Health

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Healthcare should be universal, accessible, and affordable for every Australian—no matter where you live or how much you earn. That’s what Medicare was built for, and that’s what I will always fight to protect.

As a former nurse, I know that the public health system is an important safety net for so many people in our community.

It was Labor that created Medicare over 40 years and it is only Labor that can be trusted to protect and strengthen it. 

We know that Australians can't afford another 9 years of cuts by the Coalition. 

We want Australians to have better access to the health services they need, so we're fixing the damage, strengthening Medicare, and making sure every Australian gets the care they need—when and where they need it.

What have we done

Labor has expanded healthcare access by opening 89 bulk-billed Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, ensuring more people get timely medical attention.

Labor’s investments have also led to Australia’s health system being ranked the best in the world by the Commonwealth Fund. This includes an extra $1.84 billion for Medicare in 2023 and 2024—the largest increase in decades and twice what the Liberals managed in nine years.

We are taking decisive action to eliminate HIV transmission by 2030 and tackling medical misogyny. A $13 million grants program is supporting the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ communities.

To crack down on illicit tobacco and vaping, we’ve allocated $156.7 million to law enforcement. Stronger vaping regulations will also protect younger Australians from harm and stop the next generation of smokers from developing lifelong health risks and addiction.

Mental health services are expanding, with 31 free Medicare Mental Health Centres now open and 61 planned by 2026. We’ve also restored funding for video mental health consultations in rural areas, ensuring all Australians can access support no matter where they live.

To strengthen our healthcare workforce, we’ve added over 15,000 new doctors and increased GP trainee numbers by 25%. These investments are delivering a stronger, fairer, and more accessible healthcare system for all Australians.

Women's Health: More choice, lower costs and better health care for women.

Labor founded the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and knows its impact on Australians. That’s why we’ve listed the contraceptive pills Yaz and Yasmin on the PBS, saving 50,000 women an average of $300 each year. We’ve also introduced subsidies for intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants, helping 300,000 women save around $400.

We’re expanding specialist services for menopause and perimenopause to improve access to expert care. For women with endometriosis, we’ve invested over $127 million to boost Medicare rebates, list the first endometriosis treatment on the PBS in 30 years, and open 22 endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics.

To support maternal health, we’ve invested $174.5 million to make the RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, free for eligible pregnant women. This would otherwise cost $300 per person. It will protect babies from serious illness and prevent 10,000 infant hospitalisations each year.

Tripling bulk billing

When we came into government, Australia’s bulk billing system was in crisis. To ensure more people can see a doctor without out-of-pocket costs, we have tripled the bulk billing incentive, enabling over two million additional free GP visits.

Labor is investing $8.5 billion to deliver an additional 18 million bulk-billed GP visits each year—the largest investment in Medicare since its creation over 40 years ago. This will ensure more Australians can see a doctor for free, strengthening universal healthcare and making it more accessible for those who need it most.

I will always fight for a stronger Medicare, better hospitals, and affordable care for all—because your health should never depend on your bank balance.

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Authorised by Ged Kearney, Australian Labor Party, 159 High Street, Preston 3072