All Portfolio Ministerial Media releases from the current government

20 July, 2008 - Senator the Hon Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing

Senator Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, today opened the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s new $5.3-million Cairns base, describing it as a central part of the service’s expansion to meet modern health needs in North Queensland.

19 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Presentations of influenza-like illnesses to GPs rose in May and June indicating that winter-related bacterial and viral infections have commenced in Australia.

18 July, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian and Northern Territory Governments have reached another key milestone in the development of the Radiation Oncology Unit with the announcement of Royal Adelaide Hospital as the preferred provider.

18 July, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Health Minister Nicola Roxon today announced agreement had been reached between the two governments for the State to manage the Mersey Community Hospital.

18 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government has taken action to prevent an Adelaide company from operating aged care homes.

17 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, and the Queensland Minister for Disability Services, Lindy Nelson-Carr today announced a $19 million boost for older people and people with a disability.

17 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Federal Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, with the Member for Cunningham, Sharon Bird, today visited the site where a new $1.65 Million dementia day-care centre will be constructed for the people of Wollongong.

16 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot today officially launched the Community Care Access Point in Parramatta, which has created eight new jobs in the area.

15 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

In response to recent gastro-outbreaks in nursing homes, the Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today announced a response plan.

15 July, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, and the Federal Member for Bass, Jodie Campbell, today confirmed the Rudd Government’s commitment of $2.285 million to upgrade local sports facilities.

15 July, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

Funding for two north-west Tasmanian sporting facility upgrades was confirmed today by Federal Member for Braddon Sid Sidebottom.

15 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Federal Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot and NSW Minister for Health Reba Meagher today announced a one-off $11 million funding package to support people across NSW living with long-term disabilities.

11 July, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

A $350,000 funding boost to upgrade local sport and recreation facilities in Townsville and Palm Island has been confirmed by the Australian Government. The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, said today that the funding delivered on important election commitments to encourage greater participation in sports and recreation activities in the region

11 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing is working closely with the NSW Public Health Unit and the NSW Food Authority on the recent gastroenteritis outbreak at the Endeavour Aged Care Facility in the Blue Mountains.

11 July, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Rudd Government will provide $5 million to help establish a 24-hour toll-free national helpline to support breastfeeding mothers and their families, and to support research into breastfeeding.

10 July, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

A commitment of $1.77 million to upgrade local sports facilities has been confirmed by the Australian Government, the Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, and Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Dr Mike Kelly, said today.

10 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has announced that Uniting Aged Care will temporarily take over the management of the Bridewater Aged Care facility in Melbourne, allowing the Administrators to focus on investigating the financial affairs of the former approved provider of the home and to continue to seek a sale of the facility.

10 July, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Establishment of the National Indigenous Health Equality Council was announced today by the Prime Minister, Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin. The Council will advise the Government on the development and monitoring of health-related goals and targets to support the Government’s commitments to closing the appalling life expectancy gap and unacceptably high rates of child mortality in the Indigenous population.

09 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

08 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Aged care providers in Australia are receiving record funding to support the vital role their staff play in caring for the nation’s elderly.

07 July, 2008 - Senator the Hon Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing

A former Commonwealth Ombudsman, Philippa Smith AM, has been appointed as Chair of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) board.

05 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

04 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

An extra $5.1 million in funding has been announced for Home and Community Care (HACC) services in NSW.

03 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

03 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Commonwealth staff have begun a wide-ranging review of funding claims to ensure that Australian Government payments match the levels of care provided in nursing homes.

02 July, 2008 - Senator the Hon Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has proposed a major new national reform package to establish Australia as a world leader in organ donation for transplantation. Further information about the proposed new national reform package is available here

02 July, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Australian Government funds the upgrade of sporting facilities in Penrith including a double-sided grandstand connecting the southern end of CUA Stadium and Howell Cricket Oval.

02 July, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has created an Office of Rural Health to drive rural health reform in response to the findings of the Audit of Health Workforce in Rural and Regional Australia.

02 July, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has proposed a major new national reform package to establish Australia as a world leader in organ donation for transplantation. Further information about the proposed new national reform package is available here

02 July, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The rising incidence of Type 1 diabetes in children underlines the importance of the Australian Government’s decision to subsidise the cost of insulin pumps. According to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the incidence of new cases of Type 1 diabetes in children is rising at around 3 per cent a year.

02 July, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has offered to provide $60 million a year to Tasmania to ensure that the Mersey Community Hospital continues to play a strong role in providing ongoing services to the community.

