More than half of Australia’s general practitioners now offer full bulk billing to all patients, marking significant growth since a federal government incentive program was introduced in November 2025. Health Minister Mark Butler announced on Sunday that over 4,000 GPs nationwide provide bulk-billed appointments exclusively, an increase of 1,700 from the previous year.

Currently, 50 percent of general practices operate on a fully bulk-billed basis, up from 30 percent in late 2025. The government’s program offers financial incentives to GPs for each patient bulk billed, alongside additional payments for clinics that maintain full bulk-billing services. This approach aims to enhance access to affordable primary care across the country.

The rise in fully bulk-billing clinics has been particularly notable in South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory, where numbers have more than doubled. Rural areas have seen the most substantial improvement, with the proportion of bulk-billing practices increasing by 27 percentage points to 59 percent. As a result, over 97 percent of Australians now live within 20 minutes’ drive of a practice that bulk bills all patients.

Butler stated that the latest figures indicate the government is well ahead of its goal of establishing 4,800 bulk-billing practices by 2030, a commitment made during the 2025 election campaign. “Bulk billing is now an attractive option for the first time in many years,” he said, attributing the progress to the Albanese Labor government's investments in Medicare and free medical visits.

Community members have expressed relief at the expansion of fully bulk-billed clinics. Brendan Johnson, a 50-year-old resident of Ballarat, said access to a trusted GP who bulk bills removes financial barriers to care. “I don’t hesitate to access care,” he commented.

Doctors have also noted benefits from the incentive program. Nadeem Khaja, a GP at Glenbrook Surgery in the Blue Mountains, explained that it has enhanced healthcare accessibility for patients while enabling GPs to deliver care more efficiently. Khaja described the initiative as a positive development for the sustainability of Australia’s primary healthcare system.

Patients managing ongoing health issues have welcomed the change as well. Katherine, a 50-year-old woman from western Sydney, said she previously delayed medical care during times of financial strain but now feels secure in seeking treatment without worrying about costs. She pointed to the importance of bulk-billed clinics for individuals requiring longer consultations due to complex health conditions, including perimenopause.

The program’s expansion reflects a broader effort by the government to reduce out-of-pocket costs and improve equitable access to essential healthcare services across Australia.