All Portfolio Ministerial Media items from the current government

05 May, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has announced a major review into the way chemotherapy is funded and provided as a way of ensuring cancer patients have continued access to quality, affordable treatment.

03 May, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Northern residents will have easier access to mental health services thanks to Adelaide’s third Community Mental Health Centre officially opening its doors in Salisbury.

02 May, 2013 - Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing

Speech - Australian Rotary Health Dinner - University House, ANU, Canberra

02 May, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Young people who are diagnosed with cancer will be better able to get the care and support they need.

01 May, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government is committed to helping older people enjoy active, healthy and independent lives by encouraging positive approaches to ageing.

29 April, 2013 - Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing

The role of the National Children’s Commissioner in giving children a voice and a role in decision making was the focus of the fourth Children and Family Roundtable, held in Melbourne.

24 April, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

A Coalition candidate is at odds with Tony Abbot over Medicare Locals

23 April, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia’s new drop-in centre in Coconut Grove has been opened.

23 April, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Many of the more than 130,000 Australians who have Alzheimer’s disease will benefit from changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme which will simplify access to drugs used to treat the disease.

23 April, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Alzheimer's Disease International Award, dementia, federal budget and education interview with Joe O'Brien, Ita Buttrose and Mark Butler.

22 April, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Australia has been recognised on the world stage as the global leader in addressing dementia.

18 April, 2013 - Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing

A new streamlined process for assessing medicines sold over the counter takes effect week starting 15 April 2013, marking a major step towards establishing a single Trans-Tasman regulatory agency for therapeutic products.

17 April, 2013 - Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing

14 April, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister, The Hon Tanya Plibersek, has launched a brand new wave of anti-smoking advertising in the Australian Government’s latest world-leading efforts to help Australians stop smoking for good.

11 April, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Australians with severe mental illness, their families and carers will have greater access to support services and other practical assistance locally in their communities thanks to a $121 million boost from the Australian Government.

11 April, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Young people in outer-east Melbourne with mental health issues will get better support with the launch of a new Knox headspace service today.

11 April, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said a new report has confirmed Australia had high rates of child immunisation but also highlighted the need to continue increasing immunisation rates, particularly in regions where coverage was below the national average.

10 April, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has announced $7.9 million for 11 Partnerships for Better Health – Partnership Projects including research into medication regimes for kidney transplants, chlamydia testing, work-related asthma and cancer, suicide prevention, and mental health disorders in rural children.

10 April, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

A new medical research partnership with the Singapore Government to fight three of the most infectious diseases in the Asia-Pacific region has been announced.

09 April, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Australia's first national centre for cognitive decline has been opened.

09 April, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Commitment to coordinated action was affirmed at the National Summit on FGM, hosted by the Australian Government on 9 April 2013.

09 April, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Young people with mental health issues in Midland (WA) and surrounding areas will get better support with the launch of a new headspace service.

09 April, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Minister Plibersek's speech at the National Summit on Female Genital Mutilation

08 April, 2013 - Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing

Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Shayne Neumann announced that Australia’s official organ donor rates have increased to record levels for the first quarter of 2013

07 April, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

In an historic initiative to support living organ donors, the Australia Government will pay employees who wish to become donors up to six weeks of salary.

05 April, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has released the report of the McKeon Review - Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research – Better Health through Research.

05 April, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

A $6 million state of the art rehabilitation service has been opened today at the Repatriation General Hospital by Federal Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler and South Australian Parliamentary Secretary Leesa Vlahos.

05 April, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

A key plank of the Australian Government’s $2.2 billion mental health reform package is a step closer with preferred applicants being selected for the $550 million Partners in Recovery program.

04 April, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

04 April, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

A National Summit of Mental Health Ministers has been called to address the high rates of premature death and adverse health outcomes amongst people with mental illness.

04 April, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Young Ipswich and Somerset Region residents with mental health issues will get better support with the launch of a new headspace service on 4 April 2013.

03 April, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

A Coalition candidate is at odds with Tony Abbott over Medicare Locals.

28 March, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

20 March, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Thousands of people living with younger onset dementia will receive vital support thanks to a $16.8 million investment by the Australian Government.

19 March, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

19 March, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

The Federal Coalition has confirmed its policy to scrap Medicare Locals.

