New NSW Bulk-Billing Clinics Face Criticism From Existing GPs
27 Aug 2026
The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has released the requirements for providers seeking to establish the new clinics.
The Federal Government has allocated $25.3 million for six clinics across the Central Coast, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions. The aim is to improve access to affordable healthcare and increase bulk billing.
Under the Expression of Interest requirements, each clinic must be a new practice, bulk bill all eligible services, achieve RACGP accreditation and have a multidisciplinary team that includes at least 10 GPs.
Funding cannot be used to buy, take over or convert an existing general practice. Applicants must also show that their clinics will add new healthcare capacity rather than simply move existing patients or doctors.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the approach could put existing GP-owned practices at a disadvantage.
He said existing practices had already spent years building services in their communities and warned that selectively funding new practices could affect competition and the sustainability of local clinics.
HNECC PHN Bulk Billing Initiatives Manager Sharnna Graves said the program is focused on creating new services in areas with the greatest need.
She said applicants must not deliberately target or encourage GPs working at existing practices in the region to leave their current clinics.
New funding can cover clinic fit-outs, medical equipment, digital health systems, GP recruitment and relocation costs, non-clinical staff and professional development focused on priority populations.
The PHN said providers will be assessed on their ability to improve affordable and equitable access to primary care, particularly for people affected by healthcare costs, poor health outcomes or limited access to services.
Newcastle GP and practice owner Dr Max Mollenkopf welcomed the focus on communities facing financial barriers but said existing practices should also have the opportunity to receive support.
Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler said the selected regions have experienced persistently low GP bulk-billing rates and that the six new clinics are intended to make healthcare more affordable and accessible.
Expressions of interest close on 14 September 2026, with the clinics expected to open between April and June 2027.
New NSW Bulk-Billing Clinics Face Criticism From Existing GPs
Source: RACGP newsGP / Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network