The recent federal budget has included a record $3.5 billion investment in Medicare to triple the bulk billing incentive.

Federal Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers MP, visited Providence Medical Umina alongside Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP, to highlight how this historic investment will help thousands of people in the region access a doctor.

Federal Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers MP says the recent federal budget is taking the pressure off the cost of living.

“People are under the pump which is why we carefully calibrated our budget to take some of the pressure off”, Dr Chalmers said.

“This is a budget that will really make a difference for people on the Central Coast. We’re delivering cheaper medicines and making it cheaper and easier to see a GP for tens of thousands of locals, at the same time as we deliver cheaper power bills and provide extra rental assistance to thousands more”, Dr Chalmers said.

“Whether it’s cheaper medicines, more bulk billing or a bit of extra help to pay the rent – our budget will help local families and local businesses and create more opportunities for more people in this community to get ahead”, Dr Chalmers said.

“The Central Coast is really lucky to have proactive local representatives like Gordon who are working hard to deliver policies that will ease the cost of living for people when they need it most”, Dr Chalmers said.

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP says people on the Central Coast will benefit from the Federal Government’s record investment in Medicare.

“As an emergency doctor, I know how important it is to be able to see a doctor when you are sick. The Albanese Labor Government’s $3.5 billion investment in Medicare and tripling of the bulk billing incentive will ensure people on the Central Coast will have greater access to their local GP”, Dr Reid said.

“Around 73,000 people in Robertson will benefit from this investment in Medicare, and it will mean the incentive will increase from $6.60 to $20.65”, Dr Reid said.

“The Federal Government is also reducing the cost of medicines by up to a half, which will benefit nearly 42,000 people in Robertson”, Dr Reid said.

“I look forward to continuing to be a part of a Federal Government that is taking action to improve healthcare on the Central Coast, and strengthen Medicare”, Dr Reid said.

ENDS