Parties pledge billions: what could it mean for rural healthcare?

Healthcare remains a centrepiece of the federal election campaign, with both major parties, pledging billions of dollars to target critical gaps in the healthcare system.

Labor’s $8.5 billion Medicare expansion has been matched by the Coalition.

The latest announcement promises $2 million to extend telehealth beyond 9-5 through a rebranded advice line under a re-elected Labor government.

However, many have questioned the systems sustainability, raising concerns that expansion could exacerbate current pressures, such as staff shortages and resource constraint.

Image: Source: Pexels – Tima Miroshnichenko

Produced By: Jordan Zerella

Featured In Story: President Dr. Danielle McMullen – Australian Medical Association , and Chief Executive Susi Tegen – National Rural Health Alliance

First aired on The Wire, Thursday 1 May 2025