01 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government has a range of measures relating to petrol and community care, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot said today.

01 July, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

From 1 July, families will have access to a whole range of new health services – including a $150 voucher for teen dental care; a free health check for kids about to start school; and a guide to kids’ health and development for parents.

01 July, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Open letter in response to the Queensland Aged Care Alliance.

01 July, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Australian Government announced on 1 July a $390,000 funding boost to upgrade local sporting facilities in the Geelong region.

01 July, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Australian Government’s commitment of $14 million to upgrade Skilled Stadium in Geelong will help improve stadium facilities for players and spectators.

30 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

From July 1, the Australian Government‘s Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency – the independent watchdog – will undertake a record 7,000 visits to the nation’s 2,870 nursing homes during 2008-2009.

30 June, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The State of Our Public Hospitals Report 2008, released 30 June 2008 shows they are under severe strain, with public hospital admissions increasing faster than population growth.

30 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government was committed to building a modern Australia capable of tackling the challenges of the 21st century.

30 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

From July 1, the annual indexation for residential care, community care and flexible care comes into effect - adding more than $163 million in extra Commonwealth government funding. Payments to residential aged care subsidies and supplements will increase by $152 million and community care subsidies by $11 million.

28 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government today announced the first stage of its $293.2 million transition care program to help older Australians recover and regain their independence after a major hospital stay.

27 June, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis thanked outgoing Port Adelaide chief executive, John James for his contribution to football in South Australia.

27 June, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Federal Minister for Sport Kate Ellis today congratulated rising indigenous basketball star Nathan Jawai for his selection in the NBA draft

26 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Minister for Ageing Mrs Justine Elliot met on 26 June with developers of an innovative Dutch housing model which allows 95 per cent of older people to live in their own homes until the end of their lives. This is known as "ageing in place".

25 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Federal Government today announced a plan to improve smaller independent cinemas for some of the four million people with vision and hearing impairment with special audio description (AD) equipment and captioning.

25 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot announced on 25 June a revamped industry advisory committee to improve consultation with the sector, workforce and consumers representing residents and older Australians. The new Ageing Consultative Committee includes commercial and not-for-profit aged care providers, consumer groups, professional and union bodies.

25 June, 2008 - Senator the Hon Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing

Community groups across Australia can now apply for funding to fight binge drinking in their own towns and cities under the Federal Government’s National Binge Drinking Strategy. The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, said $7.2 million was now available for the Community Level Initiative part of the Strategy.

24 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Federal Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today met in Canberra with Sydney Jewish residential aged care providers – the Sir Moses Montefiore Jewish Home congratulating them for delivering 119 years of care to older Jewish-Australians.

23 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Federal Government has committed to a greater focus on positive and active ageing – as part of its social inclusion and reducing social isolation agenda

22 June, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Health Minister Nicola Roxon today congratulated Rosemary Bryant for her appointment as Australia’s chief nursing officer.

21 June, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, today announced $340,000 in grants to upgrade a number of local sporting facilities in Western Australia.

20 June, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

Sport and recreation facilities in Traralgon West and Mallacoota are to benefit from more than $700,000 in upgrades.

20 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Australian Government has provided a progress report on its Zero Real Interest Loans program to help create hostel and nursing home places in areas of high need.

20 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, and Minister for Senior Victorians, Lisa Neville, have launched a 'one stop shop' for community care in eastern Melbourne.

20 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Nursing Homes across Australia will benefit from a new funding round worth more than $8.7 million to encourage homes to use improved evidence-based clinical care.

19 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot released on 19 June financial data showing record Commonwealth financial support for Queensland aged care providers – totalling $5.4 billion over the next four years.

18 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Statement on Edgarley Hostel/Edgarley Home in rural Victoria

18 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has welcomed Australian research on the detection of early-stage Alzheimer's

17 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government has added more than $163 million in Commonwealth Government funding to residential, community and flexible care.

16 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Minister for Ageing Mrs Justine Elliot today released a new dementia resource to help improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and assist those who care for them.

16 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot, met Anglicare Australia, the country's fourth-largest aged care provider, in Canberra this week.

15 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot took the opportunity on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to remind older Australians that they are entitled to the full protection of the law whether in their homes or nursing homes.

13 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

At an historic inaugural meeting held on the NSW North Coast today, Australian ministers responsible for ageing and aged care, as well as well as representatives of the Australian Local Government Association, agreed to work together and respond to Australia’s changing ageing population.

