Bulk-Billing Debate Takes Centre Stage at GP25 Conference
14 Nov 2025
More than 1300 delegates gathered at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre for the opening of GP25, joining college staff, presenters, and sponsors for three days of education, networking, and discussion on the future of general practice.
During the headline Q&A session, Dr Wright pressed Minister Butler on his continued public defence of the Government’s bulk-billing policy. Many GPs have expressed frustration over the rhetoric surrounding GP remuneration and concerns about market intervention.
Minister Butler said the Government remained committed to bulk billing, even though the college had advocated for changes to Medicare rebates without mandatory bulk-billing requirements. He acknowledged that the Government and the RACGP have “respectful disagreements”, particularly around claims of market intervention and the varied financial impact of the new billing incentives across practices.
While some clinics have changed their billing models since the 1 November reforms, Minister Butler emphasised that the measures were never designed to work uniformly across every practice. He said the Government’s target of lifting bulk-billing rates to 90% remains in place, with progress expected by the end of the decade.
Dr Wright noted that many GPs feel uncertain about the financial stability of their practices, but the Minister said the aim was not to threaten business models, but to ensure affordable care for patients while supporting a strong general practice sector.
The conference opened with a Welcome to Country and remarks from RACGP Queensland Chair Dr Cath Hester, who encouraged GPs to draw strength from shared experience and connection. Dr Wright used his opening address to highlight the college’s priorities: long-term investment, sustainable funding, and reaffirming the essential role of general practice in Australia’s health system.
Minister Butler later delivered a keynote speech outlining the Government’s focus on strengthening Medicare, expanding the healthcare workforce, supporting GP training, and shifting to more holistic, team-based care. He acknowledged that while the Government and college “don’t always agree”, their collaboration has contributed to early signs of recovery within general practice.
GP25 continues in Brisbane until 16 November, following the college’s 68th Annual General Meeting held earlier in the week.
Source: RACGP News
