The Australian federal government has unveiled a significant $1.7 billion investment to bolster Medicare and support the nation’s struggling public hospitals. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the importance of this funding in reducing wait times and enhancing the overall structure of the healthcare system. This one-off funding will be allocated to all states and territories, raising the total Commonwealth contribution to public hospitals to $33.91 billion for the 2025-26 financial year.
Albanese, who highlighted the government’s commitment to protecting and reinforcing Medicare, noted that healthcare was a personal cause that drew him into politics. Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged the urgent need for reform, citing pressures from an ageing population and lingering impacts from COVID-19 on the public health system.
Particularly, the Northern Territory will receive a one-off augmentation of $51 million, as Butler described its healthcare conditions as “grossly inequitable.” Other states will also benefit from significant allocations: NSW will receive $407 million, Victoria $402 million, Queensland $414 million, Western Australia $158 million, South Australia $169 million, with Tasmania and the ACT each getting $50 million. Additionally, the Australian Medical Association has proposed a Modernise Medicare initiative to address pressing healthcare and general practice challenges nationwide.