13 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

A new national protocol for community care service providers has been proposed aimed at reducing the number of frail older Australians dying alone at home and reducing delays until deaths are discovered.

13 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government is providing $2 million in research funding to assist in the study of the care and treatment of people with psychogeriatric conditions in aged care homes.

13 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today welcomed the relocation of the NSW Government’s Office for Ageing from Sydney to Tweed Heads - creating around 10 new jobs and boosting the local economy by $1 million annually.

12 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Practical plans to respond to social isolation among older Australians will be on the agenda when the inaugural Ministerial Conference of Ageing meets on 13 June. The meeting will comprise the relevant federal, state and territory ministers, and will bring together – for the first time – all of the nation’s ministers responsible for aged care homes, community care and the welfare of our nation’s older citizens.

12 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has welcomed the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s report, “Residential Aged Care in Australia 2006-2007”.

12 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Older people in the Northern Rivers region of NSW will benefit from a locally developed elder abuse prevention campaign launched by the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, on 12 June.

12 June, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government will invest almost $50 million to strengthen mental health services, including $20 million to help prevent suicide.

12 June, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, has announced the reappointment of Jennifer Clark and Nicole Livingstone to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

11 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, said on 11 June that new membership of the Aged Care Planning Advisory Committees would increase accountability and transparency. Mrs Elliot has called for nominations for the committees, which would provide input into the 2008 aged care planning process.

11 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has launched a guide aimed at reducing the number of serious and potentially fatal falls experienced by older Australian farmers while working on their farms.

11 June, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government will develop a National Primary Health Care Strategy to better tackle the health challenges of the 21st century.

10 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government today recognised two prominent Fremantle residents for their significant contribution to improving the lives of senior Australians.

10 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot, visited the Perth Jewish Aged Home Society at Dianella on 10 June and praised the centre for its work with people with dementia; its safe environment; and the special care provided by staff and volunteers.

10 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has opened the Coolibah Day Centre as part of a $34.6 million commitment to fund innovative day respite services within aged care homes. The Coolibah Day Centre is within the Mandurah Retirement Village, Western Australia.

10 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has visited a WA operations centre which uses the latest technology to help manage its aged care services.

09 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has visited the Tanby Hall aged care facility in Cooloongup, which was hit by a mini-tornado on 9 June.

09 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Aged care providers – including rural and smaller ones or those with specific needs – will be able to get practical advice on the new funding model from a dedicated free advisory service. Department of Health and Ageing recently appointed KPMG – which has set up a project office – to deal with requests for assistance from Australia’s 2,870 nursing homes as they make the transition to new funding arrangements.

08 June, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Rudd Government will develop Australia's first-ever National Men's Health Policy, in recognition of the health challenges that men face.

08 June, 2008 - Senator the Hon Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has agreed to provide an additional $18,000 to Tasmania for the National Smoke-Free Pregnancy Project.

07 June, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

A groundbreaking Australian-led global study has shown that people with Type 2 diabetes can have the risk of serious kidney disease significantly reduced.

06 June, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

A tender process to find a private not-for-profit provider to run the Mersey Hospital as a public hospital from 1 July 2008 has not resulted in a concluding bid.

06 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has announced a new service in Queensland to support people with dementia and their carers.

06 June, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Outstanding young medical researcher Professor James Whisstock has been awarded the 2008 Commonwealth Health Minister’s Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Research.

06 June, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

Australia's sports ministers have agreed to an ambitious reform agenda to secure Australia's sporting future and get more Aussie kids healthy and active.

04 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government today applauded the decision by the Queensland Government - in its 2008-2009 Budget - to exempt residential aged care providers from paying land tax as part of the measure “Tax concessions to assist older persons”.

04 June, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Australian research into primary health care has identified new and better ways to treat and manage common health problems.

04 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

A funding boost of $4 million will improve care for older people, younger people with a disability and their carers in Tasmania.

03 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government has reiterated its support for the accreditation of Australia's aged care homes.

02 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Leading aged care providers are reporting that the Federal Government’s new aged care funding model is delivering better care as well as reducing red tape.

02 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today officially outlined the Federal Government’s financial support plan for the 156 staff at the Bridgewater Aged Care facility in Melbourne.

02 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government will require nursing home services to report any case of missing residents – a measure to further protect and enhance safety for residents, particularly those with a diagnosis of dementia.

01 June, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot formally signed the documentation to continue and increase the Conditional Adjustment Payment (CAP) beyond June 30

30 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing and local MP Mrs Justine Elliot has met with UnitingCare Ageing NSW/ACT to learn about its plans to extend to the North Coast.

