GP for Pollies
What Australian general practice actually is, how it's funded, and why it matters - explained with data, not slogans.
Three numbers to know
$9.1B
GP share of MBS benefits (2023–24)source
Around one-third of all Medicare Benefits Schedule spending goes to GP non-referred attendances - 202.1 million services.
~11%
Real decline in standard GP rebatesource
Between 2014 and 2025, the Medicare rebate for a standard GP consult (item 23) fell roughly 11% in inflation-adjusted terms.
78%
GP bulk billing rate (2024)source
Down from a COVID-era peak of 89% in 2020 and 77% in 2023. The rate reflects complex interactions between incentives, costs, and patient mix.
Explore the topics
What GPs Do
A day in the life - consult types, diagnostic skill, and admin load
Training & Scope
Why GPs are specialists - training pathways and recognition
Where Medicare Money Goes
MBS spending breakdown and GP funding share
How a Consultation Is Paid For
Rebates, fees, gaps, bulk billing incentives, and BBPIP
Case Studies
Real-world consult walkthroughs with MBS-grounded numbers
Income Comparisons
GP pay vs other specialties and hospital CMOs
Access Heatmap
GP availability per capita across Australia
Policy Timeline
Medicare decisions and their effects, 1984–2025
Glossary
Plain-English definitions for Medicare and GP jargon
References & Methods
Every dataset, URL, and calculation method in one place