PM looking for extra dollars for those 'doing it tough' Cost-of-living relief could be on the way as inflation begins to soften and politicians rush back to Canberra to find ways to ease the pressure on Australians. AAP · Jan 21, 2024
Safe sex messaging pushed after concerning rise in STIs Young Australians are being urged to get their "fun parts" tested in a new sexual health campaign launched in response to rising infections. AAP · Jan 14, 2024
New COVID-19 variant drives festive season surge COVID-19 infections have spiked in Australia's two most populous states, with a new variant and Christmas festivities driving higher hospitalisations. AAP · Jan 9, 2024
Rate of GPs bulk billing all patients in Australia drops to below one in four, data reveals Cleanbill report reveals national rate of bulk billing dropped 11% last year to 23.6%, with 514 clinics removing the service The Guardian - AU · Jan 8, 2024
'Courageous': PM remembers Labor MP on Jane McGrath Day The prime minister has paid tribute to Labor MP Peta Murphy on Jane McGrath Day and praised the work of breast cancer nurses. AAP · Jan 5, 2024
Australia 'confident' in Quad despite summit doubt Health Minister Mark Butler says Australia is confident the next Quad leaders summit will go ahead despite uncertainty on the next meeting date. AAP · Jan 2, 2024
Cancer, cystic fibrosis treatments in new PBS listings New medications have been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which will see some patients save hundreds of thousands of dollars in treatment costs. AAP · Jan 2, 2024
The bulk-billing urgent care clinics now open in Hunter-Central Coast area Clinics aimed at making it easier for people to see a doctor. Newcastle Herald · Dec 23, 2023
Health insurers told to 'have another go' on premiums Health insurers have been told to go back to the drawing board by the government after collectively seeking a significant hike to premiums. AAP · Dec 19, 2023
Individual cigarettes to contain warnings under new law New smoking laws that address rising levels of vaping have passed parliament, banning the use of appealing names and including new warnings on packets. AAP · Dec 7, 2023
Thalidomide memorial offers 'recognition and respect' A national site of recognition to thalidomide survivors and their families has been unveiled in Canberra, following a formal government apology. AAP · Nov 30, 2023
The Federal Government’s Vape Crackdown Officially Starts Tomorrow: Here’s What’s Happening The federal government have announced additional crackdowns on vaping, including the banning of importing of single-use vapes from 2024. Pedestrian.tv · Nov 28, 2023
Australia to ban import of disposable vapes from January Vaping is becoming a widespread problem among children in Australia, the government has warned Evening Standard · Nov 28, 2023
Australia unveils plan to crack down on vaping amid ‘new generation of nicotine dependancy’ Australia to ban import of single-use vapes from 1 January, announces health minister The Independent UK · Nov 28, 2023
AAP · Nov 27, 2023 Disposable vape ban will not punish users The federal government will begin cracking down on single-use, disposable vapes after a growing number of young Australians began taking up the habit.
The Guardian - AU · Nov 27, 2023 Australia to ban disposable, single-use vape imports from January to help cut addiction in children Health minister Mark Butler says medical and nurse practitioners will be able to prescribe vapes and patients will get their scripts filled at pharmacies
The Guardian - AU · Nov 26, 2023 Crossbench MPs question family violence response – as it happened This blog is now closed.
AAP · Nov 21, 2023 Australians delaying doctor visits due to rising costs Put off by surging prices, patients are increasingly delaying or skipping important appointments with doctors, dentists and medical health professionals.
AAP · Nov 20, 2023 New vaccines to target current COVID-19 variants Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says the latest COVID-19 vaccines targeting current Omicron variants will be available to Australians next month.
AAP · Nov 10, 2023 Labour pains: gap in midwifery insurance causing stress An insurance gap is affecting midwifery care and women planning a hospital birth but wanting in-home midwifery support during the early stages of labour.
AAP · Nov 7, 2023 'Tip of the iceberg': 30 tonnes of illegal vapes seized The Australian Border Force and the TGA have seized tonnes of illegal vapes, but the health minister says more must be done.
The Guardian - AU · Nov 2, 2023 Patients warned many doctors won’t change approach to bulk billing despite new incentives Boosted rebate for concession card holders and children under 16 is in effect but GPs’ peak body says other patients won’t benefit
AAP · Nov 2, 2023 New national cancer plan to boost support for patients An Australian Cancer Plan will aim to address inequality for treatment access and improve support for those with a diagnosis.
The Canberra Times · Nov 1, 2023 ACT GPs unlikely to boost bulk billing despite government incentive Incentives for GPs will triple under the change.
AAP · Oct 31, 2023 Financial boost for GPs to increase bulk billing The bulk-billing incentive for doctors will be tripled in a targeted bid to enable more children, pensioners and healthcare card holders to see a GP for free.