29 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Melbourne has secured the right to host an international conference on ageing in 2010 – one of the largest international gatherings of world experts in the field.

29 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has reminded aged care providers to apply for the Zero Real Interest Loans as the application round closes on June 6. The $300 million plan is expected to create 2,500 permanent residential aged care places in areas of high need such as regional and undersupplied areas.

28 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has launched a new prevention program to stop potentially lethal blood clots developing in private hospital patients.

28 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

On April 12, 2008, the Federal Government announced Australia’s first Ambassador for Ageing, Ms Noeline Brown as part of its national program and commitment to healthy and positive ageing.

27 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government has appointed a clinical nurse adviser team to help the administrator of Bridgewater Aged Care Service.

26 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

On Saturday (24 May), I as the Minister for Ageing had the honour and privilege to represent the Prime Minister at a celebration for a very special Australian. It was the 110th birthday celebration for Mrs Doreen Washington. She is our fourth oldest living Australian. Mrs Washington is also our oldest living World War I widow.

26 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Over the next four years, funding for aged and community care will reach record levels of more than $40 billion -- with $28.6 billion of that on residential aged care alone, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, said today.

26 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has announced extra Australian Government funding of more than $3.5 million, for the next three years to fund the Palliative Care for People Living at Home initiative.

26 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Statement from the Minister for Ageing concerning a 107-resident Melbourne nursing home going into administration.

26 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Two Operation Angel Awards presented on 26 May marked the official launch of Kidney Health Week 2008.

24 May, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

Australia’s campaign for the Commonwealth Youth Games, to be held in India in October, was officially launched on 24 May.

24 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government today recognised the nation's oldest war and Gallipoli widow, Mrs Doreen Washington, as she marked her 110th birthday.

23 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Mr Shaun Gath has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Private Health Insurance Administration Council by the Australian Government.

23 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

In response to the Australian National Audit Office report into “Building Certification of Residential Aged Care Homes”, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, issued a statement on 23 May.

23 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Department of Health and Ageing reported 39 out of 4,468 aged care services were unable to meet their police check requirement last year.

21 May, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Australian Government will provide more than $850,000 to upgrade the Glen Park Community Centre, Croydon Little Athletics Club and the Nunawading Gymnastics and Sports Club.

20 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government is providing certainty and extra funding for carer organisations through $6.9 million in national one-off grants for community-based respite and carer support services through the National Respite for Carers Program and Commonwealth Carelink Program.

19 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Support for needle and syringe exchange programs through the Council of Australian Governments has been extended until July next year to ensure continuity of funding until the new Australian Health Care Agreements come into effect. The extension coincides with World Hepatitis Day, 19 May.

16 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

15 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government is delivering immediate improvements in health care – including an extra $1 billion in public hospitals, up to $600 million in slashing elective surgery waiting lists, and delivering up to 8,750 additional nurses back into the workforce – while making plans for the long-term future of the health system.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Older Australians will benefit from a range of measures in the 2008-09 Budget, including an extra 2000 transition care places, an increased Conditional Adjustment Payment and more nurses working in residential aged care.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The 2008-09 Budget delivers on the Australian Government’s commitment to increase the number of healthy and active Australians and continue to assist talented athletes achieve national and international excellence.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government will establish a $10 billion Health and Hospitals Fund to support strategic investments in health – the single largest investment in health infrastructure ever made by an Australian Government.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The 2008-09 Budget delivers on the Australian Government’s election commitments to reform the nation’s health and hospitals system on behalf of all Australians, providing better health care for working families.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government is investing $275.2 million over five years on 31 GP Super Clinics across Australia, providing working families in rural, regional and outer metropolitan areas with one convenient location where they can access a range of health services.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

A national stockpile of vital drugs and equipment for use in a major health emergency will be maintained through a $166.5 million funding commitment over two years in the 2008-09 Budget.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

To make a difference in the long-term, we need to start early in providing the health care that all Australians deserve throughout their lives

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government is investing $334.8 million towards closing the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation, including $101.5 million extra funding for maternal and child health services.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Young people with Type 1 diabetes are among the many Australians who will benefit from 2008-09 Budget funding of $845.9 million over five years for new medicines and medical devices.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

All Australians turning 50 between 2008 and 2010 will be offered a free bowel cancer screening test, as part of a range of measures to tackle cancer – Australia’s biggest killer.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Commonwealth Government is moving to further protect the integrity of Medicare by boosting the Medicare compliance program.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Waiting lists for dental health care will be slashed and teenagers will receive preventative dental checks under up to $780.7 million of dental initiatives in the 2008-09 Budget.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Preventative health care will get a boost in the 2008-09 Budget as the Rudd Labor Government focuses on keeping Australians healthy and out of hospital.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government will provide $2 billion over the next four years through the Conditional Adjustment Payment for providers to care for elderly Australians, above and beyond usual aged care subsidies.

