News archive
An archive of news items from the home page.
To make a media enquiry to the Department, please email news@health.gov.au or call (02) 6289 7400 (24 hours).
05 April 2013
Medical Research Review Released
Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has released the report of the McKeon Review - Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research – Better Health through Research.
28 March 2013
One Needle to Protect Against Four Diseases
From 1 July, Australian kids will need only one needle at 18 months to be fully protected from measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
21 March 2013
Record Number of GPs in Training
This year’s record number of GPs in training will boost the number of doctors in country Australia and develop the next generation of qualified GPs.
20 March 2013
More Scholarships for Aged Care Workers
Minister for Ageing Mark Butler has announced 72 new aged care nursing scholarships as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to boost the aged care workforce.
19 March 2013
Bulk Billing Rates at Record Highs
Bulk billing rates for GP services are at an equal record high, with 82% of GP services bulk billed in the December quarter.
18 March 2013
New Centre to Monitor the Pulse of Australia’s Blood Supply
A new surveillance centre to monitor Australia’s billion-dollar national blood supply has been opened in Canberra.
15 March 2013
New Guide on Borderline Personality Disorder
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler launched a new guide to assist health professionals to recognise and treat Borderline Personality Disorder.
15 March 2013
New Murri Clinic Delivers More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services
Indigenous residents of the Acacia Ridge area of South Brisbane are enjoying better access to community health services with the opening of a revamped health clinic at the Murri School.
13 March 2013
Government Introduces Aged Care Legislation
Five bills were introduced into Parliament on 13 March 2013 which underpin the Australian Government’s $3.7 billion Living Longer Living Better aged care reforms.
13 March 2013
Government to Establish Chief Allied Health Officer
Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, announced that the Government would establish the Commonwealth’s first Chief Allied Health Officer to support the work of thousands of important health professionals.
13 March 2013
Religious and Cultural Leaders Unite for Launch of ‘Donatelife…the Greatest Gift’ Community Education Kit
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Kate Lundy and Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King released a national community education kit about organ and tissue donation for Australians of diverse faith, cultural and language groups.
08 March 2013
Government Improves Home Medicine Program
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said patients will benefit from a move by the Gillard Government to strengthen the program that helps patients who are at risk of accidently taking the wrong medication.
07 March 2013
Report Highlights Importance of Medicare Locals
The new report released by the National Health Performance Authority (NHPA) called Australians’ experience with primary health care in 2010-11 reinforces the importance of Medicare Locals.
06 March 2013
Healthy Eating Program Benefits Students
An evaluation of the Federal Government’s Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program shows the real difference it has made to students around Australia.
06 March 2013
South Australians Urged to Make Their Donation Wish Count
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King and Federal Member for Hindmarsh Steve Georganas have reminded South Australian families of the need to discuss and know each other’s organ and tissue donation decisions to make their wish count.
06 March 2013
Strengthening Affordable Housing in Western Sydney
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Mark Butler has opened a new headquarters and training centre for Evolve Housing to help strengthen the delivery of affordable housing across Sydney.
05 March 2013
Aged Care Workers’ to Get a Well Deserved Pay Rise
Older people will be the ultimate winners from a landmark deal that will provide higher wages, better conditions and more rewarding careers for the nation’s 350,000 aged care workers.
03 March 2013
Improved Kids’ Health Check to Begin
The Australian Government is providing $11 million over five years for the expanded Medicare Healthy Kids Check, to give parents the option of talking to a medical professional about health and wellbeing issues they’re concerned about.
01 March 2013
Positive Results in the AIHW Healthy for Life Report
Improvements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health have been detailed in the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report into maternal health, child health and chronic disease management.
28 February 2013
An Innovative ‘Teaching’ Aged Care Centre Opens in Adelaide
South Australia has a state-of-the-art teaching aged care centre with the opening of the ‘Adelaide G-TRAC Centre’ at Resthaven Paradise campus.
27 February 2013
Canberrans Walk to Make Their Wish Count
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King is urging Canberrans to make their organ and tissue donation wish count.
25 February 2013
Report Points to Better Health Services for Tasmanians
A preliminary report to improve the delivery of health services for Tasmanian patients has been welcomed by the Australian Government Health Minister Tanya Plibersek and the Tasmanian Minister for Health Michelle O'Byrne.
20 February 2013
It’s a Cracker! New Salt Reduction Targets
The salt content of savoury crackers will be reduced over three years following an agreement between the Australian Government and leading manufacturers Arnott’s Australia, Kraft Foods Australia, PepsiCo Australia and retailers Woolworths, Coles and ALDI.
19 February 2013
Australian Government Welcomes New Zealand Tobacco Move
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek and Attorney General Mark Dreyfus have welcomed the news that New Zealand will join Australia with plans to introduce tobacco plain-packaging laws.
19 February 2013
HPV Message for a Multicultural Australia
Australian school boys can now be protected against cancers and disease caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), under a new program launched by the Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek.
19 February 2013
Subsidy for Groundbreaking Hepatitis C Treatments
More than 130,000 patients will benefit from new and extended subsidies of important medicines each year through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
18 February 2013
Religious Leaders Support Organ and Tissue Donation – DonateLife Week
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King today launched a community education campaign directed to Australians of different religious and cultural backgrounds to highlight among them the importance of organ and tissue donation.
15 February 2013
Boys Get Their World-First Dose of Gardasil® to Protect Against HPV
Australian schoolboys have begun receiving the first of three vaccinations to protect them against cancers and disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced.
15 February 2013
More Australians Covered by Private Health Insurance
More than 122,000 people have taken out private hospital cover in the six months since the introduction of income testing of the private health insurance rebate.
08 February 2013
Families Urged to Shop Around for Best Health Insurance Deal
From April, private health insurance premiums will increase by an average of 5.6%, as the government urged families to shop around for the best deal using comparisons available on the government’s health fund website.
06 February 2013
Progress on the Rollout of Low Aromatic Fuel
New legislation to regulate the use of regular unleaded petrol in certain areas of Australia as a measure to prevent petrol sniffing was passed in the House of Representatives on 6 February 2013.
05 February 2013
Helping childcare workers and parents to keep kids healthy
A new guide aimed at keeping children safe and healthy in child care centres has been launched.
04 February 2013
Smiles all Round as ACT Signs up for Public Dental funds
Residents in the Australian Capital Territory will benefit from better access to dental care following a new agreement between the Australian Government and the ACT Government
01 February 2013
Boost for Cancer Research
Australia’s world-class researchers will receive a significant boost in their continued fight against cancer from $10.6 million in new funding for 38 research grants.
31 January 2013
$5 Million for Mental Health Research
Suicide prevention, substance abuse and better mental health planning will be the focus of research efforts at two new Centres of Research Excellence based at the University of NSW.
25 January 2013
Minister for Ageing Congratulates Senior Australian of the Year 2013
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has congratulated internationally recognised palliative care specialist Professor Ian Maddocks AM who received this year’s Senior Australian of the Year award.
22 January 2013
Graduate Support to Improve Access to Dental Health
The Australian Government’s new Voluntary Dental Graduate Year Program will place 46 dental graduates in public dental facilities across the nation to provide services to patients and gain valuable experience in public dental work.
22 January 2013
Steady 2012 Increase in Organ Donation and Transplantation
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has welcomed a steady increase in organ donation during 2012, resulting in more lives being saved through transplantation.
18 January 2013
Consumers Benefit from Food Label Changes
A new standard to give consumers confidence that nutrition content claims and health claims on food labels and in advertising are backed by scientific evidence became law from 18 January.
15 January 2013
Breaking the Cycle of Depression and Anxiety
A new DVD for parents with mental illness, launched on 15 January, will help them to be open and talk about their mental health issues with their children.
03 January 2013
New Reforms to Help Smokers Quit the Habit in 2013
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has said smokers who had made a New Year’s resolution to kick the habit would benefit from another burst of anti-smoking TV ads, larger graphic health warnings on the new plain packs, and new free smart phone apps.
21 December 2012
Aged Care Strategy for LGBTI Australians Released
The Australian Government has launched the first ever National LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Strategy to support the implementation of Living Longer Living Better – the Government’s $3.7 billion aged care reform package.
21 December 2012
National Tobacco Campaign and Driver Reviver Get on the Road to Better Health
The Australian Government has announced a national sponsorship partnership between the National Tobacco Campaign and Driver Reviver.
21 December 2012
New Protection on Costs for People in Aged Care
People who enter aged care homes from 1 July 2014 will benefit from greater consumer protection following a Federal Government decision requiring aged care providers to seek approval for charging fees over a certain level.
21 December 2012
The passing of Professor Gavin Mooney
The passing of Professor Gavin Mooney and his partner Dr Delys Weston is a tragic loss for the health community, both in Australia and internationally.
20 December 2012
Aged Care Strategy for Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Australians Released
The Australian Government today launched the National Ageing and Aged Care Strategy for People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds which will help in the delivery of Living Longer Living Better – the Government’s $3.7 billion aged care reform package.
18 December 2012
$127.9 Million Boost for Best and Brightest Medical Researchers
Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has announced $127.9 million for 151 grants for ground-breaking health and medical research across Australia.
18 December 2012
Review Finds That More Work is Needed on New Anticoagulant Medicines
A report into anticoagulation therapies released today by the Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek found more work was needed before new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) such as dabigatran (Pradaxa®) could be listed on the PBS.
17 December 2012
Rapid HIV Test Approved in Australia
A new, on the spot rapid screening test for HIV, which will be able to give a preliminary result within a half an hour, has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for marketing in Australia.
14 December 2012
1,000th Sign-Up for Palliative Care Clinical Trials
Australians with life-limiting illnesses are helping others in a similar situation around the country and worldwide by taking part in trials of palliative medicines.
14 December 2012
70,000 Seniors in Western Australia to Benefit From Funding Boost to Home Care
Seniors in Western Australia will receive more support to stay in their homes thanks to an $18.8 million boost to the Home and Community Care Program.
14 December 2012
Funding Boost to Support People with Eating Disorders
The Australian Government has announced it will boost funding to support thousands of Australians with eating disorders.
14 December 2012
Support for People with Mental Illness to Stay Well in the Community
The Federal and State Governments have announced they would call for applications for a new $6 million project to improve services provided to people with mental health in Tasmania.
13 December 2012
Aboriginal Kids Health in the Territory Improving
A new report has found the dental and hearing health of Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory is steadily improving as a result of health checks.
12 December 2012
Gillard Government to Act on Female Genital Mutilation in Australia
The Australian Government will boost community awareness and education campaigns and review Australia’s legal framework in an effort to stop the barbaric practice of female genital mutilation in this country.
11 December 2012
CEO appointed to the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority
Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has confirmed that Dr Tony Sherbon had been appointed as the permanent CEO of the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority.
11 December 2012
New CEO appointed to General Practice Education and Training
Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, has announced the appointment of Ms Megan Cahill as the new Chief Executive Officer of General Practice Education and Training (GPET).
11 December 2012
Nickol Bay Emergency Department’s Upgrade Completed
Patients will benefit from Karratha’s Nickol Bay Hospital’s Emergency Department after a $714,592 upgrade.
11 December 2012
Release of Chemical Assessments
Action to improve the availability of chemical safety information for industry, government and the community is well underway with the publication of chemical safety information on 137 industrial chemicals by the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS).
10 December 2012
Highest Monthly Organ Donation Outcome Achieved
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has announced that Australia has achieved the highest monthly deceased organ donation outcome since national records began.
07 December 2012
Legislative and Governance Forum on Food Regulation - Communique - 7 December 2012
Australian and New Zealand ministers responsible for the regulation of food have met to consider a range of issues including a revised health claims standard and progress on the interpretive front-of-pack labelling system.
07 December 2012
New Laws Agreed to Regulate Claims Made About Food
Food manufacturers who choose to make claims like low in fat or contains protein for muscle development will have to provide scientific evidence to support these claims under a new food standard agreed to by ministers responsible for food at a meeting in Brisbane on 7 December.
06 December 2012
New app helps you locate a doctor wherever you are
A summer holiday with a child who falls ill can make even the most relaxed parent groan. But a new website and smartphone app now shows you the way to the nearest GP or after-hours pharmacy with just a few taps on a screen.
03 December 2012
New Supplier Adds Reach to Low Aromatic Fuel Rollout
A new supplier of low aromatic fuel has agreed to begin production of a new product from mid-2013 to assist the Australian Government’s efforts to stamp out petrol sniffing in regional and remote communities.
30 November 2012
Big Tobacco should do the Right Thing by Small Business
The Australian Government would not allow tobacco companies to use retailers as pawns in their fight against plain packaging, Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek said on 30 November.
29 November 2012
ANZTPA Implementation Ministerial Council
Communique - Trans Tasman Ministerial Council progresses joint therapeutic products scheme - 29 November 2012
28 November 2012
Community Awareness Grants Awarded to Support DonateLife Week 2013
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has announced $533,000 in Community Awareness Grants which will support 22 organisations to conduct community awareness and education events as part of DonateLife Week 2013.
28 November 2012
Food and Health Dialogue Communiqué
The recent results from the Australian Health Survey reaffirms the commitment of the Australian Government’s Food and Health Dialogue to make healthier food choices easier and more accessible for all Australians.
28 November 2012
Report Sheds Light on Mental Health Carers
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Disability and Carers, Jan McLucas have welcomed the release of a new report on carers of people with mental illness.
27 November 2012
$4.5M to Help Prevent Suicide in Indigenous Communities
Up to $4.5 million in funding for projects to tackle the high rate of Indigenous suicide are now available for application until 21 December 2012.
27 November 2012
First National Mental Health Report Card Released
Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler has welcomed the release of National Mental Health Commission’s first National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
23 November 2012
Social Inclusion Week Launched
Social Inclusion Week runs from 24 November until 2 December and is about connecting local communities, workmates, family and friends in order to build and strengthen relationships and networks.
22 November 2012
Building Australia’s Health Workforce - More Medical Specialists
A hundred and fifty new specialist training positions for doctors have been announced as part of the Australian Government’s $346 million commitment to better access to health specialists.
22 November 2012
Continuing Progress on Adopting Low Aromatic Fuel
The Australian Government supports the Low Aromatic Fuel Bill 2012, as a further tool to ensure Opal Fuel is rolled out to all areas where petrol sniffing continues to devastate lives.
22 November 2012
Expansion of Leading Medical Research Institute
Research into the causes and treatment of some of the most persistent and destructive diseases will benefit from the opening in Melbourne of a new seven-storey wing at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.
21 November 2012
Glenorchy Keeping People ‘On The Go’
Minister for Mental Health, Ageing and Social Inclusion Mark Butler has visited an innovative local project in Glenorchy funded by the Australian Government to encourage healthy eating, physical activity and social inclusion.
21 November 2012
Guilford Young College Tackles Mental Health as Students Hit Exams
As Guilford Young College Year 11 and 12 students hit exam time, Federal Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler took time out to catch up with students and talk about mental health issues.
21 November 2012
Statement on Pricing of Chemotherapy Drug
The Government is committed to providing lifesaving drugs for cancer patients.
20 November 2012
Report to Help Tackle Suicide in Rural and Remote Areas
A new report launched by the Minister for Mental Health, Mark Butler, has found that rural and regional communities face unique challenges in preventing and recovering from suicide.
19 November 2012
New Report Released for Post-Natal Depression Awareness Week
Further research into the economic impact of perinatal depression was launched on 19 November by Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler, as Post-Natal Depression Awareness Week activities kicked off around the country.
16 November 2012
Medicine Subsidy for Sufferers of Chronic Nerve Pain
Around 270,000 Australians will benefit from a medicine used to treat chronic nerve pain, which will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
16 November 2012
Projects to Better Connect Health and Aged Care
Applications have been opened by Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler, for more than $17 million in projects to better connect Australia’s aged care system with the health and hospitals systems.
16 November 2012
TGA Advances Reforms with New Advisory Council
The Australian Government has appointed a group of eminent health care professionals to strategically guide the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as it implements its blueprint for reform.
15 November 2012
Tasmania Reaches Highest Ever Number of Organ Donors
Parliamentary Sectary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has commended the Royal Hobart Hospital on their significant contribution to Tasmania achieving the highest annual organ donation outcome since national records began.
14 November 2012
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan Consultation in South Australia
Nation-wide consultations with local community and service organisations continue this week (November 14-15) in South Australia to hear first-hand about the broad health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia.
14 November 2012
Kids’ Diamond Jubilee Ward Named at Prince Charles Hospital
The brand new children’s short-stay ward at Brisbane’s Prince Charles Hospital has been officially named in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
13 November 2012
New Report Shows Economic Cost of Perinatal Depression
New research reveals 1800 Australian parents are diagnosed every week with post and antenatal depression at a cost to the economy of $433 million.
13 November 2012
SPF 50+ Sunscreens to be Available in Stores this Summer
Sunscreens sold in Australia will be allowed to display a new Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating of up to 50+, providing better broad spectrum protection from UVA - the portion of the sun’s UV radiation that causes melanomas and other skin cancers.
10 November 2012
New Aged Care Places Offered as Reform Plan Moves Forward
More than 14,000 new aged care places will be offered across Australia for 2012-13 as part of implementing the Government’s $3.7 billion aged care reform plan – Living Longer Living Better.
09 November 2012
Federal Minister Welcomes Leadership on Medical Interns
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek today congratulated those jurisdictions that are working with the Commonwealth to fund additional medical internship training in public and private hospitals.
09 November 2012
Minister Welcomes Western Australian Funding for Intern Training
The Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, has welcomed the Western Australian Government’s decision to fund additional medical internship training in the state’s public and private hospitals.
08 November 2012
Official Opening of GP Plus Super Clinic Modbury
The GP Plus Super Clinic Modbury, opened on 8 November, is providing more comprehensive and convenient health care in the local community.
06 November 2012
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Men's Sheds Share in New Funding
Twenty-six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Men’s Sheds and groups, located in every mainland state and the Northern Territory, have won grants for their local community activities in a special $125,000 round funded by the Australian Government.
06 November 2012
Suicide Support Line Now Available Around The Clock
A phone line funded by the Australian Government will operate 24 hours a day to provide urgent assistance to people at risk of suicide who are participating in the Access to Allied Psychological Services program.
04 November 2012
Government Steps up Anti-Smoking Momentum
Anti-smoking advertising campaigns aimed at the general community and high-risk groups such as pregnant women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are the latest initiative in the Government’s world-leading push to help Australians stop smoking.
02 November 2012
Australia and Gates Foundation Fund Fight Against Drug Resistance
Australia is providing $5 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) over the next three years as part of a project jointly sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to deal with the emerging threat of drug-resistant malaria in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.
02 November 2012
Respite Services to be Extended Across Australia
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has announced an additional $12.1 million in funding to extend the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP).
01 November 2012
Baseball League to Tackle Binge Drinking
The Australian Baseball Federation and the Australian Baseball League have formed a landmark partnership to sign up to the Be the Influence: Tackling Binge Drinking campaign.
01 November 2012
Improved Access to Medicare-Funded MRI Services
Thousands of patients, particularly children, will benefit from expanded access to Medicare-funded Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services.
31 October 2012
Australians Warned of Late Effects of Polio
Doctors and the general community have been urged to learn about the late effects of polio, which can severely affect people 15 or more years after contracting the polio virus.
31 October 2012
New Grants Build on the Work at 58 Men’s Sheds
More than fifty Men’s Sheds across Australia will receive funding from the Australian Government to upgrade their facilities or buy new equipment and tools, in the latest round of grants announced on 31 October.
31 October 2012
New Resources to Help Deliver Better Care for Older Australians
Three new resources have been released that will help aged care workers support older Australians, including updated guidelines on medication management in aged care.
29 October 2012
Guidelines to Address the Trauma of Childhood Abuse
A new set of guidelines that aim to help mental health and social service providers better understand the complex effects of trauma on adult survivors of childhood abuse were launched on 29 October 2012.
29 October 2012
Smoking Rates in Australia Continue to Decline
Smoking rates and unhealthy levels of alcohol consumption are down, but the percentage of adults who are overweight or obese has increased; rates of diabetes have remained stable after trending up over the last decade, but mental health problems and behavioural conditions have risen, according to the results of the Australian Health Survey, issued on 29 October.
25 October 2012
New headspace Program to Help Schools Affected by Suicide
A new suicide support service to be provided in secondary schools across the country will support students and the broader school community in the wake of a suicide.
24 October 2012
Important New Medicines Listed on the PBS
More than 110,000 Australians will benefit from better access to affordable medicines following the Australian Government’s approval of new and extended listings for medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. This includes the decision to extend the listing for aflibercept (Eylea®), a medicine to treat age-related macular degeneration.
19 October 2012
$290 Million Funding Boost for Victorian Researchers
The University of Melbourne and Monash University topped the list of funded metropolitan and regional universities in the announcement of $652 million grants for health and medical research.
19 October 2012
$50 Million for Ageing Research
Health and medical research into dementia, macular degeneration and other age-related conditions will benefit from $50 million in new Australian Government funding.
19 October 2012
$652 million boost for best and brightest medical researchers
Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has announced $652 million for 1,141 grants for ground-breaking medical research across Australia.
19 October 2012
$68.2 Million for Research Funding Boost for Mental Health
Health and medical research into anxiety, eating disorders, depression and other mental health conditions will benefit from $68.2 million in new Australian Government funding announced today for 104 National Health and Medical Research Council grants for new ground-breaking mental health research.
15 October 2012
NGOs Called on to be ‘Partners in Recovery’
Applications from non-government organisations to become Partners in Recovery (PIR) Organisations in each of the 61 Medicare Local regions have opened.
11 October 2012
New Website Boosts Patient Access to Australian Clinical Trials
Patients suffering chronic diseases will benefit from the launch of a new website that offers easier access to clinical trials of new drugs, treatments and medical procedures.
10 October 2012
Celebrating World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health issues, combat stigma and encourage people in need to seek help.
10 October 2012
Virtual Clinic to Offer Free Mental Health Counselling
Australians needing help with mental health issues will have access to free online and phone counselling when a new national 'virtual clinic' opens later this year.
07 October 2012
Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness for Tasmanians with Mental Illness
The Federal and Tasmanian governments are moving to break the cycle of homelessness for people with mental health issues with a new $6.6 million project.
04 October 2012
$17.69 Million to Boost Health Workforce in Regional and Remote Areas
Regional and remote communities will benefit from $17.69 million in projects aimed at boosting the healthcare workforce in rural areas, Acting Minister for Health Mark Butler announced today.
03 October 2012
Monitoring the Impact of Changes to the Aged Care Funding Instrument
Growth in funding to aged care providers under the Aged Care Funding Instrument is tracking as expected, following changes made in July.
28 September 2012
Australian University Sports to Tackling Binge Drinking
Australian University Sports is the latest national sporting organisation to sign-on to the Be the Influence: Tackling Binge Drinking campaign.
28 September 2012
Celebrations as Katungul Returns to Community Hands
Aboriginal people on the New South Wales South Coast have welcomed the return of Katungul Aboriginal Corporation to community control.
27 September 2012
Independent Review of Health Workforce Programs
Acting Minister for Health Mark Butler today announced that Ms Jenny Mason would lead a review of the Australian Government’s health workforce programs.
24 September 2012
Government Welcomes Alcohol Labelling Initiative
The Federal Government welcomes the alcohol labelling initiative launched by DrinkWise Australia and the Winemakers' Federation of Australia on 24 September 2012.
21 September 2012
24/7 Crisis Response Service to Ease Pressure on Emergency Departments
The Australian Government and the South Australian Governments are moving to ease pressure on emergency departments by extending a mental health crisis response service to 24 hours and setting up a ‘walk in’ mental health clinic in Salisbury.
19 September 2012
Legislation to be Introduced to Ban Gag Clauses in Not-For-Profit Sector
Legislation will be introduced to ban gag clauses in Commonwealth contracts with the Not-For-Profit sector, ensuring ongoing positive engagement and open debate between the Federal Government and the sector.
14 September 2012
Advisory Panel on Positive Ageing
The Australian Government has announced the full membership of the Advisory Panel on Positive Ageing, comprising a range of eminent Australians with strong expertise in issues facing seniors.
14 September 2012
Communities Tackle Chronic Disease to Live Longer!
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has announced 36 new health promotion projects aimed at increasing awareness of chronic disease and promoting better health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
13 September 2012
Agreement signed for extra elective surgery in Tasmania
Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has announced the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments had signed an agreement that will deliver at least 2,600 additional elective surgery operations in Tasmania.
13 September 2012
New Director of NICNAS Appointed
A new director has been appointed to the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS).
13 September 2012
Reach Out for R U OK? Day
Australians are being encouraged to reach out to their loved ones, friends and colleagues and check on their wellbeing as part of R U OK? Day.
12 September 2012
Big Tobacco’s Sick Joke
Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has said that new packaging produced by Big Tobacco exposed the lengths that they will go to attract people to their deadly products.
11 September 2012
Lifeline on ABC 7:30
Suicide is a significant problem for the community and an issue we all need to take responsibility for tackling.
11 September 2012
More Support for Families Affected by Suicide
Families affected by the loss of loved ones to suicide can now have access to bereavement assistance through a federally funded program.
11 September 2012
Views Sought on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan
A discussion paper has been released for input to a new National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (NATSIHP).
10 September 2012
Funding Boost for Suicide Prevention
On World Suicide Prevention Day, the Australian Government has provided funding aimed at enhancing the collective capacity of local communities to prevent suicide.
10 September 2012
Reaching Out to Help – The First Step in Suicide Prevention
On World Suicide Prevention Day, Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, encouraged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to learn and look for the warning signs of suicide and to ask their friends and family if they need help.
06 September 2012
$10 Million for a Better Workforce to Care for Older People
Minister for Ageing Mark Butler has announced $10.2 million in funding for 26 projects to better prepare the aged care workforce to care for older Australians.
06 September 2012
Australian Transplant Games a Time to Get Serious About Donation
More Australians have been challenged to get serious about their support for the Australian Transplant Games by discussing organ donation with their families and encouraging the gift of life through organ and tissue transplantation.
05 September 2012
Adelaide's Regent Blood Donor Centre Officially Opened
Donating blood in Adelaide has become more convenient with the opening in central Adelaide of the new Regent Blood Donor Centre in the Regent Arcade in Grenfell Street.
05 September 2012
National Volunteer Awards Now Open
The Minister for Ageing and Social Inclusion, Mark Butler, has launched the 2012 National Volunteer Awards which recognise and celebrate Australia’s volunteers.
04 September 2012
Aged Care Teaching Centres to be Created
The Australian Government will provide funding for projects across Australia to create integrated aged care teaching centres.
03 September 2012
New MRI Licences Nationally and a New Facility at the Children's Hospital Westmead
The Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek opened the new MRI suite at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and also announced 161 MRI scanners in major cities around Australia were set to be granted Medicare eligibility for certain types of scans of some patients.
31 August 2012
Government to Support Dentists who Donate their time for Free
Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, today announced that the Government would support the work of dentists who give their time for free to help the most disadvantaged get dental treatment.
30 August 2012
Mental Health Consumer Reference Group Moves Forward
The Consumer Reference Group tasked with guiding the establishment of a new mental health consumer organisation met for the first time on 30 August 2012.
29 August 2012
$4 Billion Dental Spend on Children, Low Income Adults and the Bush
More than three million children will be eligible for government-subsidised dental care, in the same way they’re now entitled to Medicare-funded GP visits.
27 August 2012
New $7.5 Million Fellowship to Support Mental Health Research Open
Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler announced that the new John Cade Fellowship in Mental Health Research is open for applications.
24 August 2012
Food and Health Dialogue Communiqué
The Australian Government’s Food and Health Dialogue met on 24 August and endorsed a Quick Service Restaurant engagement strategy as part of its work with industry to make healthier food choices easier and more accessible for all Australians.
23 August 2012
Appointments to Organ and Tissue Authority Advisory Council
Mr David Koch has been appointed as the new chair of the Advisory Council to the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority.
22 August 2012
Donatelife Reaches Out to Australians of Muslim Faith
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has launched a video resource to support Australians of Muslim faith in their decision-making and family discussions about organ and tissue
22 August 2012
Eating Disorders to be More Accurately Reported
The Australian media will now be armed with a quick reference guide to more accurately and sensitively report on eating disorders and mental illness.
21 August 2012
$1 Million to Support People With Cancer
Health Minister, Tanya Plibersek, announced that the Commonwealth Government will invest $1 million to support Australians affected by cancer in 13 new project grants.
21 August 2012
Government Boosts Efforts to Reduce Alcohol Related Harm
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has announced funding for projects aimed at reducing alcohol related harm in the community.
21 August 2012
Helping More Australians to Stop Smoking
The Federal Government in conjunction with SANE Australia, a leading mental health non-government organisation, has produced materials to help people experiencing mental illness quit smoking.
16 August 2012
Australian Medicare Local Alliance Launched
Australians can look forward to more effective and cohesive primary health care with the launch of a new national body to lead the network of Medicare Locals.
16 August 2012
Cough and Cold Medicine Alert for Parents
Parents have been alerted to take note of important changes in the latest advice on dispensing cough and cold medicines to their young children.
15 August 2012
Important Stage in Broome Hospital Emergency Department Upgrade
Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has welcomed the completion of the first stage of an upgrade to Broome Hospital’s Emergency Department – a significant milestone in the project that when completed will lead to people being seen by a doctor more quickly.
15 August 2012
World Leading Plain Packaging Laws Given a Clean Bill of Health
The Australian Government has welcomed the decision of the High Court of Australia to reject the legal challenge by big tobacco against Australia’s world-leading laws on plain packaging of tobacco.
13 August 2012
Final Stage of the John Curtin School of Medical Research Opens
The third and final stage of the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University in Canberra was officially opened on 13 August 2012.
11 August 2012
New Youth Mental Health Centres Coming Soon
Young people experiencing early psychosis will soon have access to new world-leading mental health centres.
10 August 2012
Dementia Made a National Health Priority Area
Health Ministers met in Sydney on 10 August 2012 and have agreed to designate dementia as the ninth National Health Priority Area.
