properly funded Medicare reform that better supports longer GP consultations. In its submission on a draft review report, the association said changes should strengthen continuity of care and protect patient access. Association president-elect Dr Michael Bonning said Medicare currently pays the same rebate for a six-minute and a 19-minute consultation. The association has proposed a seven-tier consultation structure, and has called for simplification of the Medicare Benefits Schedule to be properly funded and for the modelling behind the changes to be published.
The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne will open its expanded emergency department in December. The Victorian Government has committed $66 million to staff the new treatment spaces from the first day. The expansion adds 20 treatment spaces and is expected to let the hospital treat an additional 13,000 children each year. A new procedure room will allow minor procedures without admitting children to a ward. The funding supports more than 85 additional full-time equivalent positions, including up to 25 graduate nurses.
Victoria's Labor government and the opposition have promised $53.6 million for the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme if they win next month's state election. The proposed changes would lift accommodation subsidies from $45 to $125 a night and fuel reimbursements from 21 cents to 35 cents per kilometre. Mildura patient Lara Hamilton said reimbursement delays of months were causing financial strain. Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said extra staff had been added to process claims faster. The funding change is expected to start on July 1, 2027, if either party forms government.
An investigation has been launched after a man in his late 40s died shortly after his family drove him to the Royal Hobart Hospital because no ambulances were available. The family called Triple Zero twice, and the second call upgraded the case to Priority 1. The Department of Health said the man died after arriving at the hospital. The Health and Community Services Union said three ambulances were ramped at the hospital at the time. The Premier described the incident as very serious and tragic. Opposition parties and the Greens criticised government health funding.
A Perth grandmother, Elsie Gribben, waited almost 48 hours in a corridor at St John of God Midland Hospital in March, her daughter says. The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine says only 54 per cent of older patients were given an inpatient bed within eight hours in 2023–24, down from 75 per cent in 2018–19. Its report links the pressure to an ageing population and says most hospitals are not equipped to meet rising demand. Federal and state ministers have each blamed the other's government for the problem, which they say relates to aged care placements and hospital capacity.
Two men have been charged with defrauding the government of $3.3 million. One man allegedly impersonated Services Australia staff to make fraudulent Medicare claims worth $1.5 million. He was arrested in Emu Plains and charged with influencing and impersonating a Commonwealth public official. A second man was charged with obtaining a gain from a Commonwealth entity and dealing with the proceeds of crime worth $1 million or more. Police allege he submitted fraudulent invoices totalling $1.89 million to the National Disability Insurance Agency.
