In a significant commitment to bolstering Australia’s healthcare system, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged $204 million towards establishing round-the-clock health support services.
Delivering the announcement at a Sydney campaign event with just days remaining before the May 3 election, Albanese highlighted this latest investment in Medicare as part of Labor’s broader healthcare plan. The initiative centers around a revitalized 1800-MEDICARE program designed to provide accessible and affordable medical assistance.
Key features of the expanded service include:
- 24/7 Health Advice Line: Australians will be able to contact a registered nurse for expert health guidance at any time.
- Free Telehealth Consultations: For issues requiring more immediate attention than a regular GP appointment, individuals can access free consultations with a doctor via telehealth.
“You’ll be able to call anytime to get expert health advice from a registered nurse,” Albanese stated during the rally. “If it is something that can’t wait for your regular GP, you will be connected to a free GP telehealth consultation. Life isn’t 9-5; we all know that.”
This expanded telehealth offering is slated to become available nationwide across all states and territories beginning January 1, 2026, contingent on Labor’s re-election.
Albanese emphasized the goal of this investment: easing the burden on Australia’s public hospital system. “This will take further pressure off people, importantly as well, it will take further pressure off public hospitals, just like the Medicare urgent care clinics have,” he explained.
Addressing concerns regarding the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Albanese firmly defended its integrity. “The PBS is not for sale,” he asserted. “Let me be really clear to anyone who is listening or watching or hearing about this in Australia or anywhere else in the world – it is not and never will be on the bargaining table under Labor.”
This pledge builds upon earlier commitments from the federal government, including plans for increased urgent care clinics and efforts to make most doctor visits free. Labor previously announced a $8.5 billion commitment over four years aimed at achieving universal bulk-billing – effectively making nine out of ten GP appointments free – alongside the expansion of urgent care clinic access.
The leaders’ debate tonight will provide a final opportunity for both Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to present their platforms before voters head to the polls.
