As Australia approaches the upcoming federal election, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has outlined five key priorities in the 2025–26 Federal Budget—one of the most significant being the strengthening of Medicare. This budget brings with it a mixture of promising developments and missed opportunities for the healthcare sector, particularly for GPs, Specialists, Allied Health Practitioners, and NDIS providers, who continue to navigate an evolving landscape while striving to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Australians.
Key Highlights for General Practice
Among the headline initiatives is a commitment to ensure that 9 out of 10 GP clinics offer bulk-billed services. Practices that are fully bulk-billing will benefit from a 12.5% loading payment on Medicare rebates. Additionally, the government has pledged $689 million to reduce the cost of most PBS medications, capping them at a maximum of $25—an important move toward more affordable healthcare.
To maximise the benefits of these funding measures, medical practices are encouraged to explore hybrid models of operation. By leveraging Virtual Medical Receptionists, practices can ease the administrative burden on onsite staff, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and enhance patient service delivery. At Everest Practice Management, our dedicated Account Managers are ready to help you visualise and implement a tailored solution that suits your practice needs.
Focus on Women’s Health
This year’s budget also shines a much-needed spotlight on women’s health. A new MBS item will allocate $26.3 million for health assessments targeting perimenopause and menopause. Additionally, $109.1 million will fund two national trials aimed at improving access to contraceptives and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections. This targeted investment recognises the critical role women play in family and community health and aims to close longstanding gaps in care for middle-aged women.
Advancing Digital Health
To address the growing technological demands in healthcare, the budget includes $228.7 million to modernise the My Health Record system and support broader digital health reform. An additional $5.7 million will be invested in improving electronic prescribing infrastructure—enabling quicker access to essential medications for patients. These advancements are vital for both practitioners and patients, and Everest Practice Management is well-equipped to support practices in managing the digital aspects of the patient journey with ease and efficiency.
Expanding Access to Urgent Care
The government has also committed to expanding the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic network, with an additional 50 clinics to be established—bringing the national total to 137. This expansion will ensure that approximately 80% of Australians are within a 20-minute drive of urgent care. Moreover, $1.8 billion will be invested in public hospitals and health services to reduce surgery backlogs and ER wait times, with the Commonwealth’s contribution to state-run hospitals increasing by 12% to a record $33.9 billion.
Investment in Training and Workforce Development
To support the future of general practice, the budget sets aside $265.4 million to expand GP training across a range of specialties. Salary incentives will also be introduced to encourage junior doctors to pursue careers in general practice. While clinical development is a priority, it’s equally important to invest in the administrative teams who form the frontline of patient experience. At Everest Practice Management, our Virtual Medical Receptionist services are designed to upskill your team, reduce wait times, and enhance overall patient care—while also lowering operational costs.
Partner with Everest Practice Management
Whether you’re looking to modernise your practice, reduce your administrative workload, or improve your patient experience, Everest Practice Management is here to help. Contact us today by filling out our Contact Form. Book an appointment with one of our Practice Onboarding Success Managers by visiting our Calendar. Call us directly on 1300 411 911 for a free introductory consultation.
Let us help you build a more efficient, responsive, and future-ready practice.
Disclaimer:
The insights and summaries provided above represent the interpretation and perspective of the Everest Practice Management team on the 2025–26 Federal Budget. They do not constitute official government statements or policy positions. For complete and official information, please refer to the full Federal Budget at the Australian Government’s official website: https://budget.gov.au/
