Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is poised to announce a significant investment of $204 million aimed at establishing a 24/7 healthcare system in Australia. This initiative is part of Labor’s latest commitment to enhance Medicare, featuring a new health advice line and free access to after-hours doctors through telehealth services, under the rebranded 1800MEDICARE program.
Albanese is scheduled to unveil 1800MEDICARE—which will replace the existing Healthdirect service—during a Labor rally in western Sydney today. The revamped telehealth service would be available nationwide starting January 1 next year, contingent upon Labor’s re-election.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher emphasized that the transformation of Healthdirect is intended to alleviate some of the strain on Australia’s public hospital system. This enhancement is part of a broader set of changes to Medicare announced by the federal government, which includes the establishment of additional urgent care clinics and the prospect of making most doctor visits free.
The Prime Minister is expected to elaborate on these Medicare initiatives during his speech in western Sydney. Additionally, both Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton are set to participate in a crucial final leaders’ debate tonight.