Albanese wins AMA healthcare backing with $1bn Medicare investment boost

Anthony Albanese has sought to pressure the Coalition on the ­future of Medicare with a new $1bn investment to improve healthcare access.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese speaking in Brisbane. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Anthony Albanese has sought to pressure the Coalition on the ­future of Medicare in the final days of the election campaign with a new $1bn investment to improve healthcare access that the government has dismissed as a “slush fund”.

Opening the final week of the campaign at a rally in Brisbane on Sunday, the Opposition Leader pushed the focus on to Medicare – considered safe Labor territory.

“We are the party that built Medicare in the face of such fierce opposition from the Liberals, who continue to undermine it,” Mr Albanese said.

Labor’s $1bn commitment to beef-up Medicare and fix the “GP crisis” has been ­labelled a “billion-dollar ministerial slush fund” by outgoing Health Minister Greg Hunt.

“Labor have provided no criteria for allocating the funding, no explanation on how it will improve healthcare, and funding will only be made available at the whim of a politician, not a ­doctor,” Mr Hunt said at the weekend.

“If it looks like a slush fund and walks like a slush fund, it is a slush fund.”

Labor’s Medicare policy includes a $770m fund to be spent on recommendations of a new task force to be chaired by the new health minister and made up of peak medical bodies.

A further $220m would go towards a grant program, allowing GP practices to purchase new equipment, upskill staff and upgrade systems.

“People all across the country have told me during this campaign that it’s becoming harder to see a doctor,” Mr Albanese told party faithful on Sunday.

“GP clinics need more support to do the important work they do.

“Protecting universal healthcare has been one of the fundamental divides in Australian politics.”

Mr Hunt said Medicare funding under the Coalition would increase from $31.4bn in 2022-23 to an estimated $35.5bn in 2025-26.

“Mr Albanese’s thought bubble does not compare to our ­government’s record investment in Medicare and work to ensure bulk billing rates are at a record high,” he said.

Australian Medical Association president Omar Khorshid said Labor’s latest commitment would put general practice on a pathway “to a more sustainable future”.

“The primary care fund announced by the ALP, if implemented, is a strong down payment that will help realise the recently completed 10 Year Primary Health Care Plan – a plan which has remained completely unfunded by the government,” Dr Khorshid said.

The AMA’s support for Labor’s latest health policies are in stark contrast to comments made in April when the body slammed Mr Albanese’s plan for 50 urgent care clinics, saying it was a “small-target” pledge that would do nothing to ease the pressures on emergency ­departments.

Despite the AMA criticism, Mr Albanese again trumpeted the ­urgent care plan on Sunday.

“Whether it’s for a broken bone or an ear infection, importantly, these services will be bulk-billed and that will make an enormous difference,” Mr Albanese said.

“When you walk in, you won’t need your credit card, just your Medicare card.”