Fewer Australians are delaying or not using selected health services when needed compared to two years ago, according to new data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
James Eynstone-Hinkins, ABS head of health statistics, said: 'In 2024-25, 27 per cent of people delayed or did not see a GP when needed. In 2022-23 this figure was higher, at 30 per cent.
'Similarly, 25 per cent of people delayed or did not see a dental professional when needed, the lowest proportion recorded over the past five years.'
Close to one in ten people, or 8 per cent, cited cost as a reason for delaying or not seeing a GP when needed, while 16 per cent considered cost a barrier to seeing a dental professional.
| Year | GPs (%) | After hours GPs (%) | Medical specialists (%) | Dental professionals(a) (%) | Hospitals (%) | Mental health professionals (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 23.0 | 27.8 | 19.1 | 31.8 | 6.7 | 34.3 |
| 2021-22 | 28.3 | 37.8 | 21.9 | 32.7 | 9.8 | 38.9 |
| 2022-23 | 30.3 | 46.9 | 22.5 | 29.7 | 11.9 | 38.5 |
| 2023-24 | 29.2 | 44.1 | 20.5 | 28.0 | 10.4 | 38.1 |
| 2024-25 | 26.6 | 36.3 | 18.3 | 25.2 | 9.2 | 34.4 |
- Includes dentist, dental hygienist and dental specialists.
'In 2024-25, one in four people, or 26 per cent, said they waited longer than they felt acceptable for a GP appointment, while two in three people, or 67 per cent, could always see their preferred GP when needed,' Mr Eynstone-Hinkins said.