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Letter from the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, to aged care providers, following the 2008-2009 Budget

13 May, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Australian Government will provide $16 million over two years to promote participation in and support for football (soccer) in Australia.

12 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

A $29 million, 108-bed, purpose-built aged care facility in Ainslie, to help serve an increasingly older Canberra population, has been opened by the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot.

12 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

International Nurses’ Day is an appropriate time to acknowledge the fundamentally important role that nurses play in Australia’s health system, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, said today.

09 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

08 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

08 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, said aged care providers who adopt new information technology systems could improve resident care and make significant financial savings.

08 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government will invest $87.2 million over three years to screen all 50, 55 and 65-year-olds for bowel cancer – the second biggest cancer killer after lung cancer.

08 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has accepted the recommendations of the independent report concerning options for the safest and most sustainable model of critical care services at the Mersey Community Hospital.

06 May, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Australian Government has advanced its vision for Australian sport, with the release of a new directions paper and the appointment of five new members to the Australian Sports Commission.

06 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

06 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has released the independent report it commissioned on options for the safest and most sustainable model of critical care services at the Mersey Community Hospital.

05 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, today used International Midwives’ Day to congratulate 55,000 midwives across the country for the vital role they play in Australia’s healthcare system.

02 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Australia is experiencing a new demographic phenomenon with citizens now enjoying the fourth longest life expectancy in the world – and a major shift in the number of people living to be more than 100.

01 May, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Any change to funding the Conditional Adjustment Payment is a matter for consideration by the Government in the context of the Budget, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has said.

01 May, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

01 May, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Women with advanced breast cancer, people with hypertension and people with osteoporosis will benefit from new listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

30 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The results of an audit of Australia’s rural and regional health workforce were released on 30 April.

29 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

27 April, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

23 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Government today announced the first sites for its expansion of Indigenous child and maternal health services, as well as 30 new Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarships to help Indigenous health professionals studying child and maternal health. These initiatives form part of the Government’s $260 million Indigenous early childhood package.

23 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Older Australians should take steps to protect themselves from potentially life threatening winter illness - and have their annual free influenza shots, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, said.

20 April, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Rudd Government congratulates the great game of Rugby League on its 100th birthday.

18 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has announced funding to improve the mental health workforce, by providing training to around 24,000 mental health professionals and encouraging mental health nurses to stay in the workforce. The announcement followed the Government’s release of the National Mental Health Report 2007, which underlined the need to do more in mental health.

17 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, announced that $400,000 would be provided for equipment and refurbishing of two hospices run by Anam Cara House.

15 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Minister for Ageing proud of Noeline Brown's appointment as Ambassador for Ageing

15 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government has today announced funding of more than $6.5 million – in the field of palliative care -- to provide more coordinated care for rural Australians with a life-limiting illness.

14 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

An ear-nose-throat surgery blitz for Indigenous kids in the Northern Territory commenced on 14 April.

13 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Retinal imaging to identify people at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, a dressing that will reduce the severity of scars and a “smarthroscope” that distinguishes between healthy and damaged tissue are among 22 National Health and Medical Research Council development grants announced on 13 April by the Australian Government.

13 April, 2008 - Senator the Hon Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, has sent a message of congratulations and encouragement to Shirley Larsen, Australia’s longest-surviving heart-lung transplant recipient.

12 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Upgrades underway at the Sydney Opera House -- including the first public lift in the facility -- will make it easier for older Australians and people with mobility difficulties to visit and experience one of Australia’s greatest cultural institution, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, said on 12 April.

12 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Samantha Gavel has been appointed the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman.

12 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has announced the appointment of actor Ms Noeline Brown as the Ambassador for Ageing – to promote positive ageing.

12 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government has called for applications and released the timetable for Stage One of its election commitment for $300 million zero real interest loans to build or expand aged care beds in areas of high need.

12 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has reappointed Rebecca Davies and John McGee as members of the Private Health Insurance Administration Council.

11 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

On 11 April, World Parkinson’s Day, the Australian Government announced its support for an innovative program to train health professionals to better diagnose and treat Parkinson’s disease.

