More bulk billing will ease the cost of living. But what Australia's health system really needs is genuine reform | Stephen Duckett

Australia's health system is facing significant challenges that demand urgent reform attention, particularly from the upcoming election winner. While the system ranks well globally and Medicare serves as solid primary care funding, it needs modernization after over 40 years in service. Major parties have pledged funding but lack substantial action on vital reform areas, such as addressing financial barriers, managing chronic illnesses, and improving access to specialists. These issues are critical as many Australians delay necessary medical care due to costs, revealing gaps in access and coordination within the system.

Worrying signs are emerging about aspects of Australia's health system, which will require the attention of whoever wins the May election. Despite big money pledged for Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), only limited attention has been paid by the major parties to key reform priorities. Any fresh reform agenda will be starting from a position of relative strength.

Medicare remains the right infrastructure for funding primary care. But it is now more than 40 years old and needs to be updated and improved. Policy action is necessary on five fronts: financial barriers to care; managing chronic conditions; mental health and dental care; public hospitals; and the workforce.

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