Story perspectives

Bulk-Billing Rates Surge Amid Incentives, Critics Remain Concerned

1/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bulk-billing rates rose to 40.2% by end-2025 after incentives.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government introduced a 12.5% payment increase for practices that bulk bill all eligible patients.
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 12% of clinics fully bulk bill.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said over 3,200 practices are fully bulk billing.
Critics, including Peter Breadon, health program director, say incentives fail to address GP funding and access issues.

1 of 1

Story summary

Bulk-billing rates rose to 40.2% by end-2025 after incentives.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government introduced a 12.5% payment increase for practices that bulk bill all eligible patients.
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 12% of clinics fully bulk bill.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said over 3,200 practices are fully bulk billing.
Critics, including Peter Breadon, health program director, say incentives fail to address GP funding and access issues.