We’re three weeks out from the hotly contested Wentworth by-election and the campaigning is in full swing.

Among the candidates vying for votes is former Australian Medical Association president Dr Kerryn Phelps who is running as an Independent in the by-election.

Dr Phelps who is campaigning strongly for Medicare is now being accused of hypocrisy after previously expressing her opposition to high bulk-billing rates via Twitter.

The independent candidate tells Chris Smith, “my comments about Medicare are not at all inconsistent”.

“I have been such a strong advocate for the health system for decades and my commitment is unquestioned.

“But at the end of the day, doctors deserve to be able to provide services and make a living and cover the cost of their practice.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

Dr Phelps is facing a further setback following the Wentworth by-election ballot draw yesterday, which put her into position 15 out of 16 on the ballot paper.

“It certainly makes it a steeper hill to climb but it’s a fair and transparent process and it is what it is,” she tells Chris.

Image credit: Twitter / @drkerrynphelps