Federal Budget 2026–27 brings major health funding changes for general practice
13 May 2026
One of the most debated announcements is $25.3 million to establish up to six fully bulk-billing GP clinics in specific regions, which the RACGP says could disrupt existing general practice services and workforce distribution.
The college says while some initiatives are positive, including three-year-old health checks, a digital baby book, RSV vaccine funding, and practice incentives, other decisions risk weakening long-term investment in general practice.
The Budget also includes $1.8 billion to make Medicare Urgent Care Clinics permanent, alongside broader reforms aimed at improving access to care.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the funding decisions show ongoing pressure on Medicare rebates and highlight the need for stronger investment in general practice as a whole.
Key funding areas include:
Thriving Kids program
A $2 billion investment over five years, including $126.1 million for early childhood health checks and expanded developmental assessments, aimed at earlier identification of developmental concerns.
Practice Incentives Program
$119.3 million to extend quality improvement incentives for general practices until 2028, supporting continuous improvement in care delivery.
Extended Medicare Safety Net
Savings of $43.4 million through changes to benefit caps, which the RACGP says may increase out-of-pocket costs for some patients and raise equity concerns.
Medicare integrity measures
$146.8 million to strengthen fraud and compliance systems, aimed at reducing non-compliance across Medicare and the PBS.
PHN program efficiencies
Savings of $32.2 million, with the RACGP calling for clarity on how this will affect local programs and services.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
$144.1 million for infrastructure and additional funding for culturally safe services, including maternal health and crisis support programs.
Access to medicines
$449.3 million for RSV vaccine access under the National Immunisation Program and additional funding to improve childhood vaccination rates.
NDIS and disability services
$1.7 billion to support system improvements, including digital payment and enrolment systems.
Digital health
Major investment in My Health Record and national digital health systems to improve data sharing and integration across care settings.
Aged care
$1.4 billion to expand home care services, alongside funding to support palliative care training in aged care settings.
Women’s health
Funding to establish a ministerial expert panel focused on women’s cardiovascular health, which the RACGP says should include specialist GPs.
The RACGP says it will continue to advocate for stronger, system-wide investment in general practice to ensure long-term sustainability and equitable access to care.
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