Bulk-billing GP visits climb as government pushes free care, while Labor defends PM’s melon comment

Government data released on Monday indicated that bulk-billing rates for general practitioners rose to 84.1% across Australia in the June quarter, up from 81.9% previously, reflecting the $8.5 billion subsidy pledged at the May election to achieve nine-in-ten free GP visits by 2030. The Northern Territory recorded the sharpest increase, climbing 13 percentage points to 90.8%, while New South Wales and Victoria remained among the highest at 87.5% and 85.7% respectively; the Australian Capital Territory fell behind at 59.3%.

Meanwhile, Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek defended Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after he referenced melons gifted by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a May visit, countering former Japanese ambassador Shingo Yamagami’s interpretation that the comment was disrespectful. Plibersek stressed the importance of the Australia-Japan strategic and economic relationship. The live blog also noted that parliament is reconvening, with the government seeking support for gambling and NDIS reforms.