A fifth of GP practices bulk-bill all new non-concessional adult patients, compared with a quarter of practices a year ago, according to a survey by GP fee site Cleanbill.

However, Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler has downplayed the figures, saying it is unhelpful to track how many GPs ‘would bulk-bill Gina Rinehart’.

“I have been cautious about this particular report, which a number of media organisations have picked up,” Mr Butler told ABC Radio on Monday.

“Essentially, it’s a ring around of general practices to ask them whether or not they bulk-bill every single person that comes through their front door for every single consult, whether it’s Gina Rinehart or an aged pensioner.”