Anthony Albanese has made a major election pitch, unveiling a new free, nationwide 24/7 health advice line and after-hours GP telehealth service called 1800 MEDICARE, as he stakes his political future on Medicare.
With Liberal leader Peter Dutton preparing for an intense tour of marginal seats in the final campaign week, Labor is returning to the health issue that has boosted the Prime Minister’s standing in the polls.
Betting that Medicare remains key to his political survival, Albanese pledged the new service would allow Australians to order prescriptions and receive healthcare advice over the phone.
Available around the clock, 1800 MEDICARE will connect callers to expert health advice from registered nurses, and if needed, offer free GP telehealth consultations when their regular doctor isn’t available.
Launching the initiative at a major Medicare rally on Sunday, Mr. Albanese said:
“Life isn’t 9 to 5. With 1800 MEDICARE, neither is health care. Whether your family needs urgent or ongoing care, Medicare will be there for all Australians, in every community.”
How 1800 MEDICARE will operate
Health Minister Mark Butler explained that between Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and 1800 MEDICARE, four out of five Australians would have access to free urgent care within a 20-minute drive — or immediately via phone.
“When illness strikes, 1800 MEDICARE will be there – a 24/7 health advice line and after-hours GP telehealth service, backed by Medicare,” he said.
He estimated that around 250,000 Australians could avoid unnecessary emergency department visits through the service.
A jab at Trump — without saying his name
During his speech, Mr. Albanese also reaffirmed that Labor would never allow the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to be compromised in global trade negotiations, hinting at U.S. policies without directly naming Donald Trump.
“Our Medicare card is green and gold for a reason,” he said.
“Despite Liberal opposition, universal and affordable access to medicine through the PBS has become a cornerstone of our nation. Under Labor, the PBS is not — and never will be — up for sale.”
Albanese also noted that Labor had reduced the cost of medicines under the PBS to $25, the lowest price since 2004, linking a vote for Labor to a vote for Medicare.
Labor eyes a comeback
Albanese’s political fortunes have rebounded, according to the latest Newspoll, giving him a realistic chance of winning re-election with a surprise majority — a dramatic shift from earlier predictions of a minority government.
The Prime Minister’s momentum grew after announcing a sweeping Medicare overhaul in February, including a massive $8 billion investment to expand free GP access and ease financial pressures on families.
At Sunday’s rally, Albanese promised to deliver an additional 18 million free bulk-billed GP visits, aiming for 9 out of 10 GP visits to be free by 2030.
Peter Dutton’s final blitz
Meanwhile, Peter Dutton is launching an aggressive final-week campaign blitz, aiming to energize voters across up to 28 key seats — most currently held by Labor.
Liberal strategists argue Dutton is gaining ground in outer suburban electorates and could pull off a surprise win.
The Opposition Leader will travel across Australia, holding rallies, engaging with voters, and campaigning hard until election day.
Some of the crucial seats being targeted include Hawke, Solomon, Aston, Gilmore, Moreton, Gorton, Lyons, Dunkley, Goldstein, Kooyong, Paterson, Dobell, Bennelong, Bullwinkel, Boothby, and Mackellar.
The Coalition needs to win 21 additional seats to form a majority, and Dutton’s marathon push underlines their belief that the election remains in play.
