Already, more than 1,000 GP clinics that previously used mixed billing have converted to full bulk billing, joining the 1,600 existing practices.

New data shows the number of visits to these clinics has climbed to almost 26,000 per week nationally, with demand expected to keep growing as more centres open.

The expansion builds on Labor’s previous election promise, which has already seen the establishment of 87 clinics nationwide.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the landmark investment would deliver an additional 18 million bulk-billed GP visits each year, ensuring Australians can access healthcare without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.

Medicare is now struggling to ensure the access to health care for millions of Australians we were once promised.

The breadth of the proposals is important – there will be little progress without improvements in all those areas.