INDEPENDENT candidate for Flinders Ben Smith has called for urgent action to make healthcare accessible for everyone after data showing bulk billing no longer exists for many patients on the peninsula.
The latest Cleanbill report shows that of 42 clinics across the electorate of Flinders only four are still able to offer bulk-billing to all patients, with the average cost of a standard consultation being $86.80.
Medicare data shows that the Mornington Peninsula bulk billing rate is only 67% – 11% below the state average. For people aged 16-64, the bulk billing rate falls to 56%.
Smith said the cost of visiting a GP is one of the issues most raised by voters when he is out and about.
“We should be able to see a GP for free. Healthcare should be accessible no matter our bank balance.
“People in our community are putting off seeing their doctor because they can’t afford the gap fees.
“That’s not the Australia I grew up in, and it’s not the healthcare system we deserve,” said Smith.
“One of the most common experiences I heard from people when I was working at the Mornington Community Support Centre was that they’re skipping essential check-ups because they have to choose between seeing a doctor and putting food on the table. “That’s not right.”
Smith is advocating three improvements:
- A significant increase in the Medicare rebate to make bulk billing viable for GPs again. A recent study by the Melbourne Institute found the cost of covering out of pocket costs for GP visits to be just $950m per year for the government.
- An additional $100m for GP training incentives to ensure young doctors are no worse off in terms of pay and working conditions in general practice, than they would be in a hospital. This figure is backed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
- Funding for essential worker housing initiatives to attract medical professionals to the peninsula with the promise of affordable homes.
“Local doctors are the cornerstone of primary healthcare. They take care of us – often from birth to adulthood. But after years of indexation freezes and neglect by both major parties – they have to charge gap fees just to keep their doors open,” said Smith.
He pointed to the declining number of medical graduates choosing general practice – from 50% in the 1980s to just 13% today – as evidence of a system in crisis. “This isn’t just about convenience – it’s about preventing serious health issues before they land people in emergency departments. “A $60 GP visit that prevents a $200 trip to an emergency department visit isn’t just better for patients, it makes economic sense.”
Mornington GP Dr Jack Knobel (pictured with Smith) agrees that bulk-bulling should be extended to all patients. “There is a great need to revamp the system, for example by increasing the rebate or providing more incentives to doctors’ Knobel said.
First published in the Mornington News – 18 February 2025
