One year on from the Albanese government’s record investment in Medicare, more people in Hughes are seeing a GP for free.

There are now 23 GP practices in Hughes that are fully Medicare Bulk Billing Practices, compared to 17 just one year ago, saving patients and families hundreds of dollars a year on out-of-pocket costs.

Across Australia there are now more than 4,000 GP practices that fully bulk bill, compared to 2,304 in November 2025.

The Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program provides substantially higher Medicare rebates to GPs and practices if all doctors in the practice bulk bill all of their patients.

Federal Member for Hughes, David Moncrieff welcomed the record investment in bulk billing across southern Sydney.

“A decade of cuts, co-pays, and a freeze to the Medicare rebate meant that our community was paying more than ever for essential healthcare”, he said.

“We know that when people are paying high out-of-pocket fees, they put off seeing their GP. Now, as I talk to GPs and patients across Hughes, it is clear that things are turning around – and the data bears it out.”

More than 97 per cent of Australians now live within 20 minutes’ drive of a general practice that bulk bills all patients.

To find a bulk billing GP near you, visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services?filter=bulkBilling.

Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:

“Australian patients are paying less for their GP visits, with one in two general practices across the nation now committed to bulk billing all patients.”

“For doctors and practice managers, bulk billing is now an attractive option for the first time in many years.”

“Strengthening Medicare and delivering free visits to the doctor have only happened due to the Albanese Labor Government’s investments.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Hughes, David Moncrieff MP:

“One year ago, our government introduced the single largest investment into bulk billing in Medicare’s history. The results are now in: 4,000 fully bulk billing GPs across Australia, including a big increase to 23 right here in Hughes.”

“From protecting bulk billing to expanding $25 scripts, our government is continuing to strengthen essential healthcare and save patients and families hundreds on out-of-pocket costs here in Hughes.”