- Author Dr Margaret Faux
- Publish date 30 June 2026
- Type Report
- Documents
- Health service delivery
Summary
This article examines the growing impact of medical billing fraud on Australia’s healthcare system, arguing that weak enforcement of Medicare law is contributing to rising healthcare costs, reduced access to care and increasing social disadvantage. Dr Margaret Faux explores how practices such as hidden fees, upcoding, false billing and other forms of Medicare fraud undermine patient protections, disproportionately affecting those with chronic illness and lower incomes.
The article reviews recent investigations and policy responses, highlighting gaps in Australia’s current regulatory and enforcement framework. It argues that addressing medical billing fraud requires stronger legal oversight, consistent interpretation of Medicare legislation and improved compliance across the health sector. The publication concludes that tackling fraud is essential not only for protecting public funds, but also for improving equity, restoring trust in Australia’s health system and ensuring reforms deliver better outcomes for patients.
Publication: Precedent (Australian Lawyers Alliance), Issue 194 – LinkedIn link by Dr Margaret Faux
Projects
Development of innovative primary health service managed by Telehealth Technicians for very remote First Nations’ communities.
Building on the telehealth infrastructure established in Gawa, this project developed and trialled an innovative community-led primary healthcare model designed for very remote Aboriginal communities. The project co-designed and implemented the Telehealth Technician (TT) role, enabling trained local community members to facilitate telehealth consultations, conduct structured Wellness Assessments, coordinate referrals, support use of My Health Record and help residents navigate healthcare services. Seventy-eight community members completed health assessments, with many participating in follow-up reviews to support ongoing preventative care. The model has since evolved into the culturally grounded Djagamirr (“caretaker”) role, integrating translation, health literacy, digital inclusion and early intervention to strengthen local capability and improve continuity of care. The project has demonstrated how community-based health workers, supported by telehealth technologies, can improve access to healthcare, reduce avoidable medical evacuations and support more proactive, person-centred healthcare in very remote communities. The model provides a pathway for broader adoption by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across northern Australia.
Developing a simple, robust telehealth system for remote communities
This project demonstrated that reliable, affordable telehealth services can be delivered in very remote Aboriginal communities using satellite connectivity and community-based digital infrastructure. Working with the Gawa community in north-east Arnhem Land, the project established a managed community Wi-Fi network and tested a telehealth videoconferencing model using NBN Co’s SkyMuster satellite service. The project confirmed that remote primary healthcare consultations, health monitoring and access to digital health platforms such as My Health Record could be delivered reliably in a very remote setting, including through wet season conditions. The project improved digital inclusion by increasing access, affordability and digital capability within the community, contributing to Closing the Gap Target 17. It also laid the technical and operational foundations for a new model of community-led healthcare delivery, providing a scalable platform for telehealth services across remote northern Australia.