The Latest Breaking News from Mark Butler

Grant scheme to keep GPs in flood-ravaged Lismore

Healthcare providers in Lismore will receive $5 million in government aid to rebuild flood-damaged infrastructure, replace equipment or move to new premises.

AAP · Feb 17, 2023

Revealed: more Australians than ever are paying to see a doctor as new data shows worst-hit areas

Exclusive: Data obtained by Guardian Australia shows the areas suffering the biggest drop in fully bulk-billed GP patients

The Guardian - AU · Feb 15, 2023

Mpox vaccination encouraged ahead of global LGBTQI+ WorldPride festival in Sydney

Australians heading to Sydney WorldPride who are eligible for mpox (previously monkeypox) vaccination are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and get a jab ahead of the global LGBTIQ+ festival later this month.

ABC News · Feb 13, 2023

Fifth Covid vaccine for Australian adults to roll out later this month

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

The Guardian - AU · Feb 7, 2023

The three things the Commonwealth and states need to do to fix Australia’s health system

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

The New Daily · Feb 7, 2023

Vow to cut red tape slowing life-saving cancer therapy

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

AAP · Feb 7, 2023

Health insurer opts to delay planned rise to premium

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

AAP · Feb 6, 2023

Alan Kohler: Social repair, especially fixing Medicare, must trump budget repair

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.

The New Daily · Feb 5, 2023

Government keeps options open on healthcare funding

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.

AAP · Feb 4, 2023

Medicare review: what changes can we expect to see - and what’s still missing?

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

The Guardian - AU · Feb 3, 2023