Doctors who bulk bill are reducing rapidly. Because of the reduction in numbers, some bb doctors are now experiencing waiting times of a day or two, or more (quite normal in the UK, I know). In my experience, if you pay, you can guarantee a same day appt.

In some places, where they have removed the sole bulk-billing doctor, hospitals are having to deal with an influx of patients who know how to work the system (i.e. turn up at A&E after the surgeries are all closed, thus avoiding paying to see a doctor)