Mia Davies
An historic $9 billion investment in Medicare, including $500 million funding for mental health support, is on the table if a Liberal-National Coalition is elected to Government.
The Nationals candidate for Bullwinkel Mia Davies said access to affordable healthcare was a priority for people living in the electorate, from the suburbs of Perth through to regional communities like Northam and Toodyay.
According to Cleanbill’s Blue Report (2024) over 1.2 million Australians didn’t go to see a GP in 2022-23 because of concerns surrounding cost; twice as many as in 2021-22.
“We know people are choosing to limit their visits due to cost-of-living pressures so this investment would make it easier for all families to see their GP when they need to,” Ms Davies said.
“No family should face unnecessary barriers to get the care they need.”
Ms Davies said the $9 billion Medicare investment to restore bulk billing levels and improve mental health support was complimented by a $400 million investment in growing the medical workforce.
“In the Coalition’s last year in government we saw 40 million more bulk billed GP visits compared to last financial year under the Labor government, and visit costs were around 45 percent cheaper too,” Ms Davies said.
“We plan to invest in a pipeline of homegrown GPs by offering financial incentives, training support and leave entitlements for junior doctors in general practice to help address shortages in our suburbs and regions.
Leader of The Nationals the Hon. David Littleproud MP said this comprehensive approach to healthcare was only possible through sound economic management.
“Our focus on a strong economy enables us prioritise significant investments in health infrastructure, ensuring sustainable, high-quality services for generations to come,” said Mr Littleproud.
“During the last Coalition Government, our achievements included a sixteen percent increase in hospital funding and the establishment of a $22 billion Medical Research Future Fund,” he said.
“The Nationals are committed to fixing the current healthcare crisis and ensuring timely and affordable access to healthcare services.”