10 August 2012
Government Committed to Rural Training for Health Professionals
Rural and regional areas will continue to benefit from a commitment by the Australian Government to facilitating training for medical students and specialists in regional Australia.
10 August 2012
Standing Council on Health Communique
Australian Health Ministers met in Sydney on 10 August for a meeting of the Standing Council on Health. The meeting was chaired by Dr Kim Hames, WA Minister for Health.
10 August 2012
Youth to Benefit From New Headspace Sites
Fifteen new headspace youth mental health services will open across the country to support young people dealing with depression, substance abuse and other mental health issues.
09 August 2012
New appointments to Cancer Australia’s Advisory Council
Three new members have been appointed to the Cancer Australia Advisory Council, along with the reappointment of five current members.
09 August 2012
Students to Learn Mental Health Crisis Signs
Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler and Member for Grayndler Anthony Albanese today launched the new R U OK? at School program to raise awareness of mental health issues.
08 August 2012
First Sod Turned on New Hospital for Eastern Perth
Australian Health Minister Tanya Plibersek joined Senator Glenn Sterle and Western Australian Deputy Premier Kim Hames to turn the first sod of a new $360 million hospital campus in Perth.
08 August 2012
Minister welcomes How Australia is faring report
The Minister for Social Inclusion, Mark Butler, says the Australian Social Inclusion Board’s 2012 How Australia is faring report tells a compelling story about our progress as a nation.
07 August 2012
NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Register Changes Welcomed
People in New South Wales will now register for organ donation through a single national register thanks to the decision to decommission the New South Wales register.
07 August 2012
Partners in Recovery Program Moves Closer
Minister for Mental Health, Mark Butler, has released funding guidelines for the Federal Government’s $549.8 million mental health program Partners in Recovery.
05 August 2012
Patients Beware: Drug Companies Increase Prices for Some Brands of Medicines
Patients should shop around for their brand of medicine following price increases imposed by pharmaceutical companies on 85 brands of medicines listed on the PBS.
03 August 2012
$7.5 Million for Three Indigenous Health Research Centres
Three new Centres of Research Excellence have been funded by the Australian Government to focus on important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues.
03 August 2012
Mates to Drive Suicide Prevention on Construction Sites
Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler announced a $5.24 million national suicide prevention program, Mates in Construction, at a construction industry conference in South Australia.
03 August 2012
National Aged Care Conference Goes Live
Industry experts and advocates will descend on Adelaide to talk all things ageing at the 2012 National Aged Care Conference.
02 August 2012
$516,000 Sunshine Coast cancer centre extension opened
Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has opened the $516,000 extension of the Bloomhill Therapy Centre on the Sunshine Coast.
02 August 2012
$7.4 million for Three Mental Health Research Centres
Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler announced that suicide prevention, substance abuse and better mental health planning will be the focus of research at three new Centres of Research Excellence.
02 August 2012
Researchers of deadly esophagus cancer to share $42 million grant
Researchers studying the cause of deadly esophagus cancer are among 17 recipients sharing $42.3 million in medical research funding from the Australian Government.
01 August 2012
Aged Care Financing Authority Established
The Australian Government’s aged care reforms have taken a major step forward with the establishment of the Aged Care Financing Authority (ACFA).
01 August 2012
Aged Care Reform Implementation Council Members Appointed
Minister for Ageing Mark Butler has announced the five remaining members of the Aged Care Reform Implementation Council.
01 August 2012
Government Makes New Commitment to Healthy Eating Program
The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program, which is teaching healthy eating habits to primary school aged children all over Australia, will receive a further $5.4 million investment from the Australian Government.
01 August 2012
On-Line TGA Database Provides Information on Adverse Reactions to Medicines
Consumers, health professionals and industry can now access online information about adverse events to medicines that have been reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) since 1971.
01 August 2012
World Breadfeeding Week
The Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, marked World Breastfeeding Week by encouraging Australian women to consider the benefits of exclusively breastfeeding their babies for the first six months of life.
25 July 2012
Headspace for Cairns
A new headspace youth mental health service in Cairns will support young people dealing with depression, anxiety, substance abuse and other mental health issues.
24 July 2012
Equality for LGBTI Australians in Aged Care
A National LGBTI Aged Care Strategy to support the implementation of Living Longer Living Better is to be developed by the Australian Government.
24 July 2012
Organ and Tissue Health Professionals Invited to Apply for International Training Scholarships
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King invited health professionals working in the organ and tissue sector to apply for international training and development opportunities through the Janette Hall Professional Training and Development Scholarship Program.
23 July 2012
New e-Mental Health Tool Launched
A new online mental health tool, myCompass, that assesses user symptoms, then provides a personalised support program, has been launched.
20 July 2012
Faster Assessment of the Impact of Industrial Chemicals
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has welcomed the launch of a framework to provide a faster, more flexible and transparent approach to assessing the impact of industrial chemicals on human health and the environment.
19 July 2012
Scholarships for Next Generation of Aged Care Nurses
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler called on budding nurses to apply for one of 715 aged care nursing scholarships worth up to $30,000.
18 July 2012
Funding for New Dementia Café in Riverwood
Dementia sufferers in Riverwood and surrounding areas will have an opportunity network and engage in the community through a new Dementia Café funded by the Australian Government.
18 July 2012
Living Longer Living Better in Seven Hills
Minister for Ageing Mark Butler joined local MP Michelle Rowland in Seven Hills to report back to the community on the Government’s $3.7 billion aged care package.
18 July 2012
New Headspace for Greater Western Sydney
A new headspace youth mental health service will open in Penrith to support young people dealing with depression, substance abuse and other mental health issues.
17 July 2012
Community to Receive Almost $1m for Home Care
Seniors in Robertson will receive more support to stay in their homes thanks to a $994,350 boost to the Home and Community Care Program.
17 July 2012
Food and Nutrition Guide Launched
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King today launched Australia’s Food and Nutrition 2012, a comprehensive report on the key components of Australia’s food and nutrition system.
17 July 2012
Headspace to Open in Newcastle
A new headspace youth mental health service will open in Newcastle to support young people dealing with depression, substance abuse and other mental health issues.
17 July 2012
Living Longer Living Better in the Hunter
Minister for Ageing Mark Butler joined local MP Jill Hall today in Belmont to report back to the community on the Government’s $3.7 billion aged care package.
16 July 2012
Record Number of GP Training Places in 2013
The Australian Government will recruit a record number of junior doctors into GP training places in 2013 with selection to 1100 entry places currently underway across the country.
16 July 2012
Transparency Reforms on Track at TGA
The Australian Government today announced that it would establish an Australian Therapeutic Goods Advisory Council later this year to provide broad strategic advice to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), with an emphasis on improving communications between the regulator and its key stakeholders.
12 July 2012
HPV Vaccine Extended to Boys
In a world first, Australian schoolboys will be able to get the successful Gardasil® vaccine, which will protect them against developing a range of cancers and bolster the effectiveness of this vaccine in women.
06 July 2012
Depression? Let me Google That for You
An Editorial from the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing about the launch of the mindhealthconnect.org.au website.
05 July 2012
e-Mental Health Portal Launched
Australia’s first national e-mental health online portal has been launched by Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler.
03 July 2012
Minister Welcomes Release of First Perinatal Depression Survey
Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler has welcomed the release of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s survey on perinatal depression.
30 June 2012
Home Care Reforms to Benefit More Than 500,000 Seniors
From 1 July 2012 the Australian Government has full responsibility for Home and Community Care (HACC) services that support more than 500,000 older Australians to live independently in their own homes and communities.
29 June 2012
TGA Applies Stricter Regulation to Joint Implants
Hip, knee and shoulder joint implants will be reclassified as high risk, Class III medical devices from 1 July 2012.
28 June 2012
Better Mental Health and Wellbeing for Kids
More than 700 schools are now participating in the successful KidsMatter primary program, an initiative to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the nation’s primary school students.
28 June 2012
Patient Access to New Medicare-subsidised Procedures
The Australian Government will add three new medical services the Medical Benefits Scheme, providing benefit for hundreds of Australian patients.
27 June 2012
Take a Breath and Think About Respiratory Health
As part of World Spirometry Day activities, Australians are being encouraged to take a deep breath and think about their lung and respiratory health.
25 June 2012
Claims Saying 320,000 Will Drop Health Cover are Wrong
Claims that 320,000 Queenslanders would drop their private health insurance and clog up public hospitals are rubbish, said Health Minister Tanya Plibersek.
25 June 2012
Cost of Medicines to Fall for Thousands of Australians
Around 45,000 people will benefit from new, cheaper medicines following the Government’s approval of eleven new medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
22 June 2012
Philippa Smith Reappointed as Chair of FSANZ Board
Ms Philippa Smith has been reappointed Chair of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Board.
22 June 2012
World Continence Week Kicks off
In launching World Continence Week 2012 in Melbourne on 22 June, Minister for Ageing Mark Butler said an estimated four million Australians are affected to some degree by incontinence.
21 June 2012
Patients to benefit from 30 additional MRI licences for regional Australia
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced another 30 regional licences for Medicare-rebated magnetic resonance imaging services.
21 June 2012
You’re Not Too Old to Donate Life
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King is appealing to older Australians to decide about and discuss their organ and tissue donation wishes with their loved ones.
20 June 2012
$24 Million for Drug and Alcohol Research
Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler has announced $24 million over three years to be invested into alcohol and drug research.
20 June 2012
$8.7 million in grants for rural health practices
Rural patients will benefit from new infrastructure grants to 50 projects across Australia, Health Minister Tanya Plibersek announced on 20 June 2012.
19 June 2012
Peter Shergold Appointed Chair of Aged Care Reform Implementation Council
Minister for Ageing, Mark Butler has appointed one of Australia’s eminent public servants, Professor Peter Shergold AC to Chair of the Aged Care Reform Implementation Council.
18 June 2012
$2.6 Million for Drug Action Week
Drug Action Awareness activities will benefit from $2.6 million to support future events, Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler announced on 18 June. The announcement of this funding, which will also support the continuation of the National Drug and Alcohol Awards and other national drug-prevention activities, marks the start of Drug Action Week 2012.
18 June 2012
Anne Gooley to Lead Development of Aged Care Workforce Compact
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced the appointment of Commissioner Anne Gooley as the Chair of the Aged Care Strategic Workforce Advisory Group.
15 June 2012
Getting Tasmania's Health System Back on Track
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced a $325 million emergency rescue package for Tasmania’s health system.
15 June 2012
Males Urged to Think and Do More About Their Health
The Minister responsible for male health, Warren Snowdon, has launched the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s second male health bulletin, Health of Australia’s males: a focus on five population groups, during a visit to the Murrumbateman Men’s Shed
15 June 2012
Performance Delivers Organ and Tissue Donation Story
A 30-minute theatre performance called the Gift of Life, launched in Darwin on 15 June, aims to carry the vital messages about the importance of organ and tissue donation and transplantation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
14 June 2012
$26 Million Boost for Mental Health in Western Australia
Western Australia will receive funding from the Australian Government for two new mental health projects under the National Partnership Agreement on Mental Health.
14 June 2012
Headspace to Open in Midland
A new headspace youth mental health centre will open in Midland to support young people dealing with depression, substance abuse and other mental health issues.
13 June 2012
Grants Now Available to Support DonateLife Week 2013
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, announced the availability of $533,000 in Community Awareness Grants to support community-based activities held during DonateLife Week 2013 (Sunday 24 February – Sunday 3 March 2013). DonateLife Week is the national awareness week to promote organ and tissue donation coordinated by the Organ and Tissue Authority as part of the Australian Government’s national reform agenda to increase organ and tissue donation for transplantation
10 June 2012
Investing in Better Health Care for Rural Australians
The Australian Government has made significant investments to help people in rural and regional Australia get the health care they need and deserve, a gathering of rural health professionals has been told.
07 June 2012
Dr Andrew Refshauge Appointed New Chair of Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced the appointment of Dr Andrew Refshauge as the new Chair of the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Board commencing 1 July 2012.
06 June 2012
headspace to Open in 13 More Locations
Thirteen new headspace youth mental health services will open across the country to support young people dealing with depression, substance abuse and other mental health issues.
06 June 2012
Allergic Consumers to Benefit from Allergen Collaboration
Government, consumer and industry representatives have joined together to improve how food allergen risks are managed and help consumers with a food allergy make safer food choices.
06 June 2012
Inaugural CEO appointed to health performance authority
Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has welcomed the appointment by the National Health Performance Authority of Dr Diane Watson as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer.
06 June 2012
New Collingwood headspace to Improve Mental Health of Thousands of Young People
Young people living in inner Melbourne will benefit from a new headspace service, officially opened by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
03 June 2012
Senate Committee to Consider Social Determinants of Health
Minister for Social Inclusion, Mark Butler today acknowledged a new study from Catholic Health Australia (CHA) which encourages governments to consider the long-term health impacts of all policies and practices to deliver a more socially inclusive Australia.
02 June 2012
Funding to Tackle the Human Health Effects of Hendra Virus
New funding of $3 million for eight projects will enable leading scientists to conduct critical research into the Hendra virus and how it affects humans, following a fresh outbreak in Queensland.
01 June 2012
$21.9 Million Home Care Boost for Seniors in Victoria
Seniors in Victoria will receive more support to stay in their homes thanks to a $21.9 million boost to the Home and Community Care Program.
01 June 2012
$35.6m to Help NSW Seniors Stay Independent, Active and Healthy
Seniors in NSW will receive more support to stay in their homes thanks to a $35.6 million boost to the Home and Community Care Program.
01 June 2012
Empowering Indigenous Communities to Tackle Suicide
The Menzies School of Health Research has been appointed to help the Australian Government develop the nation’s first Indigenous Suicide Prevention Strategy.
01 June 2012
Legislative and Governance Forum on Food Regulation Communique
Australian and New Zealand ministers responsible for the regulation of food have met to consider the progress on a range of issues including a revised health claims standard and front-of-pack labelling.
01 June 2012
Young Australians Have Their Say on National Mental Health Report Card
25 young people from across Western Australia will attend a Youth Roundtable in Perth to have their say on Australia’s first national Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
31 May 2012
Call for Submission on Discussion Paper for the Review of the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme
The Australian Government is inviting interested parties and individuals to provide written submissions to the second phase of the review of the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS).
31 May 2012
New Guide to Preventing Chronic Disease for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
The second edition of the National Guide to a Preventive Health Assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was launched in Canberra by Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon.
30 May 2012
Young Men’s Mental Illness Costs us $3 Billion Annually
A new report launched on 30 May shows that young men’s mental illness in costing the Australian economy more than $3 billion each year in lost productivity.
29 May 2012
A Better Start for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Babies and Children
A report released by the Australian National Audit office has confirmed that the New Directions: Mothers and Babies Services program is being effectively administered to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and their children.
29 May 2012
Government funds world-first research into multiple sclerosis
Australian scientists searching for a better way to treat for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) using a world-first adult stem cell technique will benefit from an Australian Government grant.
29 May 2012
New data reveals how long patients wait for cancer surgery
New information on the time Australian patients wait for surgery to treat cancer has been made available for the first time on the MyHospitals website.
28 May 2012
Kicking Goals in the Fight Against Risky Drinking
The Australian Government today announced the expansion of the successful Good Sports Program, an initiative supporting local sporting clubs around Australia to build a culture of responsible drinking at the grass roots level.
28 May 2012
Launch of 'Red Undies Week' 2012
Australians have been urged to ‘take the test’ as part of Kidney Health Australia’s national awareness campaign for the early detection of chronic kidney disease.
25 May 2012
MedicineWise Award Winners
Programs and services which are improving the use of medicines in contexts ranging from Aboriginal health to pregnancy have been recognised with National MedicineWise Awards.
25 May 2012
Noarlunga headspace Opens for Young People in South Adelaide
Young people living in Noarlunga and surrounding areas will benefit from a new headspaceservice, officially opened on 25 May.
24 May 2012
Bulk billing rates at record highs
Bulk billing rates reached a record high in the March quarter, with 81.2% of GP services bulk billed.
18 May 2012
$4.3 Million More for Home and Community Care in Tasmania
Older Tasmanians will receive more support to stay in their homes thanks to a $4.3 million boost to the Home and Community Care Program
18 May 2012
$50 million for Medicare Locals to help rollout eHealth records
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced $50 million over two years will be made available to Medicare Locals – networks that support frontline health providers – to assist GPs and other health care providers to adopt and use the Australian Government’s new eHealth records system.
17 May 2012
South Australians Urged to Ask and Know Each Other’s Donation Wishes
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has urged South Australians to ask and know the organ and tissue donation wishes of their family members.
16 May 2012
Another 50,000 Australians take out private health cover
The March quarterly report from the independent Private Health Insurance Administration Council found the number of Australians with hospital cover had increased to 10,455,462.
16 May 2012
Better Access to Care for Tasmanians Affected by Dementia
An innovative nurse practitioner pilot project is improving access to primary health care for older Australians in Tasmania.
16 May 2012
GP After Hours Helpline Begins Service in Victoria
The popular after hours GP helpline has become a truly national service, as Victoria has now signed on, bringing all state and territories on board.
14 May 2012
Schizophrenia Awareness Week
At the beginning of Schizophrenia Awareness Week (14-20 May), the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has welcomed the opportunity the week provides to promote greater community understanding of schizophrenia and mental illness generally.
11 May 2012
New eHealth “learning centre” goes live
An online “learning centre” which details how the Australian Government’s new electronic health record system will work for patients and practitioners has been launched.
08 May 2012
Australian Government 2012-13 Health and Ageing Portfolio Budget Statements and Budget Media Releases
Information for the Health and Ageing Portfolio 2012-13 Budget and related Media Releases are available for viewing.
Budget Media Releases:
- Government Invests in Frontline Health Services
- Blitz on Dental Waiting Lists to Benefit Low Income Australians
- New and Improved Health Facilities for Regional Australians
- Extension of Program to Fight Bowel Cancer
- Budget Delivers Certainty for eHealth System
08 May 2012
Australian Government Invests in Frontline Health Services
The Australian Government will deliver major new health initiatives and continue to support frontline health services for Australian families in the 2012-2013 Budget.
08 May 2012
Budget Delivers Certainty for eHealth System
Australian families will benefit from a $233.7 million investment to continue the rollout of a national, secure eHealth system which will deliver safer and better health services.
08 May 2012
Facebook Joins the Organ and Tissue Donation Campaign
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has joined with Facebook to launch a way for Australians to start a conversation about their wish to become an organ and tissue donor.
08 May 2012
Minister Welcomes Move on Duty-Free Tobacco
The Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, welcomed the Budget measure to reduce the amount of duty free cigarettes and tobacco that people are allowed to bring into Australia.
06 May 2012
Blitz on dental waiting lists to benefit low income Australians
The Australian Government has announced 400,000 people will benefit from a blitz on public dental waiting lists as part of a $515.3 million drive in foundation measures.
05 May 2012
Expansion of Program to Fight Bowel Cancer
The Australian Government’s life-saving National Bowel Cancer Screening Program will be expanded under the 2012-13 Budget to provide additional screenings to people aged 60 and 70.
05 May 2012
Healthy Eating for a Healthy Australia
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King urges Australians to think carefully about their food and nutrition choices.
04 May 2012
Grafton’s $5 Million GP Super Clinic Officially Opened
The new $5 million GP Super Clinic in Grafton was opened on 4 May, making it easier for residents to see a GP and giving better access to quality health care.
04 May 2012
Tribute to Organ and Tissue Donation Advocate David Gough
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King today paid tribute to one of Australia’s treasured advocates for organ and tissue donation, David Gough.
04 May 2012
WA Acknowledged for Role in Organ and Tissue Donation
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has acknowledged Western Australia for its contribution to increasing organ and tissue donation for transplantation as part of the Australian Government’s National Reform Agenda.
03 May 2012
New Acting Chair of GPET Announced
Dr Richard Matthews has been appointed the Acting Chaiman of General Practice Training and Education Ltd. Dr Matthew’s appointment is for a three-month period from 1 May 2012.
03 May 2012
New Organ and Tissue Donation Resources for Illawarra’s Orthodox Communities
New resources for Greek, Serbian and Macedonian communities are now available to help dispel myths and overcome barriers to discussion and decision-making about organ and tissue donation.
03 May 2012
Online Training Available for Suicide Prevention Professionals
Australians who have attempted or are at risk of suicide or self-harm will benefit from an updated and expanded online training package produced as part of the Australian Government efforts to tackle suicide.
03 May 2012
Your Say on Australia’s First Ever Mental Health Report Card
Australians are now able to have their say on the nation’s first Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, through a new online survey.
02 May 2012
Prominent Scientist and Regulator appointed new Head of TGA
Dr John Skerritt has been appointed the new national manager of the Therapeutic Goods Administration, which is responsible for regulating therapeutic goods including medicines, medical devices, blood and blood products.
30 April 2012
New Blood Processing Centre Opens in Melbourne
Security of the national blood supply will be boosted by a new, $213 million, world–class processing facility based in Melbourne.
27 April 2012
Standing Council on Health Communique 27 April 2012
Australian Health Ministers and the New Zealand Health Minister met in Canberra today to discuss a range of national health issue including workforce, e-health, Indigenous health and aged care.
27 April 2012
Standing Council on Health Workforce 2025
Health Ministers today considered the Health Workforce 2025 Report which models expected workforce demand and supply for doctors, nurses and midwives to 2025.
26 April 2012
Working Together to Break the Cycle of Hospitalisation and Homelessness
As part of a new National Partnership Agreement on Mental Health, the Australian Government will provide the NSW Government $57.6 million over five years for three new projects that will improve the care and support provided to people living with severe mental illness.
24 April 2012
New Perinatal Mental Health Guides for Clinicians
Child and maternal health workers and other frontline health workers will soon have access to new free information resources on the perinatal mental health disorders women can face during pregnancy and after birth.
20 April 2012
More Choice, Easier Access and Better Care for Older Australians
Under landmark changes to the aged care system, more people will get to keep their home, and more people will get to stay in their home as they receive aged care.
18 April 2012
Government responds to the Final Report of the Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians
The Australian Government has issued its initial response to the Final Report of the Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians.
18 April 2012
Inala headspace Opens for Young People in South-East Brisbane
Young people living in Inala and surrounding areas will benefit from a new headspace service opened on 18 April.
12 April 2012
New Children’s Cancer Centre Opens at WCH
A new children’s cancer centre at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide has been opened.
11 April 2012
Therapy Services to Help Older Australians to Age Well
More than 70,000 older Australians will continue to receive subsidised physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and podiatry services for the next three years.
09 April 2012
New Alzheimer's Australia Report Shows Aged Care System is Failing Dementia Sufferers and their Families
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has released an Alzheimer’s Australia report on feedback received from older Australians, their families and carers through the national conversation on aged care reform.
08 April 2012
Alzheimer’s Australia report on feedback received from older Australians, their families and carers through the national conversation on aged care reform.
08 April 2012
Record Investment in Specialist Doctor Training
As part of the Australian Government’s $390 million commitment to boost the number of specialist doctors across the country, Health Tanya Plibersek has announced that 105 new trainee specialists have commenced in 2012.
07 April 2012
Healthy Ageing a Focus of Australians on World Health Day
World Health Day gives us cause for reflection on positive ageing for Australians with its theme of healthy ageing at a time when the world’s population is ageing rapidly.
06 April 2012
COTA report on national conversations on ageing.
The COTA report on national conversations on ageing is now available
05 April 2012
Funding Available to Improve Safety at Suicide 'Hotspots'
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler today invited organisations to apply for funding under the Improving safety at ‘hotspots’ measure which will allow them to undertake capital works to reduce the risk of suicide at hotspot locations.
05 April 2012
Greater Collaboration between Mental Health Clinicians
The third phase of the Mental Health Professionals Network project has been launched in Adelaide, with the Australian Government providing almost $7 million to the network to support better training and professional development.
04 April 2012
Invitation to Apply for NBN-Enabled Telehealth Programs
Older Australians, people in need of palliative care and cancer patients are among those set to benefit from new telehealth pilot projects designed to be supported by the National Broadband Network (NBN).
04 April 2012
More Local Support for People with Mental Illness
More Australians with severe mental illness will have access to practical support services with $8.1 million in funding from the Australian Government.
02 April 2012
Farewell Jimmy Little AO – An Inspirational Australian
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has expressed his heartfelt sadness at the death of Jimmy Little AO, an inspirational Australian.
01 April 2012
Patients Save Money on Life-saving Medicines
From 1 April 2012, the Australian Government reforms will reduce the price of more than 1000 different generic drugs, which will drop by as much as $15 per packet for patients.
29 March 2012
$2.9 Million to Help Boost Access to Clinical Trials
Patients suffering chronic diseases will benefit from $2.9 million in funding to increase access to clinical trials of new drugs, treatments and medical procedures.
29 March 2012
The Next Generation of Nurses Using Robot Patients For Training
As part of the Australian Government’s commitment to help address the future health workforce needs of the community, nurses and midwives are undertaking training with robot patients that talk, breath and move at new $5 million laboratories at the University of Technology, Sydney.
28 March 2012
International Experts Complement Australia’s Organ and Tissue Donation Reform
Visiting Australia for the 2012 Annual DonateLife Network Forum, Dr Laura Siminoff from the USA and Associate Professor Marti Manyalich from Spain have joined delegates to share their experience of organ and tissue donation reform in their home countries and explore opportunities to further Australia’s.
26 March 2012
Food and Health Dialogue Communique
The Australian Government’s Food and Health Dialogue is continuing its role as a key plank in the Government’s effort to reduce salt intake across the population.
25 March 2012
Reduce Salt for Better Health
Countries around the world are joining forces to highlight the role too much salt plays in the development of many diet-related diseases.
22 March 2012
Celebrating Close the Gap Day
Hundreds of events will be staged across the country on 22 March to mark National Close the Gap Day.
22 March 2012
Health Research Investment Delivering Back to the Economy
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has welcomed research showing Government investment in a leading Northern Territory health research school is delivering a threefold return to the economy.
19 March 2012
Making Sure Our Carers are OK
Australia’s 2.6 million carers will have access to emotional and psychological support into the future with the announcement today that funding has been guaranteed for counselling services for carers for an extra year.
16 March 2012
Private Health Insurance Rebate Mean-test Becomes Law
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek welcomed the passage of legislation through the Parliament to means-test the private health insurance rebate on 16 March 2012.
12 March 2012
New Nepean Hospital Surgical Wing to Reduce Penrith Waiting Times
Residents of Penrith will have shorter waiting times and greater access to surgical procedures with the opening of a new surgical wing at Nepean hospital.
10 March 2012
Virtual Clinic to Provide Mental Health Services Open Tenders Invited
As part of the Australian Government’s implementation of its record mental health package, the Department of Health and Ageing has issued an open and competitive Invitation to Apply for Funding (ITA) to suitably qualified organisations to develop and deliver Virtual Clinic mental health services.
10 March 2012
Women with PIP breast implants to receive subsidised MRI scans
Women who know that they have PIP breast implants, or where clinical advice is that they might have, will from Monday be able to access Medicare rebates for MRI services to assess whether their implants are structurally sound, Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek said today.
09 March 2012
New Emergency Department for Mersey Patients
Patients at the Mersey Community Hospital are set to benefit from a new $5.3 million Emergency Department which was officially opened on 9 March 2012.
09 March 2012
Royal Hobart Hospital Masterplan Unveiled
A once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernise, expand and improve health care services for all Tasmanians has been realised in a new redevelopment masterplan for the Royal Hobart Hospital.
08 March 2012
GP After Hours Helpline Begins Service in Queensland
Queenslanders have been given access to the popular after hours GP helpline, which means that people living in the Sunshine State will now be able to get medical advice from a GP after hours.
08 March 2012
Headspace Perth Officially Open for Business
Australia’s newest headspace has been officially opened in Perth by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
06 March 2012
Grants Announced for Research into Preventive Health
Almost $4 million in research funding has been allocated nation-wide to 13 new projects that will investigate ways to prevent the harm caused by obesity, tobacco and harmful use of alcohol.
06 March 2012
New Data Shows How Often Hospital Staff Wash Their Hands
Doctors and nurses will be given more information about how they can continue to protect their patients from the spread of infectious diseases with the release of new national data on how often hospital staff wash their hands.
01 March 2012
Convenient access to birth control pills and high cholesterol medication
The passing of the National Health (Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement) Bill 2011means that patients whose prescriptions have run out will be able to obtain birth control pills and high cholesterol medication from a pharmacy if they’re unable to see a doctor in time for a renewal.
01 March 2012
King Warns Against Internet Medicine Purchases
Australians have been warned of the hazards of using the internet to source their medicines and therapeutic products.
01 March 2012
Thousands More Australians Talking About Organ and Tissue Donation
Following the most successful DonateLife Week to date, thousands more Australians around the country have been encouraged to discuss their organ and tissue donation intentions with their loved ones.
29 February 2012
Continued Assistance for Homeless Older People
Nearly 4,000 disadvantaged older Australians a year will continue to receive valuable assistance to help them secure or maintain stable housing and care in the community of their choice.
28 February 2012
Private health insurance premium increases at four year low
The annual increase in private health insurance premiums will this year be the lowest in four years.
27 February 2012
Final Report of National Advisory Council on Dental Health
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has welcomed the final report of the National Advisory Council on Dental Health.
26 February 2012
Praise For Melbourne Heart's Big Heart
Melbourne Heart Football Club has been praised for its part in campaigning for organ and tissue donation.
24 February 2012
Gillard Government’s Cancer Services Commitment On Show
The Australian Government’s commitment to improved cancer services across the nation was plain for all to see when Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King visited the site of the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre.
24 February 2012
Headspace Hobart Officially Open for Business
Australia’s newest headspace has been officially opened in Hobart by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
24 February 2012
Healthy and Positive Ageing on Show in Tassie
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, and Federal MP for Franklin, Julie Collins have visited the Queen Victoria Home in Lindisfarne, Tasmania to meet residents receiving support to age well through the Day Therapy Centre (DTC) program.
