The ANMF welcomes today’s landmark National Cabinet agreement delivering record funding for public hospitals and further action to strengthen Medicare.

This historic deal includes an additional $25 billion for public hospitals — taking total Commonwealth funding to $219.6 billion over the next five years — helping ease pressure on overstretched services and support nurses, midwives, patients and communities.

The ANMF also welcomes continued investment in Medicare, including expanded bulk billing, Urgent Care Clinics, Medicare Mental Health Clinics, cheaper medicines, and aged care reforms — all critical to reducing emergency department demand and improving access to care.

A strong, well-funded public health system and Medicare at its centre are essential to ensuring every Australian can get the care they need, when they need it. The ANMF looks forward to working with governments to ensure this funding delivers real outcomes on the ground.