News

The Australian government plans to significantly reduce the cost of most PBS medications, with the maximum price capped at $25 from January 2026, saving Australians $200 million annually. This initiative aims to ease the cost of living and provide affordable healthcare, contrasting with the Opposition's record of attempting to introduce higher healthcare costs.

Labor's plan to make nine out of ten GP visits free for patients by the end of the decade has been matched by the Coalition, ensuring the policy will be implemented regardless of who wins the upcoming election. This initiative aims to increase the national bulk-billing rate to 90% by 2030, resulting in an additional 18 million bulk-billed appointments annually.

Vicki McKaig, a 71-year-old grandmother, finally received free dental treatment through a trial program, highlighting the need for a Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme (SDBS) to address the rising number of hospitalizations for preventable dental issues among seniors. The ADA estimates that 2.8 million Australians over 65 would benefit from the SDBS, which would provide up to $1,132 of free dental treatment every two years.

The Coalition's economic plans for the upcoming election remain vague, with key details on public service cuts, migration reductions, and nuclear power costs still missing just weeks before the vote. The opposition's lack of specifics has drawn criticism from the Labor government, which accuses them of "making it up as they go along.

The ACT government has introduced a 5% levy on short-term rental bookings, primarily to generate revenue and level the playing field with other accommodation providers. While the levy may incentivize some short-term rentals to switch to long-term rentals, its impact on increasing housing supply is expected to be "very modest.