Sun Apr 27 03:09:04 UTC 2025: ## Australia’s Ruling Labor Party Promises Expanded Medicare Ahead of Election
**Sydney, Australia –** Australia’s Labor government is vowing to strengthen its national healthcare system, Medicare, with a new initiative ahead of the May 3 general election. The plan, announced Sunday by Health Minister Mark Butler, includes a 24/7 medical advice hotline and an after-hours telehealth service, costing an estimated A$204 million (US$130 million).
The announcement comes as cost-of-living issues dominate the election campaign. Labor frames the expansion of Medicare as a key differentiator from the conservative Liberal-National opposition, who are focusing on economic management and border security. The party previously committed A$8.5 billion (US$5.43 billion) to Medicare in February to address concerns about declining bulk billing.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to formally unveil the policy in Sydney, a crucial election battleground. Meanwhile, opposition leader Peter Dutton has pledged A$9 billion (US$5.7 billion) to Medicare if his coalition wins.
Early voting is underway, with Labor currently holding a narrow lead in opinion polls. The election campaign is largely focused on cost-of-living relief and proposals to increase housing affordability. The unexpected death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has also been noted as overshadowing the campaign.
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