In short:
The Coalition has vowed to match Labor’s pledge to boost Medicare funding by $8.5 billion over four years, describing a drop in bulk billing rates as a “mess” created by the government.
Labor has promised nine out of 10 GP visits will be free from out-of-pocket expenses by the end of the decade, in what will be a cornerstone of its re-election pitch.
What’s next?
The Coalition said their funding would come in from November if they win this year’s federal election, due on or before May 17, which is the same timeline given by Labor.
Labor has repeatedly warned that Medicare would be worse off under Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, but the Coalition was quick to announce their own $9 billion funding commitment for GPs as Mr Albanese was detailing his plans at a campaign-style rally in Launceston.
The Coalition’s $9 billion commitment includes matching Labor’s pledge plus $500 million previously announced for mental health support.
Be kind of a boss move for Albanese to call back Parliament for this, literally force the Liberals into support for this before the election or risk a massive loss in support.
It could also be used as a last minute rapprochement with the Greens. The major left wing parties demonstrating they can work well together as well as how they’ve pushed each other. After last years debacles, i think it could help both parties.
I actually can’t see a downside for going early on this policy for Labor. They should definitely strike while the irons hot on this one. Politics is all about timing after all, and this could be used as a positive end to a challenging term.