23 February 2024
No Clean Bill of Health for Townsville Bulk Billing
Herbert remains one of the most expensive federal electorates in the country to visit a GP as availability dwindles and out-of-pocket charges continue to climb
The newly released data, compiled by online healthcare directory Cleanbill reveals a 10.5% decline in local bulk-billing rates on last year, coupled with a $2.13 increase in out-of-pocket charges per standard consultation.
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson said the newly released data shows seeing a GP is moving from a necessity to a luxury.
“The Government did not heed the warning signs from last year’s report and Townsville locals are continuing to pay the price,” he said.
“I have locals contacting me on a daily basis, telling me how hard it is for them to get into a bulk-billing clinic.”
“This data shows that the situation is continuing to worsen with the Albanese Labor Government yet to propose an adequate solution.”
Mr Thompson says that the Government’s solution of an Urgent Care Clinic has missed the mark.
“When there was a seven-month delay in its opening, it was clear then that the Albanese Labor Government did not consider Townsville a priority,” he said.
“Now that the clinic is failing to deliver on its intended promise by easing the pressure on local general practices, the lack of action to rectify this shows that Townsville has been forgotten,” he said.
Mr Thompson continued to call on the Government to provide much needed cost-of-living relief.
“In an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the situation continues to go from bad to worse for the people of Townsville,” he said.
“The Treasurer did not announce any further relief in his Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, so he clearly isn’t listening to our community.”
He also wants further support to be provided to regional GPs.
“Our local doctors and GPs do a fantastic job, but doing that job is becoming tougher.”
“Our regional GPs and their clinics need to be supported with better funding so they can concentrate on delivering a high-quality health service to our locals.”
ENDS