24 February 2012
New Affordable Housing for Glenorchy Residents
A new $5.3 million social housing development, consisting of 18 two-bedroom apartments for seniors, has been opened in Glenorchy. These new homes have been fully funded by the Australian Government through the Social Housing Initiative.
23 February 2012
1,000 new GPs registrars start work in local communities
A record number of medical school graduates have this year begun their vocational training to become GPs under a $150 million Australian Government program.
22 February 2012
Better Access to Aged Care for Regional Queensland
Older Australians living in regional Queensland will be able to receive support and care in their community close to their loved ones and friends thanks to a combined investment in aged care services by the Commonwealth, state, and local governments.
22 February 2012
Compelling Film Prompts Family Discussion of Organ and Tissue Donation
A compelling new Australian film will prompt families to confront the need to ask and know each other’s donation wishes.
22 February 2012
Men's Shed Funding Boosts Support For Blokes
The Minister with responsibility for Male Health, Warren Snowdon, has announced 31 Men’s Sheds across Australia will be helped to fit out their buildings, purchase tools or supplies and to run programs to spread health messages.
22 February 2012
Praise for Canberra’s DonateLife Walkers
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, and the Member for Canberra, Gai Brodtmann, have praised walkers in Canberra’s DonateLife Walk for their commitment to the cause of organ and tissue donation.
21 February 2012
More Young Australians Must Start With the Discussion About Donation Wishes
It was vital that apparent barriers to young adults deciding about organ and tissue donation were quickly removed, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, said during DonateLife Week.
21 February 2012
New Drug to Help Prevent Heart Attacks Subsidised for Patients
A new drug that can help prevent heart attacks and will benefit more than 60,000 Australians is to be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) at a cost of more than $100 million over five years.
17 February 2012
Additional Funding for HACC Services in Western Australia
More frail, older people and younger people with a disability will receive support to stay in their own homes and communities, thanks to $15.9 million in funding for the Home and Community Care (HACC) program this year.
17 February 2012
New Headspace Youth Mental Health Service for Nundah
Young people in Nundah will now be able to visit the new headspace – Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm – to chat about what’s going on in their life and seek help and advice if they’re feeling anxious, worried or going through a tough time
16 February 2012
Parramatta Headspace Opens for Young People in Western Sydney
Young people living in Parramatta and surrounding areas will benefit from a new headspace service.
15 February 2012
$39.8 Million Boost For Home and Community Care Across Queensland
The Australian Government and the Queensland Government have announced a $39.8 million boost for home and community care services throughout Queensland.
15 February 2012
Means-test is historic victory for working Australians
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said the passage of legislation to means-test the private health insurance rebate through the House of Representatives was a historic victory for working Australians.
15 February 2012
More Respite Services for Carers Living in Four Corners of Australia
The Australian Government is providing more than $293 million to guarantee the future of respite services under the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) including Demonstration Day Respite Services until 30 June 2014.
15 February 2012
NRL Partnership Announced at National Launch of DonateLife Week 2012
A partnership between the National Rugby League and the Australian Government to encourage more people to become organ and tissue donors was announced on 15 February at the national launch of DonateLife Week 2012.
14 February 2012
National Blood Authority - New General Manager Appointed
Mr Leigh McJames has been appointed as the new general manager of the National Blood Authority, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has announced.
12 February 2012
New System to Crackdown on Prescription Painkiller Abuse
The Australian Government will set up a new $5 million national electronic records system to combat abuse of controlled drugs including prescription painkillers.
12 February 2012
Not-For-Profit Sector Tax Concession Working Group
The membership and terms of reference for a new working group to consider ideas for better delivering the support provided through tax concessions to the not-for-profit sector have been announced.
10 February 2012
Grants Announced To Fight Youth Binge Drinking
The Australian Government is continuing its fight against youth binge drinking armed with $10 million to fund 26 community level projects across Australia.
09 February 2012
Means-Test Is About Fairness
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said the private health insurance rebate should be means-tested to bring about fairness for taxpayers.
08 February 2012
Online Tobacco Ads Stubbed Out
The Senate passed legislation restricting online tobacco advertising in Australia on 8 February 2012.
07 February 2012
New national body to support Medicare Locals
A national primary care organisation, the Australian General Practice Network, will form on 1 July 2012 a new national body for Medicare Locals– the Australian Government’s landmark new primary health care network.
06 February 2012
New Study Finds Shorter Waiting Times May Save Lives
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has welcomed a new study which shows the Australian Government’s policy of cutting the time patients wait in hospital emergency departments can “save lives.”
03 February 2012
$11 million investment in new Victorian medical school
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek officially opened the University of Notre Dame Australia’s newly built Melbourne Clinical
02 February 2012
More Indigenous Aged Care and Primary Health Care Workers for Remote Communities
Eighty three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged and primary health care trainees from the Indigenous Remote Service Delivery Traineeship Program have completed training with new, nationally recognised qualifications in business and management.
01 February 2012
Changes to Better Access
In the 2011-12 Budget, the Australian Government brought in changes to the Better Access program to deliver a mental health package that better targeted and supported some of the most disadvantaged people in our community.
31 January 2012
New Kits Rolled Out To Tackle Ear Disease
A new resource kit to tackle ear disease amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids has been launched by the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon.
25 January 2012
Senior Australian of the Year 2012
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing and Minister for Social Inclusion Mark Butler has congratulated the nonagenarian Indigenous community leader from north-east Arnhem Land, Laurie Baymarrwangga, who is this year’s Senior Australian of the Year.
23 January 2012
Open for Business: Australia’s First National Mental Health Commission
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, launched Australia’s first National Mental Health Commission on 23 January 2012.
22 January 2012
NBN to further boost Telehealth Takeup
A new $20.6 million telehealth program using the National Broadband Network (NBN) will provide new and innovative in-home telehealth services to older Australians, people living with cancer and those requiring palliative care.
21 January 2012
New Ads Encourage Australians to Shape Mental Health Reform
From 21 January 2012, advertisements are appearing in newspapers across the country inviting Australians with a lived experience of mental illness to help shape national mental health reform.
19 January 2012
Means Testing Won’t Hurt Private Health Insurance Industry
A new report has found the private health insurance industry increased its premium revenue by $1.25 billion in the last financial year, providing further evidence to Parliament that the industry is healthy and robust, and would not be significantly affected by means-testing of the private health insurance rebate.
17 January 2012
A New Ten Year Plan for Mental Health
Australians have been invited to help carve out the future of our mental health system with the release of the draft Ten-Year Roadmap for National Mental Health Reform for public consultation.
16 January 2012
Australia Reaches 1000 Organ Transplant Recipients in 2011
More than 1000 Australian lives were saved or improved through organ transplants in 2011.
16 January 2012
Coalition Set to Stop Closing The Gap
Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon said comments by coalition Senator Nigel Scullion that a key role driving the Australian Government's push to reduce smoking rates should be scrapped prove again the Coalition will put the interests of big tobacco before the wellbeing of Australians.
07 January 2012
New information phone line for women concerned about their breast implants - 1800 217 257
The Gillard Government today announced a new hotline for women concerned about their breast implants.
04 January 2012
Make Good on New Year’s Weight Loss Resolutions
Australians who made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight can count on some help to reach their target weight.
02 January 2012
Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline is of great assistance to new parents
Parents celebrating the arrival of a baby in the New Year are reminded about the Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline – 1800 882 436.
30 December 2011
GP Helpline demonstrated to cut demand on EDs and After Hours GP Services
More than 20,000 people who have called the GP after hours helpline since it commenced on 1 July have been redirected from seeking urgent after hours treatment at either hospital emergency departments or GP after hours services.
30 December 2011
New PBS Listings, including help for New Year's resolution to quit smoking
Smokers making a New Year’s resolution to quit the habit will benefit from new low strength nicotine patches being listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme on January 1.
27 December 2011
Access to doctors easier with After Hours GP Helpline
Minister for Health announces expansion of medical services to increase access to GPs after hours.
23 December 2011
Draft Regulations on Plain Packaging for Non-Cigarette Tobacco Products Released
The Australian Government has released draft regulations on plain packaging for non-cigarette tobacco products, including cigars and loose leaf tobacco, for public consultation and submissions by 20 January 2012.
23 December 2011
Resignation of Dr Rohan Hammett
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Catherine King, thanks the retiring National Manager of the TGA, Dr Rohan Hammett.
22 December 2011
Over 9,000 New Aged Care Places Allocated – But There is More to be Done
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced the results of the 2011 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) on 21 December 2011.
21 December 2011
Free Hearing Services for Young Australians from 1 January
Young adults aged 21 to 26 will soon be eligible for free hearing services, including hearing aids and cochlear speech processor upgrades provided through Australian Hearing.
17 December 2011
Aged Care Sector Prepares For eHealth Records
Software vendors have been invited to help prepare the aged care sector for the introduction of the Australian Government’s personally controlled electronic health records system.
16 December 2011
3,500 More Australians with Mental Illness to Get Day-To-Day Support
More than 3,500 Australians living with severe and persistent mental illness will receive day-to-day support to stay connected to their community through arts and crafts workshops, cooking lessons, shopping trips and other social outings.
15 December 2011
$114.2 Million Investment in Health and Medical Research
The Australian Government has invested a further $114.2 million in health and medical research through 159 grants
15 December 2011
Community Awareness Grants Awarded to Support DonateLife Week 2012
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King has announced Community Awareness Grants to the value of $527,032 to support DonateLife Week 2012 events that will encourage more Australians to ask and know family members’ donation wishes.
15 December 2011
New Nurse Practitioners to Care for Older Australians
The Australian Government is investing $18.7 million to expand the role of nurse practitioners in residential and community based care.
13 December 2011
One Million Mental Health Services Provided
One million therapy sessions have been provided to people with a mental illness under the Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) program.
13 December 2011
Regional Teams Tackling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Smoking and Chronic Disease
Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon has launched two new tool kits for health workers to tackle the high rates of smoking and chronic disease amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
11 December 2011
Beacon of Hope for Cancer Sufferers
The fight against cancer moved up a gear with a Government scheme providing almost $10 million in funding for Australia’s world-class researchers to continue their search for new ways to prevent and treat the disease.
11 December 2011
Leading Australians to Spearhead National Mental Health Reform
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced the appointment of the Mental Health Commissioners to Australia’s first National Mental Health Commission.
09 December 2011
Legislative and Governance Forum on Food Regulation - Communique
Australian and New Zealand ministers responsible for the regulation of food and beverages met in Melbourne to consider their response to the recommendations in the Food Labelling Review Report, Labelling Logic.
09 December 2011
Negotiations for Gold Coast GP Super Clinic Well Advanced
Negotiations with Oxenford Medical Centre Pty Ltd to establish the new $7 million GP Super Clinic on the Gold Coast are well advanced.
09 December 2011
Northam GP Super Clinic on the Way
Negotiations with Wheatbelt GP network to establish the new $3 million GP Super Clinic in Northam are well advanced.
09 December 2011
Teenagers Urged to Have Free Dental Checkups
Teenagers have been reminded to book a Medicare-subsidised dental checkup before the end of the year.
08 December 2011
Government to Improve Regulation of Therapeutic Goods
The Australian government will introduce a comprehensive package of reforms for Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to ensure the regulation of medicines and medical devices is more effective and transparent.
08 December 2011
More Early Psychosis Services for Young Australians
Thousands of young Australians experiencing early psychosis, or psychotic disorders, are a step closer to accessing innovative new youth early psychosis services.
07 December 2011
Voice For Consumers In Mental Health Reform
The establishment of a new national mental health consumer organisation has moved a step closer, with the Australian Government focused firmly on ensuring it will be driven by consumers, for consumers.
06 December 2011
47 Communities Step into Summer with Healthy Habits
47 communities around the nation will step into summer with healthy habits as a result of new healthy eating and exercise programs designed to help combat obesity.
04 December 2011
Queensland to get After Hours GP Helpline
Queenslanders will soon be able to get medical advice from a GP after hours as the state’s 13HEALTH nurse advice service teams up with the Australian Government’s after hours GP helpline
01 December 2011
1 Year for Big Tobacco to Get Plain Packs Into Gear
Tobacco companies have a full year to transition to plain packaging, with regulations setting out the specific requirements for the retail packaging and appearance of cigarettes under the Australian Government's world-leading plain packaging legislation released today.
01 December 2011
Minister Shaves off Trademark Mo for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has had no choice but to shave off his trademark moustache after Queensland’s peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health body raised $10,000 for Movember.
01 December 2011
New Cancer, HIV and Other Drugs Listed on the PBS
More than 160,000 patients will benefit directly from changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from today, including patients being treated for cancer, HIV and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
30 November 2011
Australia to Host 2014 International AIDS Conference
Melbourne has been selected as the host city for the International AIDS Conference to be held in 2014.
30 November 2011
New MyHospitals Data Shows Record Use of Hospitals
Australians can now look back at over three-years of elective surgery and emergency department data for their local hospital on the popular MyHospitals website following new data added to the website on 30 November 2011
30 November 2011
Next Steps to Help Consumers Make Healthy Choices
Easier-to-understand nutritional labelling for consumers and greater restrictions on the health claims that can be made about that food are among the Australian Government’s response to a national Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy.
30 November 2011
Understanding Mental Illness Through Better Research
Mental health research in Australia is being massively boosted by the Australian Government with $26.2 million to go towards research into better mental health treatment and improved clinical outcomes.
29 November 2011
Blackburn Fellowships Celebrate Women in Research
The outstanding achievements of Australian Nobel Laureate Professor Elizabeth Blackburn have been recognised through a new fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) awarded to top female Research Fellows.
28 November 2011
Study Confirms Safety of Australia’s Food Supply
The 23rd Australian Total Diet Study released by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), has reaffirmed the Australian food supply is safe for consumers.
25 November 2011
Food and Health Dialogue Communique
The Australian Government’s Food and Health Dialogue has continued to make substantial advances as it works with food industry to make healthier food choices easier and more accessible for all Australians.
25 November 2011
Less Salt in Soups
Salt levels in soups sold in Australia will be reduced by the food industry over the next three years, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, said on 25 November 2011.
25 November 2011
Protecting Babies from Whooping Cough
25 November 2011
Stronger Immunisation Incentives
The Australian Government will reform Australia’s childhood immunisation arrangements with the aim of increasing the immunisation rates of Australian children over time.
24 November 2011
Bendigo GP Super Clinic Boosts Local Health Care
23 November 2011
Agreement Reached on Raymond Terrace GP Super Clinic
The Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments will join together to deliver better health services to the Raymond Terrace community following agreement to establish a combined GP Super Clinic and HealthOne facility.
23 November 2011
eHealth Records Legislation Introduced
Legislation has been introduced into Parliament for Australia’s national eHealth records system, with the rollout starting from July 2012.
23 November 2011
Gillard Government Delivering More Doctors
The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to double the number of GPs entering training, according to a newly released report.
23 November 2011
People with Psychotic Illnesses Now Better for Longer
The lives of people experiencing psychotic illness have improved markedly compared with 12 years ago, according to the national survey of psychotic illness published on 23 November.
23 November 2011
Statement by the Minister on the Occasion of Quakers Hill Nursing Home Memorial Service
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler extends his condolences to those affected by the Quakers Hill Nursing Home fire.
22 November 2011
Independent Hospital Funding Umpire Laws Passed
21 November 2011
Parliament Passes World First Plain Packaging of Tobacco Legislation
The Australian Parliament has passed the Australian Government’s world-leading tobacco plain packaging legislation, meaning all tobacco products sold in Australia will need to be in plain packaging from 1 December 2012.
18 November 2011
Expanded Services for 189 More Local GP Clinics
More and more patients around the country will see services expand at their local GP clinics as a result of a $54 million investment in frontline medical services by the Australian Government.
16 November 2011
35-Year High in the Number of Australians Covered by Private Hospital Insurance
New figures from the Private Health Insurance Administration Council show that more Australians are covered by private hospital insurance now than at any other time in the past 35 years.
14 November 2011
New Health and Ageing Grants Open for Business
Funding for health and ageing grants programs will be easier to access with a new, simpler system that opened on 14 November 2011.
11 November 2011
Record Medicare Bulk Billing Continues
Record bulk billing levels are helping working families around the country with the cost of accessing health care services such as local doctors.
11 November 2011
Senate Passes World First Plain Packaging of Tobacco Legislation
The Australian Government’s world-leading tobacco plain packaging legislation has passed through the Australian Senate, meaning all tobacco products sold in Australia must be in plain packaging from 1 December 2012.
10 November 2011
Health Care Boost for Carindale
Patients in the Carindale area can see big changes at the Carindale Medical Clinic thanks to a $300,000 primary care infrastructure grant from the Australian Government.
10 November 2011
More Health Professionals to be Trained in Queensland
Queensland families will have better access to more doctors and allied health workers thanks to the opening of the expanded Greenslopes Private Hospital Clinical School.
10 November 2011
Western Australian Organ and Tissue Donors Contribute to National Donor Growth
West Australians have been thanked today by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, for their part in increasing the nation’s rate of organ and tissue donation
09 November 2011
More Choice is Good News for Private Health Consumers
The growing number of Australians covered by private health insurance will find it easier to make informed choices about their level of cover with handy new tools available on www.privatehealth.gov.au.
08 November 2011
New Research Tackles Depression among Older Australians and Their Carers
The National Ageing Research Institute has begun a ground-breaking program that aims to tackle depression among older Australians and their carers by improving their fitness.
07 November 2011
$1B Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Moves Forward
The Australian and Victorian Governments have agreed on the implementation plan to develop the $1 billion Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
04 November 2011
38 Organisations Named to Drive Primary Health Care Reform
Thirty-eight organisations have been selected to become the next Medicare Locals that will drive access to better primary health care for Australian families.
04 November 2011
Australian Government Committed to Prevention Strategies
The Australian Government’s committed and increasingly unified approach to injury prevention has earned the nation an enviable international reputation for road transport trauma and childhood injury prevention.
04 November 2011
New Mental Health App for Young Men to be Trialled
A new online mental health app designed specifically for young men was launched for trial on 3 November 2010 by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
04 November 2011
States and Territories Rewarded for Improved Elective Surgery Performance
Most states and territories will receive full reward funding for their performance against the third round of elective surgery targets.
04 November 2011
Tissue Donors on Increase in Queensland
Queenslanders have been thanked by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, for their part in increasing the nation’s rate of organ and tissue donation.
04 November 2011
Rural and Regional Health Australia to Improve Access to Health Services
Australians living in rural, regional and remote parts of the country now have better access to information about local Commonwealth health care services and a strong voice on funding priorities following the creation of Rural and Regional Health Australia.
03 November 2011
Director of Professional Services Review Appointed
Dr William (Bill) Coote has been appointed permanent Director of the Professional Services Review (PSR), Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon announced on 3 November 2011.
03 November 2011
New National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
The Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon, and the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, today announced the development of a new health plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
02 November 2011
Amendments to Tobacco Plain Packaging Start Date
The Government has announced revised implementation timeframes for the introduction of its world first tobacco plain packaging legislation following delays in the Senate passing the legislation.
02 November 2011
Construction Begins on $44.6m Capital Region Cancer Centre
Cancer patients in the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding regions of New South Wales are set to benefit further from national health reforms, as construction begins on the $44.6 million Capital Region Cancer Centre.
02 November 2011
High Number of HHF Applications Received
More than 200 applications for health services in rural and regional Australia, totalling almost $3.4 billion, have been received under the Australian Government’s latest Health and Hospitals Fund Regional Priority Round.
02 November 2011
Pillar of Health Reform Passes The House
A key pillar of the Australian Government’s health reforms, the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority, has moved a step closer with legislation to establish the statutory authority passing the House of Representatives, Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon, said.
02 November 2011
Second Report on Economic Potential of Senior Australians
The Australian Government has welcomed the second report from the Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians, which looks at how to the most of the opportunities presented by a larger and more active community of older Australians.
01 November 2011
Call for Public Submissions on Better Regulation of Industrial Chemicals
The Australian Government is inviting submissions for the review of the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme.
01 November 2011
One Year on Patients Have More Choice
Patients and pregnant women around the country are benefitting from trail-blazing nurse practitioners and midwives who, in collaboration with medical practitioners, are now providing Government-subsidised services to patients.
28 October 2011
Health Reform Delivers Over 40 Beds for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven
Patients in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven will benefit from better access to more sub-acute hospital beds including improved rehabilitation, palliative care and mental health services as a result of the Gillard Government’s historic national health reforms.
28 October 2011
New Guidelines Improves the Management of Volatile Substance Use
Australia’s first Consensus-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Volatile Substance Use in Australiaand a quick-reference summary to support heath workers treating clients in this area have been developed.
28 October 2011
Shellharbour GP Super Clinic Opens
The Australian Government is delivering more health services to Shellharbour with the official opening of the Shellharbour GP Super Clinic.
27 October 2011
First National Publication of Infection Rates on MyHospitals
For the first time all Australians are able to see how well their local public hospital is controlling serious staph blood infections (staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia), with the release of hospital infection rates on the MyHospitals web site.
26 October 2011
$16.7 Million Funding Boost For Queenslanders in Need
People with a disability and older, frail people in Queensland will receive more support to remain in their homes and their communities as a result of increased funding for the Home and Community Care program.
26 October 2011
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Accessing Health Services More Frequently
A new independent report has shown a dramatic increase in the number of health services provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients by the Australian Government.
25 October 2011
First Sod Turned for GP Super Clinic in Cockburn
The Cockburn community can look forward to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals following the start of construction of the Cockburn GP Super Clinic.
25 October 2011
National Health Reform Delivers Faster Treatment in WA
National health reform is delivering improved waiting times across Western Australian hospitals with Fremantle Hospital a striking example of the improvements that are taking place.
24 October 2011
A New Headspace for the Upper Spencer Gulf
Young people in the Upper Spencer Gulf area are to get better, local access to mental health care and related drug and alcohol services.
24 October 2011
Better Health Care for Wanneroo
Wanneroo residents will have better access to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the signing of a funding agreement between the Australian Government, Western Australia’s Government and Edith Cowan University to establish the $22 million Wanneroo GP Super Clinic.
24 October 2011
Government Sponsors Nation’s First Workshop to Make the Food Supply Healthier
A Food Innovation workshop in Werribee has attracted more than 120 participants from government, the food industry and research organisations to share ways to make Australian food healthier.
24 October 2011
Midland GP Super Clinic Reaches Mid-Point of Construction
Residents in Midland will soon have better access to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the Midland GP Super Clinic reaching the mid-point of construction.
24 October 2011
National Health Reform Delivers A Boost For Perth's Northern Suburbs
National health reform will deliver 52 beds for patients at Joondalup Health Campus, providing a major boost for services in the northern suburbs of Perth.
24 October 2011
New Headspace Locations Announced
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced the further expansion of the successful headspace program with 15 new sites and two outpost sites to be set up across Australia.
24 October 2011
New Headspace Outpost For Mount Isa
Young people living in Mount Isa are to get better, local access to mental health care and related drug and alcohol services.
24 October 2011
New Headspace Outpost for North West Coast
Young people living in Northwest Tasmania are to get better, local access to mental health care and related drug and alcohol services.
24 October 2011
New Headspace Sites for Victoria
More young people with mental illness, or at risk of mental illness, across Victoria, will be able to get the care and support that they need from four new headspace sites in Dandenong, Ringwood/Knox, Shepparton and Ballarat.
24 October 2011
New Headspace Sites for Young People in NSW
Young people living in NSW will benefit from the establishment of five new headspace sites, as announced by the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, on 24 October at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth.
24 October 2011
Planting the Seeds for a Healthier Future at Beldon Primary
Children at Beldon Primary School will soon be growing tomatoes, green beans, sweet corn and other veggies while learning about food and healthy eating habits after being selected to be part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program.
20 October 2011
41 New Health Professionals for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Servivces Across Australia
Health checks and access to health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders will be easier with the announcement new positions across Australia. These cover outreach workers, practice managers and health professionals to be based in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.
20 October 2011
Palm Islanders to Have Bigger Say In Their Local Health Services
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, and Queensland Minister for Health Geoff Wilson have welcomed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on Palm Island taking more direct involvement in their primary health care services with the signing of the Palm Island Statement of Intent.
19 October 2011
A Conversation on Ageing with Key Multicultural and Ethnic Groups
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Kate Lundy have met with key multicultural community organisations in Sydney as part of a national conversation on healthy and positive ageing.
19 October 2011
New Centre to Train More Doctors and Nurses in Western Sydney
A new training centre that will play a key role in training more doctors and nurses for Western Sydney has been opened in Blacktown.
19 October 2011
New Primary Health Care Services for South-East Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in south-east Queensland will have better access to health checks, general practice services, dental health, allied health and follow-up care with the opening of two new clinics in Brisbane.
18 October 2011
Allan Fels AO to Head Up Australia’s First National Mental Health Commission
Professor Allan Fels AO will chair the nation’s first National Mental Health Commission, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced.
18 October 2011
Australia Continues to Build on Increased Organ Donation and Transplantation
Australia’s official organ donation and transplantation outcomes are at the highest levels since national records began.
17 October 2011
$3.4 Million for Tasmanian Health and Medical Research
The Menzies Research Institute will benefit from the single largest investment in health and medical research grants in Australian history, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing announced on 17 October 2011.
17 October 2011
$35.7 Million for Research for Better Mental Health
Australians living with mental illness will benefit from 61 new research grants announced by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
17 October 2011
$39.8 Million in Health and Medical Research to Help Close the Gap
The Australian Government will fund $39.8 million of health and medical research towards improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
17 October 2011
$47 Million in Health and Medical Research Funding to Meet the Challenges of Ageing
Health and medical research into dementia, Parkinson’s disease, bone disease and other major age-related conditions will benefit from $47 million in Australian Government funding.
17 October 2011
$673.7 Million for Biggest Ever Investment in Health and Medical Research
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced the single largest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australian history.
17 October 2011
ACT Gains $10.8 Million from Biggest Ever Grant Announcement for Health and Medical Research
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced the single largest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australia on 17 October 2011.
17 October 2011
Appointment of New England North West Regional Cancer Centre Construction Tender Welcomed
Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has welcomed the appointment of Richard Crookes Construction to build the New England North West Regional Cancer Centre.
17 October 2011
Boost for Health Medical Research in South Australia
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced the single biggest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australian history.
17 October 2011
Northern Territory Researchers’ Excel in Medical Research Grants
Northern Territory researchers excelled in an announcement of grants for health and medical research in Australia by Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
17 October 2011
Queensland Women Lead the Way in $96.5 Million of Ground Breaking Medical Research
Queensland’s leading female researchers will receive funding to continue their groundbreaking work in osteoporosis, the genetics of ovarian cancer and childhood obesity prevention, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced on 17 October.
17 October 2011
Stanmore Public School Amongst 50 New Schools to Start Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Gardens
Kids at another 50 schools around Australia are set to join 128 schools that are already growing tomatoes, green beans, sweet corn and other veggies while learning about food and healthy eating habits.
17 October 2011
University of Sydney and University of Newcastle Shine in Health and Medical Research Stakes
The University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle topped the list of metropolitan and regional universities in the biggest ever investment of $673.7 million for health and medical research, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced on 17 October.
17 October 2011
University of WA in Top 10 for Australian Health and Medical Research Grants
Western Australia universities and medical research institutes will benefit from $28.2 million in research funding for 59 projects, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced on 17 October 2011.
17 October 2011
Victoria Shines in Health and Medical Research
Research institutes and universities in Victoria led the field in the biggest ever investment in health and medical research, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced on 17 October 2011.
12 October 2011
Further Evidence of Record Investment in Mental Health Services
New data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that spending on mental health related services is continuing at record levels.
12 October 2011
More Opportunity for Health Investments as Primary Health Care Reforms Being Delivered
The Australian Government is improving access to frontline health services across the country in a snap shot of primary health care reforms released by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon on 12 October.
11 October 2011
GP Super Clinic Closer for Portland
People in Portland can expect better health care soon with the Portland GP Super Clinic reaching the midpoint of construction.
11 October 2011
Social Workers Offer Support During Mental Health Week
Centrelink social workers received more than 300,000 referrals in the last financial year, many of them the result of last summer’s flooding. In recognition of Mental Health Week, Minister for Human Services Tanya Plibersek and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said the social workers were a fundamental component of services offered by the agency during times of crisis.
10 October 2011
GP Super Clinic Set to be Delivered for Redcliffe Residents
Construction on the Redcliffe GP Super Clinic will be completed in the coming months with the doors to open in 2012.
10 October 2011
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is an occasion to both acknowledge and work towards limiting the impact that mental health problems can have on individuals, families and the wider community.
09 October 2011
Get a head start on your New Year’s Resolutions: National 12 week ‘Swapping’ Challenge
With just 12 weeks to go until the New Year, Australians can be part of a unique national challenge and become a ‘Swapper’ – as part of the Swap It, Don’t Stop It campaign.
08 October 2011
Health Boost in Bush: Grants Available
Rural and remote health professionals, clinics and rural private hospitals have been invited by the Australian Government to apply for grants of up to $500,000 to improve their local health equipment or build new facilities.
07 October 2011
Better Health Services for Broken Hill
The Broken Hill community will have better access to doctors and other health professionals with the signing of an agreement to establish the Broken Hill GP Super Clinic.
06 October 2011
Minister Butler Attends Mount Isa Community Forum
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, joined the Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter at a community forum to discuss suicide prevention measures in Mount Isa on 6 October 2011.
05 October 2011
Tasmania Gains New Aged Care Teaching Facilities
Two of the State’s aged care homes and the University of Tasmania are about to join the growing ranks of state-of-the-art ‘teaching aged care facilities’ being established across Australia.
04 October 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Hobart
Patients in Hobart and surrounds will benefit from better access to emergency treatment, sub-acute hospital beds and cancer services as a result of the Gillard Government’s historic national health reforms.
04 October 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Launceston
Patients in Launceston and surrounds will benefit from better access to emergency treatment, sub-acute hospital beds and cancer services as a result of the Australian Government’s national health reforms.
