Australian Medical Association criticises parties for failing to get creative for long-term Medicare reform

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has criticized major political parties for their uninspired health policy proposals regarding Medicare ahead of the Federal election, as outlined in their 2025 Federal Election Health Report Card. AMA president Danielle McMullen noted that while bulk-billing incentives from Labor and matched pledges from the Coalition and Greens may improve access for some, there is a missed opportunity to redesign the Medicare rebate structure, with urgent calls for an independent workforce agency to address healthcare needs and workforce distribution. The AMA emphasizes the need for creative solutions to hospital crises, including the lack of beds and ambulance ramping, and urges the next government to expedite a new National Health Reform Agreement for better capacity and performance.