19 March, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Transcript - Doorstop on the Price of Medicines/Antimicrobial Resistance - Senate Courtyard, Parliament House, Canberra

15 March, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

13 March, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

07 March, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

On 6th March 2013, Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek spoke at the Medicare Locals Forum in Canberra.

06 March, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Young people seeking treatment for mental illness in the Canberra area now have a wider range of options with the opening of a youth Step-Up/Step-Down program in Kambah.

05 March, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Thousands of senior Victorians who receive services to help them live independently at home will benefit from a $33.4 million boost to home and community care services.

25 February, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

21 February, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

21 February, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

The Australia Government has announced a $107 million rescue package for Victorian hospitals.

19 February, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

15 February, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

08 February, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

06 February, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

05 February, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

A new guide aimed at keeping children safe and healthy in child care centres has been launched.

04 February, 2013 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

31 January, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for 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.

15 January, 2013 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

21 December, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

The Australian Government has announced a national sponsorship partnership between the National Tobacco Campaign and Driver Reviver.

20 December, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

19 December, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Abortion drug, RU486

18 December, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

11 December, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Patients will benefit from Karratha’s Nickol Bay Hospital’s Emergency Department after a $714,592 upgrade.

11 December, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government has announced it will boost funding to support thousands of Australians with eating disorders.

10 December, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

07 December, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

06 December, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

04 December, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

03 December, 2012 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

02 December, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Federal funding for health in Queensland will increase by 21% over the next four years, going from $3.1 billion in 2012-2013 to $3.7 billion in 2015-16 – an additional $600 million.

30 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

30 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

28 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

The Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, responds to claims by the Shadow Minister for Health, Peter Dutton.

28 November, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

27 November, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

23 November, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

23 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has commented on Coalition plans for front line health jobs.

22 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

21 November, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

The Government is committed to providing lifesaving drugs for cancer patients.

20 November, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has said that figures from the Private Health Insurance Administration Council showed that at 30 September 2012 the number of people covered for private hospital treatment increased 3.1% (317,860 extra people) since 30 September 2011.

16 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Around 270,000 Australians will benefit from a medicine used to treat chronic nerve pain, which will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

14 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

14 November, 2012 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

13 November, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

New research reveals 1800 Australian parents are diagnosed every week with post and antenatal depression at a cost to the economy of $433 million.

10 November, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has said the Australian Government’s investment in Victoria's health continues to grow.

09 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

09 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has said the Australian Government’s investment in Queensland’s health continues to grow.

09 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

09 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has said the Australian Government’s investment in New South Wales' health continues to grow.

08 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

The GP Plus Super Clinic Modbury, opened on 8 November, is providing more comprehensive and convenient health care in the local community.

08 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

06 November, 2012 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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).

02 November, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

01 November, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Thousands of patients, particularly children, will benefit from expanded access to Medicare-funded Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services.

31 October, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Three new resources have been released that will help aged care workers support older Australians, including updated guidelines on medication management in aged care.

31 October, 2012 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

29 October, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

25 October, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

24 October, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

23 October, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

23 October, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

23 October, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek commented on statements from Queensland Health Minister Lawrence Springborg about the health budget.

19 October, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

19 October, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

19 October, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has announced $652 million for 1,141 grants for ground-breaking medical research across Australia.

15 October, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

Aboriginal people on the New South Wales South Coast have welcomed the return of Katungul Aboriginal Corporation to community control.

28 September, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Australian University Sports is the latest national sporting organisation to sign-on to the Be the Influence: Tackling Binge Drinking campaign.

27 September, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Acting Minister for Health Mark Butler today announced that Ms Jenny Mason would lead a review of the Australian Government’s health workforce programs.

27 September, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

26 September, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

24 September, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek today said she was extremely concerned about the Queensland Government’s latest cuts – this time $4.4 million per year in health care grants.

24 September, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

18 September, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek responds to Opposition comments about the Dental Policy.

14 September, 2012 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

14 September, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

13 September, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

12 September, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek as commented the cuts to jobs and health services in Queensland.

12 September, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

12 September, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

11 September, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

A discussion paper has been released for input to a new National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (NATSIHP).

11 September, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Suicide is a significant problem for the community and an issue we all need to take responsibility for tackling.

10 September, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

07 September, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has commented on the extent of health job cuts announced by the Queensland Government.