04 October 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for North West Tasmania
Patients in North West Tasmania will benefit from better access to emergency treatment, sub-acute hospital beds and cancer services as a result of the Australian Government’s national health reforms.
04 October 2011
Plain Packaging Options for Non-Cigarette Tobacco Products
The Australian Government’s proposed approach to implement plain packaging for non-cigarette tobacco products such as cigars, cigarillos, roll-your-own tobacco and pipe tobacco has been released for public consultation.
30 September 2011
A Conversation on Ageing with Key Multicultural and Ethnic Groups
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Kate Lundy have met with key multicultural community organisations in Melbourne as part of a national conversation on healthy and positive ageing.
30 September 2011
Child Health Experts to Develop New Healthy Kids Check
Leading Australian child health experts will help develop a new Healthy Kids Check for three-year-olds.
30 September 2011
Important New Medicines Listed on the PBS
More than 160,000 Australians per year will benefit from the Australian Government’s decision to provide subsidised access to 48 medicines, including treatments for serious heart conditions including heart failure in infants and children, rare but serious infections like tuberculosis, and cancer.
30 September 2011
Release of draft eHealth Legislation
Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, released the draft eHealth records legislation for public consultation.
30 September 2011
School Workshops Encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Kids to Work in Health
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students are being encouraged to consider pursuing a career in health, as part of the Australian Government’s Attracting More People to Work in Indigenous Health campaign. Twenty workshops are being conducted in schools and careers exhibitions across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
29 September 2011
National Lead Clinicians Group Established
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has announced the Chair and members of the National Lead Clinicians Group.
28 September 2011
Makeover for Food Nutrition Calculator
A new version of a popular Nutrition Panel Calculator, used by industry to provide important nutrition information on food labels, has been launched.
27 September 2011
More Tasmanians Talking about Organ and Tissue Donation
Tasmanian families were today thanked by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, for their increased family discussion and knowledge of each others’ organ and tissue donation wishes.
27 September 2011
Pharmacy location rule changes to improve access to medicines
The rules governing the location of pharmacies in Australia will be fairer and more transparent following changes that come into force from 18 October 2011
26 September 2011
A Bright Future for Australian Health and Medical Research
2011 Australian of the Year Simon McKeon will chair an independent review of health and medical research in Australia and recommend a 10-year strategic health and medical research plan for the nation.
23 September 2011
Organ Donation Reform on Track for Continued Growth
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has released a mid point implementation review of Australia’s efforts to increase organ and tissue donation rates and agreed in principle to the opportunities for further improvements identified in the report.
22 September 2011
$5 Million for Culturally Appropriate Aged Care
The continuation of the Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) program will equip aged care services to deliver culturally appropriate aged care to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
22 September 2011
Gavin Larkin
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler paid tribute to founder of R U OK? DayGavin Larkin who passed away on Wednesday 21 September.
21 September 2011
Australia Supports Global Action on Tobacco
The Australian Government will provide an additional $700,000 to the World Health Organization to increase the global fight against tobacco smoking.
21 September 2011
Grants to Support DonateLife Week 2012
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King announced the availability of $300,000 in Community Awareness Grants to support community-based activities held during DonateLife Week 2012 (Sunday 19 – Sunday 26 February 2012).
20 September 2011
Speech to the United Nations on Non-Communicable Diseases
On 19 September, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, addressed the plenary session of the UN high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases.
19 September 2011
Australia’s GPs are the Front Line of Primary Care
Article by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and published in the Medical Observer.
19 September 2011
Foundation Stones to be Laid for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention
The Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon is to attend the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases in New York
19 September 2011
National Health Reform Continues to Deliver
A new national watchdog for Australia’s health system will soon be formed after legislation to establish the National Health Performance Authority passed the Senate on 19 September.
16 September 2011
Confronting new tobacco health warnings
The Gillard Government’s campaign to drastically cut smoking rates reached another milestone today with the release of new graphic health warnings for tobacco products.
16 September 2011
International Honour for Aged Care Provider Welcomed by Government
The Australian Government welcomes the United Nations’ Habitat Scroll of Honour award for the care of Victoria’s vulnerable elderly people to Wintringham — a major Australian care service for older homeless people.
16 September 2011
Pulling E-Health Together, Not Tearing it Apart
Article by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and published on 6 Minutes.
16 September 2011
Reducing Kidney Disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, said a report released on 16 September illustrates why the Australian Government’s investment in improving kidney health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is so important.
15 September 2011
Ask a Loved One R U OK? and Help Prevent Suicide
Australians are being encouraged to reach out to their loved ones, friends and colleagues and check on their wellbeing as part of R U OK? Day - a national day of action to prevent suicide.
15 September 2011
Cosmetics Regulatory Gap Closed
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has welcomed new laws to regulate ingredients in cosmetics which passed in the Senate on 15 September.
15 September 2011
Half a Million GP Super Clinic Services Completed and Counting as Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic Officially Opens
More than half a million services have been completed at GP Super Clinics across the country in another sign that national health reform is delivering real results for Australians.
15 September 2011
New outreach service keeps Mount Isa patients close to home
A new rehabilitation service is helping Mount Isa residents get the care they need closer to home.
15 September 2011
New Rehab Service Keeps Townsville Patients Close to Home
National health reform is delivering a fresh approach to patient rehabilitation and helping to deliver more services closer to home for North Queenslanders.
15 September 2011
New Resource to Get Australians Talking About Donation Wishes
A new resource to help Australians overcome barriers to discussion about organ and tissue donation has been launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
14 September 2011
All Huff and Puff as Big Tobacco Quietly Runs Away
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has said that tobacco companies have backed off on their attempt to gain access to Government legal advice.
12 September 2011
Ehealth Record Blueprints Finalised
The finalised plans for Australia’s secure, efficient eHealth system have been released by the Government.
12 September 2011
First Regional Meeting of the Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians in Alice Springs
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler meet with the Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians and local interest groups in Alice Springs to discuss the issues facing older Australians in the Northern Territory.
10 September 2011
World Suicide Prevention Day – Bringing Experts Together to Tackle Suicide
On World Suicide Prevention Day, the Gillard Labor Government announced a range of new measures aimed at strengthening its efforts to tackle suicide in the community.
09 September 2011
Australia Supports PNG in the Fight Against Tuberculosis
The Australian Government is boosting its support to Papua New Guinea to help PNG respond more effectively to tuberculosis, particularly in the Western Province. Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Richard Marles announced a further $1.1 million has been committed to help improve health services in the South Fly area of PNG’s Western Province – the PNG region closest to Australia.
09 September 2011
Huge Boost for Women Suffering from PCOS
Australian women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) will benefit from more effective diagnosis and treatment as a result of new world leading PCOS evidence based guidelines.
08 September 2011
20 New Health Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mothers and Babies
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, said the Australian Government is funding 20 new services that will provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and their babies with better access to vital health care.
08 September 2011
Better Regulation of Industrial Chemicals
The Australian Government has announced that it will conduct a review of the Commonwealth’s regulatory settings for the notification, assessment and regulation of industrial chemicals.
08 September 2011
West Welcomes More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals
The first batch of medical students to study at the newly-opened Western Centre for Health Research and Education at Sunshine Hospital were welcomed today by the Minister for Health and Ageing and local Federal Member for Gellibrand, Nicola Roxon.
07 September 2011
Launch of Health Implementation Plan
The plan charting the path for national health reform implementation has been released by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon.
07 September 2011
Monsignor Cappo Appointed Chair of Australia’s First National Mental Health Commission
Monsignor David Cappo AO has been named chairman of the nation’s first National Mental Health Commission.
07 September 2011
Organ Donation Scholarships Announced at Royal Adelaide Hospital
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, announced the inaugural recipients of the Janette Hall Professional Training and Development Scholarship program during a visit to Royal Adelaide Hospital in South Australia.
06 September 2011
Australia’s First E-Mental Health Strategy
Australians living with mental illness are a step closer to being able to access online care and support following the establishment of a new e-mental health expert committee which will advise on the rollout of the nation’s first mental health online portal and virtual clinic.
06 September 2011
New health promotion resource to help close the gap
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can now access a comprehensive health promotion pack to combat the risk factors for chronic disease and help close the gap in life expectancy.
05 September 2011
Improving Access to Insurance for People Living With Mental Illness
Agreement has been reached between the insurance industry and mental health sector to work together to reduce barriers for people with a mental illness from accessing different types of insurance.
05 September 2011
New Body to Advise on Dental Health
A new body "The National Advisory Council on Dental Health" has been established to provide expert advice on dental health matters to the Australian Government.
04 September 2011
Labor Delivers Record Number of Doctors and Nurses to Regional Australia
A record number of doctors and nurses are delivering much needed health services to communities around regional Australia according to new Medicare data released today following the Australian Government’s historic investments in regional health.
03 September 2011
$5.77 Million for Preventive Health Research Grants
Researchers across Australia are invited to apply for up to $5.77 million of funding to investigate new and innovative ways to combat alcohol abuse, obesity and smoking.
02 September 2011
Launch of the ‘Year of the Aboriginal Health Worker’
One of the important contributors to the Aboriginal health workforce in the Northern Territory is being celebrated with the launch in Katherine today of the ‘Year of the Aboriginal Health Worker’.
02 September 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Patients in Brighton
National health reform is delivering for the residents of Brisbane’s northern suburbs with six additional new rehabilitation beds announced at Brighton Health Campus.
02 September 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Patients in Ipswich
National health reform will deliver new sub acute services in Ipswich, providing more support for patients in the local community.
02 September 2011
Older and Frail Brisbane Patients to Benefit from National Health Refrom
National health reform is delivering extra resources for subacute care in Brisbane with new 32 subacute care beds at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital announced on 2 September.
01 September 2011
Erbitux, Gilenya and Other Medicines Listed on the PBS
More than 400,000 Australians will benefit from new subsidised medicines from 1 September 2011, including patients suffering multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and various forms of cancer.
01 September 2011
Interim Independent Hospital Pricing Authority Underway
Dr Tony Sherbon has been appointed the acting Chief Executive Officer of the interim Independent Hospital Pricing Authority (IHPA), beginning 1 September 2011.
01 September 2011
‘Connection’ Counts in Diabetes Care: West Moreton-Oxley Medicare Local
Patients with diabetes at Inala Indigenous Health are receiving better care after local doctors and allied health workers participated in an innovative program—Co-Creating Care—to help health professionals better connect with their patients and understand their needs.
31 August 2011
DoHA Signs Up to Support Indigenous Business
The Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) is the latest department to become a member of the Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council (AIMSC) and support certified Indigenous suppliers.
30 August 2011
Australia's New Chief Medical Officer Announced
Professor Chris Baggoley has been appointed Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, beginning immediately. Professor Baggoley is a respected clinician and public health specialist with a national and international reputation in the field of emergency medicine.
26 August 2011
Daffodil Day Boost for Fight Against Cancer
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon called on Australians to celebrate Daffodil Day’s 25th anniversary by lending their support to the fight against cancer.
26 August 2011
Food and Health Dialogue Communique
An Australian Government project to tackle poor dietary habits and to make healthier food choices easier and more accessible for all Australians, is achieving significant outcomes with the food industry stepping up to the mark with a number of better nutrition initiatives, the federal Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, said today, when chairing the seventh meeting of the government's Food and Health Dialogue.
25 August 2011
$475 Million More for Regional Health Facilities
Patients and families in regional communities across Australia are set to benefit from the next round of the Australian Government’s $5 billion Health and Hospitals Fund, with applications now open.
25 August 2011
Bone Marrow Donor Registry Awarded Three-Year Funding Agreement
The Australian Government has signed a three-year $7.4 million funding agreement with the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry.
25 August 2011
Medicare Locals to Deliver Home Grown Health Solutions
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Health Minister Nicola Roxon have heard how Australia’s first Medicare Locals are on their way to better coordinating local doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to provide more responsive and targeted services for patients.
24 August 2011
Politics Taken Out of Hospital Funding: National Health Reform
Legislation to establish the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority has been introduced into Parliament.
24 August 2011
World-Leading Plain Packaging Legislation Passes House of Representatives
The Australian Government’s world-leading plain packaging legislation has passed through the House of Representatives, as Australia moves one step closer to implementing plain packaging of tobacco from 1 January 2012.
23 August 2011
New CEO for Preventive Health Agency
Australia’s focus on preventing illness and promoting better health and wellbeing has received a boost with the appointment of a permanent Chief Executive Officer to the Australian National Preventive Health Agency.
22 August 2011
25 New Grants to Support Men’s Sheds
The Australian Government is funding new grants for 25 men’s sheds across the country to purchase tools, conduct building and maintenance and employ shed coordinators.
22 August 2011
Launch of Hearing Awareness Week Expo
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has Launched the Deafness Forum of Australia’s "Access to Communications and Access to Life" Expo at Parliament House to Mark Hearing Awareness Week.
22 August 2011
Listening to the Community During Hearing Week
Minister for Human Services Tanya Plibersek and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler have both had their hearing checked at Parliament House by staff from Australian Hearing, as they marked Hearing Awareness Week (21-27 August).
19 August 2011
COAG Commits to Delivery of Mental Health Reform
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler have welcomed the Council of Australian Governments’ decision to develop a National Partnership Agreement on Mental Health to help tackle major gaps in our mental health system.
19 August 2011
Health Appointments
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon have announced the appointment of the inaugural chairs of health reform bodies to drive transparency, accountability and efficiency.
17 August 2011
Unrivalled Transparency for Patients on the Way
Unrivalled access to information about the health and hospital system for patients has been supported by the House of Representatives as legislation to establish the Australian Government’s National Health Performance Authority passed through the lower house.
16 August 2011
Ten-Year High in Private Health Insurance
New figures issued by the Private Health Insurance Administration Council (PHIAC) show that Australia has reached its highest rate of private hospital insurance participation in more than ten years.
15 August 2011
Accenture to Build Australia’s Personal e-Health System
Accenture, a world leader in IT, has been selected to lead the building of the IT infrastructure for Australia’s national personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system in another major milestone for national health reform.
12 August 2011
Council Appointed to Promote Indigenous Health
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has announced the new membership of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equality Council.
12 August 2011
New Brain Research Facility at The Royal Melbourne Hospital
A state-of-the-art neuroscience facility opened in Melbourne offers new hope for Australians with Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease.
11 August 2011
Dr Coote Acting Head of Professional Services Review
Dr William (Bill) Coote has been appointed the Acting Director of the Professional Services Review.
11 August 2011
Experts Gather to Guide Better Coordination for Mental Health Consumers
A forum for mental health consumers, carers, community workers, counsellors, doctors and nurses will provide input to the coordinated care measure announced in this year's budget.
11 August 2011
Promoting Good Health at Work: A National First
Making healthy decisions at work will be easier for Australia’s 11 million workers from today with employers across the nation signing up to promote healthy habits in the workplace.
11 August 2011
St Vincent’s Part of Improving Organ and Tissue Donation Trend
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has highlighted St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney as typifying the positive impact of the Australian Government’s $151 million National Reform Agenda to increase organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
10 August 2011
Victoria’s Organ and Tissue Donate Rate Welcomed
Victoria’s improving record in organ and tissue donation and its contribution to an increasing national trend has been welcomed by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
10 August 2011
Young Australians to Participate in Online Mental Health Forum
Young people from around Australia will speak online in real time with the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, in a forum hosted by leading online mental health service for young people, ReachOut.com.
09 August 2011
A National Conversation on Healthy and Positive Ageing
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler have met with seniors at a fitness and leisure centre in Canberra in the lead-up to a national conversation on how to promote opportunities for healthy and positive ageing.
09 August 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Auburn and St Joseph’s Hospital
Patients at Auburn and St Joseph’s Hospitals will benefit from better access to elective surgery, emergency treatment and sub-acute hospital beds as a result of the Australian Government’s historic national health reforms.
09 August 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Blacktown Hospital
Patients at Blacktown Hospital will benefit from better access to elective surgery, emergency treatment and sub-acute hospital beds as a result of the Australian Government’s historic national health reforms.
09 August 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Nepean Hospital
Patients at Nepean Hospital will benefit from better access to elective surgery, emergency treatment and sub-acute hospital beds as a result of the Australian Government’s historic national health reforms
09 August 2011
Record July Organ Donation Rates
The highest-ever organ donation rate for the month of July has been achieved with 33 deceased donors giving a second chance at life to 98 Australians in need of a transplant.
09 August 2011
Time to do Something Real in Indigenous Health
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, is encouraging nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists and other health practitioners to consider extending their careers to help provide care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders across Australia.
08 August 2011
New Merino Community Health Centre
A new Community Health Centre at Merino in Western Victoria, funded with the assistance of the National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program, has been opened by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
08 August 2011
Productivity Commission Final Report on Aged Care
The Australian Government has released the 2011 Productivity Commission Report, Caring for Older Australians.
06 August 2011
$10m in Community Projects to Reduce Risky Drinking
Communities around the country will share in up to $10 million for projects to combat risky drinking amongst young Australians.
05 August 2011
Australian Health Ministers’ Conference Communiqué
Australian Health Ministers completed a two day meeting of the Australian Health Ministers Conference in Darwin, chaired by WA Health Minister, Dr Kim Hames.
05 August 2011
Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council Communiqué
Health Workforce Ministers meet in Darwin to discuss national health workforce issues.
04 August 2011
Indigenous Health Improvements
Significant improvements in Indigenous mortality rates have been revealed in a report released on 4 August.
03 August 2011
National Health Reform Gains for Maroondah Hospital
Patients at Maroondah Hospital will benefit from better access to elective surgery, emergency treatment and sub-acute hospital beds as a result of the Australian Government’s historic national health reforms.
02 August 2011
Celebrating 20 Years of Safer Food
Food Standards Australia New Zealand has celebrated 20 years of ensuring safer food for Australia and New Zealand at a special event at Old Parliament House, Canberra.
02 August 2011
National Health Reform Finalised
The Australian Government has signed off on the final details of national health reforms with all states and territories to secure the future of health in Australia.
30 July 2011
Coffs Harbour GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services
Coffs Harbour residents will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement with Bawrunga Coffs Harbour GP Super Clinic Ltd.
30 July 2011
Nowra GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services
Nowra residents will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement with the Illawarra Division of General Practice Ltd.
30 July 2011
Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals for Tasmania
Tasmanian patients will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of around $7 million for up to 8 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the State.
30 July 2011
Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in South Australia
South Australian patients will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of nearly $15 million for around 30 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the State.
30 July 2011
Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in the ACT
Patients in the ACT will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of nearly $10 million for up to 9 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure.
30 July 2011
Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in the Territory
Patients in the Territory will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of around $8 million for up to 9 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure.
30 July 2011
Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in Victoria
Victorian patients will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of around $50 million for up to 49 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the State.
30 July 2011
Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in Western Australia
Patients in Western Australia will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of nearly $17 million for up to 20 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the State.
29 July 2011
Government helping in response to Hendra
The Australian Government has today announced it will be providing up to $6 million as part of the fight against Hendra.
29 July 2011
Karratha GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services
Residents of the West Pilbara will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement with the Pilbara Health Network for a GP Super Clinic to operate in Karratha.
29 July 2011
New Food and Health Dialogue Website Keeping Consumers Informed
A new Australian government website that features innovative initiatives to improve the nutritional profile of Australia's food supply, has been launched.
27 July 2011
38 New Community Projects to Tackle Indigenous Health Challenge
The Australian Government is funding 38 community-driven projects around the nation to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to quit smoking, eat healthy, exercise more and better manage their own often chronic health issues.
27 July 2011
Improving Smiles in the APY Lands
A new mobile dental van and equipment will help provide better dental health care to Aboriginal people in the far north west of South Australia.
27 July 2011
Reliance Medical Chosen to Provide Central Coast GP Super Clinic
Better access to GPs and allied health professionals has come a step closer for the people of the Central Coast following the signing of a $7 million agreement for a GP Super Clinic.
27 July 2011
Smokers Butting Out in Droves
Australia will soon have the world’s toughest anti-tobacco laws to help accelerate the nation’s decreasing daily smoking rates, Acting Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler said today, following the release of research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that showed that daily tobacco use is down to a record low of 15.1%.
25 July 2011
$4.5m in Support Services for Older Tasmanians
More frail, older people and younger people with a disability in Tasmania will receive extra support to remain in their own homes as a result of increased funding for Home and Community Care services.
25 July 2011
Tweed Heads GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services
Residents of Tweed Heads will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement.
24 July 2011
New National “Health Heroes” Campaign to Attract More Indigenous People into the Workforce
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has launched a new national advertising campaign aimed at attracting more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to work in Indigenous Health.
21 July 2011
$36 Million in Home and Community Care Projects for NSW
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler and NSW Minister for Ageing and Disability Services Andrew Constance have announced that almost 400 NSW communities will benefit from nearly $36 million in Home and Community Care (HACC) services.
20 July 2011
New Chair for the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Dr Andrew Refshauge has been appointed the new Chair of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for a three-year term.
20 July 2011
Tackling Suicide in LGBTI Community
Suicide rates among people in Australia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities will be tackled with a $1.1 million Australian Government grant.
20 July 2011
TGA Transparency Review Released
The Australian Government has released the report of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Transparency Review panel, chaired by Professor Dennis Pearce.
19 July 2011
Boost to After-Hours GP Services
After-hours support from local GPs has been given another boost by the Australian Government with the opening of applications for the fourth round of the $10 million General Practice After-Hours Grants Program.
19 July 2011
National Body to Coordinate Medicare Locals
The Australian Government will invite the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) to establish a new national body to support and coordinate the network of Medicare Locals and help lead the Government’s investments in primary health care.
18 July 2011
New Advisory Council to Boost Disease Prevention Efforts
Moves to prevent the lifestyle risks of chronic disease in Australia have been boosted with the creation of an expert Advisory Council for the Australian National Preventive Health Agency.
14 July 2011
Huge Boost of Support to Australians with Diabetes
More than a million Australians with diabetes will benefit from improved services and information following a five-year extension of the National Diabetes Services Scheme.
14 July 2011
More Beds and Better Care for Westmead Kids
Western Sydney families are benefiting from improved access to more hospital services as national health reform investments take shape at Westmead Children's Hospital.
11 July 2011
12 NT Projects to Support Healthier Communities
Hundreds of Northern Territory kids will take part in a three-year promotion – culminating each year in the Top End’s largest ever basketball tournament – to encourage better health among Aboriginal people. The Hoops 4 Health Challenge is one of 12 new community-based projects in the NT being funded under the Australian Government’s new Live Longer! health campaign.
11 July 2011
ABA funding supports 49 Northern Territory projects
A program that helps Indigenous Territorians access renal dialysis services in remote communities is one of 49 projects receiving funding totalling more than $26 million under the latest round of grants from the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA).
11 July 2011
Fair and Generous Support for Aged Care Residents and Aged Care Providers in the Transition to a Clean Energy Future
Aged care residents and aged care providers will receive fair and generous financial assistance to ease the transition to a clean energy future under the Australian Government’s plan to cut carbon pollution.
11 July 2011
New Aboriginal Health Board Launched in the West Arnhem Region
The new Red Lily Health Board in the West Arnhem Region of the Northern Territory will give local Aboriginal people a greater say in health planning activities and priorities for their communities.
11 July 2011
New DVD Focuses on Improving Road Safety for Indigenous Australians
The Australian Government has launched the DVD Being Safe, Not Sorry in conjunction with the National Road Safety Council, focusing on practical initiatives to improve road safety for Indigenous Australians.
08 July 2011
$26m in Local Grants Available for Healthy Communities
The Australian Government is calling on local governments around Australia to promote healthy lifestyles and apply for more than $26 million worth of Healthy Communities Grants
08 July 2011
Burnie Regional Cancer Centre a Big Step Closer
Acting Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler and Federal Member for Braddon Sid Sidebottom, have welcomed the release of an independent report supporting the establishment of a fully equipped cancer centre in Burnie.
08 July 2011
New Hybrid Theatre for Princess Alexandra Hospital
Brisbane patients seen at the Princess Alexandra Hospital will benefit from national health reform through a new $5.5 million investment into the latest surgical equipment that will mean more elective surgery will be performed at the hospital.
08 July 2011
New Translation and Interpreting Service for Aged Care Residents
The Australian Government is providing $2.2 million to engage interpreter services to help older people from non-English speaking backgrounds communicate on health and aged care matters.
07 July 2011
Review of Regulatory Powers of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
The Australian government will review the regulatory powers of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).
07 July 2011
A Fair-Go for Taxpayers: Private Health Insurance Rebate Changes Introduced
A more equitable and sustainable private health insurance rebate will be delivered as the Australian Government introduces new legislation into the Parliament that will ensure low and middle income Australians are not paying for the private health insurance of millionaires.
07 July 2011
Cannabis-Like Drugs to be Outlawed
Eight synthetic cannabis-like substances will be classified as prohibited substances throughout Australia from 8 July, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has announced.
07 July 2011
Grants to Lift Awareness of Organ and Tissue Donation
Community Awareness Grants totalling $348,000 have been awarded to address barriers to decision-making and discussion about organ and tissue donation in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
07 July 2011
Minister Welcomes Legislative Review Report
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has released the Report of the Independent Review of the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002 and the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002.
07 July 2011
More Progress in e-health Consultation and Engagement
Two important milestones in the development of Australia’s e-health system have been met with the key appointment of the National Change and Adoption Partner and the release of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record System: Legislation issues paper.
07 July 2011
Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic Boosts Local Health Services
The opening of the Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic is paving the way for better access to GPs and allied health professionals for the local Queanbeyan community.
07 July 2011
Sharing Stories to Improve Indigenous Health Care
A new report, ‘People I Can Call On’, which will give healthcare providers an insight into the challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with chronic illness, was launched today by the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon.
07 July 2011
Shellharbour GP Super Clinic Boosts Local Health Care
The Shellharbour GP Super Clinic is paving the way for better access to GPs and allied health professionals with the doors opening this week.
06 July 2011
Hinch Surgery Highlights Organ and Tissue Transplant Reforms
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has welcomed the news that well known broadcaster Derryn Hinch, has undergone liver transplant surgery.
06 July 2011
Leading the World on Tobacco Plain Packaging
The Australian Government’s world leading efforts to reduce the death and disease caused by smoking pushed ahead with the introduction of the Tobacco Plain Packaging Billinto the Parliament.
06 July 2011
Nominations Sought for the 2012 Senior Australian of the Year
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, encourages all Australians to nominate an older person who has given generously to others and made a significant contribution to society for the 2012 Senior Australian of the Year Award.
05 July 2011
Better Health Care Soon for Mount Isa
Mount Isa residents will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $5 million agreement with Kinetic Health Group Pty Ltd to establish the Mount Isa GP Super Clinic.
05 July 2011
New Head for Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee
Doctor Suzanne Hill is to be the new chair of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), the Australian Government’s expert group of technical advisers who recommend listing of medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
05 July 2011
Port Macquarie GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services
Port Macquarie residents will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement with Rural and Metropolitan Health (Port Macquarie) Pty Ltd to establish the Port Macquarie GP Super Clinic.
04 July 2011
100,000 NRT Scripts Filled to Help Australians Kick the Habit
Smokers around Australia have chosen to kick the habit with 100,000 scripts for subsidised nicotine patches being filled since they became available on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) in February.
01 July 2011
$9.6M Campaign to Tackle Indigenous Hearing Health
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has launched a new $9.6 million national campaign to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ear and hearing health.
01 July 2011
1 July Brings Better Health Care for Australian Families
1 July 2011 marks a significant milestone in national health reform, with many new measures that matter to Australian families beginning or coming into full operation.
01 July 2011
Australian Government Delivers on Suicide Prevention Election Commitment
The Australian Government is delivering on a key election commitment to provide more services for people who are at risk of suicide.
01 July 2011
Better Mental Health Services from 1 July
The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to transform the mental health system so it better meets the needs of people with a mental illness, their carers and families with a number of key initiatives being delivered from 1 July.
01 July 2011
First Steps to Aged Care Reform: New National Info Line
Older Australians, their families, and carers will find it easier to access valuable information about aged care with the introduction of a single, national information line on 1800 200 422 from today.
01 July 2011
Medicare Safety Net has Become More Sustainable
An independent report has found that changes by the Australian Government to the extended Medicare safety net (EMSN) have made the program more sustainable.
01 July 2011
New $4M National Mental Health Consumer Body Launched
The Australian Government continues to deliver on its commitment to make mental health a priority, with the announcement of up to $4 million to establish a new National Mental Health Consumer Organisation.
01 July 2011
New Protocols: Organ Transplant Lists
A consensus statement on organ transplant waiting lists and organ allocation protocols for transplantation has been launched by Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King.
30 June 2011
Hundreds of Older Australians to Receive Tailored Aged Care Support Services
More older Australians will receive the support they need to remain independent in their own homes with 700 new Consumer Directed Care packages to be rolled out nationwide.
30 June 2011
Boosting Learning and Training Opportunities for Next Generation of Aged Care Nurses
South Australian aged care organisations will receive more than $ 900,000 for 284 Clinical and Graduate Nurse Placements as part of a nationwide boost to aged care training and study opportunities.
30 June 2011
Food Standards Australia New Zealand Board Appointments
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Catherine King, announces three new appointments to the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Board.
30 June 2011
GP Care a Phone Call Away for Families
After hours GP advice will only be a phone call away for Australian families with the launch of the after hours GP helplineon 1 July 2011.
29 June 2011
Boost for Healthy Kids and Healthy Workers in South Australia
School and work are the latest South Australian battlegrounds in the fight to combat obesity and make healthier lifestyle choices following a huge boost to the Healthy Children and Healthy Workers initiatives.
29 June 2011
No Charge for Mobile Phone Calls to Lifeline from Anywhere in Australia
Mobile phone calls to Lifeline made from anywhere in Australia will be free of charge from 1 July under an agreement made between the three major phone carriers.
29 June 2011
Telehealth Transforming Health Care
Australian patients will be able to have Medicare funded consultations with any medical specialist via a video conference for the first time starting 1 July 2011.
