MORE Canberra people are seeing bulk billing GPs than ever before. New figures from Commonwealth Health Minister Tanya Plibersek show GP bulk billing rates in the ACT have gone up from 47.1 per cent in the September quarter to 49.2 per cent for the March quarter.

“While bulk billing rates in Canberra have historically been some of the lowest in the country, and while this is a Federal Government responsibility, it is pleasing to see more and more Canberrans are able to be bulked billed when they visit their GP,” Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said.

“This follows a survey in March that found GP numbers in the ACT were increasing and 70 per cent of practices were taking on new patients.

“We are also seeing new practices establishing here in Canberra, such as those by Tristar Medical Group, including the one that opened in Bruce in March, and the recently-announced GP super clinic run by Ochre Health at the University of Canberra.

“New facilities such as these boost community access to health services and show what can be achieved through collaborations between private sector, education, research and government.”