Strengthening Medicare: Bulk billing on the up

Media event date: 10 August 2026 Date published: 10 August 2026 Media type: Media release General public The Australian Government’s record investment in strengthening Medicare is delivering big benefits for Australians, with access to bulk billing continuing to increase way ahead of schedule. Nationally, the bulk billing rate for the June 2026 quarter rose to 84.1 per cent, up almost five percentage points on the same quarter, last year.

Before the Albanese Government started investing in bulk billing, the national rate had fallen to 75.6 per cent. Bulk billing has increased in every state and territory: NSW 87.5% up 4.1 percentage points VIC 85.7%, up 5.7 percentage points QLD 82%, up 4.7 percentage points SA 82.5%, up 6 percentage points WA 76.8%, up 4.8 percentage points TAS 80.8%, up 5.5 percentage points NT 90.8%, up 13 percentage points and ACT 59.3%, up 2.4 percentage points.

The bulk billing rate also for patients aged 16 to 64 years had the highest growth – up 8.2 percentage points to 78.6%. There are more than 3,800 Medicare Bulk Billing Practices, over 1,400 of those were mixed billing practices before our Government’s historic investments. Medicare statistics are published quarterly on the Department’s website.

Get more information on bulk billing including an additional bulk billing dashboard. Quotes attributable to Minister Butler: “Our government is delivering more bulk billing to more Australians “Across the country more and more GP practices are becoming fully bulk billing clinics meaning all patients need is their Medicare card, not their credit card. “It’s good for patients hip pockets and good for their health.” The Hon Mark Butler MP Strengthening Medicare measures Accessibility We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community.

We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present. © Commonwealth of Australia