Montu has today welcomed the Australian Government’s commencement of 1800 MEDICARE, marking a significant expansion of free, after-hours telehealth services available to Australians nationwide.

The service will provide 24/7 access to registered nurses for clinical triage and health advice, with the capacity to escalate eligible cases to free GP consultations by phone or video. 

Montu supports the initiative as a measured, system-level reform that reflects the evolving role of telehealth within Australia’s healthcare infrastructure. 

Jodie Thomas, Vice President Corporate Affairs & Patient Advocacy at Montu, said the launch of 1800 MEDICARE represents a pragmatic step toward a more responsive and integrated health system. 

“A nationally consistent after-hours telehealth service helps ensure patients can access appropriate clinical advice when and where it is needed, while supporting the sustainability of the broader healthcare system,” Ms Thomas said. 

“Importantly, 1800 MEDICARE has been designed to complement existing models of care, not replace them — reinforcing continuity with primary care while providing a safe, clinically governed pathway for urgent advice and escalation.” 

Montu also noted the alignment between 1800 MEDICARE and the principles advanced through the Telehealth Sector Working Group, which has emphasised the importance of governance, clinical appropriateness and integration in telehealth delivery. 

“As telehealth becomes an increasingly embedded component of care delivery, the focus must remain on quality, safety and accountability,” Ms Thomas said. 

“Initiatives such as 1800 MEDICARE demonstrate how digital health services can be scaled responsibly, in a way that supports clinicians and improves patient confidence.” 

Montu said it looks forward to continued collaboration with government, clinicians and sector stakeholders to ensure telehealth reforms are evidence-led, patient-centred and aligned with the standards expected across healthcare.