Federal Labor has pledged to open 50 new urgent care clinics across the country as part of a $644 million election promise, expanding the existing network of 87 clinics established during their last campaign.
These clinics, which operate on a walk-in basis and offer only bulk-billed consultations, aim to treat minor injuries and illnesses—such as cuts, sprains, minor burns, and respiratory issues—thereby alleviating pressure on hospital emergency departments.
Health initiatives have been a major focus of Labor’s campaign, with this latest promise building on an earlier commitment of $8.5 billion to boost bulk-billing rates. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that, once operational, 80% of Australians will live within a 20-minute drive of a clinic, ensuring accessible healthcare for families across the nation.
However, Labor’s decision to expand the clinic network comes before the completion of an independent review of their performance, which is anticipated next year. Critics, including the Australian Medical Association, have expressed concerns over expanding the network without thorough evaluation.
A spokesperson for Health Minister Mark Butler noted that the health department continuously collects data and insights to assess the clinics’ effectiveness.
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