06 September, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

05 September, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government will provide funding for projects across Australia to create integrated aged care teaching centres.

03 September, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Funding for National Dental Foundation, RU486

31 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

29 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

27 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler announced that the new John Cade Fellowship in Mental Health Research is open for applications.

24 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

22 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

21 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has announced funding for projects aimed at reducing alcohol related harm in the community.

16 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

16 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

A record 132,366 people took out private hospital insurance in the June Quarter, a 0.4% increase on March and the largest quarterly increase since 2007.

15 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for 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.

15 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

15 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

13 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Young people experiencing early psychosis will soon have access to new world-leading mental health centres.

10 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Three State Coalition governments have tried to shift blame for their poor health performance and looming budget cuts by misleading their constituents about the impact of carbon pricing on hospitals.

10 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

09 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Three new members have been appointed to the Cancer Australia Advisory Council, along with the reappointment of five current members.

08 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

08 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

07 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health, Mark Butler, has released funding guidelines for the Federal Government’s $549.8 million mental health program Partners in Recovery.

07 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

07 August, 2012 - Archive

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.

06 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

06 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

06 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

06 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

05 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Industry experts and advocates will descend on Adelaide to talk all things ageing at the 2012 National Aged Care Conference.

03 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

Three new Centres of Research Excellence have been funded by the Australian Government to focus on important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues.

02 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Researchers studying the cause of deadly esophagus cancer are among 17 recipients sharing $42.3 million in medical research funding from the Australian Government.

02 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has opened the $516,000 extension of the Bloomhill Therapy Centre on the Sunshine Coast.

02 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

01 August, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Ageing Mark Butler has announced the five remaining members of the Aged Care Reform Implementation Council.

01 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

01 August, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

25 July, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

A National LGBTI Aged Care Strategy to support the implementation of Living Longer Living Better is to be developed by the Australian Government.

23 July, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

A new online mental health tool, myCompass, that assesses user symptoms, then provides a personalised support program, has been launched.

19 July, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

18 July, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Dementia sufferers in Riverwood and surrounding areas will have an opportunity to network and engage in the community through a new Dementia Café funded by the Australian Government.

17 July, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

17 July, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

Families in Alpurrurulam, Lake Nash, will soon have access to a community laundry facility.

16 July, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

12 July, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

An Editorial from the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing about the launch of the mindhealthconnect.org.au website.

05 July, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Australia’s first national e-mental health online portal has been launched by Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler.

03 July, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

28 June, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

The Australian Government will add three new medical services the Medical Benefits Scheme, providing benefit for hundreds of Australian patients.

28 June, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

25 June, 2012 -

Claims that 320,000 Queenslanders would drop their private health insurance and clog up public hospitals are rubbish, said Health Minister Tanya Plibersek.

24 June, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

22 June, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The membership of a consumer reference group to set up the new National Mental Health Consumer Organisation has been announced.

21 June, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced another 30 regional licences for Medicare-rebated magnetic resonance imaging services.

20 June, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Rural patients will benefit from new infrastructure grants to 50 projects across Australia, Health Minister Tanya Plibersek announced on 20 June 2012.

20 June, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler has announced $24 million over three years to be invested into alcohol and drug research.

19 June, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced a $325 million emergency rescue package for Tasmania’s health system.

15 June, 2012 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous 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.

14 June, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

14 June, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Western Australia will receive funding from the Australian Government for two new mental health projects under the National Partnership Agreement on Mental Health.

10 June, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

08 June, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

07 June, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

Health professionals and workers have access to a new tool to help in preventing chronic disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

30 May, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 -

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

25 May, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

25 May, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Young people living in Noarlunga and surrounding areas will benefit from a new headspace service, officially opened on 25 May.

25 May, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

24 May, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Bulk billing rates reached a record high in the March quarter, with 81.2% of GP services bulk billed.

22 May, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

18 May, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

18 May, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

16 May, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

An innovative nurse practitioner pilot project is improving access to primary health care for older Australians in Tasmania.

16 May, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

16 May, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

10 May, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

08 May, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

07 May, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

06 May, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

04 May, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

03 May, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

03 May, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

26 April, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Young people living in Inala and surrounding areas will benefit from a new headspace service opened on 18 April.

