Greens Propose Free Healthcare Plan Nationwide

The Australian Greens have unveiled an ambitious $54 billion plan aimed at providing free healthcare to all Australians, including free visits to GPs, dentists, and mental health professionals. The proposal includes establishing 1,000 Free Local Healthcare Clinics across the country, with at least six clinics per electorate, where patients can receive services without any out-of-pocket costs. Greens leader Adam Bandt emphasized that this initiative would be funded by increased taxes on large corporations, addressing concerns over rising healthcare costs amid a cost-of-living crisis. The plan also aims to triple the bulk-billing incentive for Medicare cardholders and increase Medicare rebates for longer GP appointments. This healthcare policy is expected to be a key point of negotiation in the event of a minority government after the upcoming federal election. The Greens argue that access to affordable healthcare is a pressing issue for many Australians, with millions deferring medical appointments due to financial constraints.