From tomorrow (November 1), more people in Gilmore will be able to see their general practitioner for free.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the Albanese Labor Government’s GP expanded bulk billing incentive would kick in on November 1, 2025.

“I know too many people are paying too much out of pocket when they go to their doctor, that’s why Labor is making the single largest investment in Medicare since its creation,” she said.

“The expanded bulk billing incentive for all Australians, plus the creation of an additional new incentive payment for medical practices that bulk bill every patient, means nine out of 10 GP visits will be bulk billed by 2030.”

Mrs Phillips said the number of fully bulk billed practices would be boosted to around 4,800 nationally – triple the current number.

As of 27 October 2025, 21 GP practices in Gilmore have indicated their intent to become Medicare Bulk Billing practices, 11 of these are currently mixed billing practices.

“I’ve spoken to lots of local doctors on the South Coast that are making the choice to switch their practice to fully bulk billed clinics,” she said.

“They are taking up the incentives because it’s good for their business and, of course, good for their patients’ as well.”

Grand Pacific Health Nowra was one of the first medical practices in Gilmore to sign on to become a fully bulk billed practice.

Practice manager Charise Morris said being sick was not cheap, especially for families and people the chronically ill.

“This will make a huge difference,” she said.

“If people don’t have to pay that gap for general consults, that’s food in their mouth.

“When you have to prioritise food or health, that’s a problem.”

Mrs Phillips said this investment in bulk billing incentives would work.

“Because it is already working for pensioners, concession cardholders, and families with kids.”

The Albanese Labor Government’s $8.5 billion investment into Medicare will deliver an additional 18 million bulk billed GP visits each year, hundreds of nursing scholarships, and thousands more doctors in the largest GP training program ever.

Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with the team at Grand Pacific Health Nowra which is now a fully bulk billed practice.