18 April, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government has issued its initial response to the Final Report of the Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians.

12 April, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

A new children’s cancer centre at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide has been opened.

11 April, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

05 April, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

05 April, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

05 April, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

04 April, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

An update on reform from the Minister for Mental Health

04 April, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

More Australians with severe mental illness will have access to practical support services with $8.1 million in funding from the Australian Government.

04 April, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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).

02 April, 2012 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

Aboriginal Australians in the Northern Territory will continue to have better primary health care and improved access to dental and allied health services, with a $719 million funding investment as part of the Australian Government’s Stronger Futures package.

28 March, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

22 March, 2012 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

22 March, 2012 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

Hundreds of events will be staged across the country on 22 March to mark National Close the Gap Day.

19 March, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

19 March, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Women who know that they have PIP breast implants, or where clinical advice is that they might have, will be able to access Medicare rebates for MRI services to assess whether their implants are structurally sound from Monday 12 March 2012.

09 March, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

08 March, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Australia’s newest headspace has been officially opened in Perth by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.

08 March, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

06 March, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

06 March, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for 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.

29 February, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

The annual increase in private health insurance premiums will this year be the lowest in four years.

27 February, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has welcomed the final report of the National Advisory Council on Dental Health.

24 February, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

24 February, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Australia’s newest headspace has been officially opened in Hobart by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.

23 February, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

21 February, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Young people living in Parramatta and surrounding areas will benefit from a new headspace service.

15 February, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government and the Queensland Government have announced a $39.8 million boost for home and community care services throughout Queensland.

14 February, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

12 February, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said the private health insurance rebate should be means-tested to bring about fairness for taxpayers.

09 February, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

08 February, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

The Senate passed legislation restricting online tobacco advertising in Australia on 8 February 2012.

07 February, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek officially opened the University of Notre Dame Australia’s newly built Melbourne Clinical School at Werribee, Victoria on 3 February 2012.

02 February, 2012 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, launched Australia’s first National Mental Health Commission on 23 January 2012.

22 January, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

A new $20.6 million telehealth program utilising 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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on 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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

04 January, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Australians who made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight can count on some help to reach their target weight.

02 January, 2012 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

Minister for Health announces expansion of medical services to increase access to GPs after hours.

23 December, 2011 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

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.

22 December, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The 2011 Aged Care Approvals Round will provide older Australians with 9,657 new aged care places, including 7,933 residential care places and 1,724 community care places, worth an estimated $368 million a year.

21 December, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

The Australian Government has invested a further $114.2 million in health and medical research through 159 grants.

15 December, 2011 - The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health

The Australian Government is investing $644,950 in nine new postgraduate scholarships to help outstanding young health and medical researchers work towards improving the health and wellbeing for young Indigenous Australians.

15 December, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government is investing $18.7 million to expand the role of nurse practitioners in residential and community based care.

13 December, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

13 December, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

One million therapy sessions have been provided to people with a mental illness under the Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) program.

11 December, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on 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.

08 December, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on 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.

01 December, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous 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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Minister responds to claims the Australian Government manipulated and interfered with the National Health and Medical Research Council's Literature Review process.

30 November, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

23 November, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler extends his condolences to those affected by the Quakers Hill Nursing Home fire.

08 November, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

03 November, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous 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.

03 November, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

02 November, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

28 October, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

Australia’s first Consensus-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Volatile Substance Use in Australia and a quick-reference summary to support heath workers treating clients in this area have been developed.

28 October, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

26 October, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

26 October, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

24 October, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

More young Queenslanders will get the care and support they need to overcome mental illness with three new headspace sites to be rolled out in Queensland. The centres will be at Mackay, Ipswich and Sunshine Coast.

24 October, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Young people living in Mount Isa are to get better, local access to mental health care and related drug and alcohol services.

20 October, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

20 October, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

19 October, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

17 October, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

17 October, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

An update on reform from the Minister for Mental Health.

17 October, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

15 October, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

12 October, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

New data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that spending on mental health related services is continuing at record levels.

11 October, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

06 October, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

30 September, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

26 September, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

22 September, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

22 September, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

20 September, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Acting Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler officially launched the Centre of Research Excellence in Rural and Remote Primary Health Care.

19 September, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

16 September, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

15 September, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

10 September, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

On World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) the Australian Government announced new measures to strengthen its efforts to tackle suicide in the community.

