In 2025, the Australian Government has committed $644.3 million to establish 50 additional Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across Australia, six of which will be located in Western Australia.
Six additional clinics for WA
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) are at the heart of the Australian Government’s Strengthening Medicare agenda.
The initiative aims to enhance the availability of free urgent care and alleviate pressure on hospital emergency departments.
WAPHA is awaiting further advice from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) on the exact specifications for the six new clinics allocated to Western Australia. We will publish more details here, as soon as is practicable.
Eight Medicare UCCs have already been established in Western Australia in the following locations:
- Morley and surrounding suburbs
- Rockingham and surrounding suburbs
- Clarkson and surrounding suburbs
- Beeliar and surrounding suburbs
- Bunbury and surrounding suburbs
- Midland and surrounding suburbs
- Broome and surrounding areas
- Gosnells and surrounding suburbs
WA Primary Health Alliance’s role
WA Primary Health Alliance coordinates the EOI processes and supports selected practices to establish their clinics.
Medicare UCCs must be partnered with a general practice that is accredited to a recognised and relevant standard such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioner Standards for General Practice.
These clinics will provide treatment for urgent, non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries needing same-day assessment for individuals who might otherwise go to an emergency department.
Medicare UCCs are expected to be open fourteen hours a day, every day (including public holidays), offering bulk billed services and accept walk-in appointments.
WAPHA will manage the expression of interest process and facilitate the establishment of the six clinics.
Further details about the EOI process will be provided as soon as possible.
While WAPHA will seek to understand each location’s local landscape, opportunities and challenges, the policy and operational guidance for Medicare UCCs will be set by the Australian Government.
We will support the MUCCs to become part of the existing health landscape in the place, building linkages between primary, acute and aged care, while respecting the operating and clinical models of local primary care providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the EOI process for the next six UCCs open?
We will advertise those dates as soon as possible. Practices are encouraged to sign up for our Tender Notifications Portal to be alerted on EOIs and tenders, via https://www.wapha.org.au/tender/
Will the new UCCs function like the current ones?
The original guidance for Medicare UCCs was developed in collaboration between the Australian Government and the WA Government and their respective departments of health. The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing stipulates that this guidance is subject to regular review and WAPHA recommends potential respondents refer to the Department’s website to access the latest version of those guidelines.
Medicare UCC Operational Guidance | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Is a practice required to be operating in the selected area to submit an EOI?
WAPHA is awaiting further information on the specific process and requirements from DHDA. The EOI/tender, once released, will specify all relevant requirements. If information is available in advance, it will be made available on WAPHA’s website.
When are the new UCCs expected to be operational?
The Australian Government has indicated the new Medicare UCCs will open during the 2025-26 financial year. WAPHA will prioritise the commissioning of the six new clinics for WA, with more details on how this will occur to be provided as soon as possible.
Do the clinics have to be set up in the named locations?
WAPHA will seek to understand each location’s local landscape, opportunities and challenges. The policy and operational guidance for Medicare UCCs will be set by the Australian Government.
How are the Medicare UCCs funded?
Previously established Medicare UCCs received an initial up-front grant to support any required fit out/capital works and purchase of required equipment. They also receive an annual operating grant and can bill MBS items due to the 19 (2) exemption applied to the program. Health Insurance (Medicare Benefits Payable in Respect of Professional Services – Services Rendered under the Commonwealth Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Program) Direction (No. 3) 2025 – Federal Register of Legislation
Funding arrangements and amounts are expected to be confirmed in the near future, with full details to be provided with tender packs.