Australia’s Labor government has pledged an additional A$8.5 billion ($5.4 billion) for the nation’s universal healthcare system if re-elected in the upcoming national election, expected by May. The announcement comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces declining popularity.

The centre-left Labor Party has long championed Medicare as a core policy, positioning it as a key distinction from the conservative Liberal-National opposition, which emphasizes economic management and border security.

In a statement on Saturday, the government declared, “A re-elected Albanese Labor government will make the single largest investment in Medicare since its inception over 40 years ago.”

The proposed funding increase aims to support 18 million additional subsidized general practitioner visits annually, introduce hundreds of nursing scholarships, and expand training opportunities for doctors.

Medicare, established by Labor in 1984, provides all Australians and some international visitors with low or no-cost healthcare services.

The funding commitment follows a recent poll indicating that most voters want the Labor government removed from office. The poll also revealed that Albanese’s approval rating has hit its lowest level since he took office in May 2022.

Despite rolling out various policies to ease living costs and boost employment, the Albanese government continues to struggle in gaining voter support.