The ACT Government has launched a pilot grant program to help primary care providers expand bulk billing services for children, ensuring more families can access affordable, high-quality healthcare when they need it most.
The Supporting Access to GPs for Children fund will make $1.5 million available to support general practices, community health centres and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations that commit to bulk billing children under 16 in the ACT.
Applications are now open to eligible primary care providers in the ACT to provide proposals that improve access to primary care for children, and will close on 23 March 2026.
Innovative proposals may include establishing multidisciplinary ways of working, engaging in integrated care programs, implementing innovative models to improve quality and efficiency, building better digital capability, administrative upgrades, or minor refurbishments to improve operational performance.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the Supporting Access to GPs for Children fund is another initiative to support Canberra families with the cost of living and improve access to health care for children in the ACT when they need it.
"Parents and carers want to know their children can see a doctor when they need one without cost being a barrier. This grant opportunity will support providers to expand their bulk‑billing capacity, making affordable healthcare more accessible for families and supporting clinics to keep delivering high‑quality services." Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"GPs play a vital role in Canberra's health system, and the ACT Government is committed to supporting them so they can continue to support Canberrans and their health care needs.
"This initiative is another example of the ACT Government investing in local GPs to strengthen primary healthcare, improve access to bulk billing, and support the wellbeing and development of our general practice workforce."
This initiative delivers on a 2025-26 ACT Budget commitment to improve affordability and access to GPs and complements Australian Government initiatives to expand bulk billing and strengthen primary care.
