The Australian Greens have today committed to free dental, mental health and GP visits across Canberra, in addition to the ACT Greens' plan to establish four bulk-billing GP clinics if re-elected.
Greens candidate for the federal seat of Canberra, Isabel Mudford said this plan provides even more access to free healthcare outside of the hospital.
"Currently too many Canberrans only get free healthcare once they reach hospital. In a cost of living crisis people are forced to choose between going to the doctor, paying their rent or having food on the table," Ms Mudford said.
"People deserve better and the Greens are the only party with plans, at both levels of government, to ensure Canberrans can get free healthcare as soon as they need it and close to home.
"In 2010, the Greens secured dental into Medicare for children. It has improved the health outcomes and reduced cost of living pressures on our families. It's time everyone has access to free dental."
ACT Greens MLA for Murrumbidgee Emma Davidson welcomed the Australian Greens commitment, saying it complements the ACT Greens' plans to establish four bulk-billed GP centres and ensure continuity of care.
"Just this week we heard that out-of-pocket costs to see a GP are rising. We must go further, faster to create a fairer health system," Ms Davidson said.
"The Greens' proposed GP clinics are unique. They will deliver free continuity of care to people in Canberra - where you can book with the same doctor who understands your needs, your life and can tailor care to give you the best possible outcomes.
"Urgent care clinics and nurse-led clinics do not provide this. They have an important role in our health system, but having a regular GP helps people get the right support before they need more urgent care, or worse, hospitalisation.
"The ACT Greens and Australian Greens are changemakers. If elected, healthcare will be truly accessible and free for our community across the whole continuum of need. It's all possible if you vote for it on 19 October."
The Australian Greens' GP for Free plan has been independently costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office at $54b over the coming decade to:
- Establish at least six Local Healthcare Clinics in each federal electorate in the ACT providing free GP, dental and mental health services
- Triple the bulk billing incentive for everyone with a Medicare card
- Implement a 20% increase to Medicare patient rebates for longer appointments
- Ensure GP trainees receive equal pay to their hospital trainee counterparts.
The ACT Greens' vision for a truly universal and accessible health system can be found on the party website.
