Australian PM Pledges $204 Million for 24/7 Healthcare Access in Medicare Expansion

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a major investment in healthcare just days before the country heads to the polls on May 3. At a campaign event in Sydney, Albanese unveiled a $204 million plan to roll out 24/7 healthcare access nationwide through Australia’s Medicare system — the country’s publicly funded universal healthcare program.

A key feature of the plan is the creation of 1800-MEDICARE, a rebranded, around-the-clock health advice line that will provide Australians with free access to registered nurses and after-hours telehealth consultations with doctors.

Holding up a symbolic Medicare card at the rally, Albanese emphasized the ease of the service:
“You’ll be able to call anytime for expert medical advice from a registered nurse,” he said. “And if it’s something that can’t wait until you see your regular doctor, you’ll be connected to a free telehealth GP consultation.”

This new service would replace the current government-run Healthdirect platform and would be made available across all Australian states and territories beginning January 1, 2026 — if Albanese’s center-left Labor Party wins re-election.

Easing Pressure on Hospitals

Albanese said the move is part of a broader strategy to relieve the burden on Australia’s overcrowded public hospitals. He likened it to the success of existing Medicare-funded urgent care clinics, which have provided faster access to care and reduced emergency room visits.

“This will ease pressure on families, and just as importantly, ease pressure on hospitals,” he said.

Strong Stance on Drug Pricing

In a swipe at recent global trade tensions, Albanese also defended Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) — a government program that heavily subsidizes prescription medications. He made it clear that the PBS would not be compromised by international trade pressures, including those stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump’s past tariff policies.

“The PBS is not for sale,” Albanese said firmly. “It’s not on the table now, and it never will be under a Labor government.”

Broader Medicare Reforms Already Underway

Albanese’s government has already committed to significant Medicare reforms, including the opening of new urgent care clinics and expanding universal bulk billing — a policy that ensures patients don’t pay out of pocket for most doctor visits. The government plans to invest $8.5 billion over the next four years to fund these reforms, which would make 9 out of 10 visits to a general practitioner free for Australians.

The announcement comes ahead of the final televised debate between Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton, as voters prepare to cast their ballots later this week.