Greens Propose Free GP Visits, 1,000 New Clinics in "Robin Hood" Election Pitch
The Greens have unveiled an ambitious healthcare plan that would offer free GP visits and establish 1,000 new clinics across Australia. This "Robin Hood" election pitch aims to address rising healthcare costs and improve access to primary care, particularly for those struggling to afford bulk-billed appointments.
The plan, costed at $54 billion over ten years, would see the construction of 250 clinics in the first year, with at least six in each electorate. These clinics would be staffed by salaried GPs, dentists, nurses, and psychologists, offering a comprehensive range of services without any out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
The Greens argue that the current healthcare system is failing many Australians, with the number of bulk-billing practices declining and many people unable to afford the cost of seeing a doctor. This policy aims to provide a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for all.
The party acknowledges the significant cost of the plan, proposing to fund it through a $514 billion tax on "excessive" corporate profits over a decade. They believe this Robin Hood approach will ensure that large corporations contribute their fair share to improving healthcare for all Australians.
The Greens are confident that this policy will resonate with voters, particularly those struggling with the rising cost of living and healthcare. They plan to use this policy to target key seats in the upcoming federal election and push for its implementation if Labor forms a minority government.
While the Greens acknowledge the challenges of staffing these new clinics, they believe that offering salaried positions with benefits and competitive pay will attract doctors and other healthcare professionals. Additionally, they propose increasing junior doctor pay and extending bulk-billing incentives to all patients to improve access to primary care through existing private clinics.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has welcomed the Greens' proposal to triple bulk-billing incentives and improve junior doctor pay, recognizing the positive impact it could have on patient access to affordable healthcare.
The Greens' "Robin Hood" healthcare plan represents a bold vision for improving healthcare access and affordability in Australia. Whether this ambitious proposal will gain traction with voters and become a reality remains to be seen.