The state government has released data from the first four months of the program, with one area taking the lion’s share of rebates.
NSW bulk-billing GPs have claimed more than $41 million in payroll tax-free wages in the first four months of the state’s payroll tax relief initiative.
The release of the first batch of data came five months to the day since the NSW government introduced its $189 million Bulk-Billing Support Initiative.
The tax rebate covers GP appointments that are bulk billed to patients covered by Medicare or veterans.
Bulk-billing GPs have claimed more than $41 million in payroll tax-free wages under the Minns Labor Government’s in the first three months.
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 the lion’s share of the rebate (55%), while clinics in the rest of the state have claimed the remaining 45%.
Under the initiative, the NSW government established an ongoing payroll tax rebate for clinics employing contractor GPs which meet bulk-billing thresholds, and also waived $104 million of historical payroll tax liabilities which began accruing under the previous Liberal-National Government.
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.
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NSW Health estimates that a 1% decrease in bulk-billing equates to around 3000 additional emergency presentations.
Revenue NSW said it expected more clinics to register before the end of the 2024-25 financial year.
Health minister Ryan Park said the lack of access and availability of bulk-billing GPs was “taking an enormous toll on our hospitals”.
“This initiative is critical to alleviating pressure on our emergency departments,” he said.
Finance minister Courtney Houssos said the NSW government expected to see “the benefits flowing to patients and their families” in coming months.
“By relieving cost pressures on GP clinics, they can keep bulk-billed appointments available and accessible to patients,” she said.