Bulk-billing GPs have claimed more than $41 million in payroll tax-free wages under the Minns Labor
Government’s Bulk-Billing Support Initiative in the first three months.
This allows GP clinics to keep offering bulk-billed appointments and ensure primary healthcare is
affordable and available to families and households across NSW.
Between 4 September 2024 and 31 December 2024 clinics claimed a rebate on $41,575,708 of GP
wages, resulting in a $2,244,205 payroll tax rebate.
GP clinics in metropolitan Sydney have claimed 55 per cent of the payroll tax rebate, while clinics in
the rest of the state have claimed the remaining 45 per cent.
Under the $189 million initiative, the NSW Government established an ongoing payroll tax rebate for
clinics employing contractor GPs which meet bulk-billing thresholds. It also waived $104 million of
historical payroll tax liabilities which began accruing under the previous Liberal-National
Government.
Before creating the Bulk-Billing Support Initiative, medical peak bodies warned that without action
on the historical tax liabilities GP clinics would close and that half of clinics were prepared to pass
on a $20 fee to patients to cover their tax obligations.
The eligibility threshold for the payroll tax rebate – 80% in metropolitan Sydney and 70% in other
areas of NSW – was designed to support current bulk-billing levels, provide accessible and
affordable primary healthcare, and relieve pressure on the state’s emergency departments.
The Bulk-Billing Support Initiative is the first time the NSW government has intervened to support
bulk-billing. It is designed to relieve pressure on emergency departments, with NSW Health
estimating that a 1 per cent decrease in bulk-billing equates to around 3,000 additional emergency
presentations.
Revenue NSW expects more clinics to register throughout the year, and claim part of their annual
return at the end of the 2024-25 financial year.
The Bulk-Billing Support Initiative’s tax rebate covers GP appointments which are bulk-billed to
patients covered by Medicare or veterans with a Gold, White or Orange DVA card.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“The lack of access and availability of bulk-billing GPs is taking an enormous toll on our hospitals.
“This initiative is critical to alleviating pressure on our emergency departments.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:
“This is the first time the NSW Government has made a strategic investment to support bulk-billing
rates.
“By relieving cost pressures on GP clinics, they can keep bulk-billed appointments available and
accessible to patients.
“This is an important step as we roll out the Bulk-Billing Support Initiative and shows the
government is delivering important cost-of-living relief to families and households across NSW.
“It’s encouraging to see clinics begin to take up the Bulk-Billing Support Initiative. As we progress
through the year we expect to see more clinics claiming the rebate and the benefits flowing to
patients and their families.”
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