Uptake of Bulk Billing Incentive Program Remains Low
03 Nov 2025
According to government data released on Monday, just 622 of 4,720 metropolitan practices plan to change from mixed-billing to fully bulk-billing. This is in addition to 935 practices already fully bulk-billing.
In regional areas, 209 of 620 practices indicated they would switch, with 108 clinics already planning changes, and 73 clinics in large rural towns intending to convert. The strongest projected growth is in small rural towns, where over 60% of interested clinics do not currently bulk-bill all patients.
The uptake figures follow an intensive promotional campaign, including visits by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, highlighting potential earnings increases for GPs under the program.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright criticised the government’s portrayal of the program, describing the figures as a “misrepresentation” that does not account for the full complexity and cost of providing care. He emphasised that GPs undertake non-patient facing work, administrative tasks, and ongoing education, which are not fully reflected in government earnings estimates.
Dr Wright also highlighted that government communications around income and market intervention could undermine trust, which is crucial for GP participation.
Case in point: Port Adelaide’s Trinity Medical Centre is switching to full bulk billing thanks to the new incentives. Dr Derek Loh, the clinic’s GP, explained that the previous gap between concession and non-concession patients made full bulk billing financially unviable, but the new program allows them to bulk-bill all patients.
Government modelling anticipates 1,603 clinics to join in 2025–26, increasing to 3,206 by 2026–27 and 4,573 in the following year. If all expressions of interest (EOIs) convert to actual uptake, the program could surpass its first-year target.
The data also identified electorates with the most mixed-billing practices intending to switch, including Ballarat (Vic), Hinkler and Flynn (Qld), Cowper and Parkes (NSW), as well as metropolitan areas such as Rankin (Brisbane), Hawke, Calwell, Hotham (Melbourne), and Spence (Adelaide).
It remains uncertain whether EOIs will fully translate into participation, with the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) noting that hundreds of existing bulk-billing clinics have yet to submit an EOI, and submission is not mandatory.
Minister Butler described bulk billing as “the beating heart of Medicare,” assuring Australians they only need their Medicare card, not a credit card, to access healthcare. However, Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston warned that many Australians will still need to pay to see a GP.
Dr Wright stressed the importance of respecting GPs’ professional decisions regarding billing models.
“Practices need to be supported as they continue to serve their communities while maintaining long-term viability. As GPs, it is essential we can provide high-quality care, whatever the billing model,” he said.
Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care; RACGP; newsGP