28 June 2011
New Mersey Community Hospital Funding Agreement Signed
The future of the Mersey Community Hospital at Latrobe has been assured through a new three-year funding deal signed between the Australian and Tasmanian Governments.
27 June 2011
Australian Government Responds to Renal Study with $13m Funding
The Northern Territory towns of Alice Springs and Tennant Creek will receive $13 million for accommodation to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families affected by renal disease. The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, said the new funding was the first step towards addressing some of the issues raised in the Central Australia Renal Study, issued today.
27 June 2011
More Elective Surgery and Sub-acute Beds for the ACT: National Health Reform Delivering
The ACT is seeing immediate benefits of national health reform with an additional 800 operations and four new sub-acute beds, the result of $10.4 million provided by the Australian Government.
24 June 2011
Healthy Community Days for QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, NT, WA
A further twelve Live Longer! Healthy Community Days have been funded across the country as part of the Australian Government’s national campaign to help extend the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
24 June 2011
More Than 340,000 Primary School Aged Children to Benefit from Expanded Kidsmatter
The Australian Government will target the expansion of the highly successful KidsMatter program to schools in lower socio-economic areas to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of Australian children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
24 June 2011
Live Longer! Indigenous Health Program Arrives at Community Expo Day in Sydney
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has visited the Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service in Sydney to launch a Community Expo Day highlighting a new healthier lifestyle program called lively Djuarli. Djurali means Live Well and the Live Healthily in Dharawal program is aimed at helping people in the local community live healthier lifestyles.
23 June 2011
Coles Measures Welcomed
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon has congratulated Coles for showing community leadership by implementing measures to minimise alcohol consumption in Alice Springs.
23 June 2011
Improved and Expanded Mental Health Services for Survivors of Trauma and Torture
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, announced improved and expanded mental health services are now available to refugees arriving in Australia who have experienced trauma and torture.
22 June 2011
Delivering a better future for Indigenous people in the Northern Territory
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin today announced the Government’s next steps to improve the future of Indigenous Australians living in the Northern Territory.
21 June 2011
Applications Sought for New $5m GP Super Clinic in Darwin’s Northern Suburbs
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Senator for the Northern Territory, Trish Crossin have announced that the Department of Health and Ageing has opened the Invitation to Apply process for the establishment of the $5 million Northern Suburbs GP Super Clinic in Darwin.
21 June 2011
Erbitux and Other New Medicines Listed on the PBS
More than 400,000 Australians will benefit from new subsidised medicines from 1 September 2011, including patients suffering multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and various forms of cancer.
18 June 2011
New Aged Care Places on Offer in 2011 Aged Care Approvals Round
More than 12,000 new aged care places throughout Australia, worth over $400 million will be on offer as part of the 2011 Aged Care Approvals Round.
17 June 2011
Continence Program to Improve Lives of Millions of Australians
A new National Continence Program to increase awareness of bladder and bowel health in the community and among health professionals has been announced.
17 June 2011
Ensuring the Successful Delivery of E-Health Records
The Australian Government has announced two important appointments to further guide the implementation of the nation’s personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system.
17 June 2011
Medicare Locals to Reform Primary Health Care in Victoria
Four communities in Victoria will be leading primary health care reform, as Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon announced the Victorian organisations that will become Medicare Locals from 1 July 2011.
17 June 2011
Mental Health in Multicultural Australia Project to get $2.7 Million
The Australian Government is continuing its efforts to support better mental health and wellbeing in culturally and linguistically diverse communities with a new provider appointed to deliver a $2.7 million multicultural mental health project.
14 June 2011
DIY Male Health Toolboxes for Men’s Sheds
The Australian Government is funding DIY Male Health Toolboxes to be sent to men’s sheds around the country. The announcement by the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, was made as he launched Men’s Health Week with Australian Men’s Shed Association Patron Tim Mathieson in Canberra.
14 June 2011
Doctors Applaud Organ Donation Progress
Australia's senior organ transplant specialists have applauded the best organ donation rates in Australia's history with Victoria achieving the most outstanding results.
10 June 2011
Adelaide out in Front Leading Primary Health Care Reform
Adelaide is set to become one of the first communities in Australia to lead primary health care reform.
10 June 2011
Playford North GP Super Clinic Opens
More doctors, nurses and allied health professionals will be closer to home for residents in the northern suburbs of Adelaide following the opening of the new $7.5 million Playford North GP Super Clinic.
09 June 2011
33 Healthier Lifestyle Projects Nation-Wide
New healthy eating and exercise programs, including getting your hands dirty in a community garden and learning to cycle safely are taking off around the country to help combat obesity.
07 June 2011
Australian Health Ministers’ Conference Communique - 7 June 2011
Australian Health Ministers met in Melbourne on 7 June and reached in principle agreement on legislation to establish the National Health Performance Authority as the next stage of national health reform.
06 June 2011
First Medicare Locals to Continue Primary Health Care Reform
Nineteen communities around Australia will lead primary health care reform as Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon announced the organisations that will become the nation’s first Medicare Locals from 1 July 2011.
06 June 2011
Telehealth Fees Unveiled
Patients in rural, regional and outer metropolitan areas will benefit from an increase in telehealth services with greater access to Medicare funded medical specialist video consultations available from 1 July this year.
03 June 2011
National Health Reform Full Steam Ahead
It’s full steam ahead for national health reform in the lead-up to the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) finalisation of the national health reform agreement next month.
03 June 2011
New Opportunities for The Long Term Unemployed Living with a Mental Illness
More assistance for long term unemployed Australians with a mental illness is one of the centrepieces of the Australian Government’s 2011-12 Budget.
02 June 2011
Extra Support for Older Australians After Hospital Stays
More than 30,000 older Australians each year will receive customised care and support to return to everyday life after a spell in hospital, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said today, announcing expansion of the Transition Care Program by 651 places - bringing the total number of transition care places to 4,000.
02 June 2011
It’s 3am and Your GP is closed — Who Can You Call?
After-hours contact with a GP will be just a phone-call away from July 1. Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon today announced that Medibank has been appointed to be the operator for the after hours GP helplineand has already recruited over 100 doctors.
02 June 2011
Know your family members’ organ and tissue donation wishes, OK?
All Australians are being encouraged to know the organ and tissue donation wishes of their loved ones in a compelling new television campaign announced today by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
01 June 2011
First Steps towards National Mental Health Commission
The first steps are being taken towards establishment of the nation’s first National Mental Health Commission, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said today - welcoming the appointment of Robyn Kruk as Chief Executive Officer designate of the new Commission.
31 May 2011
70 Accommodation Facilities Sign on to Stamp Out Smoking
On World No Tobacco Day, Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon announced a new partnership which will see 70 accommodation facilities managed by Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) move to stamp out smoking.
31 May 2011
Changing Lives for the Better in the Northern Territory
A stronger police presence in remote communities as part of the Northern Territory Emergency Response is helping to improve the wellbeing and safety of Indigenous people and communities.
31 May 2011
GP Super Clinic on the way for City of Hume
Residents of the City of Hume are the winners following the signing of a $7 million agreement between the AustralianGovernment and Dianella Community Health for a GP Super Clinic in Broadmeadows.
31 May 2011
Sign up to Support the Plain Packaging Pledge World No Tobacco Day
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has joined public health advocates for World No Tobacco Day in signing the Plain Packaging Pledge in support of the Government’s proposed plain packaging legislation.
30 May 2011
Government Responds to Hearing Inquiry with Funding Boost for More Services
The Australian Government today presented its response to the recommendations contained in the Senate report, Hear Us: Inquiry into Hearing Health in Australia.
27 May 2011
Training for More Doctors, More Nurses and More Allied Health Professionals
Queensland patients will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health workers with the announcement of a $51 million investment into 35 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the state.
27 May 2011
Eye Health Funding for WA, NT, SA and NSW
Funding of $880,000 has been announced for eye health testing and treatment equipment for mobile eye health teams in Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales.
26 May 2011
Aged Care Places Approved for Multi-Purpose Service in Gulgong
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has announced funding for the allocation of new, flexible aged care places in Gulgong.
26 May 2011
More Support for Palliative Care Patients, Their Families and Carers
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has marked National Palliative Care Week 2011 by announcing an $8.6 million boost to improve palliative care support and services for patients, their families and carers.
26 May 2011
National Sorry Day
Australians are marking National Sorry Day in communities across the country, reflecting on the grief and trauma experienced by members of the Stolen Generations and committing to an ongoing journey of healing.
25 May 2011
Vaccine Side Effects Under the Microscope
An independent assessment of Australia's management of vaccine adverse events, which recommends a more cohesive and coordinated national plan to deal quickly and effectively with health concerns about vaccines, was issued on 25 May.
21 May 2011
Funding for Albany Community Care Respite Centre
Albany Community Care Respite Centre is set to benefit from national health reform with the Australian Government today announcing $1.1 million in funding for the centre.
20 May 2011
$2.8 Million for SA Healthier Lifestyle Projects
New healthy eating and exercise programs, including getting your hands dirty in a community garden and learning to cycle safely will be on offer in four regions in South Australia to help combat obesity.
20 May 2011
Clinicians Taking the Lead
Clinicians will be front and centre in ensuring all Australians have access to high quality, coordinated healthcare as a result of the Australian Government’s national health reforms.
19 May 2011
Australian Government Delivers More Dental Services for Adelaide
Patients in Adelaide will benefit from more dental services with the opening of the $2.1 million, 10-chair teaching dental clinic at the Adelaide Dental Hospital.
19 May 2011
More and Better Support for the Severely Mentally Ill
Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler have visited the Mental Illness Fellowship of South Australia (MIFSA).
18 May 2011
Local Push for Healthier Lifestyles Kicks off in WA
New healthy eating and exercise programs, including walking groups and active transport, will be on offer in four regions of Western Australia to help combat obesity.
18 May 2011
Extra Funding for HACC Services in Western Australia
More frail, older people and younger people with a disability in Western Australia will be able to remain in their own homes and communities as a result of increased funding for Home and Community Care (HACC) services.
18 May 2011
More Surgery and More Beds for WA Thanks to National Health Reform
West Australians will soon see changes take place in the state’s health and hospital system as national health reform starts to deliver more beds and better care.
17 May 2011
More Beds, Treatment and Upgrades for Victorian Hospitals
Victorians will have better access to elective surgery, emergency treatment and subacute hospital beds with the Australian Government’s funding of Victorian projects announced as part of national health reform.
17 May 2011
Supporting Healthy and Resilient Children Through the AEDI
The Australian Government is committing an additional $29.7 million (over five years) for the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI).
16 May 2011
13 New Services to Support Aboriginal Fathers
Stronger and prouder involvement in parenting will be promoted among Aboriginal men at 13 organisations in a new Australian Government initiative.
16 May 2011
2011-12 Budget Provides Greater Access to Psychological Support
The Australian Government’s $2.2 billion mental health package will provide more people with access to face-to-face psychological support from allied mental health professionals.
16 May 2011
Children to get Better Access to MRI Machines
Children under the age of 16 will get MRI scans more quickly and more cheaply as a result of changes announced in the Budget to improve access to MRIs.
16 May 2011
More Workers for Aboriginal Health in SA
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has launched a report aimed at encouraging more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to take up careers in health.
16 May 2011
Supporting Regional Australia with Extra Funding for Community Mental Health Services
People living in regional and rural Australia will benefit from the Australian Government’s $269.3 million boost for community mental health services, announced in the Budget.
15 May 2011
Government Anti-Smoking Ads Become More Targeted
The Australian Government is continuing its anti-smoking campaign that targets hard-to-reach and high-risk groups, with new advertising aimed at pregnant women and their partners and more groups from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
13 May 2011
2011-12 Budget Offers Greater Support for Mental Health Patients
The Government's $2.2 billion mental health package will provide invaluable assistance to young Australians who suffer from a mental illness.
13 May 2011
March 2011 Medicare Statistics
In the March quarter 2011, a total of $4.0 billion was paid in Medicare benefits for 78.7 million services. This represented 3.5 services and about $175 in benefits for every Australian.
11 May 2011
Way Cleared for Improved Access to Generic Medicines
Australian consumers and health professionals will have more ready access to generic medicines following the passage of legislation through the Senate today.
10 May 2011
Improved Health Services for Australians
Patients across Australia will be able to access better health services closer to home under a $3 billion investment in health reform announced in the 2011-12 Budget.
10 May 2011
Better Access to MRI Tests and Increase to Cancer Services
Patients will have access to more affordable Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services closer to home under a $104.4 million Diagnostic Imaging Review Reform Package.
10 May 2011
Delivering National Mental Health Reform
Australians with a mental illness will get the care they need, when they need it, under a $2.2 billion over 5 years reform package for mental health services.
10 May 2011
Gillard Government Delivers $1.8 Billion to Improve Health Services in Regional and Rural Communities
Regional Australians will receive better local health services through a $1.8 billion investment in regional health infrastructure.
10 May 2011
Investing to Close the Gap
The Gillard Government is delivering on our commitment to close the gap in Indigenous disadvantage with a $526.6 million boost to education, employment and health services for Indigenous Australians.
10 May 2011
New Panel to Advise on Public Hospital Access Targets
A Gillard Government commitment that people will receive the highest standards of service in their public hospitals was confirmed today with the announcement of an expert panel that will oversee how this reform is achieved.
10 May 2011
88 New Beds for Expanded Hervey Bay Health Services
Hervey Bay residents will see St Stephen’s Hospital dramatically expand from an eight bed hospital to a 96 bed hospital thanks to a $47.1 million investment by the Gillard Government to be announced in the 2011-12 Budget.
09 May 2011
Better Diabetes Care, Closer to Home for Regional West Australians
Residents in regional and remote Western Australia suffering from renal failure, often caused by diabetes, will be offered a helping hand thanks to 22 new renal dialysis chairs and other important health infrastructure projects to be funded through the Gillard Government’s 2011-12 Budget.
09 May 2011
Major New Hospital for South East NSW
NSW South Coast residents will benefit from national health reform with today’s announcement that the Gillard Government will fund $160.1 million for the new South East Regional Hospital based in Bega.
07 May 2011
Nutrient Database for Researchers and Consumers
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has launched a new version of a popular nutrient database, used by consumers and researchers alike to find out what nutrients are in food.
06 May 2011
Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council Communiqué
Australian and New Zealand ministers responsible for the regulation of food and beverages met in Canberra today and decided on further actions to address the ongoing health concerns associated with formulated caffeinated energy drinks.
06 May 2011
Government Commits to Cancer Care Service in Geelong
$26.07 million has been committed by the Australian Government towards an integrated Cancer Care Service that would benefit the residents of Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.
06 May 2011
New Youth Health Hub for Colac
Young people and families in Colac will benefit from a new Youth Health Hub, with a $1.2 million investment by the Australian Government to reform and modernise local hospital and health facilities.
06 May 2011
Parap to Benefit from Improved Access to Health Services
People living in Parap can look forward to better access to health care after it was announced that Blue Sun Dental will receive $221,778 of funding under round five of the Australian Government’s National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program (NRRHIP).
05 May 2011
134 Mental Health Beds for Regional Queensland
Patients across regional Queensland will benefit from 134 new mental health beds thanks to a $75 million injection from the Gillard Government delivered through the 2011-12 Budget.
05 May 2011
Major New Health Investments for Rockhampton and Region
Patients from Rockhampton and surrounding regions will continue to see the benefits from national health reform with a number of new multi-million dollar health infrastructure projects announced today by the Australian Government through the 2011-12 Budget.
05 May 2011
New Day Treatment Centre for Townsville
Townsville and North Queensland residents will benefit from national health reform with today’s announcement of a $13.75 million investment in local hospital and mental health services by the Gillard Government.
04 May 2011
$150 Million Supercharge for NT Health Infrastructure
Patients across the Territory will continue to benefit from national health reform through a huge $150 million investment into health and hospital infrastructure, including a new Palmerston hospital, announced in the lead-up to 2011-12 Budget.
04 May 2011
$480,000 of New Funding to Help Close the Gap in Northern Qld
Warren Snowdon, the Minister for Indigenous Health has visited the Stagpole Street Drug and Rehabilitation Unit in Townsville to announce nearly $480,000 in new funding to the Congress Community Development Education Unit Ltd (CCDEU).
04 May 2011
First Sod Turned on Gunnedah GP Super Clinic
The community of Gunnedah and surrounding regions will soon have improved coordinated healthcare with the official sod turning commencing construction work on the $4.3 million Gunnedah GP Super Clinic.
04 May 2011
Tamworth Hospital Redevelopment
Residents of Tamworth will benefit from national health reform with today’s announcement that the Gillard Government will be the majority funding partner for the $220 million major redevelopment and expansion of Tamworth Hospital.
04 May 2011
TGA Launches New Website
The Australian community's access to authoritative information about the safety of medicines and medical devices will be greatly enhanced with the launch today of a revamped Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.
03 May 2011
$65 Million Regional Cancer Centre Project for Albury
Albury Wodonga patients will benefit further from national health reform with the announcement that the Australian Government will fund a $65 million integrated regional cancer centre project through the 2011-12 Budget.
03 May 2011
Growing Veggies Good for Growing Minds - Next Round of Funding for Kitchen Gardens Opens
Growing ripe tomatoes, fresh green beans, sweet golden corn and educating young minds on food and healthy eating habits are just some of the components of an innovative Australian Government funded program designed to tackle childhood obesity.
03 May 2011
More Doctors and Nurses to be Trained in Western Sydney
The Australian Government will deliver more doctors and nurses to Western Sydney – one of the fastest growing population centres in the country – with the completion of the Blacktown Hospital Clinical School Research and Education Centre.
29 April 2011
Hospital Funding Boost Starts to Pay Dividends
The Government's 50 per cent boost to hospital funding in 2008 is starting to pay dividends according to a new report released on 29 April.
29 April 2011
Permanent Housing for Homeless: $16M Redfern Facility
A $16 million Australian Government funded aged care facility will cater for some of Sydney's most vulnerable and isolated.
28 April 2011
96 Doctors Start Psychiatry Training Through Record Australian Government Investment
Ministers Roxon and Butler met with the presidents of Australia’s medical colleges to discuss the Government’s investments in training more specialists and, in particular, the 96 new psychiatrist specialist positions that will see a substantial boost to our mental health workforce.
27 April 2011
Better Access to Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas
People in living in rural and remote communities will benefit from an innovative program that is boosting health and medical services across the nation.
21 April 2011
Australian Government Funds Major Upgrade for Royal Hobart Hospital
The Australian Government today announced a boost to health services in Tasmania by committing $240 million to a major upgrade of the Royal Hobart Hospital.
16 April 2011
More Patients to Benefit From New GP Facilities
Many more patients around Australia can expect a boost in the services provided by their local GP practice thanks to a new round of primary care infrastructure grants
14 April 2011
$2m Emergency Assistance to Flood-Affected Health Services in WA
Aboriginal Medical Services in the Kimberley and Goldfields areas of Western Australia are to receive almost $2 million in emergency funding to help restore vital services to Aboriginal communities severely affected by recent floods.
14 April 2011
Commitment on Youth Mental Health Delivered
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced a $300,000 grant to set up a new headspace youth mental health service in Hobart.
14 April 2011
More Support and Services for the Kimberley to Tackle Indigenous Suicide
The Australian Government is fast-tracking support and services in the Kimberley region of Western Australia in response to the recent tragic suicides of Indigenous people in the area.
14 April 2011
Ten New Youth Mental Health Services
Ten new headspace youth mental health services will begin operating by the end of the year, following the announcement of the selection of the lead agencies for operation.
13 April 2011
63 Extra Health Workers for WA
An extra 63 health workers are being provided to health services across Western Australia to help close the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
13 April 2011
Developing a Future Vision for Mental Health Research
Australian of the Year 2010 Professor Patrick McGorry AM and Director of the National Institute for Mental Health in the USA Professor Thomas Insel are taking part in a Mental Health Workshop, providing advice and initiatives to help improve Australia’s mental health system.
13 April 2011
Minister Snowdon holds an information session on low aromatic Opal fuel
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon MP, and BP held an information session with Aboriginal health professionals from across Western Australia on 13 April to raise awareness about the benefits of low aromatic Opal fuel.
11 April 2011
e-Health Records Blueprint released as National Health Reform continues to deliver
A national blueprint for the development of e-health records ready for their 1 July 2012 launch, helping Australians to better manage their own healthcare, has been released today.
11 April 2011
National Live Longer Roadshow Kicks off to Improve Health of Indigenous Australians
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has launched a new national campaign called Live Longer featuring community events across the country to help extend the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
11 April 2011
Pathology Services to be Better Managed and Funded, Delivering $550 Million Saving to Taxpayer
A new landmark agreement between the Australian Government and the pathology sector will ensure that patients get access to quality, affordable pathology services and the tax payer, better value for money.
07 April 2011
World's Toughest Anti-Smoking Laws Released
The world’s toughest laws on tobacco promotion moved a step closer with the release on 7 April of the Australian Government’s proposed design and legislation for plain packaging.
06 April 2011
Closing the Gap in Queensland's Gulf and Torres Strait
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has announced the Australian Government will fund provide $150,000 to fund a strategic position for an Indigenous Health Council in the Gulf region of Queensland
06 April 2011
Electronic Blue Book on the Way for Western Sydney
Western Sydney will lead Australia’s e-health revolution with an ‘electronic blue book’ on the way for mums and bubs as just one of a number of new e-health projects dedicated to the region.
06 April 2011
Hold the Salt: Simmer Sauces and Processed Meats
The sodium content of many simmer sauces and the sodium and saturated fat content of many processed meats will be reduced under a voluntary agreement with leading food manufacturers and retailers
06 April 2011
Indigenous Families in Mt Isa Get Better Access to Health Services
Indigenous babies in Mount Isa will have a better chance of being born healthy and staying healthy following the announcement of more than $420,000 to develop culturally appropriate pre-pregnancy care and early childhood development services.
06 April 2011
TGA Transparency Review Extended at Request of Review Panel
At the request of the chair of the Therapeutical Goods Administration (TGA) Transparency Review panel, Professor Dennis Pearce, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has extended the panel’s reporting date to 30 June 2011.
05 April 2011
Easier Access to Navigate Aged Care System
From 1 July 2011, older Australians and their carers will find it easier to access and navigate the aged care system with the introduction of a single phone number to access and navigate the system as the first step in the phased implementation of the one-stop shop measure.
04 April 2011
Mental Health Umbrella Project Launch
A community arts project has seen local artist Sandy Elverd work with volunteers from St Bede’s Anglican Parish to help disadvantaged people and those living with mental illness stay engaged with the Port Adelaide community.
02 April 2011
Additional Indigenous Remote Service Delivery Traineeships
Valuable training in business and management is again being offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Australian Government continues its commitment to improving employment opportunities for Indigenous communities and better delivery of aged and primary healthcare services in remote and rural Australia.
01 April 2011
Flexible Care Package Implementation Begins Today
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has announced that implementation has begun on the Government’s Flexible Care Packages for people with severe mental illnesses.
01 April 2011
Women, Health and Ageing – New Results from Longitudinal Study on Women in their 80s
The latest major report from the ongoing Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health has been released.
31 March 2011
Minister Welcomes Arthritis Awareness Week 2011
Chronic conditions involving the bones and joints are the leading cause of ongoing pain and disability in Australia and affect more than 6.3 million Australians, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said today as he acknowledged National Arthritis Week (27 March to 2 April 2011).
31 March 2011
Mobile Renal Dialysis Bus Launched
An innovative way to treat Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who require renal dialysis when returning or visiting remote communities in the Northern Territory has been launched in Alice Springs.
29 March 2011
Brisbane leads the way as e-health super site
Brisbane will the lead the way as an Australian e-health ‘super site’ following new e-health projects announced as a part of national health reform.
29 March 2011
E-Health benefits spread as Canberra team chosen to lead roll-out
Aged and palliative care patients in the ACT will benefit from better integrated and safer care through e-health systems developed by a team from Canberra that has been chosen as one of nine new projects to lead the roll-out of e-health records.
29 March 2011
E-Health Benefits Spread as Nine New Sites Start Work
Mothers and new born babies, Australians suffering from chronic disease and patients in aged and palliative care are some of the first groups set to benefit from national health reform as nine new locations have been selected to lead the roll-out of e-health records.
29 March 2011
E-Health benefits spread as Sydney team chosen to lead roll-out
Patients are set to benefit from a better, safer and more integrated medical records system to be developed by a consortium of Sydney health providers that have been chosen as one of nine new projects to lead the roll-out of e-health records.
29 March 2011
E-Health benefits spread into Western Sydney
Mums and bubs, Indigenous Australians and aged, chronic and complex disease patients in Western Sydney are set to benefit from a new e-health project.
29 March 2011
Instalment of Funding for Royal Hobart Hospital
The next $50 million instalment of the Australian Government’s contribution to the construction of the new Women’s and Children’s Precinct of the Royal Hobart Hospital will be paid to the Tasmanian Government shortly.
29 March 2011
New Training Resource for Child Services Workers
The social and emotional wellbeing of children will benefit from a pre-service vocational education and training resource launched in Canberra as part of the Government’s commitment to mental health reform.
29 March 2011
Territory to Lead E-Health Records for Indigenous Australians
Northern Territorians will be one of the first groups of Australians to have access to e-health records thanks to a new national health reform e-health project announced on 29 March.
28 March 2011
$10,000 up For Grabs for Men’s Sheds
Men’s Sheds and community-based organisations across the country can again apply for up to $10,000 each through the second round of the Australian Government’s Shed Development Program.
28 March 2011
Break the Chain: Indigenous Anti Tobacco Campaign Kicks Off
A new advertising campaign urging Indigenous Australians to quit smoking has hit the airwaves, newspapers and TV screens as the Australian Government continues its world-leading action to combat tobacco use.
28 March 2011
E-Health benefits spread as Geelong team to lead roll-out
Patients are set to benefit from a better and safer medication system to be developed by a team from Geelong that has been chosen as one of nine new projects to lead the roll-out of e-health records.
28 March 2011
Tasmanian aged and palliative care to lead e-health roll-out
Aged and palliative care patients and their families in North West Tasmania will be one of the first groups of Australians to have access to e-health records thanks to a new national health reform e-health project announced on 28 March 2011.
25 March 2011
Access to Indigenous Health Services Eased by New Health Brokers
A new health brokerage service has been established for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the inner north of metropolitan Melbourne.
25 March 2011
Food and Health Dialogue Communiqué
The Australian Government Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, chaired the sixth meeting of the Food and Health Dialogue on 25 March 2011.
24 March 2011
Record Number of Doctors in Training Delivered by National Health Reform
A record 900 GPs have started training this year, as a result of the Australian Government’s national health reforms.
23 March 2011
Progress Made to ‘Close The Gap’ in Indigenous Health
On the eve of the fifth anniversary of the National Close The Gap day, the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, met with some of the 355 additional health staff funded across Australia to help close the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
21 March 2011
Safeguards for Hospitals Welcomed
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has welcomed the passing of key health reform legislation that will drive safe, high quality health care for all Australians.
18 March 2011
Mental Health Reform Update
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, provides an update on what the Australian Government is doing to advance reforms in mental health.
18 March 2011
Opal Fuel Campaign to Focus on Boat Owners in Kakadu
Top End fishermen at the Kakadu Klash fishing competition are likely to be talking about the increasing use of low aromatic Opal fuel in boats as the rollout of Opal continues throughout Kakadu National Park.
18 March 2011
Postgraduate Scholarships for Aged Care Nurses
Around 130 scholarships are available for postgraduate or continuing education relating to care of older people.
17 March 2011
182 GP Training Places for Queensland
182 new GPs will begin training in Queensland this year as the Australian Government continues to deliver national health reform benefits, helping Queenslanders to see and contact a doctor when they need to.
17 March 2011
50 Bed Boost for Logan Hospital Redevelopment: National Health Reform Delivering
The upgrade of Logan Hospital has been given a shot in the arm with a boost of $175 million in new funding from the Australian Government to deliver 50 new beds and a new emergency department building.
17 March 2011
Better Help for Health Professionals Means Better Help for Treating Mental Health Problems
Health professionals will have access to new clinical practice guidelines to help them identify and treat mental health problems following National Health and Medical Research Council’s approval of guidelines developed by beyondblue: the national depression initiative.
17 March 2011
Ipswich Health Workers Praised for Flood Disaster Response
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon today toured the Ipswich GP Super Clinic and praised the local community for digging in and providing a helping hand during the recent flood crisis.
17 March 2011
QEII Emergency Department to Double in Size
The upgrade of Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee (QEII) Hospital has been given a significant boost with an additional $68.5 million in funding from the Australian Government including a doubling of the size of the emergency department.
16 March 2011
81 Extra GPs for WA as Part of National Health Reform
Eighty-one new GPs will begin training in Western Australia this year as the Australian Government continues to deliver national health reform benefits, helping more West Australians to see a doctor closer to home.
16 March 2011
Delivering World Class Rehabilitation and Better Health Services for WA
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has inspected work on the construction of Western Australia’s new State Rehabilitation Centre at Murdoch alongside Member for Fremantle, Melissa Parke MP.
15 March 2011
'Swap it Don't Stop it'
The Australian Government has launched its ‘Swap it don’t stop it’ campaign – a call to make easy, small, healthier lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of illness and disease.
15 March 2011
More Australians Access Mental Health Care
Record numbers of Australians are receiving mental health treatment according to an evaluation released on 15 March, however there are still some groups who are not accessing the services they need.
11 March 2011
Commonwealth Funds Major Upgrade for Port Macquarie Base Hospital
The Australian Government has announced a huge boost to health services in Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast by committing $96 million in a major upgrade of the Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
11 March 2011
Minister Congratulates Improved Access to Mental Health Hotlines
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has congratulated Vodafone Hutchinson Australia’s decision to abolish call charges to a number of front line national suicide prevention hotlines - including Kids Helpline and Lifeline.
10 March 2011
Community Ideas Sought on Mackay GP Super Clinic
Residents and health professionals from the Mackay area are invited to share ideas on Friday 11 March about the best options for their local GP Super Clinic.
