The Australian Government is delivering on its $24.3 million commitment to strengthen primary care, boost access to bulk billing GPs, and improve access to respite care in Canberra.
Commonwealth funding is delivering three new bulk billing GP Clinics in the ACT as well as securing the future of Interchange Health Co-op at the Tuggeranong Family Medical Centre, by supporting the new provider, ForHealth Group to take over and maintain services.
The three bulk billing GP clinics will also be supported to attract additional general practitioners to the ACT and help ensure timely access to primary healthcare services. This is funded by a $10.5 million Bulk Billing GP Attraction Initiative.
Following a highly competitive process, the locations and providers of the three new Bulk-Billing clinics will be:
- Macquarie General Practice, establishing a clinic in Gungahlin
- Next Practice Deakin, establishing a clinic in South Tuggeranong
- Ochre Health, establishing a clinic in Molonglo.
The Bulk Billing clinics are planned to open by 30 June 2026.
The former Interchange Health Co-op supported around 5,000 patients with complex health needs in South Canberra before it closed last year, but those patients now have certainty with the services secured for the Tuggeranong Family Medical Centre.
In the ACT currently 19 practices are registered with the Bulk Billing Incentive Program.
Eight of these practices were previously mixed billing and have transitioned to a bulk billing model since November 1, 2025.
The three new Bulk Billing Clinics, and Interchange Health Co-Op are in addition to the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic network in Woden, Gungahlin, the Inner North (Dickson), Belconnen, Weston Creek and Tuggeranong
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The Australian Government wants all Australians to get the health care they need when they need it, and we're committed to supporting more bulk billing GPs in Canberra.
"Canberra has had issues with GP availability for a long time. Having three new GP clinics will help make medical care cheaper and more accessible for many Canberrans.
"Most importantly, Tuggeranong Family Medical Centre will continue to bulk bill for its services, so they will be accessible to patients who need affordable care."
Quotes attributable to Minister Gallagher:
"This investment is about making sure Canberrans can see a doctor when they need to, without worrying about the cost.
"For too long, access to bulk billing GPs has been a challenge in the ACT. These new clinics and support for Tuggeranong Family Medical Centre will make a real difference for families right across our city."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh:
"When a child spikes a fever or an injury flares, people want help that's free and close to home. Bulk-billing clinics are the social plumbing of a modern capital: practical and indispensable."
Quotes attributable to Alicia Payne MP:
"This is about ensuring people can get the care they need, when they need it, without delay or added financial stress.
"I'm proud to be part of a government that is investing in accessible, community-based healthcare for Canberrans."
Quotes attributable to David Smith MP:
"Securing the future of services at Tuggeranong Family Medical Centre is vital for our community, especially for patients with complex needs who rely on consistent, trusted care.
"The new clinic in South Tuggeranong will expand access to bulk billing and help meet growing demand in our region.
"This investment means more local, affordable healthcare for people in Tuggeranong and across the southside."
