Libby Coker (Corangamite, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, I'd like to thank the member for Lalor for moving this motion. She understands, and the Albanese government understands, that a strong Medicare isn't just about better health outcomes, although this is essential; it's also about easing household budgets. Urgent care clinics are doing exactly that—providing free, timely, high-quality care to many thousands of Australians when and where they need it most. Over 1.5 million patients have already walked in the door of an urgent care clinic and received the free, urgent care they need, instead of waiting hours in a busy hospital's emergency department. These clinics are filling the gaps between GPs and hospital emergency departments and are a key part of the Albanese government's efforts to make health care more accessible and affordable.

Locals in my electorate of Corangamite recognise this, and, on 3 May, they voted for a new urgent care clinic in Torquay. The Torquay clinic will mean more access to health care on the doorstep of communities right along the Surf Coast. It also builds on the work of the urgent care clinic in Belmont, near Geelong, and the 87 clinics our government has already rolled out across the nation. These clinics are part of a much broader commitment to strengthen Medicare. This commitment now includes mental health hubs, which we are also rolling out across the nation. We will soon roll out one of these hubs in my fast-growing electorate in Torquay.

The Albanese government is making the single-largest investment in Medicare since its creation over 40 years ago—$8.5 billion to deliver more bulk-billed GP visits each year, hundreds of nursing scholarships and thousands more doctors. Australian patients and families will save hundreds of dollars a year in out-of-pocket costs. It will boost the number of fully bulk-billed practices to around 4,800 nationally—triple the current number of practices.

We're also strengthening the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. From January next year, general patients will pay no more than $25 for their medication. This is another key cost-of-living measure that will continue to put downward pressure on inflation. It was Labor that created the PBS. We recognise the important role it plays in delivering much-needed access to medications, particularly for women. That's why we have listed Prometrium, Estrogel and Estrogel Pro on the PBS. This move is directly benefitting countless women across my electorate.

Trish from Ocean Grove said the following:

Last year a bone density test revealed I am osteopenic, meaning I'm at risk of developing osteoporosis.

My GP has me smearing Estrogel on my upper arm each morning to hopefully improve my bone density or at least stop it getting worse.

At my last doctor's appointment, my GP said, good news, Estrogel's now on the PBS!

Trish went on to say:

Labor understands reducing falls and fractures in post-menopausal women is not just about showing compassion, it's recognition of the unique challenges faced by women.

That's the power of a strong, enduring PBS. We understand that a strong PBS and a strong Medicare mean more Australians with challenging health conditions are cared for. More than that, it also shows that their government hears them and that we are here to support them. That's why we're backing in the PBS, and it's why we're strengthening Medicare.

This government's work is delivering for Australians. In 2023, we tripled the bulk-billing incentive. As a result, more than nine in 10 visits to a GP were free for people eligible for the incentive. Since we've tripled the investment, we've seen a turnaround in bulk-billing—a national increase of 3.2 percentage points in June 2025 and more than 6.5 million additional bulk-billed visits. In closing, the Albanese government understands Medicare is at the heart of people's lives. Medicare is a promise that no-one will be held back, and nobody will be left behind. That's why I'm so proud that we support this motion. Thank you.

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