The 2025–26 ACT Budget will deliver targeted investment to strengthen local general practice, improve affordability and access to primary care, and support a more inclusive and self-determined First Nations health workforce.
The ACT Government is investing in new health funding over four years to ensure Canberrans can access the right care in the right place, with a stronger primary care system that delivers better outcomes and equity.
This includes:
- $7.3 million over four years to support general practice through bulk billing incentives, wellbeing and professional development support for GPs, and more junior doctor placements in ACT general practices.
- $2.36 million over four years (ongoing and indexed) to grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce and address systemic barriers to participation.
- Payroll tax changes for medical practices from 1 July 2025 that will exempt income from bulk billed GP services – a measure that will support affordability and access while reducing the administrative burden on practices.
Treasurer Chris Steel said that investments is part of ACT Government's delivering on its health priorities and compliments the Federal Government's commitments to strengthening Medicare.
"Health care is our biggest priority in the Budget, and these measures will support more affordable local access to primary health care," Minister Steel said.
"The Government will provide support for both the workforce and the community – with more bulk billing appointments, better support for GPs, and a stronger First Nations workforce to deliver culturally safe care. These measures will ensure Canberrans can access the care they need, closer to home."
Key measures in the Budget will deliver on Government commitments to support GPs to expand services and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families. A $1.5 million grants program will be piloted over two years to support general practices that commit to bulk billing all children under 16.
The Government is also delivering on the Government commitment to support for the primary health care workforce by investing in professional development and wellbeing, including funding for the Drs4Drs mental health support program and expanding Junior Medical Officer (JMO) placements into general practice settings to promote early consideration of a GP career pathway.
To support greater access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to health careers, the Budget also includes funding for new workforce governance structures, culturally safe supervision, and support for local implementation of the National First Nations Workforce Plan.
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the investments are part of a coordinated approach to grow and support the health workforce and are key actions in the ACT Health Workforce Strategy: Action Plan 2024-2026 .
"Primary care is the foundation of a strong health system, and we're backing our GP workforce to do what they do best – deliver high-quality, accessible care to the community," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"We're also backing a stronger, more self-determined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce. This Budget funds new dedicated roles, better training and supervision, and action on systemic racism in the health system.
"Together, these investments will help build a more inclusive, sustainable health system – one that puts equity, respect and workforce wellbeing at its core.
"They complement Federal Labor's commitments to expanding bulk billing and build on the ACT Government's broader work to expand community-based, person-centred healthcare and reduce pressure on the hospital system."
