UPDATE: Two GP clinics in the Hunter region, specifically in Cessnock and Kurri Kurri, have just transitioned to full bulk-billing, a significant move that will relieve patients from the burden of choosing between healthcare and groceries. This change, announced on September 20, 2025, follows a historic federal investment of $8.5 billion in Medicare, the largest since the program’s inception 40 years ago.
Local GP Dr. Riajul Hasan expressed relief, stating that this development means his patients can now prioritize their health without worrying about financial strain. “This means patients don’t have to choose between their food bill and medical bill,” he said. The new policy allows patients to see a doctor with just their Medicare card, effectively removing the financial barrier.
According to Dan Repacholi, Hunter MP and men’s health envoy for the Albanese government, this initiative will fund an additional 18 million bulk-billed GP visits annually and support nursing scholarships and GP training. Repacholi emphasized, “Every patient who walks through their doors can see a GP without pulling out their wallet.”
Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed that more clinics across Australia are moving to fully bulk-billing, underscoring the importance of accessible healthcare. This announcement follows the recent opening of a $20 million surgical center in Charlestown and plans for an urgent care clinic in Maitland to provide walk-in, bulk-billed treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening emergencies.
The push for bulk-billing comes as a response to the growing demand for accessible healthcare services. Earlier this year, healthcare data revealed that three of the Hunter’s federal electorates lacked bulk-billing GP clinics, putting pressure on families already facing high living costs. In February 2025, local GPs reported standard consult fees soaring up to $110, with patients facing gap fees of nearly $67 due to insufficient Medicare rebates.
This initiative is seen as a “massive win for families” in the Hunter, particularly in Cessnock and Kurri Kurri, where healthcare access is critical. The government’s commitment to strengthening Medicare aims to alleviate strain on overburdened emergency departments, a key pillar of Labor’s election campaign that successfully returned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s party to office in a landslide during the May 2025 elections.
As this story develops, the healthcare landscape in the Hunter region is poised for a significant transformation. The community can expect to see more clinics adopting bulk-billing practices, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and affordable for all.
Stay tuned for further updates on the rollout of bulk-billing clinics and additional healthcare initiatives in the Hunter region as they become available.
