Bulk-billing rates in the ACT are the among the lowest in Australia, and out of pocket costs are amongst the highest, while half of Canberrans live with chronic conditions. There is a shortage of general practitioners, specialists, and difficulty accessing mental health services.  

I acknowledge the work done by the Albanese government in lifting the 6-year freeze imposed by the LNP on Medicare indexation, and the tripling of the bulk-billing incentive.  However, here in the ACT we still have issues with access and cost.

It’s no accident the Government has recently announced that if re-elected, Bean will get a new Urgent Care Clinic.  This is a small indication the Government has recognised that Canberra has been neglected by the major parties and that a campaign by an Independent in Bean is bringing pressure to bear!  If elected, I will request a review by the Department of Health and Aged Care regarding the ACT classification as Modified Monash level 1 (MM1). Reclassifying ACT as a regional area (MM2) would enable greater access to various government incentives and supports, including increased bulk billing incentives.

As the Member for Bean, I would advocate for more action on supporting innovative models of primary health care delivery including nursing and allied health professionals working to their full scope of practice in multidisciplinary patient-centred care.

Visiting the dentist is a significant cost to the household budget.  Affordable and accessible dental care is crucial to addressing inequality and can affect everything from life expectancy to job prospects.  If elected, I will be looking at how to include dental into Medicare, to make basic dental care affordable for all Australians.