Australia approves new Covid vaccine as hospitalisations surge Health minister Mark Butler says, despite increase in cases, no fifth dose would be recommended at this stage The Guardian - AU · Nov 15, 2022
Diabetes treatment to be subsidised Australians living with type 1 diabetes will have subsidised access to the next generation of Omnipod insulin pumps from December 1. AAP · Nov 12, 2022
‘Catastrophic’ decision to defund healthcare advice organisation leaves Australians at risk, experts say The public will be left more susceptible to medical misinformation and harm, doctors and academics say The Guardian - AU · Nov 7, 2022
More monkeypox jabs arrive in Australia to boost vaccination rate ahead of WorldPride events New advertising campaign encourages those at higher risk of infection ‘to look out for symptoms and get vaccinated if eligible’ The Guardian - AU · Nov 6, 2022
One thousand residents urged to evacuate as central west braces for flood peak – as it happened Pregnant woman and midwife among 10 rescues in NSW town of Forbes. This blog is now closed The Guardian - AU · Nov 4, 2022
Independent inquiry into Medicare fraud Health Minister Mark Butler has launched an independent inquiry into fraud, inappropriate billing and over-servicing within the Medicare system. AAP · Nov 4, 2022
Health sector pushes for certainty on establishment of an Australian Centre for Disease Control Medical groups ‘optimistic’ as October budget commits to initial consultation but urge Labor to provide greater detail and more resources The Guardian - AU · Nov 3, 2022
Butler defends hospital funding model Hospital funding is in the spotlight on the local and national stage. Newcastle Herald · Oct 28, 2022
New COVID summer spike unlikely: Butler A repeat of a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases over the upcoming summer period is unlikely, says Federal Health Minister Mark Butler. AAP · Oct 27, 2022
Medicare watchdog investigates just 100 cases of inappropriate billing every 12 months The watchdog responsible for policing Medicare investigates just 0.07 per cent of health professionals each year, is chronically understaffed and underfunded, and is led by bureaucrats with strong links to the powerful Australian Medical Association, an ABC-Nine investigation has found. ABC News · Oct 24, 2022
Weight-loss patients warned prescriptions for Ozempic or Trulicity may not be filled Federal Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledges a "very challenging" situation as diabetes patients are prioritised amid a global shortage of two popular drugs. ABC News · Oct 24, 2022
New cancer medicines added to the PBS Medicines used to treat Australians with skin cancer, lung cancer and a rare genetic disease have been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. AAP · Oct 22, 2022
Health Minister Mark Butler open to independent investigation over claims of Medicare misuse An ABC-Nine investigation exposes flaws in Medicare's systems that make it susceptible to fraud and overservicing. ABC News · Oct 18, 2022
Medicare rorting taken seriously: Butler Health Minister Mark Butler says while claims of $8 billion of Medicare rorts a year are higher than expected, the allegations are being taken seriously. AAP · Oct 17, 2022
ABC News · Oct 17, 2022 Psychiatric telehealth services to return to rural and regional Australia The service was cut late last year, but Labor made an election promise to restore it.
ABC News · Oct 17, 2022 Federal government describes reports of Medicare fraud as 'troubling', AMA condemns 'unjustified slur' on doctors The federal government labels an investigation uncovering widespread rorting of Medicare as "troubling", ordering a report from the Health Department.
AAP · Oct 16, 2022 Floods to hit federal, household budgets The devastating floods hitting large swathes of the country will put more pressure on the already-pressured federal budget and the cost of some essential items.
The Canberra Times · Oct 13, 2022 'I'm terrified': the end of COVID-19 isolation is not being welcomed by everyone The last of the remaining public health restrictions against COVID-19 have been dropped.
ABC News · Oct 11, 2022 GP shortage focus of roundtable talks between health minister and experts The precarious state of general practice is the most concerning pressure on the healthcare system right now, according to federal Health Minister Mark Butler, who has met experts to brainstorm long- and short-term solutions amid concerns the GP workforce could collapse.
ABC News · Oct 5, 2022 Family doctors warn that GP surgeries may close en masse amid funding and recruitment crisis Three in four family doctors say they are burnt-out, and most practice owners fear they will close their surgeries due to mounting costs, a survey finds.
ABC News · Sep 27, 2022 COVID vaccine review lead Jane Halton 'surprised' government has not ordered vaccines for 2024 Warning "this virus isn't going away", the former health department boss who led a review of the nation's COVID-19 vaccine arrangements says she is surprised the federal government is yet to order vaccines for 2024.
AAP · Sep 27, 2022 Australian COVID-19 preparations 'lagging' Australia is not well-prepared should another variant of COVID-91 sweep through the country, a review of vaccine and treatment procurement has found.
The New Daily · Sep 26, 2022 Cheaper medications as Albanese government eyes overhaul of PBS list The government will slash the cost of popular medications as it begins what it says is the biggest shakeup to the PBS in its 75-year history.
AAP · Sep 26, 2022 Monkeypox infections stabilising: minister Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says the spread of monkeypox in Australia is significantly stabilising as vaccines are rolled out.
ABC News · Sep 26, 2022 Doctor warns failures in outdated Medicare bulk-billing system risk tipping health system over edge A Melbourne GP warns quality healthcare could soon be reserved for the rich with the poor and vulnerable left in Australia's clogged hospital waiting rooms.