08 September, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

07 September, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Monsignor David Cappo AO has been named chairman of the nation’s first National Mental Health Commission.

06 September, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

06 September, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

01 September, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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’.

23 August, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

22 August, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Human Services Tanya Plibersek and Minister for Mental Health and Aging 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).

20 August, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government is seeking applications for funding for the third round of the Encouraging Better Practice in Aged Care (EBPAC) initiative as part of its commitment to quality care for older Australians.

19 August, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on 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.

11 August, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for 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.

11 August, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

10 August, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for 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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government has released the 2011 Productivity Commission Report, Caring for Older Australians.

04 August, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

Significant improvements in Indigenous mortality rates have been revealed in a report released on 4 August.

30 July, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

30 July, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

29 July, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government has today announced it will be providing up to $6 million as part of the fight against Hendra.

29 July, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

27 July, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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%.

27 July, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

25 July, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Residents of Tweed Heads will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement.

25 July, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

24 July, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

19 July, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Western Sydney families are benefiting from improved access to more hospital services as national health reform investments take shape at Westmead Children's Hospital.

13 July, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

11 July, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

11 July, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

08 July, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

06 July, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

01 July, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous 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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

30 June, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

29 June, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

27 June, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

24 June, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

23 June, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon has congratulated Coles for showing community leadership by implementing measures to minimise alcohol consumption in Alice Springs.

18 June, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

06 June, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has responsed to claims that funding was being stripped from the Multicultural Mental Health Australia project.

03 June, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

01 June, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - Archive

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.

30 May, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

26 May, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

24 May, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

18 May, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

17 May, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government is committing an additional $29.7 million (over five years) for the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI).

16 May, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

Stronger and prouder involvement in parenting will be promoted among Aboriginal men at 13 organisations in a new Australian Government initiative.

16 May, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

06 May, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

People living in Jabiru and the wider Kakadu region can look forward to better access to health care after it was announced that Blue Sun Dental (based in Parap) will receive $221,778 of funding under round five of the Australian Government’s National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program.

04 May, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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).

29 April, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

A $16 million Australian Government funded aged care facility will cater for some of Sydney's most vulnerable and isolated.

14 April, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

14 April, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

13 April, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

13 April, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

11 April, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

06 April, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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

05 April, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

31 March, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

31 March, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The latest major report from the ongoing Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health has been released.

30 March, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous 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 March, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

29 March, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

28 March, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

25 March, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

A new health brokerage service has been established for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the inner north of metropolitan Melbourne.

18 March, 2011 - Archive

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Around 130 scholarships are available for postgraduate or continuing education relating to care of older people.

17 March, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

An update on reform from the Minister for Mental Health.

17 March, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

11 March, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

03 March, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

28 February, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

25 February, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

25 February, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

24 February, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

22 February, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

17 February, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

14 February, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

12 February, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

10 February, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

09 February, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

31 January, 2011 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

27 January, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

An additional $16.1 million has been provided for Home and Community Care (HACC) services across NSW.

26 January, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

26 January, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

25 January, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

People with dementia and their families will soon have access to a new Dementia Day Centre in Camden.

21 January, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

18 January, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

14 January, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Almost 600,000 Australians are projected to be living with dementia by 2030 as Australia’s population ages.

14 January, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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.

13 January, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

13 January, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

13 January, 2011 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

30 December, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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

23 December, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

An independent committee has been established by the Australian Government to review cloning legislation.

20 December, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

South Australia's Social Inclusion Commissioner Monsignor David Cappo has been appointed as Deputy Chair to the National Advisory Council on Mental Health (NACMH) - a key strategic group providing specialist policy advice on mental health to the Federal Government.

10 December, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Aldersgate Aged Care Facility in Felixstow has received a Better Practice in Aged Care award in recognition of its leading-edge art therapy program.

09 December, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Applications are being sought from groups and organisations for funding for projects that increase awareness of dementia in local communities.

09 December, 2010 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

08 December, 2010 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous 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.

08 December, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

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 - Archive

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.

06 December, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The National Mental Health Report 2010 shows that total spending on mental health services by governments and private health insurers rose by 10 per cent in real terms in 2007-08 to $5.32 billion.

