Albanese Commits A$1.8 Billion to Make Urgent Care Clinics Permanent as Budget Nears

Canberra, 3 May 2026 – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced an additional A$1.8 billion commitment over five years to make Medicare Urgent Care Clinics a permanent part of the country’s health system, placing healthcare access at the centre of the government’s pre-budget message.

The funding will support the national network of urgent care clinics, which provide walk-in treatment for non-life-threatening conditions without out-of-pocket costs for Medicare card holders. The government said the clinics are designed to ease pressure on hospital emergency departments by giving patients an alternative for urgent but not critical care, such as minor injuries, infections and other conditions that require same-day attention.