Free GP Appointments Central to Greens’ Election Strategy

Medicare cards are seen in Melbourne, Australia, on July 10, 2017. Michael Dodge/Getty Images

The Greens have announced an ambitious election plan to enable all Australians to visit a GP for free. The party has also promised free appointments with primary healthcare professionals at new Free Local Healthcare Clinics, which are to be established in every electorate.

This policy, which aims to provide cost-of-living relief to millions, will be unveiled by Greens Leader Adam Bandt, Greens health spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John, and Greens candidate Sophie Greer on Oct. 3 in Perth, a key Greens target seat.

The Greens expect a minority Parliament after the election and have declared this policy a central focus of any negotiations with a potential minority government. According to the party’s estimates, the plan would cost approximately $54 billion (US$37 billion) over the next decade.

In outlining the cost arrangements, Bandt suggested it would be drawn from further taxing large corporations.

“The Greens will ensure big corporations pay their fair share so that you can visit the GP for free. Under Labor and the Liberals, big corporations are price gouging and raking in massive profits, while everyday people are struggling.”

The Ambitious Plan

A key part of the policy is the creation of 1,000 Free Local Healthcare Clinics across Australia, with at least six per electorate. These clinics will offer free services provided by government-employed professionals, including GPs, dentists, nurses, and psychologists.

To make healthcare more affordable, the Greens plan to triple the bulk-billing incentive, ensuring that all Australians with a Medicare card can access bulk-billed GP appointments in private practice without out-of-pocket expenses.

The policy also supports longer GP appointments, with a 20 percent increase in Medicare rebates for extended consultations, allowing doctors to spend more time with needy patients.

Additionally, the Greens will address workforce shortages by ensuring trainee GPs receive equal pay to their hospital-based counterparts, enabling the system to be well-equipped to meet growing healthcare demands.

Steele-John said, “It’s disgraceful that we’re in a cost-of-living crisis where people are choosing between going to the doctor, paying rent, and putting food on the table. That’s why I am so pleased to announce our plan, allowing people to see the GP for free.”

A survey conducted by the University of Melbourne ahead of the 2022-23 elections revealed that over 13 percent of respondents said health was one of the issues having the greatest impact on their lives.

Cost-of-living pressures were also a key concern. One respondent highlighted the importance of improving “rural and regional access to high-quality care.”