The Wire

Healthcare remains a centrepiece of the federal election campaign, with both major parties, pledging billions of dollars to target critical gaps in the healthcare system.

Labor’s $8.5 billion Medicare expansion has been matched by the Coalition.

The latest announcement promises $2 million to extend telehealth beyond 9-5 through a rebranded advice line under a re-elected Labor government.

However, many have questioned the systems sustainability, raising concerns that expansion could exacerbate current pressures, such as staff shortages and resource constraint.