Labor unveils $1.7bn funding boost for Medicare

The Albanese government has unveiled a $1.7bn funding boost for Medicare amid “pressures” hampering the country’s health system.

Anthony Albanese announced the funding along with Health Minister Mark Butler on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister said his government’s “priority is strengthening Medicare” for everyday Australians.

“Australians rely upon Medicare as the centre of our healthcare, and today, I can announce that we’re delivering an additional $1.7bn to properly fund public hospitals and health services next year,” he told reporters in Canberra.

“This funding will be delivered to states and territories to help cut waiting lists, to reduce waiting times in emergency rooms … this matters to people, and this decision today will help save lives and lead to better outcomes for our nation’s hospitals.”

More to come