What’s in the 2026–27 Federal Budget for GPs?

The RACGP has acknowledged new health spending within the 2026–27 Federal Budget, in particular, funding to re-establish three-year-old health checks.
 
However, it remains ‘less enthusiastic’ about other spending decisions handed down in Tuesday night’s Federal Budget.
 
The Federal Budget includes $126.1 million to re-establish three-year-old health checks and an expanded Comprehensive Health Assessment Program as part of the Thriving Kids initiative.
 
The spend follows sustained advocacy from the college, including in this year’s Federal Budget submission.
 
The Federal Government will also spend $119.3 million to extend the Practice Incentives Program Quality Improvement Incentive for two years until 2028.
 
As announced earlier this month, the Federal Budget handed an extra $1.8 billion to urgent care clinics (UCCs) to make them permanent.

It will also fund $598.3 million to support the continued enhancement of My Health Record, and $144.1 million to continue to meet urgent infrastructure needs of the Aboriginal community controlled health services sector.
 
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said he is also pleased to see funding for a digital baby book for all Australians and RSV funding for all Australians over 75 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 60 as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
  
‘With funding allocated to make Medicare UCCs permanent, the RACGP is committed to working with the Government to ensure a focus on quality, continuity of care and cultural safety, including through the development of profession-led urgent care standards,’ he said.
 
‘The budget also includes some announcements we’re less enthusiastic about, like funding for six fully bulk-billing general practice clinics … we are concerned about the impacts of this market disruption, particularly for existing general practices in these areas.’

There is also $146.8 million to ‘enhance compliance and fraud detection’ within the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Services Australia.
 
The RACGP says it will proactively engage with the Federal Government on this initiative to ensure its membership will guide the implementation of this measure.

The Federal Government revealed plans to cap Extended Medicare Safety Net benefits for a small number of MBS items at 80% of the Schedule fee.
 
It will also create ‘efficiencies’ in delivering activities under the Primary Health Networks program.
 
Dr Wright said the RACGP will continue to ask the Federal Government to fund long consults with a 40% increase to Medicare rebates for Level C and D consultations. 
 
‘The average GP appointment time is now 20 minutes as the health needs of our communities become more complex, with many people experiencing one or more long-term health conditions,’ he said.
 
The college is also urging the Federal Government to act now to prevent the health impacts of racism in the healthcare system. 
 
‘Culturally and racially marginalised groups have been suffering the health impacts of racism for too long, impacts which are so profound they cost Australia almost $38 billion a year,’ Dr Wright said. 
 
‘We cannot wait any longer for culturally safe and equitable healthcare for everyone in Australia. 
 
‘Health is invaluable and we want to see funding continue to reflect that so every Australian can afford to regularly spend time with a GP who knows them and their history and can tailor care to their individual needs.’
 
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the Budget’s health spend is designed to ‘support families under pressure’.
 
‘As a Labor Government, we will always invest in Medicare, cheaper medicines and public health so Australians get the care they need, when they need it,’ he said.
 
‘It’s a responsible Budget, and a reforming Budget, which builds resilience and bolsters our economy.

‘There is more cost‑of‑living relief, more Medicare and more aged care, and more housing.’
 
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