Capricornians are paying more and struggling to find a doctor, with bulk-billing clinics disappearing under Labor’s watch. The latest Cleanbill report into Capricornia’s General Practice reveals bulk-billing availability has plummeted from 9.4% to just 5.7% since Labor came to power while out-of-pocket costs for a standard consult have risen from $45.11 to $47.88.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said Labor’s reckless policies are directly responsible for the collapse of regional healthcare.
“Under Labor, GP clinics are shutting down, bulk billing is vanishing, and the cost of seeing a doctor is at an all-time high,” Ms. Landry said.
“It has never been harder or more expensive to access a GP. People are being forced to choose between getting medical care and paying their bills. This is unacceptable.”
This year alone, GP clinics in Moranbah and Clermont have shut their doors, leaving locals with fewer options and longer distances to travel for care.
Ms Landry said Labor’s decision to change the Distribution Priority Area (DPA) policy has made the situation worse by diverting doctors away from rural and regional areas to outer-city suburbs.
“Labor is gutting regional healthcare. Their policies are actively draining doctors from rural areas, leaving communities like ours struggling. We warned them this would happen, but they refused to listen. Now, locals are literally paying the price.”
The strain on GP clinics is also placing more pressure on already overwhelmed hospitals, with patients turning to emergency departments because they simply cannot access or afford a doctor.
“The longer this crisis drags on, the more we risk pushing our hospitals past breaking point. Labor had the chance to fix this, but instead, they’ve made it worse.”
The Coalition has a plan to turn things around, with a $400 million investment to grow and support GPs through new incentives, entitlements, and training programs.
“This investment will provide real incentives for junior doctors to train and stay in regional areas, ensuring communities across Capricornia have access to the healthcare they deserve.
“Only the Coalition has a plan to fix this healthcare crisis and deliver for regional Australia,” Ms Landry said.
ENDS
