In the lead-up to the federal election, healthcare has become a central issue as Labor promises to rebrand and expand the national telehealth hotline, offering free after-hours access to all Australians.
The $204 million plan would turn Healthdirect into 1800 MEDICARE, broadening its reach and integrating it more closely with GP services. The Coalition has dismissed the move as merely a rebranding of existing services but has pledged to match the funding if elected. Both major parties are now committed to expanding telehealth, making it a key battleground in their pitches to voters.
This focus underscores the importance of accessible healthcare in the upcoming election.
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Federal election 2025: Anthony Albanese says Labor promises boosted 24/7 healthdirect hotline, more telehealth
Anthony Albanese is going all in on healthcare with his last major policy pitch to voters, less than a week out from the election, pledging to expand a helpline and give it better links to the GP network.
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