10 March 2011
New training centre will attract more health professionals to Taree
The people of Taree and District are the latest to benefit from the Australian Government’s ongoing investment in regional Australia with the official opening of the $6 million Manning Education Centre, a multi-purpose medical education facility in Taree.
09 March 2011
68 GP Training Places for South Australia
Sixty-eight new GPs will begin training in South Australia this year as the Australian Government continues to deliver national health reform benefits, helping South Australians to see and contact a doctor when they need to.
09 March 2011
Health Reform to Deliver 179 Sub Acute Beds and Places in SA
South Australians will soon see changes taking place across the state as national health reform starts to deliver more sub acute beds and better care following an announcement of 179 sub acute beds and places with a substantial focus on mental health.
07 March 2011
10th GP Super Clinic Opening Brings Health Boost to Burnie
Residents from Burnie and surrounds will enjoy greater access to GPs and health professionals closer to home, with the opening of Australia's 10th GP Super Clinic in Burnie on 7 March.
04 March 2011
Australian Health Survey Gets Under Way
The Australian Health Survey about to be undertaken will help with the design and planning of a more focussed health care system for all Australians.
04 March 2011
Chief Medical Officer Professor Jim Bishop
Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, has announced he will leave the position in May this year.
04 March 2011
Community Views Sought on Lower Hunter GPsuper Clinic
Residents and health professionals from the Lower Hunter have been invited to share ideas about the best options for their local GP Super Clinic.
03 March 2011
Additional Funding for Home and Community Care Services in Victoria
Older Victorians who live in their own homes will benefit this year from an $11.9 million boost to aged care services provided to them across the state through the Home and Community Care (HACC) program - a joint initiative of the federal and state government.
03 March 2011
Agreement Reached with Australian Unity
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has completed the approvals for applications from all insurers, following further negotiations with Australian Unity––the final insurer to have its revised premium approved.
01 March 2011
IBM Selected for E-health Authentication Service
The National E-Health Transition Authority has selected IBM to design and build the National Authentication Service for Health, a key building block in developing personally controlled e-health records for Australia.
01 March 2011
Work to begin on new Tennant Creek Sobering Up Shelter
Work will soon start on a new purpose-built shelter in Tennant Creek to provide high-quality care and supervision for people who need somewhere to sober up.
28 February 2011
Extra $47 Million to Help People in Queensland Retain their Independence
Older Queenslanders who live in their own homes will benefit from a $47 million boost to aged care services provided to them across the state this year through the Home and Community Care (HACC) program - a joint initiative of the federal and state governments.
28 February 2011
Getting Information about Medicines and Medical Devices Made Easier
Australians will now be able to more easily find information about medicines and medical devices approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has announced.
28 February 2011
Record Investment in Specialist Doctor Training
A record number of specialist doctors have started work in Australian Government-supported training places as part of a $356 million commitment to boost specialist doctors across the country.
25 February 2011
Improved Services for Young People with Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Problems
Young people aged 12 and over with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drug conditions will benefit from a project researching improved services and pathways of care in South Australia’s northern suburbs.
25 February 2011
Ministerial Council On Drug Strategy
Ministers responsible for illegal and legal drugs met in Perth on 25 February to tackle some of the big issues facing governments and the community with regard to the harms caused by drugs and alcohol.
25 February 2011
Patients Benefit from New Medicines Listed on the PBS and NIP
Australians suffering from serious and life-threatening illnesses will benefit from seven new medicines being listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from 1 April 2011. Two new vaccines will also be added to the National Immunisation Program
25 February 2011
Private Health Insurance Premiums Kept to a Minimum
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has approved private health insurance premium increases to 34 out of 35 health funds by an average of 5.57 per cent, which will take effect from 1 April 2011.
24 February 2011
Minister Snowdon Opens Indigenous Research Forum
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has opened a two day forum that is a first step in establishing a network of experienced and emerging Indigenous researchers.
23 February 2011
Ambassadors Promote the Gift of Life
Four prominent Australians have been appointed by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King as DonateLife Ambassadors.
22 February 2011
$12 Million Extra Funding for Aged Care Services in South Australia
Older South Australians who live in their own homes will benefit this year from a $12 million boost to aged care services provided to them across the state through the Home and Community Care (HACC) program.
22 February 2011
Next Steps to Establish Medicare Locals
The Australian Government has released new guidelines for Medicare Locals to help health practitioners provide more responsive and targeted services for local communities.
21 February 2011
Nine-Year High in Private Health Insurance
Australia has reached its highest rate of private hospital insurance participation in more than nine years, with 44.9 per cent of the population covered.
21 February 2011
Protecting Bubs: Whooping Cough Epidemic
As the current whooping cough epidemic continues, Health and Ageing Minister Nicola Roxon has reminded parents to protect their children with vaccinations, which can begin six weeks after birth.
18 February 2011
Discuss Giving Life During Donatelife Week
Australia’s first national DonateLife Week has been launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
18 February 2011
New Era for Territory Medical Students
The first ever batch of ‘top end’ medical students to undertake their entire degree in the Territory have been welcomed onto campus by Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon.
18 February 2011
New Staff Provided Across Victoria to Improve Indigenous Health
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, said an additional 38 health staff are being funded across Victoria this financial year, to help close the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
18 February 2011
Palmerston GP Super Clinic Brings Care Closer to Home
Getting health care closer to home is easier for Palmerston residents, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, told locals as she toured the Palmerston GP Super Clinic on 18 February.
17 February 2011
Australian Health Ministers’ Conference Communique
The Australian Health Ministers' Conference met in Hobart on 17 February
17 February 2011
Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council Communique
The Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council met in Hobart on 17 February
17 February 2011
Seeking Indigenous Runners for New York Marathon
Outstanding natural long-distance runners are being sought to join Rob de Castella’s Indigenous Marathon Project and run in this year’s world-famous New York City Marathon.
16 February 2011
Better Training of Health Professionals for Tasmanians
Health students at the University of Tasmania will now have better access to clinical training through a new Commonwealth-funded IT management system, to be run in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services.
16 February 2011
Call for e-health partners
Personally controlled electronic health records are a step closer following the call for partners to help develop the system.
16 February 2011
Clarence GP Super Clinic Moves Closer to Completion
Better coordinated healthcare for the Clarence community is on its way, said the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, while inspecting the Clarence GP Super Clinic construction site.
16 February 2011
Members Sought for Preventive Health Advisory Council
Individuals with expertise in preventive health are invited to express their interest in joining a new national advisory council to tackle chronic disease.
15 February 2011
Health Reform Delivering for Patients at Royal Melbourne
Elective surgery patients at the Royal Melbourne Hospital are already benefiting from the Australian Government’s investment in national health reform.
14 February 2011
Adelaide GP Super Clinic a Step Closer
Adelaide residents and health professionals have shared ideas about the best options for the GP Super Clinic in central Adelaide.
14 February 2011
Cancer Centre Start a Reward for Community Effort
The hard work and commitment of the people of Ballarat and region has been rewarded with the official start of construction on the new $56.5 million Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre.
14 February 2011
Community Input Sought on Mt Barker GP Super Clinic
Residents and health professionals from the Mt Barker area have been invited to share ideas about the best options for their local GP Super Clinic.
14 February 2011
Construction Set to Start for Bundaberg GP Super Clinic
The Bundaberg region is a step closer to getting a GP Super Clinic with construction set to start following the announcement of the builder who has won the contract to construct the new facility.
14 February 2011
Grants to Support new and Established Men’s Sheds
Older and disadvantaged men in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia will soon have more help to meet and find social support with Australian Government Grants for Men’s Sheds.
13 February 2011
A Better Deal for Patients
The Australian Government will invest a guaranteed extra $19.8 billion in public hospitals.
12 February 2011
Better Aged Care Services for Older Australians from Non-English Speaking Backgrounds
Older Australians of non-English-speaking backgrounds will benefit from better access to aged care services that meet their needs following a call for applications for funding under the Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care Program.
11 February 2011
Training Boost for Indigenous Aged Care Workers
Indigenous people living in rural and remote areas will receive aged care training in their own communities under an Australian Government plan to bring employment opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
10 February 2011
Funding the beginning of 130 research careers
One hundred and thirty university graduates will benefit from $10.2 million of Australian Government scholarships. The scholarships have been provided to graduates in medicine, nursing, dentistry, allied health and other areas support their Masters and PhD studies - the foundations of a career in research.
10 February 2011
National Palliative Care Strategy Released
The release of the updated National Palliative Care Strategy will help ensure a nationally consistent and coordinated approach to the delivery of palliative care services across Australia.
10 February 2011
Realising real health benefits from research
Eighteen teams of researchers will be given the opportunity to develop their discoveries into products to improve human health thanks to $7.4 million of Australian Government support, provided as National Health and Medical Research Council Development Grants.
09 February 2011
10 of the Best Medical Research Projects
The successes of the Australian Government’s $700 million annual investment in health and medical research has been showcased in a new publication, 10 of the Best Research Projects 2010, launched on 9 February.
04 February 2011
Increased Safeguards for Radiotherapy Treatment
Australian cancer patients and others requiring radiotherapy will have increased safeguards to their treatment with the launch of the Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service.
04 February 2011
Sunshine Coast GP Super Clinic a Step Closer
Residents and health professionals on the Sunshine Coast are invited to share ideas on 4 February about the best options for their local GP Super Clinic.
03 February 2011
Gold Coast Community Called on for Input on GP Super Clinic
Gold Coast residents and health professionals are invited to share ideas tonight about the best options for the GP Super Clinic on the Gold Coast.
02 February 2011
Construction Underway for New Dementia Day Care Centre
People with dementia and their families will soon have access to a new Dementia Day Centre in Camden.
02 February 2011
Extra $16.1 Million for Home and Community Care in NSW
An additional $16.1 million has been provided for Home and Community Care (HACC) services across NSW.
02 February 2011
New Independent Committee to Assure Research Integrity
Australian taxpayers can be confident the research activities they fund meet the highest ethical and moral standards thanks to the establishment of the Australian Government’s Australian Research Integrity Committee.
02 February 2011
Surgery Success Heralds Implementation of Kidney Exchange Program
Successful surgery for three kidney recipients late last year has heralded the welcome implementation of the new Australian Paired Kidney Exchange (AKX) program.
01 February 2011
New PBS Listings Help Fight Life Threatening Illnesses
The Australian Government has announced a boost to the fight against life-threatening conditions with the listing of new drugs on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
31 January 2011
Community Input Sought for West Pilbara GP Super Clinic
Local residents and health professionals from the West Pilbara are invited to share ideas about the best options for the GP Super Clinic in Karratha.
31 January 2011
85 Aboriginal Health Organisations Receive Support
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, said more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would have access to best-practice health care, with the Australian Government announcing $5.6 million to help Aboriginal Health Organisations achieve accreditation under Australian quality standards.
30 January 2011
Cigarettes bring cancer closer: Largest-ever National Tobacco Campaign kicks off
A new hard-hitting advertising campaign that graphically links smoking with lung cancer hit the airwaves and TV screens today as the Australian Government continues its world-leading action to combat tobacco use.
30 January 2011
Watch the wheeze during back-to-school period
Parents of children with asthma should prepare back to school asthma action plans ahead of the anticipated spike in asthma cases at the start of the school term.
29 January 2011
Applications sought for new $15m ACT GP Super Clinic
The Australian Government has issued an Invitation to Apply for parties to establish the proposed $15 million ACT GP Super Clinic.
28 January 2011
Community input sought for new GP Super Clinics
Thirteen communities across the country are being invited to share ideas about the best options for GP Super Clinics in their local areas.
28 January 2011
Release of Final Report of Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy
Recommendations to improve food labelling law and policy in Australia and New Zealand are contained in the report of an independent panel released on 28 January.
27 January 2011
Directory of Services a Good Guide for Older Australians
A concise and user-friendly information directory that outlines the many Government services available for older people and their families has been launched.
27 January 2011
Grafton GP Super Clinic Moves Closer
The Grafton region is a step closer to getting a GP Super Clinic with the announcement that National Build Plan Group has won the contract to construct the new facility.
26 January 2011
Mental Health Minister Congratulates 2011 Local Hero of the Year
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler congratulates suicide prevention advocate Donald Ritchie OAM for winning the Australia Day Local Hero of the Year award for 2011.
26 January 2011
Minister for Ageing Congratulates 2011 Senior Australian of the Year
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler congratulates equal rights campaigner Professor Ron McCallum AO who received this year’s Senior Australian of the Year award.
25 January 2011
Outgoing Senior Australian of the Year Recognised
The contribution of culinary icon and outgoing Senior Australian of the Year Maggie Beer has been recognised by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
24 January 2011
Reduce your risk during Healthy Weight Week
Reduce your risk of chronic disease by achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle is the key message coming out of Healthy Weight Week.
21 January 2011
Productivity Commission Draft Report on Aged Care
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission’s draft report ‘Caring for Older Australians’ which will provide the Australian Government with key advice on the direction of aged care.
20 January 2011
Changes to the PBS will help flood victims across Australia
The Acting Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing of an important antibiotic will be extended, to increase the treatment options for people with skin infections caused by contact with contaminated flood water.
19 January 2011
Legionnaires' disease alert to travellers from Bali
Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, has issued an alert to travellers in Bali or who have recently returned, who experience ‘flu-like’ symptoms such as fever and cough to consult their GPs or hospital emergency departments.
18 January 2011
Latest National Teen Drug Usage Statistics Released
The National Drug Strategy Monograph: Australian secondary school students’ use of tobacco, alcohol, and over-the-counter and illicit substances in 2008, has been released by the Acting Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
18 January 2011
Tribute to Australian Organ Donors
A record number of 309 deceased Australians donated their organs and tissue for transplant during 2010, drawing praise and gratitude from the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
14 January 2011
Minister Raises Dementia Awareness
Minister Raises Dementia Awareness
14 January 2011
States Pull Together to Help out Queensland
Additional state and territory and local government environmental health officers, mental health officers and health department officials will be sent to Queensland to assist the flood recovery effort following a meeting on 14 January of the Australian Health Protection Committee.
13 January 2011
Aged Care Information Line Takes One Millionth Call
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler congratulated the staff of the Aged Care Information Line in recognition of the free service receiving its one millionth call.
13 January 2011
Ageing Support for Flood Affected Australians
Older Australians and aged care staff affected by unprecedented flooding in Queensland will be supported by the Labor Government under measures taken to ensure the safety and well being of people in residential and community care in flood affected areas
13 January 2011
Health Assistance for Flood Affected Australians
Health Assistance for Flood Affected Australians The Acting Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced special short term emergency health arrangements for flood-affected areas, including the activation of the Health National Incident Room and special pharmacy arrangements.
13 January 2011
Mental Health Support for Flood Affected Australians
Australians experiencing mental ill health resulting from unprecedented flooding in Queensland will be able to access support through special measures announced by Acting Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler on 13 January.
12 January 2011
Health and Ageing Support for Flood Affected Australians
The Acting Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, expressed concern and sympathy for the victims of the Queensland flood, reiterating the Commonwealth’s continued support to health and ageing authorities in Queensland and other states affected by these unprecedented floods.
07 January 2011
Momentum Building around E-Health
Personally controlled electronic health records are a step closer with the closing of applications for the second round of lead implementation sites.
06 January 2011
Medicine Reforms Benefit Tasmanian Hospital Patients
Tasmanians prescribed lengthy courses of medicines at public hospitals will now be able to receive up to a month's supply without the need for a separate trip to a GP.
05 January 2011
New Year’s Resolutions get a Helping Hand
New Year’s resolutions to get active, eat well and quit smoking will be promoted throughout the year and beyond by the Australian National Preventive Health Agency, which was formally established on 1 January 2011.
30 December 2010
$113m Mental Health Boost to Start 1 January
Hundreds of thousands of Australians with mental health problems will benefit from a $113.2 million boost in treatment and services from 1 January 2011
29 December 2010
New Directions for Improving Women’s Health
Ensuring women have access to the right health care at the right time is a key objective of the Government’s National Women’s Health Policy 2010 released on 29 December.
23 December 2010
Mental Health Expert Advisory Group Established
A new expert advisory group on mental health will provide the Federal Government with advice on the important reforms needed in the mental health sector.
23 December 2010
Significant Step in Health Reform
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has announced that an important milestone in health reform had been achieved with six states and territories reaching agreement with the Commonwealth on the boundaries for Local Hospital Networks and Medicare Locals.
23 December 2010
Spare Some Time for Aged Neighbours this Festive Season
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has encouraged Australians to spare a thought for their elderly relatives and neighbours during the festive season.
22 December 2010
Cloning Legislative Review Committee Established
An independent committee has been established by the Australian Government to review cloning legislation.
20 December 2010
Boost to Australians fighting cancer
Cancer treatment and prevention continues to get top priority from the Australian Government, following two announcements totalling $22.6 million for high-priority cancer research projects and to extend clinical trials.
20 December 2010
Community consultation under way for Canberra’s $15m GP Super Clinic
Local residents and health professionals have teamed up today to share ideas about the best options for a GP Super Clinic in the nation’s capital.
20 December 2010
New CEO to continue Organ and Tissue Donation Reforms
Ms Yael Cass is to head up the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority from 5 February 2011.
20 December 2010
New Deputy Chair Appointed to Key Mental Health Advisory Group
South Australia's Social Inclusion Commissioner, Monsignor David Cappo, has been appointed deputy chairman of the National Advisory Council on Mental Health - a key strategic group providing specialist policy advice on mental health to the Australian Government.
17 December 2010
Tender Call Marks New Stage in e-health Development
The Australian Government’s personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system took a further step forward today with the call for an organisation to evaluate the benefits and capabilities of the new system.
16 December 2010
Boost to Indigenous Aged Care Services in Northern Territory
The Australian Government is to provide $1.7 million to upgrade and extend the Galiwin’ku Aged Care Service on Elcho Island in the Northern Territory.
15 December 2010
Ministerial Conference on Ageing Communiqué
Australian and New Zealand Ministers responsible for ageing met in Melbourne on 15 December to discuss health and ageing matters affecting older people.
14 December 2010
Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment Kicks Off
The first stage of construction for the new integrated Women’s and Children’s Hospital kicked off on 14 December as part of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s redevelopment.
14 December 2010
Tasmanian State-Of-The-Art Ambulance Centre Ready for Business
Faster and more effective coordination of patient transport will result from Ambulance Tasmania’s new State Communications Centre and State Headquarters.
13 December 2010
Organ donations highest in Australia's recorded donation history
More Australian families are consenting to their loved ones becoming organ donors.
10 December 2010
Better Practice in Aged Care Award for Aldersgate
Aldersgate Aged Care Facility in Felixstow has received a Better Practice in Aged Care award in recognition of its leading-edge art therapy program.
10 December 2010
MyHospitals – Shining a light on Australian Hospitals
The MyHospitals website, which gives the community clear, comparable and user-friendly information about the services and the performance of their local hospital, was launched on 10 December.
09 December 2010
$1.5m for Innovative Community-Based Dementia Projects
Applications are being sought from groups and organisations for funding for projects that increase awareness of dementia in local communities.
09 December 2010
Early Successes in Efforts to ‘Close the Gap’
A new report on the Australian Government’s multi-million dollar commitment to tackling chronic disease in Indigenous communities shows positive progress is being made.
09 December 2010
New Director for the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Mr David Kalisch has been appointed the new Director of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
08 December 2010
Big Boost to Aged Care Places
Australia’s older people will gain 12,272 new aged care places, worth more than $450 million a year, in allocations in the 2009-10 Aged Care Approvals Round.
08 December 2010
Increase in Elective Surgery Operations Rewarded by the Commonwealth
For the first time, the Australian Government will will reward states and territories with $108 million for exceeding targets to increase elective surgery operations, the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, have announced.
08 December 2010
Minister for Ageing visits Goodwin Monash
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has visited Goodwin’s Ralph Cartwright Centre in Monash to present staff training awards and turn the first sod for a new residential aged care home.
08 December 2010
National Workforce Launched to Tackle Indigenous Smoking and Improve Health
Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has launched a new workforce featuring 82 new positions to help reduce smoking and help improve nutrition and physical activity in Indigenous communities across the country.
07 December 2010
More than $5 Billion in Applications for Regional Health
More than 230 applications totalling over $5 billion from regional and remote Australia have been received for the ‘regional priority round’ of the Australian Government’s Health and Hospitals Fund (HHF).
06 December 2010
Party Safe this Summer
Festival-goers will be targeted this summer as part of the Australian Government’s National Drugs Campaign to combat illicit drug use. The latest phase of the National Drugs Campaign will be promoted through the popular In the Mix website, the go-to site for the summer music festival program.
03 December 2010
Another Step Taken to Help Keep Communities Healthy
The Department of Health and Ageing is seeking organisations or consortia to manage the Healthy Communities Quality Framework registration process and information portal.
03 December 2010
Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council - Joint Communique
Food Ministers briefed on progress of historic Food Labelling Review
The health implications of caffeinated energy drinks, improvement of public awareness of the nutrition content of take-away food and recent international developments and efforts made by Australian and New Zealand industry in phasing out the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) chemicals in baby bottles and food containers were among topics discussed at a meeting of the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council in Adelaide today.
03 December 2010
GP Super Clinics: Boosting Primary Care Options for Australians
Making it easier for Australians to see and contact a health professional when they need to is a priority for the Australian Government, and GP Super Clinics form a central component of the Government’s efforts to address a shortage of services across the community.
02 December 2010
Celebrating Success in Indigenous Traineeships
An event on 2 December marked AFL SportsReady's 1,000th Indigenous trainee.
02 December 2010
Health Reform Delivers More Beds and Better Care in Queensland Hospitals
Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Queensland Treasurer and Acting Health Minister Andrew Fraser have announced new funding for Queensland hospitals under the Australian Government’s national health reform.
02 December 2010
Redcliffe GP Super Clinic Draws Closer
New health services are just around the corner for the Redcliffe community as the construction of the new, purpose-built Redcliffe GP Super Clinic continues ahead of schedule.
01 December 2010
Funding Equipment to Fight Hearing Loss in Indigenous Children
The Australian Government is providing more than 400 pieces of medical equipment to help reduce the rate of hearing loss among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
01 December 2010
Making it easier to see your doctor – Boost for GP After-Hours
After-hours support from local GPs will be boosted in communities around the country following two announcements on 1 December by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon.
01 December 2010
New Medicines Available Through PBS from 1 December
Australians suffering from pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, osteoporosis, bipolar disorder, or hepatitis C will be among those to benefit from changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) that come into effect on 1 December.
01 December 2010
Pandemic Warning Decreased to Alert Phase
From 1 December 2010, Australia's pandemic phase moves from PROTECT to ALERT, signifying the end of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) pandemic in Australia.
01 December 2010
World AIDS Day 2010
1 December is World AIDS Day – an important opportunity to renew Australia’s commitment to raise awareness and improve education about HIV.
30 November 2010
Further Steps Taken to Implement Medicare Locals
The Australian Government has taken the next step in reforming Australia’s health system and establishing a network of primary health care organisations – Medicare Locals – by releasing the latest draft of its planned geographic boundaries.
30 November 2010
Mobile Phone Applications Could Help Revolutionise Health Care in Australia
Accessing a patient’s record may be as easy as using a mobile phone application as the Government’s investment in e-Health revolutionises health care in Australia.
30 November 2010
Next Step for Telehealth Services for Patients
The Australian Government’s investment in better connecting patients to specialist services through technology took a step forward on 30 November, with the release of a discussion paper seeking views on the most effective delivery for the scheme.
29 November 2010
Over 1 Million Dental Checks have Teens Flashing Pearly Whites
Over one million dental checks have left Aussie teens with brighter smiles as a result of the Australian Government’s Medicare Teen Dental Program.
29 November 2010
Private Health Insurance Administration Council Members Appointed
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has welcomed the appointments of three new members to the Private Health Insurance Administration Council.
25 November 2010
$100 Million For Royal Hobart Hospital
The Australian Government and the Tasmanian Government have finalised an agreement to enable the construction of the Women’s and Children’s Precinct on the Royal Hobart Hospital site.
25 November 2010
Patients to Benefit from New Primary Care Infrastructure Grants
Patients can expect to see big changes at their local GP clinics, thanks to $64.5 million in primary care infrastructure grants announced by the Australian Government on 25 November.
25 November 2010
Registration, Accreditation And Support Processes For Overseas Doctors
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has welcomed the commencement of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing’s work to explore current registration, accreditation and support processes for overseas-trained doctors.
24 November 2010
Applications Now Open For Second Wave e-Health Projects
Hundreds of thousands more Australians will join the e-health revolution as a result of up to $55 million from the Australian Government now available for the next round of innovative e-health projects across the nation.
24 November 2010
Better Private Health Insurance Information a Win for Consumers
The 10 million Australians who are covered by private hospital cover now have a better tool to call on when trying to work out which cover is best for them, with the launch of improvements to the web site privatehealth.gov.au.
24 November 2010
Widespread Support for Health Reform Welcomed
Over three-quarters of all Australians support the Australian Government’s historic health reform agenda according to new statistics released on 24 November.
23 November 2010
42 More Schools to Help Promote Healthy Eating
Children at 42 schools around the country will be growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing fresh food and learning healthy eating habits as part of the latest round of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program.
22 November 2010
Anaesthetic training opportunities for rural and remote GPs
Increased funding for maternity training for doctors will enable general practitioners to complete procedural training in obstetrics and anaesthetics.
20 November 2010
$23m in Local Grants Available for Healthy Community
The Australian Government is calling on local governments around Australia to apply for more than $23 million worth of Healthy Communities Grants.
19 November 2010
Food and Health Dialogue Communique
The Australian Government Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Catherine King, has chaired the fifth meeting of the Food and Health Dialogue on 19 November
18 November 2010
Historic Health Prevention Agency a Reality
The fight against preventable diseases has been given a boost after the Parliament passed on 17 November the historic Australian National Preventive Health Agency Bill 2010.
18 November 2010
Mums the Winners from New Tool in Fight Against Diabetes
The National Gestational Diabetes Register was launched on 18 November.
17 November 2010
Internet Tobacco Advertising to Face New Tough Restrictions
Prohibiting retailers from peddling cigarettes as ‘cheap’ or ‘tax-free’ on the internet is the latest step in the Australian Government’s hard hitting and comprehensive action to reduce Australia’s smoking rates.
15 November 2010
10 Million Aussies now Have Private Hospital Insurance
For the first time since December 1982, more than 10 million Australians have private hospital insurance. Figures released on 15 November also showed that a high proportion of Australians were continuing to take out private health insurance, demonstrating the strength of the sector.
14 November 2010
World Diabetes Day: Education and Prevention is the Key
Diabetes education and prevention is the theme of World Diabetes Day, held on 14 November.
08 November 2010
$7.6 M New Health Clinic Opens for the Territory’s Largest Aboriginal Community
The expanded and refurbished health centre at Wadeye in the Northern Territory has been officially opened by the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon .
08 November 2010
Continuing the Fight Against Petrol Sniffing
The Australian Government is stepping up its push to curb petrol sniffing in regional and remote communities – making the low aromatic Opal fuel available in Kakadu National Park for the first time.
08 November 2010
Indigenous Runners Successful in New York Marathon
Four young men from remote Northern Australia have become the nation’s first Aboriginal marathon team to complete the world-famous New York City Marathon.
04 November 2010
Young Aboriginal Men Set Pace For New York City Marathon
Four young men from remote parts of Northern Australia are to become the nation’s first Aboriginal marathon team to compete in the world-famous New York City Marathon on 7 November.
01 November 2010
MyHospitals to Launch with Public Hospitals from all States
The MyHospitals website will be online in December with information about public hospitals in all states and territories– including Western Australia.
01 November 2010
Nurses and Midwives Access Medicare and the PBS
Nurse Practitioners and Midwives will from 1 November be able to access the Medicare Benefits Schedule and provide Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medicines in the community.
29 October 2010
Next Steps Taken to Establish Medicare Locals
The Australian Government has taken an important step in establishing a network of primary health care organisations – Medicare Locals – by releasing a discussion paper on their planned roles, functions and governance.
28 October 2010
e-Health Conference - Revolutionising Australia’s Health Care
The nation’s leading health experts, consumer groups and information technology specialists will come together to discuss the technological revolution in the delivery of health care at an e-health conference later this year.
28 October 2010
National Epidermolysis Bullosa Scheme Helping Those In Need
This week, 26-31 October, is International Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week and an important opportunity to highlight this rare and debilitating genetic disease.
28 October 2010
Process Commences For The Next 28 GP Super Clinics
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon announced the start of the process of delivering 28 new GP Super Clinics to local communities around Australia, an extra $233m investment in primary healthcare.
27 October 2010
Consultation Open on Alcohol–Free Community Sponsorship Fund
As part of its National Binge Drinking Strategy, the Australian Government is seeking input from the community on how to remove links between alcohol and community sporting and cultural activities that young people are involved in.
25 October 2010
New Eye Surgery ‘Blitz’ in Central Australia
A six-day intensive eye surgery ‘blitz’, funded by the Australian Government and coordinated by the Fred Hollows Foundation, has begun at Alice Springs Hospital.
22 October 2010
$8 Million Boost For Remote And Regional Health Services
People Living in Rural and Remote Communities are Already Benefiting From an Innovative Program that is Boosting Health and Medical Services in Communities Across the Nation.
19 October 2010
Funding for Innovative Health Training Facilities in Central Australia
More doctors, nurses and specialists will be supported in and around Alice Springs as part of the Australian Government’s health reforms to deliver better health and hospitals for all Australians.
18 October 2010
Bath Inquiry into the Northern Territory Child Protection System
The Australian Government will immediately commit more than $34 million to boost measures to protect children from neglect and abuse in the Northern Territory (NT).
18 October 2010
Driving change in the Northern Territory
Over the last three years the Australian Government has improved community safety and increased jobs for Indigenous people in the Northern Territory, as programs and services under the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) have been ramped up.
15 October 2010
Government to Deliver More Maternity Services in Regional Australia
The Australian Government has increased funding for maternity training for doctors that will see more obstetric and anaesthetic services and support for women in rural and remote areas.
