Live: Bulk-billing rates on the rise

The federal government is highlighting an increase in bulk billing rates, indicating that more Australians are accessing general practitioner services for free. New figures reveal that these rates climbed from 81.9% to 84.1% nationwide during the June quarter.

This rise is attributed to the federal government's GP subsidy scheme. A significant commitment of $8.5 billion was made during the May election, with the ambitious goal of making nine out of ten GP visits free for patients by the year 2030. The Northern Territory has seen the most substantial improvement, with an annual increase of 13%, reaching 90.8%.

While New South Wales and Victoria maintain the highest rates at 87.5% and 85.7% respectively, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) lags behind with 59.3%.

In political commentary, Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek has defended Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding a recent remark about melons gifted by Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The former Tokyo ambassador to Canberra, Shingo Yamagami, described Albanese's comments during a podcast interview as "insulting." Plibersek, however, disagreed with this interpretation, stating, "We have an excellent relationship with Japan. Japan is a very important strategic and economic partner ... and I think the former ambassador is wrong in his interpretation."

Politicians are returning to the capital as parliament is set to resume tomorrow. The government is focused on passing long-awaited gambling reforms and NDIS reforms, the latter of which was postponed until after the mid-winter break. An inquiry that convened during the break is expected to report back later this week.

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We have an excellent relationship with Japan. Japan is a very important strategic and economic partner ... and I think the former ambassador is wrong in his interpretation.