Australia’s Labor Government Promises Free Healthcare Hotline Ahead of Elections

As Australia’s May 3 General Election approaches, the Labor Government has pledged to strengthen the country’s universal healthcare system with a free medical advice hotline and telehealth service. If elected, the Labor Party promises to enhance accessibility to healthcare services with the launch of a 24-hour medical hotline, which would offer immediate advice and after-hours telehealth consultations backed by the Medicare system.

Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted the importance of the service, saying the new hotline would be available for situations where immediate medical attention is required. The A$204 million initiative, named 1800MEDICARE, is aimed at providing Australians with round-the-clock access to medical staff when illness or injury strikes. Butler emphasized that the service would complement existing Medicare coverage, which is under pressure due to concerns over reduced bulk billing services.

The announcement comes at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is a central issue in the election campaign. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to unveil the new policy in Sydney, one of Australia’s key election battlegrounds. The policy promises to build upon Labor’s commitment to Medicare, which saw a A$8.5 billion ($5.43 billion) boost in February.

In response, Liberal-National coalition leader Peter Dutton has also pledged significant investment in Medicare, offering A$9 billion if his party wins the election. Early voting began on April 22, 2025, with Labor currently holding a slim lead over the opposition. With the election focused on economic management, cost-of-living relief, and housing affordability, the healthcare promises are expected to play a significant role in the final decision.