15 October 2010
Supporting Women with Secondary Breast Cancer
A booklet which provides guidance on how to conduct important and often difficult conversations around palliative care for women whose breast cancer has spread, has been launched by Nicola Roxon the Minister for Health and Ageing, at the Pink Ribbon Lunch in Melbourne.
14 October 2010
World Sight Day Highlights Indigenous Eye Health Challenge
World Sight Day (14 October) has provided an opportunity for a reminder of the need to reduce the high rate of eye disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
13 October 2010
$5 Million Grant for Medical Training Facility at Geelong
More doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are set to be supported in Geelong as part of the Australian Government’s health reforms to deliver better health and hospitals for all Australians, with the announcement today for up to $5 million for a dedicated education precinct and ward-based training facility within a new Epworth HealthCare private not-for-profit hospital.
03 October 2010
Games Raise Awareness Of Need For Organ And Tissue Donation
The 12th Australian Transplant Games, which officially opened in Canberra on 3 October, play a crucial role in raising awareness and support for organ and tissue donation.
01 October 2010
Vital Help for Women after Breast Cancer Mastectomy
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Medicare Australia is reminding breast cancer survivors who’ve had a mastectomy that they can be reimbursed for external breast prostheses.
30 September 2010
30 Minutes to Spare can Reduce our Risk of Chronic Disease
By being active for at least 30 minutes on most days – such as taking a brisk walk – we can reduce our risk of chronic disease.
29 September 2010
Soliris A Step Closer For Life Saving Drugs Program
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has recommended to the Australian Government that it consider funding the drug Soliris® (eculizumab) for the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria (PNH) through the Life Saving Drugs Program.
26 September 2010
Alcopops Tax Has Worked
Victorian results from the 2008 Australian Secondary School Students Alcohol and Drug Survey (ASSAD) show that the closure of the alcopops tax loophole has worked, with the proportion of secondary school students who reported drinking in the week before the survey is at its lowest level since the survey began in 1984.
25 September 2010
New Funds for Renal Nurse Case Manager Positions in the NT
The Australian Government has provided additional funding of $704,000 for renal nurse case manager positions Katherine, Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.
13 September 2010
Final Statement for Minister for Sport
Kate Ellis has welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement that she will serve as Minister for Employment Participation and Child Care and as Minister for the Status of Women in the Australian Government.
11 September 2010
Statement from Minister for Health and Ageing
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon said she was pleased and honoured to continue leading the Government's ambitious health reform agenda to deliver better health services for all Australians.
30 July 2010
Seasonal flu vaccination for young children can be resumed - Updated advice from the Chief Medical Officer
Continued close monitoring of side effects with this year's seasonal flu vaccine in children under five years of age has shown that the higher than usual occurrence of fever and febrile convulsions appears to be confined to the vaccine Fluvax, manufactured by CSL so parents can now seek advice from their doctor to use other brands on the market if they want their young children vaccinated.
19 July 2010
Agreed Terms of Reference For Central Australia Renal Study
The Australian, Northern Territory, South Australian and Western Australian Governments have agreed to the Terms of Reference for a Central Australian renal study.
16 July 2010
Experts to Help Deliver Better Diabetes Services
People with diabetes will join health professionals, including medical specialists, general practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals, on an Advisory Group to help the Government deliver better services for Australians with diabetes.
16 July 2010
Myhospitals Website
For the first time all Australians will soon be able to view important data about their public hospitals thanks to a new website being developed as part of the Government’s ambitious health reform agenda.
15 July 2010
Australian Government Acts on New South Wales Nursing Home
The Australian Government has imposed sanctions on Calendula Pty Ltd, the approved provider of Daintree Aged Care in Albion Park, New South Wales.
15 July 2010
Communities Get Together to Get Fit, Keep Fit & Lose Weight
Communities right round Australia will be walking, cycling, lifting and eating their way to good health thanks to $6 million in grants announced on 15 July. It is expected that when fully operational these programs will be helping at least 150,000 people improve their health.
15 July 2010
Rural Health Minister Addresses Rural Health Students at National Conference
Delegates at the 12th National University Rural Health conference in Alice Springs have been told the Australian Government was committed to delivering an ambitious health reform agenda, which will support more health professionals to work and live in rural and regional Australia.
14 July 2010
Leading Organisations to Run Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship Scheme
Two expert organisations with proven track records have been appointed by the Australian Government to administer the Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme.
14 July 2010
New Facility to Train Nurses in Wound Management
Clinical training for doctors, nurses and other health professionals in Western Australia will be boosted with the development of a high technology education centre dedicated to wound management.
14 July 2010
Wanneroo GP Super Clinic a Step Closer
The establishment of the Wanneroo GP Super Clinic moved closer with the review of concept plans by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon.
13 July 2010
Building SA’s Health And Medical Research Institute
The Australian Government’s health and hospital reform took another step forward today with the turning of the first sod of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.
13 July 2010
Next Generation of Health Professionals for South Australia Get a New Home in Playford North
More doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are set to be supported in Adelaide’s northern suburbs as part of the Australian Governments health reforms to deliver better health and hospitals for Australians.
11 July 2010
Diabetes Week – More Funding, Better Care
The Australian Government’s ambitious health and hospital reforms have been boosted with more funding dedicated to researching diabetes, particularly finding a cure.
10 July 2010
More Nurses in Aged Care – Up to 395 Nursing Scholarships
Applications have opened for up to 395 undergraduate aged care nursing scholarships worth up to $30,000 each as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to boost training for aged care workers.
09 July 2010
Australian Government Acts on New South Wales Nursing Home
The Australian Government has imposed sanctions on Fairfield Nursing Home Holdings Pty Ltd, the approved provider of Fairfield Nursing Home in New South Wales.
09 July 2010
Federal Rural Health Minister Holds Health Roundtable in Colac
Minister for Rural and Regional Health Warren Snowdon has held a health roundtable in Colac and toured a number of the region’s health facilities to talk about health reform and health issues of importance to the area.
09 July 2010
New Peak Body to Support More Indigenous Physiotherapists, Dieticians, Occupational Therapists and Optometrists
The health of Indigenous Australians has taken another step forward with the launch of a new peak national body to represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health professionals and students.
09 July 2010
Wake up Call on Men’s Health
Minister for Rural and Regional Health Warren Snowdon said Australian men have to confront the reality of the health risks that can see them die earlier than their female counterparts.
07 July 2010
Indigenous Health Minister Holds Indigenous Health Forum in Ipswich to Mark NAIDOC Week
Indigenous Health Minister Warren Snowdon and Member for Blair Shayne Neumann have visited an Aboriginal Medical Service in Ipswich during NAIDOC week to hold an Indigenous Health forum.
07 July 2010
Minister Elliot Visits Hawthorn Village - Hobart
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has visited Hawthorn Village, an aged care facility in Blackmans Bay in Hobart’s south, where a 13-bed dementia wing was constructed with the assistance of a $1 million capital grant from the Australian Government.
07 July 2010
New Beds For Prince Of Wales Hospital
Australia’s historic health and hospital reform is set to deliver an additional 12 beds to Prince of Wales Hospital.
07 July 2010
Release of Roadmap to Reform
The timeline for the further delivery of better health and hospital services has been released by the Minister for Health and Ageing.
07 July 2010
Wallan and Mt Isa GP Super Clinics to Receive Financial Boost
Communities in Wallan and Mt Isa have received a boost as part of the Australian Government’s better health and hospitals plan, with the Government to an additional $2.5 million for the Wallan GP Super Clinic, making a total of $3.5 million and a further $2.5 million for the Mt Isa GP Super Clinic, making a total of $5 million.
06 July 2010
Better Clinical Training for Tasmanian Students - $4.5 Million
Up to an additional 250 medical, nursing and allied health students are expected to be trained in Tasmania each year by 2013 following a $4.5 million commitment for new clinical training infrastructure across the state.
06 July 2010
Ipswich GP Super Clinic Progressing Well
Progress at the Ipswich GP Super Clinic is advancing well, with the first stage of the clinic expected to be operational by the end of August.
06 July 2010
More Aged Care Beds for North Western Tasmania
Support from the Australian Government’s Zero Real Interest Loans initiative has helped deliver more aged care services in Deloraine.
06 July 2010
New $1.57 million Cooma dementia day-care and HACC centre
Services for older residents and people with a disability of Cooma and surrounds have received a boost with the opening of a $1.57 million dementia day care.
05 July 2010
Next Generation of Female Sport Leaders Announced
Minister for Sport Kate Ellis and Minister for the Status of Women Tanya Plibersek have announced the recipients of the 2010-11 Sport Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women (SLGSfW) program.
01 July 2010
Draft Boundaries for Your Medicare Local
The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) have provided to Government an independent report they have commissioned suggesting potential geographic boundaries for primary health care organisations.
01 July 2010
New Incentives will Bring Doctors to Rural and Regional Areas
Rural and regional families are set to benefit from more doctors in their communities as the Australian Government increases the rewards and incentives for doctors to move to these areas.
01 July 2010
New Truck to Help Boost Dental Care in Central Australia
Adults and children in remote Aboriginal communities will benefit from funding from a new 4WD mobile dental truck, announced in Alice Springs by the Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon and NT minister for Health, Kon Vatskalis.
01 July 2010
Previous Healthcare Identifiers Service Announcements
Previous ‘what’s new’ announcements on the Healthcare Identifiers Service
30 June 2010
Government Announces BPA Baby Bottle Phase Out
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mark Butler has announced the phase out by major retailers of baby bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA).
30 June 2010
Hospitals Busier Than Ever
The 2010 State of Our Public Hospitals report shows that our hospitals are busier than ever.
30 June 2010
New Beds for Campbelltown Hospital
Australia’s health and hospital reform is set to deliver an additional 20 beds to Campbelltown Hospital.
30 June 2010
Promotion of Medicines and Medical Devices
The Australian Government has released a proposal for stronger self-regulation by the pharmaceutical and therapeutic goods industries for promotion of their products to doctors and health professionals.
24 June 2010
Australian Government Acts on Victorian Nursing Home
The Australian Government has imposed sanctions on Islamic Society of Melbourne Eastern Regions Inc, the approved provider of Isomer Retirement Home in Victoria.
24 June 2010
Healthcare Identifiers: Passed by Parliament
Legislation to set up the Healthcare Identifiers Service has been passed by Parliament.
23 June 2010
Australia’s Health 2010
The 2010 edition of Australia’s Health has been released by Australian Institue of Health and Welfare.
23 June 2010
Boost for GPs to Train the Next Generation
Boosting GP services forms part of the Australian Government’s agenda to build a better health and better hospital system for Australian families.
21 June 2010
Comprehensive Support for Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Just a Phone Call Away
The Australian Government is providing more support for Australian women and their families with a new expanded national 24 hour Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline commencing on 1 July 2010.
21 June 2010
Thousands More Receive Their Elective Surgery Under Australian Government Reforms
More than 35,000 extra people received elective surgery in 2009, compared with the same period in 2007.
17 June 2010
More Elective Surgeries, Doctors and Nurses – AIHW Report
The latest report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that hospitals have benefited from the extra funding provided by the Australian Government as part of its work to deliver better health and better hospitals for Australian families.
15 June 2010
Big Step Forward in Fighting Tobacco Addiction
Legislation has passed Parliament that will help encourage an estimated 87,000 Australians to quit smoking.
15 June 2010
Construction Beginning on Shellharbour GP Super Clinic
The Australian Government’s better health and hospitals plan was enhanced today as the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and the Member for Throsby, Jennie George, kick-started work at the Shellharbour GP Super Clinic.
15 June 2010
Government Supports Next Generation of Health Professionals- New Training Facilities For Wollongong Hospital
More doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are set to be supported in Wollongong.
15 June 2010
New Beds for Wollongong Hospital
Australia’s historic health and hospital reform is to deliver an additional 21 beds to Wollongong Hospital.
15 June 2010
One Single, United and Stronger National Cancer Agency
The Australian Government plans to create a single national cancer control agency to further strengthen the Government’s strategic focus on cancer control and build a better health and hospital system.
15 June 2010
‘Doc’ceroos Take on Australian Federal Police at Parliament to Launch Men’s Health Week
The launch of Men’s Health Week is a great way of promoting awareness of male health issues. It was celebrated with a penalty shoot-out at Parliament House in Canberra on 15 June between the Australian Federal Police and ‘Docceroos’ – a team of soccer-playing doctors.
10 June 2010
$4.3 Million Boost to IT Services in NT, QLD, VIC and SA to Benefit Indigenous Health
Funding of more than $4 million has been announced for several Aboriginal health bodies to improve and upgrade their information technology capability.
09 June 2010
Boost to Respite Care in Mandurah
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot and Member for Brand Gary Gray have toured the near-completed residential respite centre at Mandurah Retirement Village, which will provide a boost in respite care in Mandurah. The new centre will provide 18 residential respite beds and be the first stand-alone respite facility in Western Australia.
09 June 2010
Midland Super Clinic Moving Closer
Plans have been unveiled for the $10 million Midland GP Super Clinic.
09 June 2010
More Condoman Resources & Boost for Health Campaign Fronted by Rugby League Star Steve Renouf
Indigenous Health Minister Warren Snowdon announced the Australian Government would provide $356,000 to fund the second phase of a Queensland Indigenous health campaign, fronted by former Indigenous rugby league star Steve Renouf.
09 June 2010
New Publication on Rural Health
Potential innovations for rural health delivery in Australia have been presented in a new publication by the Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN).
09 June 2010
Planting the Seeds for a Healthier Future
Students at Westfield Park Primary School in Perth are learning healthy lessons for life by growing and cooking healthy food through their participation in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program.
08 June 2010
An Additional $1.8 Million to Help People in Western Australia Remain Independent and in Their Communities
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot has announced an extra $1.8 million for Home and Community Care (HACC) services in Western Australia.
07 June 2010
$6.2 Million Boost – Health Reform Delivering Extra Beds for Ryde Hospital
The new 60-bed rehabilitation centre, to be established on the Ryde Hospital site as part of the Graythwaite Trust, will be further enhanced with an additional four sub acute beds.
07 June 2010
First Midwives to Benefit from Indemnity Insurance
From 7 June, privately practising midwives and their patients get extra protection with Australian Government-supported professional indemnity insurance.
07 June 2010
Primary Health Care Roundtable At Blacktown Hospital
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has met with local GPs and primary health care providers from the Blacktown and Mt Druitt areas to discuss the future of frontline health care services in the region.
04 June 2010
First Comparative Health Information under Australian Reforms
The first baseline data required under the Australian Government’s health reforms has been publicly released by the independent COAG Reform Council (CRC).
02 June 2010
$1.8 Million for Home Away from Home for Cancer Sufferers
$1.8 million will be provided by the Australian Government to construct an accommodation facility for patients and carers who will use the new Capital Region Cancer Centre in Canberra.
02 June 2010
Government Receives Policy Report
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has received a policy report that addresses disparities in hospital care between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians with acute coronary syndrome.
02 June 2010
Healthcare Identifiers
The draft regulations for the national healthcare identifiers have been revised and the Government will propose amendments to the Healthcare Identifiers Bill to respond to issues raised during public consultation.
02 June 2010
House Passes Tobacco Excise Legislation
Legislation that will help encourage an estimated 87,000 Australians to quit smoking has been passed in the House of Representatives.
01 June 2010
Hand on Heart – It’s Time to Call it Quits
A new report has been released that discredits the commonly held belief that heart conditions only affect older men.
01 June 2010
Seasonal Flu Vaccine Remains Suspended for young children without risk factors - Advice from the Chief Medical Officer
After consideration of the results to date of a comprehensive investigation into the safety of the seasonal flu vaccine for young children, I have advised, that as a precaution, the suspension of seasonal flu vaccination should continue for healthy children under five years of age.
31 May 2010
$5 Million Boost to Quitline
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon used World No Tobacco Day to announce that the Australian Government will provide $5 million to help support Quitline services around Australia.
31 May 2010
An Additional $28 Million to help NSW Residents remain Independent, in their Homes and in their Communities
An extra $28 million for Home and Community Care services in New South Wales was announced on 31 May.
31 May 2010
Anti-Tobacco workforce announced on ‘World No Tobacco Day’
Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, announced an anti-tobacco workforce will soon roll out in the first 20 of 57 regions around Australia to tackle Indigenous smoking rates.
31 May 2010
Reports of Poor Care Being Investigated
Allegations about poor care at Sydney aged care facilities are being investigated by the Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme and the independent Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.
28 May 2010
$140 Million Funding Boost for Aged Care Services
From 1 July 2010, aged care providers will receive an annual funding boost of more than $140 million through the annual indexation of the care subsidies paid by the Australian Government to residential, community and flexible care services.
28 May 2010
Boost to Northern Territory Hearing Health Services
Joint Release - Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Federal Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon and Northern Territory Minister for Central Australia Karl Hampton announced a $1.8 million funding boost to help improve Indigenous hearing health in the Northern Territory.
28 May 2010
Lead Clinicians Groups to deliver a greater say for local health professionals
The Australian Government will invest $58 million to establish Lead Clinicians Groups in Local Hospital Networks and at a national level.
26 May 2010
National Palliative Care Week 2010 - $14 Million Boost
Minister for Health Nicola Roxon and Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, marked National Palliative Care Week 2010 by announcing $14.3 million to fund nine projects for improved palliative care services, research, training and information.
25 May 2010
Breast Cancer Summit in Darwin: Supporting Sisters and Aunties to Survive!
More than 50 women representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as far afield as Alice Springs and the Tiwi Islands, along with Aboriginal Health Workers and other health professionals, are expected to attend a breast cancer summit in Darwin on 26 May.
24 May 2010
More Beds and Jobs for the ACT - Aged Care Boost
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot and ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope, officially opened IRT’s $99 million aged care village ‘Kangara Waters’ in Belconnen
21 May 2010
Minister Welcomes Release of Productivity Commission’s Aged Care Inquiry Issues Paper
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot welcomed the Productivity Commission’s release of the Issues Paper for its public inquiry into the future of Australia’s aged care system.
21 May 2010
More than $19 Million to Train More than 4,000 Aged Care Workers
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot announced that the Australian Government will invest more than $19 million to upskill more than 4,000 aged care workers.
21 May 2010
National Workshops to Assist Indigenous Health Bodies a Success
Workshops held across Australia supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisations to improve the quality of their health care services have wrapped up.
20 May 2010
Indigenous Women’s Health Strategy Welcomed
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin and Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, have welcomed the release of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Health Strategy
20 May 2010
Soliris: Minister Asks for Further Advice on New Drug
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon has made an urgent request for further advice from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) on the potential benefits of adding Soliris(R) (eculizumab) to the Government’s Life Saving Drugs Program (LSDP).
20 May 2010
Sue Macri Appointed as Associate Commissioner to Productivity Commission Aged Care Inquiry
Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot MP have announced the appointment of Sue Macri AM as Associate Commissioner to the Productivity Commission inquiry into aged care in Australia.
19 May 2010
Role of Social Workers and Occupational Therapists in Providing Coordinated Mental Health Care Packages
The Government has had constructive discussions with the Australian Association of Social Workers and Occupational Therapy Australia on how to best introduce coordinated mental health care packages for people with severe mental illness in primary care and better use of fee-for-service Medicare items.
18 May 2010
$7.6 Million for Lyell Mcewin Hospital in Northern Adelaide
The Australian Government will invest $7.6 million to provide additional radiotherapy facilities and equipment at the Lyell McEwin Hospital, under the regional cancer centres initiative to deliver improved cancer services for rural and regional patients.
18 May 2010
$84.8 Million for New and Enhanced Regional Cancer Services in Whyalla and Regional South Australia
The Australian Government and the South Australian Government will invest a total of $84.8 million to provide new and enhanced cancer facilities and equipment for Whyalla and regional South Australia, under the regional cancer centres initiative.
18 May 2010
Eleven New Chemotherapy Units for Country SA
The Australian Government will provide $5.4 million to establish chemotherapy units in ten country South Australian hospitals: Gawler, Mt Barker, Mt Gambier, Port Augusta, Victor Harbor, Clare, Murray Bridge, Northern Yorke Peninsula, Naracoorte and Port Lincoln.
18 May 2010
More than $8 Million for Services to Help Older People and People with Disabilities in Queensland
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot and Queensland Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk announced $8.9 million for Home and Community Care (HACC) Services in Queensland.
17 May 2010
Coordinated Mental Health Care
This years' Budget is redirecting funding to provide packages of care for up to 25,000 people diagnosed with severe mental illness.
17 May 2010
Eye Care Boost for 106 Remote Indigenous Communities
Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, announced new or expanded services will be delivered to 106 rural and remote Indigenous communities under a $6.5 million boost to an Australian Government eye health program.
17 May 2010
Funding to Upgrade Forster Aquatic and Leisure Centre
The Australian Government will provide $1.8 million to expand the Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Forster in New South Wales.
17 May 2010
Interphone Mobile Phone Study
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mark Butler noted the results of the international Interphone study into the link between mobile phone use and brain cancer.
17 May 2010
Port Stephens GP Super Clinic Officially Opened
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has officially opened the $2.5 million Port Stephens GP Super Clinic – to be known as the Nelson Plaza Clinic.
17 May 2010
Record Numbers Hold Private Hospital Insurance
The number of Australians with private health insurance has hit a 27 year high with a total of 9,912,887 covered in the March quarter of 2010.
14 May 2010
Investing in the Future of Health in and Around the Australian Capital Territory
Up to $2.2 million will be committed to support additional clinical training places for students at local universities which will encourage more health students to study and work in and around the ACT.
14 May 2010
March Quarter Medicare Statistics
In the March quarter 2010, a total of $3.7 billion was paid in Medicare benefits for 73.9 million services. This represented 3.3 services and about $165 in benefits for every Australian.
14 May 2010
National Call for New Clinical Training Proposals
Proposals are being sought to drive a new wave of clinical training opportunities throughout Australia.
13 May 2010
Biggest Morning Tea Has $12 Million Target for Cancer
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea – one of the Cancer Council’s leading fund-raising events – came to Parliament House.
12 May 2010
Australia’s First Public Nurse-Led Walk-In Centre Launched in Canberra
International Nurses’ Day was celebrated by the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and ACT Minister for Health Katy Gallagher as they launched Australia’s first public nurse-led Walk-in Centre.
11 May 2010
$325 Million Boost to Sport & Getting More Australians Active
The Australian Government is delivering $324.8 million ongoing funding to boost the number of Australians participating in sport and to drive Australia’s continued sporting success.
11 May 2010
Agreements Ensure Sustainable Access to Medicines
The Australian Government will ensure all Australians continue to have access to essential medicines, and will deliver better value for money for the Australian taxpayer through agreements that save $2.5 billion over five years.
11 May 2010
Building a Health and Hospitals Network for Australia’s future
The Government will put in place the most significant reforms to Australia’s health and hospitals system since the introduction of Medicare – to create a National Health and Hospitals Network that is funded nationally and run locally.
11 May 2010
Building a National Aged Care System
The 2010-11 Budget builds on the Australian Government’s reforms to aged care that will create a national aged care system to provide better support for older Australians.
11 May 2010
Building the Foundations for Better Mental Health Care
The Australian Government will invest $175.8 million to improve mental health services – through more youth-friendly mental health services, more funding for mental health nurses, and funding for packages of care for people with mental illness.
11 May 2010
Closing the Gap – Strengthening Indigenous Communities
The Budget continues the Government’s commitment to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians – health reforms will mean real, on-the-ground improvements in health and hospital care for Indigenous Australians.
11 May 2010
More Comprehensive and Convenient GP and Primary Care
The Budget will deliver a massive $1.2 billion boost to GP and primary health care, to deliver real improvements in frontline health services for patients across Australia.
11 May 2010
More Doctors and More Nurses in National Health and Hospitals Network
The Government will invest $1.2 billion in training and supporting more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, as part of building a National Health and Hospitals Network.
11 May 2010
More GP Super Clinics and Extra GP Infrastructure
The Government will invest $355.2 million to build around 450 GP Super Clinic type facilities.
11 May 2010
Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records for All Australians
Australians will be able to check their medical history online through the introduction of personally controlled electronic health records, which will boost patient safety, improve health care delivery, and cut waste and duplication.
11 May 2010
Proud Moment for New Socceroos and Nation
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has today congratulated the 31 players named in the squad for this year’s FIFA World Cup Finals in South Africa next month.
11 May 2010
Quicker Access to High Quality Hospital Care
The Government will invest more than $3.4 billion over four years to deliver better public hospital services for all Australians.
11 May 2010
Rudd Government Continues to Tackle the Rural Health Challenge
Building a National Health and Hospitals Network will deliver better health and hospitals for rural Australians and their families
11 May 2010
World First Action on Preventative Health
The Rudd Government will boost its efforts in preventative health with world leading new action on smoking and other chronic disease risks.
10 May 2010
Funding Round Open for 80 Indigenous Traineeships in Remote Communities
The Australian Government will provide 80 traineeships in business and administration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in aged and primary health care facilities.
07 May 2010
$16 Million for Anti-Epilepsy Drug - Now Available on the PBS
Australians with epilepsy who have not responded to other medicines will now have subsidised access to the drug lacosamide through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
07 May 2010
A Field Of Pink at the MCG Supporting Australians with Breast Cancer
The Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, will join with breast cancer survivors, their carers and supporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to recognise Australians affected by breast cancer.
07 May 2010
Australian Government Invests $6m to Strengthen Indigenous Fathers and Families
Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon announced $6 million would be invested in a new parenting initiative called Strong Fathers, Strong Families for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
07 May 2010
The Ministerial Council Advance Improved Nationally Consistent Food Regulation
Ministers responsible for food regulation in Australia and New Zealand met in Melbourne where they finalised a draft Intergovernmental Agreement that will assist Australian consumers and industry to understand food regulation in Australia.
07 May 2010
Walk Safely to School Day
The Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, joined together to encourage all school kids and parents to participate in the annual Walk Safely to School day.
07 May 2010
Work kicks off at Redcliffe GP Super Clinic
Construction work on the $5m Redcliffe GP Super Clinic kicked off on 7 May 2010, with the first sod turned by Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon and Member for Petrie, Yvette D’Ath.
06 May 2010
Australia’s First Male Health Policy
The Australian Government launched Australia’s first ever National Male Health Policy.
06 May 2010
Boost to Improve the Mental Health of Australia’s Youth
Youth-specific mental health programs will be expanded and more young people will receive vital care as part of the Australian Government’s $174 million package to improve the nation’s mental health.
05 May 2010
Indigenous Health Minister Launches Food Summit
Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, launched the Fresh Food Summit of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT).
05 May 2010
Professional indemnity insurance for midwives
Privately practising midwives will be able to purchase their own indemnity insurance, and be covered from 1 July 2010.
04 May 2010
New Health Centre Opens in Tennant Creek
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, officially opened the new health centre at Tennant Creek.
03 May 2010
Better Pharmacy Services
The Government and Pharmacy Guild of Australia have finalised the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement, which will provide better pharmacy services for consumers and a stronger role for pharmacy at the front line of health care.
03 May 2010
Clinical training boost for Victoria
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, today announced $6.5 million to support additional clinical training places for students at local universities - which will encourage more health students to study and work in Victoria.
02 May 2010
First Ever Brain Cancer Action Week
Inaugural Brain Cancer Action Week launched by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon.
30 April 2010
First Site Launched for Institute for Urban Indigenous Health in Brisbane
Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon launched a new site for the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health, as part of $1m of additional funding to establish a network of health hubs in South East Queensland.
30 April 2010
Health authorities continue to put seasonal flu vaccine on hold for young children
A week long national evaluation of cases of fever with convulsions in young children following a seasonal flu vaccination has so far found no pattern of increased incidence of this side effect, other than higher numbers in WA.
30 April 2010
Outgoing Aged Care Commissioner Recognised
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot thanked Australia’s first Aged Care Commissioner, Ms Rhonda Parker who has completed her three year appointment.
29 April 2010
$14 Million to Support Palliative Care
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, has announced $14 million to support initiatives that improve palliative care support and services for patients, their families and carers.
29 April 2010
More Money to Boost Services for Indigenous Mums and Bubs in WA, VIC, SA, TAS
Indigenous babies will have a better chance of being born healthy and staying healthy following the announcement of additional Australian Government funding for nine mothers and babies services.
29 April 2010
National Indigenous Health Award Winners Announced
Indigenous organisations and Individuals that have promoted quality and excellence in health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been recognised in new national award ceremony.
28 April 2010
Anti-Doping Authority gets New Chief
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive for the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
27 April 2010
Sneak peek at upgraded Adelaide Superdrome
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis will inspect the Adelaide Superdrome, which is being revamped to improve facilities for Australia’s elite cyclists ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
23 April 2010
$13 Million to Establish A Drug And Alcohol Service in Cape York
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon announced funding of $13 million to establish a new, residential rehabilitation service near Cooktown.
23 April 2010
Government welcomes live music industry stand against alcohol-related violence
The Federal Government congratulates the live music community for taking a stand against irresponsible drinking and alcohol related violence.
23 April 2010
Seasonal Flu Vaccine and young children
Due to a spike in the numbers of young children in Western Australia experiencing fever and convulsions following seasonal flu vaccinations, Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, is advising all GPs and immunisation providers to stop giving seasonal flu vaccine to children five years and under until a cause is established.
22 April 2010
Australia mourns the passing of an Olympic trailblazer
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis paid tribute to former International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch.
22 April 2010
Australian Health Ministers’ Conference Joint Communiqué - 22 April 2010
Australian Health Ministers from the Commonwealth and all States and Territories met in Perth on 22 April 2010 and discussed a range of health issues including the groundbreaking national health reforms negotiated at COAG this week.
21 April 2010
$2.4 million to enhance Wellbeing Centres across Cape York
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, today announced an additional $2.4 million for upgrades to four Wellbeing Centres across Cape York.
21 April 2010
$3.5 Million in Community Grants to Increase Dementia Support
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, announced $3.5 million in grants will be provided to fund 82 community projects to provide support and raise awareness for people with dementia and their families.
