Over Half of Initial Strengthening Medicare Reforms Now Delivered
15 Dec 2025
A new monitoring report shows that more than half of the initial reforms under the Federal Government’s Strengthening Medicare agenda have already been rolled out, though only one has undergone full evaluation.
Of the 47 early reforms, 27—equivalent to 57%—have been completed. These include initiatives such as urgent care clinics (UCCs) and the tripled bulk-billing incentive for concession card holders. Another 18 reforms are currently in progress.
The only early initiative yet to move beyond planning is the Wraparound Primary Care for Frequent Hospital Users program, which received $98.9 million over four years in the 2023–24 Federal Budget. Meanwhile, the development of innovative delivery models for healthcare in thin markets has returned to the planning phase following additional funding, despite earlier implementation efforts.
Despite significant progress in delivery, only one completed measure has been fully evaluated. Planning for evaluations of the remaining 27 reforms is underway. The report does not include the Government’s $7.9 billion bulk-billing investment, announced in February and implemented last month.
The report notes that “Strengthening Medicare measures, comprising evolving reforms, are being introduced and implemented progressively, reflecting the complexity and scope of changes underway in the Australian healthcare system.” It adds that findings from these initiatives, alongside recommendations from joint reviews, will inform future improvements to primary care.
These reforms stem from recommendations by the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, formed shortly after the 2022 Federal Election to guide high-priority actions for primary healthcare under the Labor Government. Chaired by Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler and including representatives from consumer groups and healthcare organisations such as the RACGP, the Taskforce delivered its report in December 2022, with detailed measures outlined in subsequent Federal Budgets.
The monitoring report highlights strong uptake of the General Practice Grants Program, which provided one-off funding of up to $50,000 to clinics. Of the $189.3 million allocated to 7,047 general practices, 90% of recipients used the grants to improve digital health capabilities, 72% focused on infection prevention, and 84% applied funding to maintain or achieve accreditation against RACGP standards. An additional $3.8 million was provided to 126 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. This grants program is the only initiative that has been fully evaluated to date, with findings published by the Nous Group last year.
Three more monitoring updates are planned, including annual reviews and a summative evaluation scheduled for 2029–30. Future reports are expected to cover the tripling of bulk-billing incentives for all patients, the rollout of 50 new Medicare UCCs, the launch of the national early intervention mental health service, the 1800MEDICARE telehealth line, and updates on workforce and women’s health initiatives. Some local investments aimed at improving access to bulk-billed primary care are also expected to be included, although specifics were not provided in the current report.
News Source: RACGP