06 December, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Encouraging research into mental illness will be an important part of the Australian Government’s second term commitment to a sustainable and effective mental health system.

03 December, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Community groups, health and aged care providers and charitable organisations have been invited to apply for grants totalling $5.6 million under the Local Palliative Care Grants Program.

03 December, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government has announced funding for three climate change adaptation and health research projects under the Health Challenges of Climate Change special initiative.

03 December, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler announced the appointment of Rae Lamb as the new Aged Care Commissioner on 3 December.

02 December, 2010 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

An event on 2 December marked AFL SportsReady's 1,000th Indigenous trainee.

01 December, 2010 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

30 November, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler held the first of a series of nation-wide Mental Health Forums in Adelaide on 30 November.

23 November, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler outlined the Government’s response to the Senate Inquiry into Suicide in Australia – The Hidden Toll: Suicide in Australia on 23 November.

20 November, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

A major boost to Australia’s aged care workforce is a step closer following a call today by the Australian Government to invite eligible registered training organisations to apply to deliver accredited courses that will upgrade the skills of several thousand aged care workers.

20 November, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Labor Government has committed unprecedented funding to reduce the rate of suicide in the nation, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, told delegates at the Fourth Asia Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association for Suicide Prevention in Brisbane.

19 November, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

A new census by the Department of Health and Ageing, the 2008 Community Care Census, casts new light on the needs of Australia’s care recipients, their carers, and the type of services they receive.

18 November, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Dementia care and mental health treatments are two areas that will benefit from an injection of $125.7 million into health and medical research, announced by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, on 18 November.

16 November, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

New and expectant mothers are being encouraged to speak to their doctors about depression and anxiety as part of a national media campaign targeting the prevention and early treatment of perinatal depression.

12 November, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government has announced $447.5 million for medical research, though the National Health and Medical Research Council.

11 November, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government welcomes the prediction of 50,000 Australian centenarians by the middle of the century.

10 November, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Federal Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler, and ACT Minister for Health Katy Gallagher, announced $1.3 million of additional services for people in the ACT whose capacity for independent living is at risk.

09 November, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has welcomed the Australian Government’s renewed commitment to Mental Health with the release of the Mid-Year Economic Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO).

08 November, 2010 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

05 November, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

A University of Canberra Professor has been awarded approximately half a million dollars to continue vital medical research.

04 November, 2010 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Seniors and people living with a disability across Victoria will be assisted to prepare for extreme weather and tackle climate change in their homes as part of a $5.4 million funding boost from the Australian and State Governments.

26 October, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Queensland’s frail, aged and those with a disability are set to benefit after almost $51 million in funding for home and community care services has been allocated in Queensland.

25 October, 2010 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler handed over the first contract under the Consumer Directed Respite Care initiative in Melbourne on 22 October, allowing carers to select respite services of their choice.

19 October, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has announced 11 further Centres of Research Excellence, following on from initial announcements in July and August 2010.

19 October, 2010 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler acknowledged Australia’s 2.9 million carers, for their selfless efforts to care for a loved one who would otherwise need formal care.

18 October, 2010 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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 - The Hon Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Health

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.

17 October, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has launched Wellbeing Fiesta carers’ health and wellbeing festival at West Beach in Adelaide.

14 October, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

A new MadCap Café in the Westfield Fountain Gate Shopping Centre in Narre Warren has been launched by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.

13 October, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

A web portal designed to assist health professionals to provide psychosocial support in disasters has been launched in Sydney.

11 October, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler congratulated the winners of the 7th annual Dr Margaret Tobin Awards.

07 October, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

A new round of scholarships under the Supporting a Professional Aged Care Workforce Program has been announced. These scholarships provide aged care nurses with training focussed on improving clinical care and creating career paths in aged care.

01 October, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has addressed the South Australia launch of the 2010 Every Generation festival, which celebrates the contribution that older people make to their communities. The event was part of International Day for Older Persons.

01 October, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has welcomed the release of the independent evaluation of the Dementia Initiative, which will help shape future priorities in supporting people with dementia and their carers.

24 September, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Australian Government has announced additional safety measures would be implemented at “The Gap” at Watsons Bay in Sydney to help prevent suicides at the notorious hotspot.

22 September, 2010 - The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has launched a program supporting Tasmanians caring for people living with dementia.