21 April 2010
$637,000 funding to enhance Wellbeing Centre and Clinic in Mossman Gorge
$637,000 funding to enhance Wellbeing Centre and Clinic in Mossman Gorge - Announced today by the Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon.
21 April 2010
Productivity Commission Inquiry into Aged Care
The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot MP, have announced the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission’s public inquiry into aged care.
20 April 2010
$2.4 million to enhance Wellbeing Centres across Cape York
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, today announced an $885,000 investment to expand facilities and staffing at Aurukun’s Wellbeing Centre in Queensland’s Cape York region.
20 April 2010
$536,800 to enhance Hope Vale’s Wellbeing Centre
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, today announced a $536,800 investment to expand facilities at the Hope Vale Wellbeing Centre in Queensland’s Cape York region.
20 April 2010
Australian Government Invests $17.5 million in the Future of Cricket
Australia’s place as the world’s leading cricketing nation has been bolstered with $17.5 million for Cricket Australia’s Centre of Excellence.
20 April 2010
Australian Government to Invest $1.6B in 1300 Sub-Acute Care Beds
The Australian Government will invest $1.6 billion to deliver a guaranteed 1300 new sub-acute care beds by 2013-14.
20 April 2010
Expanding Elective Surgery Capacity in Our Public Hospitals
As part of its drive to reduce elective surgery waiting times, the Australiand Government will invest $800 million to improve timely access to elective surgery across the country.
20 April 2010
Historic Health Reform
An historic agreement was reached today to deliver better health and better hospitals for Australian working families. This will deliver the most significant reforms to our health and hospitals system since the introduction of Medicare. From July 1 this year the Australian Government will start delivering $5.3 billion in additional funding over the next four years.
20 April 2010
Improving the Nation’s Mental Health System
Australians with mental health needs, especially young people, will receive improved care through a $174 million investment in mental health services.
20 April 2010
Taking Pressure off Public Hospital Emergency Departments
The Australian Government will invest $750 million in expanding the capacity of public hospital emergency departments to deliver faster treatment for patients.
19 April 2010
Special Olympics open in Adelaide
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities Bill Shorten joined more than 850 athletes to open the ninth National Special Olympics in Adelaide.
14 April 2010
Frankston Hospital gets Additional Surgery Capacity
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has officially opened the $3 million elective surgery ward to increase multi-day surgery capacity at Frankston Hospital.
14 April 2010
Indigenous Health Project Officers Placed In General Practices Across Australia
The Australian Government has allocated more than 80 Indigenous Health Project Officers to general practices across the nation to help close the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
14 April 2010
Report Helps Shape First National Male Health Policy
Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health Minister, Warren Snowdon, launched A Snapshot of Men’s Health in Regional and Remote Australia.
12 April 2010
Building An Australian Aged Care System Improving Consumer Focus and Protection in Aged Care
The Australian Government will invest $25 million to improve consumer focus and strengthen protections for residents of aged care as part of its improvements to aged care services to better support older Australians.
12 April 2010
Building an Australian Aged Care System: Commonwealth to Take Complete Responsibility for Aged Care
As part of the Australian Government’s $739 million investment in aged care to better support older Australians, for the first time the Commonwealth will take full policy and funding responsibility for aged care.
12 April 2010
Building an Australian Aged Care System: Increasing the Capacity of the Aged Care System
The Australian Government will provide $263 million over four years to improve access to aged care services to better support older Australians.
12 April 2010
Building an Australian Aged Care System: Increasing the Number of Services in Aged Care
The Australian Government will invest $386 million to increase the number of services in aged care to better support older Australians.
12 April 2010
Guaranteed Elective Surgery Waiting Times
The Australian Government will guarantee elective surgery waiting times and set a national target that 95 per cent of Australians receive elective surgery within clinically recommended times.
12 April 2010
More Support for Older Australians in the National Health and Hospitals Network
The Australian Government will invest $739 million in aged care to better support older Australians.
12 April 2010
Netball Tackles Illicit Drugs with almost $600,000 for Education
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis announced $590, 700 for Netball Australia to tackle illicit drug use with community awareness and elite athlete education programs.
12 April 2010
Strengthening Primary Care in Local Communities
Patients will receive better health care in the community after primary health care organisations (PHCOs) are established across Australia.
11 April 2010
Almost $3 Million to Strengthen Pacific Communities Through Netball
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis will announce a new $2.95 million partnership to build netball development programs and help strengthen Pacific island communities.
11 April 2010
Federal Rural Health Minister Tours Kimberley and Pilbara
Warren Snowdon, the Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, has toured the Kimberley and Pilbara to talk about health reform and health issues of importance to the region.
09 April 2010
The Territory’s First Medical School Gets Underway
The NT's first medical school is getting underway. The Australian Government is providing $27.8 million over three years to support Flinders University to build a dedicated network of hospital and community-based medical education facilities to enable a NT medical program to be delivered in the NT.
08 April 2010
$16.2 Million for New and Enhanced Regional Cancer Services in Toowoomba
The Australian Government will invest $16.2 million to improve services to cancer patients in Toowoomba and South-West Queensland as part of its $560 million Regional Cancer Centres initiative.
08 April 2010
$18.5 Million Boost to Help 250,000 Victorians Live at Home
Seniors and people living with a disability in Victoria will receive an extra 225,000 hours of care and support thanks to an $18.5 million funding boost
08 April 2010
Investing in Sight-Saving Eye Care in the NT and WA
Indigenous communities of Central Australia will receive more sight-restoring surgery in a week-long blitz at the Alice Springs Hospital.
07 April 2010
$ 41.6 Million Enhanced Regional Cancer Centre for Tamworth
Cancer patients in Tamworth and the New England region will benefit from a new $41.6 million Regional Cancer Centre.
07 April 2010
$42 Million for New and Enhanced Regional Cancer Services in Ballarat
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon and Member for Ballarat, Catherine King have announced that Ballarat will benefit from a $42 million investment from the Commonwealth Government’s $560 million Regional Cancer Centre initiative.
07 April 2010
$672,000 Funding Boost to Helping Queenslanders Remain Independent in Their Homes and in Their Communities
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot and State Member for Ipswich West, Wayne Wendt announced a $672,000 funding boost for Home and Community Care (HACC) services in Queensland.
07 April 2010
$70.1 Million for New and Enhanced Regional Cancer Services in North Queensland
Townsville and the Far North will benefit from a $70.1 million investment in rural and regional cancer facilities and equipment from the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Cancer Centre program.
07 April 2010
Delivering Regional Cancer Centres
The Australian Government will invest $560 million in new or upgraded cancer centres in regional and rural communities across Australia.
06 April 2010
Boost for Allied Health in Rural and Remote Australia
The Australian Government will double scholarships for allied health clinical placements in rural areas and establish a locum scheme to support 1,000 allied health workers over the next decade.
01 April 2010
April PBS
The Australian Government has made Taxotere plus cyclophosphamide (TC) available through the PBS to give patients an alternative treatment in the fight against this disease.
01 April 2010
Investing In The Future Of Health In South Australia
The Australian Government today provided a boost to the future of health in South Australia, with $10 million to be provided to support additional clinical training places for students at local universities.
01 April 2010
Thanks to a Leader of Australian sport
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis paid tribute to the contribution of outgoing Australian Sports Commission Chair Greg Hartung.
31 March 2010
$436 Million To Take Pressure Off Our Hospitals By Delivering Personalised Care For Diabetics
As part of delivering a National Health and Hospitals Network, the Australian Government will invest $436 million to transform the way Australians with long term illness are treated.
30 March 2010
$2.1 Million Clinical Teaching Facility for Mildura
The Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, has officially opened the Monash University School of Rural Health's new $2.1 million clinical training centre at Mildura in Victoria.
30 March 2010
Health Students the Winners with More Money for Rural Education Infrastructure
The Australian Government will boost the training opportunities for more than 1,000 medical, dental and allied health students in rural communities with $33 million more for essential infrastructure.
30 March 2010
New Guideline for Better Management of Osteoporosis
New clinical guideline released by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners will assist with diagnosis, treatment and management of osteoporosis in older people.
29 March 2010
Healthier Communities Coming After an Australian Government Grant
The Australian Government announced $4.9 Million for 12 Healthy Communities grants across Australia to tackle overweight and obesity in local communities.
29 March 2010
Review Shows Improved Access to Mental Health Care
Access to mental health services has improved according to a post-implementation review of a new initiative designed to improve access to psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners.
25 March 2010
$4m for Tri-Nation Research to Help Close the Gap in Indigenous Health
The Australian Government has announced three Australian research teams will receive a share of nearly $4 million to improve outcomes in Indigenous health.
24 March 2010
$3.3 million to reduce drownings at coastal black spots
The Australian Government is devoting $3.3 million to help reduce drownings at coastal danger spots along the nation's coastline.
24 March 2010
Building Named In Honour Of Pioneering Indigenous Leaders
A new building that’s set to become an education and medical research hub for the Northern Territory, has been named in honour of two pioneering Indigenous leaders of the past.
21 March 2010
The Facts on Swine Flu
Australians must be prepared for possible outbreaks of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza – or swine flu – as the southern hemisphere flu season begins.
19 March 2010
Mayberry boosts Australia’s medal haul
Marty Mayberry has won a silver medal in the standing downhill event at the Vancouver Winter Paralympics.
17 March 2010
Five Million Extra GP Services
The Government’s $632 million investment to train 1200 new GPs a year will deliver around five million extra GP services across Australia.
17 March 2010
Prevention Takes Centre Stage At World TB Day
World TB Day 2010, was launched at Parliament House on 17 March, and is an opportunity for health professionals, governments and individuals to refocus on the fight against the global epidemic of TB. World TB Day on 24 March marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch detected the cause of TB.
17 March 2010
Rural and Regional Australia to Gain from Workforce Expansion
Regional Australians will soon find it easier to get in to see a doctor, following the Australian Government announcement of $632 million to train an additional 6,000 GPs and specialists.
16 March 2010
A Landmark Day for Australian Nurses and Midwives
On 16 March 2010 the Senate has passed historic legislation that provides recognition of Australia’s highly skilled nurses and midwives.
16 March 2010
Swift start to Australia’s Winter Paralympics campaign
Cameron Rahles-Rahbula has taken the bronze medal for the standing slalom at the Vancouver Winter Paralympics.
15 March 2010
Birthday Girl Gives Historic Gift To Nation
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, has congratulated Jessica Gallagher on winning a bronze medal in the vision-impaired slalom today at the Vancouver Winter Paralympics.
15 March 2010
Building a National Health and Hospitals Network - Training a Record Number of Doctors
The Australian Government will invest $632 million to train a record number of doctors to tackle doctor shortages, expand capacity and deliver better health and better hospitals.
15 March 2010
Building a National Health and Hospitals Network - Training Record Numbers of GPs
The Australian Government will invest $339 million to increase GP training places to record levels to deliver better health and better hospitals for all Australians.
15 March 2010
Building a National Health and Hospitals Network - Training Record Numbers of Junior Doctors in General Practice
The Australian Government will invest $148 million to ensure that more junior doctors can experience a career in general practice before they become a fully fledged doctor.
15 March 2010
Building a National Health and Hospitals Network - Training Record Numbers of Specialist Doctors
The Australian Government will invest $145 million to train more specialist doctors where the community needs them, to deliver better health and better hospitals for all Australians.
14 March 2010
Congratulations Kookaburras – World Cup Champions
Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has congratulated the Australian Men’s Hockey Team after winning its first World Cup title in 24 years.
12 March 2010
Healthcare Identifiers Service – Public Consultation On Draft Regulations
The Australian Government has released draft regulations to support the operation of the Council of Australian Governments’ Healthcare Identifiers service.
11 March 2010
Glaucoma – The ‘Sneak Thief of Sight’ Raising Awareness During World Glaucoma Week
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot used World Glaucoma Week (7-13 March) to encourage Australians to be aware of the importance of regular eye health checks.
11 March 2010
Winter Paralympians to Inspire a Nation
The Australian Government has sent its best wishes to Australia’s team ahead of the Vancouver Paralympic Winter Games this weekend.
10 March 2010
Government on Track to Close the Gap on Infant Mortality
The National Indigenous Health Equality Council (NIHEC) has completed two reports: the Child Mortality Targets: Recommendations and Analysis and National Target Setting Instrument.
10 March 2010
On Target to Halve the Gap in Indigenous Child Mortality
A report card on Indigenous child health, presented to the Australian Government by its advisory committee on Indigenous health, the National Indigenous Health Equality Council, shows that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child mortality rates have been improving, particularly for infant mortality.
05 March 2010
National Health and Hospitals Network Good for Rural Health
Rural and regional health services stand to benefit from the National Health and Hospitals Network announced by the Prime Minister, Treasurer and Health Minister.
05 March 2010
$10.7 Million to Combat Indigenous Smoking
Fourteen sites across Australia will benefit from Australian Government funding round to promote innovative anti-tobacco campaigns and prevention strategies.
05 March 2010
Release of Issues Consultation Paper on Review of Food Labelling
The committee conducting the Independent Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy has released an issues consultation paper at the foold labelling review web site www.foodlabellingreview.gov.au
04 March 2010
Delivering Better Health and Hospitals to Brisbane
The Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Ageing have toured Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) to view first hand the result of Commonwealth investment in the health service.
03 March 2010
A National Health and Hospitals Network for Australia’s Future
The Australian Government announced major structural reforms to Australia’s health and hospital system on Wednesday 3 March 2010.
03 March 2010
Australian Government Tackles Petrol Sniffing In Remote WA
The Australian Government is providing an additional $2.3 million dollars to roll out Opal fuel in the Goldfields region of Western Australia to help curb petrol sniffing in the region’s Indigenous communities.
03 March 2010
Local Hospital Networks to Deliver on Local Needs
Local Hospital Networks will be established across the country and paid directly by the Australian Government for each public hospital service they provide.
03 March 2010
Release of Delivering Sustainable Health Funding for the Future
The Australian Government’s new National Health and Hospital Network will help ensure the long-term sustainability of Australia’s finances and underpin high-quality health services into the future.
03 March 2010
Taking Full Funding Responsibility for GP and Primary Health Care
The Australian Government will take full policy and funding responsibility for GP and primary health care services in Australia.
03 March 2010
Taking Majority Funding Responsibility for Public Hospitals
The Australian Government will for the first time become the majority funder of the public hospital system.
02 March 2010
Benetas/Deakin University Study Examines Respect for Older Australians
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot launched the results of a study examining the issue of respect for older Australians.
02 March 2010
Risdon Vale Primary students get active after school
Minister for Sport Kate Ellis visited Risdon Vale Primary in Hobart to encourage all students to lead an active life through the Active After School Communities program.
01 March 2010
Investing in the Aged Care Workforce - $9.5 Million for Nursing Scholarships
$9.5 million in nursing scholarships is being made available to train or upskill up to 680 people as part of the Australian Government’s investment in the aged care workforce.
01 March 2010
More Aged Care Places and Jobs in Mt Gambier
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot toured the construction and building works underway at Mt Gambier’s Boandik Lodge that will increase the number of aged care places in Mount Gambier.
27 February 2010
Streamlined Approvals Process for Medical Advances
A new report released on 27 February recommends improvements to the way new health products, procedures and services are assessed for public funding, in line with international best practice.
27 February 2010
‘4,000 Chemicals': $5M Anti-Smoking Campaign
A renewed tobacco campaign will continue building awareness of the health damage caused by smoking.
26 February 2010
Further public consultations on e-health
In recognition of the ongoing community and stakeholder interest in e-health, the Government has referred the Healthcare Identifiers Bill to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs.
25 February 2010
Ad Campaign launched to confront Illicit Drug Use
The Rudd Government today launched the next stage of its hard-hitting $17 million advertising campaign to combat illicit drug use in Australia.
25 February 2010
Australia’s best Winter Olympics ever
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has congratulated 28 year old Lydia Lassila on her gold medal winning performance at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
25 February 2010
Second Round of Public Consultations to Commence on 5 March
The committee conducting the Independent Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy is about to embark on the planned second round of public consultations in Australia and New Zealand.
24 February 2010
Australia Supporting Vaccination Efforts of Developing Neighbours
Australia has made its first contribution under international efforts to support the rollout of the H1N1 vaccine to developing countries. It has supplied 600,000 doses of the vaccine to Laos.
24 February 2010
Launch of Ovarian Cancer in Australia, an Overview 2010 – Teal Ribbon Day –
A new report issued on 24 February finds ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death for Australian women and the most common cause of gynaecological cancer death.
24 February 2010
National Reform for 10 Health Professions
Landmark legislation to support implementation of a national system of registration and accreditation for 10 health professions has been introduced in Parliament.
23 February 2010
Australian Organ And Tissue Donor Awareness Week 2010
Australian Organ and Tissue Donor Week 2010 was launched at Parliament House on 23 February. Australian families have been asked to think about organ donation, and know each other’s wishes about donation.
23 February 2010
Private Health Insurance Premiums Kept to a Minimum
Individual Fund Information Provided
Private health insurance premiums will increase by an average of 5.78 per cent from 1 April 2010.
21 February 2010
Children Benefit from New Drug on Life Saving Drugs Program
The Australian Government will provide $4.2 million over four years to fully subsidise Myozyme ® (alglucosidase alpha) to treat the rare and serious enzyme deficiency disorder, Infantile-onset Pompe disease.
19 February 2010
83 New Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outreach Workers to be Placed Around the Nation
National efforts to close the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation received a boost with the announcement of 83 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outreach Worker placements across Australia.
19 February 2010
PHI Membership Defies Predictions - Legislation in Senate on Monday
The latest PHI membership figures released today reveal that the number of Australians taking out cover continues to grow.
17 February 2010
Australian sports urged to engage All Cultures
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis launched a new online resource to help sporting groups engage more sportspeople from culturally diverse backgrounds.
17 February 2010
Negotiations under way for New Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation service for Cairns
A new drug and alcohol rehabilitation service has been announced for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Cairns and surrounding regions. The new service will begin in March 2010.
17 February 2010
New National Coordinator to Tackle Indigenous Smoking
High profile leader Mr Tom Calma has been engaged as the inaugural National Coordinator for Tackling Indigenous Smoking.
16 February 2010
Expanded Role for Medical Training Panel Will Improve Support for Australia’s Health Workforce
The functions of the Medical Training Review Panel (MTRP) will be expanded following a review of its role in supporting the development of Australia’s health workforce.
16 February 2010
Health Workforce Australia's First Board Appointed
The first board of Health Workforce Australia has been appointed, with the Hon Jim McGinty being appointed to the position of chairman of the Board.
16 February 2010
Homeless Queenslanders to Benefit from Funding Boost
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, and Member for Longman Jon Sullivan, announced a $627,475 funding boost for Home and Community Care Homeless Support Services in Queensland.
16 February 2010
Minister Opens Improved and Expanded Aged Care Facilities on Bribie Island
The $14.5 million refurbishment and expansion of the co-located Bribie Island Retirement Village and Bribie Island Aged Care Services has been opened.
15 February 2010
Begg-Smith becomes our most successful Winter Olympian
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, congratulated freestyle skier Dale Begg-Smith on winning Australia’s first medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
15 February 2010
Helping Bundaburg and Fraser Coast residents remain independent and in their own homes
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot and Queensland Senator John Hogg visited staff at the Churches of Christ Community Care in Bundaberg which is providing services to older residents of the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast areas.
13 February 2010
Indigenous Health Minister and League Star Kick Goals for Indigenous Health
Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon teamed up with rugby league star Steve Renouf at the Indigenous All Stars game on the Gold Coast to promote free health checks for Indigenous Australians who are at risk of getting chronic disease.
12 February 2010
Australian Health Ministers’ Conference Communique
At the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference, all Ministers have committed to jointly plan through Health Workforce Australia for the quality clinical undergraduate training for all of our future health professionals.
12 February 2010
Initiative to Entice Rural Students Into Medicine
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon launched a University of Adelaide initiative which aims to get more rural students into medical school.
12 February 2010
Rise in Bulk Billing Rates
In the December quarter 2009, a total of $3.9 billion was paid in Medicare benefits for 79.1 million services.
11 February 2010
Australia’s Health Workforce
On 12 February the Australian Health Ministers Conference will hold a special workforce meeting to finalise new arrangements for future clinical training places to meet the growing workforce demands across the country.
11 February 2010
More Support for Indigenous Mums and Bubs
Indigenous babies will have a better chance of being born healthy and staying healthy following the announcement of Australian Government funding of $9.1 million over three years for ten new mothers and babies services.
11 February 2010
Sporting Chance Expansion
About 10,000 students will benefit from an expansion of the Australian Government’s Sporting Chance Program to support Indigenous students’ engagement with school.
10 February 2010
E-Health Foundations to be Laid
Legislation to lay the foundations for a future secure electronic health (e-health) system has been introduced into Parliament.
10 February 2010
Gender milestone for Australian sport
The inclusion of the Australian Women’s Bobsleigh Team for the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver means that the team will now comprise 20 women and 20 men. This is the first time that an Australian Olympic Team will have an equal number of women and men.
10 February 2010
Sporting Chance for Indigenous students to shine
The Australian Government is providing $4.5 million for a program to encourage Indigenous students to achieve academic excellence through sport.
10 February 2010
Statement - Court of Arbitration for Sport bobsleigh team decision
The decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport is great news for Astrid and Cecilia and Australia’s Winter Olympic team.
09 February 2010
Pharmaceutical Costs Continue to Grow
A report tabled in Parliament warns that the cost of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is projected to grow significantly over the next few years.
09 February 2010
Release of Private Health Insurers Annual Report 2008-09
The latest figures released today by the Private Health Insurance Council show that the numbers of Australians taking out private health insurance continues to grow.
08 February 2010
Recognising Excellence in Aged Care Training – Goodwin Aged Care Services
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot presented training awards to 85 aged care workers from Goodwin Aged Care Services in Canberra.
07 February 2010
More Assistance for Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Families with children with type 1 diabetes will benefit from the Australian Government’s announcement on 7 February that it is increasing the maximum subsidy for the purchase of an insulin pump for children under 18.
05 February 2010
Australian Government Acts on South Australian Nursing Home
The Australian Government imposed sanctions on Whyalla Aged Care Pty Ltd, the approved provider of Copperhouse Court Hostel South Australia, on 4 February 2010
05 February 2010
End of an era at Adelaide Oval
Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has congratulated one of the world’s premier cricket ground curators, Les Burdett, on his retirement as ground manager at Adelaide Oval.
05 February 2010
Helping Tasmanians Remain Independent, in Their Homes and in Their Communities - $4.6 Million
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, and the Tasmanian Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Lara Giddings announced an additional $4.6 million in funding for Home and Community Care services in Tasmania.
05 February 2010
New and Improved Aircraft and Mental Health Support Service for Royal Flying Doctor
Three multi-million dollar aircraft have been added to the fleet of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
04 February 2010
A Partnership for Pacific Islands Cricket Development
The Australian Government, Cricket Australia and the International Cricket Council today signed up to a cricket partnership for capacity building and strengthening of cricket development programs in the Pacific.
04 February 2010
Landmark Reforms for Mothers, Midwives and Nurses
The Australian Government has welcomed the recommendation of the Community Affairs Committee that the Midwives and Nurse Practitioners Bills be passed.
04 February 2010
Supporting Australians and Their Families Suffering Cancer
The Australian Government has announced more than $824,000 in funding for 22 projects across the nation to develop and enhance cancer support as part of the Building Cancer Support Networks Initiative.
03 February 2010
New Treatment Guidelines for Alcohol and Drug Problems
Health professionals will be able to better treat people with alcohol abuse problems, as well as people with coexisting alcohol and other drug use and mental health conditions thanks to two sets of guidelines released today.
02 February 2010
$5.4 Million to Manage Asthma in Schools
The beginning of the 2010 school year provides a timely reminder for parents and school communities to be prepared and informed about asthma. The reminder comes as a new $5.4 million initiative is set to begin - ensuring schools and pre-school communities are better equipped in the management of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
02 February 2010
More Than $21 Million for Dementia Research and Education
A total of $21.7 million in funding has been allocated for Dementia Collaborative Research Centres and Dementia Study Training Centres across Australia. The three and a half year commitment will provide funding to five Dementia Training Study Centres and three Collaborative Research Centres.
01 February 2010
Aged Care Boost for Tumbarumba
Residents in Tumbarumba will have greater access to aged care services through the Tumbarumba Multi-purpose Service following the allocation of additional beds to the service.
29 January 2010
Aboriginal Health Workers Get a Peak National Body
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, travelled to Ceduna in South Australia to launch a peak national body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers.
29 January 2010
Government and Ophthalmologists Agree to Compromise on Cataract Fees
Cataract patients will now have certainty following an agreement reached between the Government and the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists.
29 January 2010
Rural Health Minister Visits Regional South Australia to Consider Health Reform
The Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, met with local health professionals in Ceduna, South Australia, to consult on the national priorities and options for health reform.
29 January 2010
Strathpine GP Super Clinic Officially Opened
The $2.5 million Strathpine GP Super Clinic opened two months ahead of schedule.
28 January 2010
New Directory helps older people to find Services
The Directory of Services for Older People 2010 is now available. The free directory provides important information for older people and their families with chapters on accessing aged care, legal rights, finance and health.
27 January 2010
National Grants to Get City Doctors Working in the Bush
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon launched a national program that will offer emergency training for up to 150 urban GP’s in exchange for their undertaking a locum placement in a rural or regional areas.
27 January 2010
Rural Health Minister drops into north-west Queensland to talk health reform
National priorities and options for health reform were on the agenda when the Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, met with local health professionals in Mount Isa and Cloncurry, Queensland.
25 January 2010
Culinary Icon – Maggie Beer named Senior Australian of the Year 2010
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, congratulated the 2010 Senior Australian of the Year - South Australian culinary icon Ms Maggie Beer.
25 January 2010
Health Minister inspects Palmerston GP Super Clinic
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon and Member for Solomon Damian Hale have inspected the therapy wing and other recent work at the $10 million Palmerston GP Super Clinic.
24 January 2010
Findings from the latest Australian Longitudinal Study on Womens Health
This report focuses on the reproductive health of women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH).
23 January 2010
A tribute to the Bradman of women’s cricket
Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has paid tribute to one of Australia’s greatest cricketers, Betty Wilson, who has died aged 88.
22 January 2010
$2.5 Million to Stop Strep Throat From Becoming a Killer
RHDAustralia, a new Australian Government-funded body, will help combat a potentially fatal heart disease that affects young Indigenous Australians.
22 January 2010
2009-10 Aged Care Approvals Round Commences
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, announced that more than 12,000 new aged care places throughout Australia.
20 January 2010
Building the GP Plus Super Clinic Network
The Prime Minister, Federal Minister for Health and the South Australian Minister for Health have announced the appointment of the construction firms to build the $25 million Modbury GP Plus Super Clinic and Noarlunga GP Super Clinic. Work will soon commence, with the first stage of the Noarlunga clinic complete in September 2010, and the first stage of the Modbury clinic finished the following month.
20 January 2010
Tribute to an Australian cricket role model
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, has paid tribute to the remarkable contribution of women’s cricket pioneer Karen Rolton.
19 January 2010
Federal Rural and Regional Health Minister Visits Bendigo and Kyneton
National priorities and options for health reform were on the agenda at Bendigo and Kyneton in Victoria when the Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, met local health professionals on 19 January.
18 January 2010
E Health to Deliver a Better, More Efficient System
Patient care will be improved and inefficiency in the health system will be cut by new e-health legislation soon to be introduced.
15 January 2010
Health Reform Consultation – Sutherland Hospital
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot visited Sutherland Hospital to consult with front-line health professionals about the ways the Australian Government can address the challenges in Australia’s health system.
15 January 2010
More than $46 Million for Ingham Health Research Institute at Liverpool Hospital
A $46.9 million funding agreement to construct a new research facility at Liverpool Hospital has been signed.
14 January 2010
New Equipment to help reduce Elective Surgery waiting times in Tamworth
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has visited Tamworth Hospital, which recently benefited from new up-to-date surgical equipment worth more than $338,000.
14 January 2010
Respite for Australian carers - More than $4 Million in grants
Grants totalling more than $4 million have been announced for 269 services across Australia that provide respite for carers.
08 January 2010
New North Lakes Health Precinct Starts Services Rolling
Residents in Brisbane’s north now have access to a wider range of community-based health services being rolled out through the new $53 million health precinct in North Lakes.
08 January 2010
Redcliffe GP Super Clinic to boost chronic disease care
The Redcliffe GP Super Clinic to be built on the grounds of the Redcliffe Hospital is being planned to ensure more support for people with chronic disease who live in and around Redcliffe.
07 January 2010
Sanction: Australian Government acts on Victorian Aged Care Home
The Australian Government has imposed a sanction on the Lions Club of Sunbury Elderly Peoples Homes Inc, an aged care provider in Melbourne.
06 January 2010
New Equipment Boosts Breast Screening in South Australia
New state-of-the-art digital imaging equipment will soon be introduced at BreastScreen Australia services in South Australia as part of a $120 million national upgrade funded by the Australian Government.
05 January 2010
Better screening and care for Breast Cancer sufferers
The Australian Government has continued its fight against breast cancer with the announcement that Australian women at risk of breast cancer soon will be able to be screened by the latest technology. The Prime Minister wore pink and helped sizzle sausages at Day 3 of the Sydney Cricket Test between Australia and Pakistan as part of the fund raising efforts for the McGrath Foundation and its work to support women with breast cancer.
02 January 2010
Next Phase Of National Sexual Health Campaign
The second phase of a national campaign aimed at reducing the rate of sexually transmissible infections among Australians, especially young people, begins on 3 January.
01 January 2010
$15 Million Extra Funding For Specialised Drugs
From 1 January Australians living with HIV and a rare and serious enzyme deficiency disorder will benefit from new listings on Australian Government drug programs.
01 January 2010
New Year Heralds Important Health Reforms
2010 represents another important year of reform for Australia's health system, with several initiatives commencing on 1 January to further the Government's reform agenda.
22 September 2004
Departmental Records
Links to indexed listings of Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing and other relevant portfolio agency's files, from 2004 onwards.
