The Latest Breaking News from Mark Butler

All adult Australians who have not had a COVID-19 vaccination or infection within the past six months can get a booster shot from February 20.

Omicron-specific dose will be available for over-18s who have not had a booster or a confirmed coronavirus case in past six months

Health Minister Mark Butler has said that Medicare is in its worst shape in 40 years, so at least he is up for action.

Australia has been slow to keep up with new, life-saving medical technologies which is impacting cancer patients, the health minister says.

Health insurer NIB has held off on planned increases to raise premiums, deferring the move for five months.

Medicare is “not going to be fixed in one budget”, which is true of course, but this one will set the scene for future budgets.

A Medicare rebate increase is not off the table but the health minister warns reforms will be the first step before more money is put into the system.

Health sector welcomes the broad vision of taskforce report, but worries it’s short on details, a timeline and money

There was a lot of build-up to today’s National Cabinet meeting. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has long said Medicare is in the worst shape it has ever been, and the premiers said health reform should be the top priority at the meeting.

GPs will receive government funding for longer appointments and more affordable care under a huge overhaul of Australia's Medicare system.

Better digital systems are to be discussed at national cabinet, while the AMA will call for stronger safeguards to protect patient data