A re-elected Labor Government will provide free, round the clock health advice and an afterhours GP telehealth service to every single resident in Corangamite via 1800MEDICARE.

A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will make a $204.5 million investment to improve existing Healthdirect services and expand them to every state and territory, under one consistent national service.

If the Albanese Labor Government is re-elected, 1800 MEDICARE will launch from 1 January 2026 through this election commitment.

1800MEDICARE will build on Labor’s plan to open 50 more Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, including one in Torquay, ensuring that free urgent care is available within a 20-minute drive for four in five Australians, and just a phone call away for everyone across the nation.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and 1800MEDICARE will fill a gap in the health system that widened dangerously under the former Liberal Government.

Whether you need expert health advice or reassurance, the registered nurses at 1800MEDICARE will be there all day, every day, to provide advice and refer you to the health service you need – whether that’s your regular GP, the local hospital or a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

If you need urgent GP care that can’t wait for your regular GP to be available, the triage nurses will connect you to a free telehealth session with a 1800MEDICARE GP via phone or video, available all weekend and weeknights between 6pm and 8am.

On your phone and in the comfort of your home, a 1800MEDICARE GP will provide the free care you need, like an emergency prescription for your regular medication, or treatment for an illness or injury.

The announcement also builds on Labor’s commitment to deliver a Medicare Mental Health Centre in Torquay.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO HEALTH MINISTER MARK BUTLER:

“With Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and 1800MEDICARE, free urgent care will be a 20-minute drive away for 4 in 5 Australians, and a phone call away for every Australian.

“Around 250,000 Australians will avoid an unnecessary trip to a hospital emergency department, because of the free urgent GP care provided by 1800MEDICARE.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MEMBER FOR CORANGAMITE, LIBBY COKER:

“When illness or injury strikes in your family, 1800MEDICARE will be there – a 24/7 health advice line and afterhours GP telehealth service, backed by Medicare.

“Only a Labor Government will deliver stronger Medicare for local communities across our region with more bulk billing and more free urgent care.”