Labor has promised to open 50 more bulk billing urgent care clinics by the end of June 2026 if it secures a second term.
Costing $644 million (US$400 million), this plan aims to deliver extra clinics in every jurisdiction. Labor has released a list of target areas, but the final sites would be decided independently.
The additional clinics would mean around 80 percent of Australians live within a 20 minute drive of a bulk billing urgent care clinic, according to a Department of Health and Aged Care analysis.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the additional clinics would provide the urgent care people need and ensure they only require their Medicare card.
“Whether your family needs urgent or ongoing health care, under Labor, Medicare will be there for all Australians, in every community,” he said.
During the previous election campaign, Labor made the same promise and has opened 87 clinics while in government.
What Are Medicare Urgent Care Clinics?
Medicare urgent care clinics were originally established to take the weight off public hospitals.The clinics offer free care for non-life threatening urgent conditions or injuries by GPs or nurses.
One in three patients at Medicare urgent care clinics are under 15-years-old.
Treatment is offered for minor injuries such as cuts, basic fractures, burns, and foreign objects in ears, nose, and throat.
The clinics also treat minor illnesses like bronchitis, rashes, first time pregnancy bleeding, ears, nose, and throat infections, and gastro.
Labor has emphasised health announcements in the lead up to the federal election.
The election must happen by May 17, but could happen as early as mid-April. In the latest YouGov poll, the projected vote share between Labor and the Coalition was 48.9 percent and 51.1 percent respectively.
Proposed Locations for Clinics
Labor has proposed a number of locations for its 50 Medicare clinics.In New South Wales, a clinic was proposed for Bathurst, Bega, Burwood, Chatswood, Dee Why, Green Valley and surrounds, Maitland, Marrickville, Nowra, Rouse Hill, Shellharbour, Terrigal, Tweed Valley, and Windsor.
In Victoria, 12 sites were suggested: Bayside, Clifton Hill, Coburg, Diamond Creek and surrounds, Lilydale, Pakenham, Somerville, Stonnington, Sunshine, Torquay, Warrnambool, and Warragul.
Meanwhile, 10 sites were recommended for Queensland, namely Brisbane, Buderim, Burpengary, Cairns, Caloundra, Capalaba, Carindale, Gladstone, Greenslopes and surrounds and Mackay.
Tasmania, Western Australia, and South Australia had considerably fewer proposed locations.
In Western Australia, Baterman, Ellerbrook, Geraldton, Mirrabooka, Mundaring, and Yanchep were suggested for a clinic.
Tasmania and South Australia both had three sites recommended; Burnie, Kingston, and Sorell for Tasmania, and East Adelaide, Victor Harbour, and Whylla for South Australia.
In the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory, only one site in either state was proposed for a clinic: Darwin and Woden Valley.
