Better GP funding needed to improve healthcare for people without stable housing
07 Aug 2026
The College says this year's Homelessness Week theme, Homelessness Action Now, is a reminder that lasting change requires stronger government action.
National figures show homelessness continues to rise. The 2021 Census estimated that more than 122,000 Australians were experiencing homelessness, compared with 116,000 in 2016. Homelessness Australia also estimates that three million people were at risk of homelessness in 2022, with unexpected life events such as illness or losing a job placing many households under pressure.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said people without stable housing experience some of Australia's widest health gaps and often rely on general practice for ongoing medical care.
The College believes current funding does not reflect the extra work involved in caring for these patients. It is calling for:
- increased Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) funding for people experiencing homelessness
- new MBS payments that recognise homelessness and housing insecurity as factors that increase clinical complexity
- greater support for longer GP consultations
- more investment in multidisciplinary teams, including nurses, social workers, care coordinators and allied health professionals
- funding models that encourage outreach services and connected healthcare.
Dr Wright said caring for people experiencing homelessness often requires additional consultation time, follow-up care and coordination with other health and community services.
The RACGP also highlighted that improving health is closely linked to addressing issues such as safe housing, food security and social connection.
As part of Homelessness Week, Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler joined the annual Walk a Mile in My Boots event in South Australia. Speaking at the Hutt St Centre, he highlighted a program introduced in 2023 that helps connect people experiencing homelessness with medical and nursing services.
Minister Butler acknowledged that more work is needed to reduce homelessness and improve access to essential healthcare and support services.
A recent report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that people experiencing homelessness are more likely to experience poor physical and mental health, nutritional problems, dental disease and disability, with unstable living conditions contributing to ongoing health risks.
Better GP funding needed to improve healthcare for people without stable housing
Source: RACGP News