11 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has released Medicare figures on mental health services and announced important reforms in mental health.

10 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has announced that 2,091 additional aged care beds worth $74.8 million a year in recurrent funding have been allocated across New South Wales as part of the 2007 Aged Care Approval Round.

10 April, 2008 - Senator the Hon Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, has urged Grey Nomads to be food-smart when they hit the highways this year.

09 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

09 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government announced on 9 April the establishment of a new National Preventative Health Taskforce made up of health experts from around Australia. The taskforce will develop strategies to tackle the health challenges caused by tobacco, alcohol and obesity, as well as producing a National Preventative Health Strategy by June 2009.

09 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The social costs of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug abuse to Australian society have risen to $56.1 billion in 2004-05, according to a report commissioned by the Australian Government.

09 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

09 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

09 April, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

More than 150,000 children are now playing sport, games and activities after school in the Government's Active After-school Communities program.

09 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

About 100 people aged 55 or more die by drowning each year in Australia, including about 60 from accidental drowning, according to a new study on aquatic-related injuries announced today by the Australian Government Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot at the launching a Grey Medallion swimming program for people over 55.

08 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government was committed to reconvening and revitalizing the Pharmaceuticals Industry Working Group, delegates at the Medicines Australia annual conference were told on 8 April.

08 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The ninth edition of the Australian Immunisation Handbook was launched by the Minister for Health and Ageing on 8 April. The book helps doctors and parents ensure that children are properly immunised, at the right time - keeping kids healthy.

08 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

From May 1, women suffering from a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer will have access to a new drug, lapatinib (Tykerb), on the PBS.

07 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Starting on 7 April, three five-day eye surgery blitzes in Alice Springs will help save or improve the sight of up to 150 Indigenous Australians.

07 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has pledged to continue to work in partnership with older Australians, aged care providers, unions and consumer groups to improve quality in residential aged care.

06 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The effect of climate change on human health was an important motivator for the Australian Government’s decisive action on the issue, the Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, and the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, said on 6 April.

04 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has announced research projects worth up to $500,000 to improve wound management in aged care.

04 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government has announced research projects worth up to $500,000 to improve wound management in aged care.

03 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Wuchopperen Health Service in North Queensland has been chosen as one of two sites to begin rolling out the Australian Government's nurse home visiting program for Indigenous children.

03 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Older people in Queensland will receive more support with a $35.6 million funding boost for home and community care services

03 April, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Australian Government will provide $1.5 million to boost preparations by Australia's Olympic equestrian team after the equine influenza outbreak.

02 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, announced on 2 April she would talk to state and territory health ministers about actions to tackle the sale of flavoured cigarettes.

01 April, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Cancer patients, children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, people suffering from schizophrenia, stroke patients and the Indigenous community will benefit from changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from 1 April 2008.

01 April, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The Rudd Government has reaffirmed its commitment of $10 million to help drive upgrades to Energy Australia Stadium in Newcastle.

01 April, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government has called for a report into appropriate care for people with psycho-geriatric illness.

31 March, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Older people with dementia in Launceston will have more options for specialised care following the opening of a new dementia extension at Glenara Lakes Aged Care Home.

30 March, 2008 - Senator the Hon Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing

Research into the fast-growing area of complementary and alternative medicine received a boost today with the announcement by the Australian Government of more than $7 million in grants.

28 March, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

One of South Australia’s largest aged care providers will manage its southern Adelaide services from one central location, following the official opening of its new office today by Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot.

26 March, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government will invest in up to 50,000 additional health vocational training places to tackle the health workforce crisis.

26 March, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

Australian women will have more opportunities to become leaders in sport under a new round of Australian Government funding grants.

26 March, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot, today challenged the Federal Opposition to support plans to improve quality in aged care – after the measures were criticised by some sections of the sector.

25 March, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Government working on $158 million in transition beds. - The Australian Government is working on its election commitment to get 2000 older Australians who are occupying hospital beds into appropriate aged care – freeing up valuable hospital resources for those needing urgent treatment, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, said on 25 March.

23 March, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

22 March, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government will provide $300 million in zero real interest loans to increase aged care beds in areas of high need.

22 March, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has outlined a range of tough new measures to improve quality to protect frail and aged Australians.

17 March, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

A new mobile Rapid Response Team will be set up to help older Australians who have been waiting to be assessed for vital government funded aged care, the Federal Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, announced on 17 March.

14 March, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

More than 5800 extra patients will receive their elective surgery at Victorian hospitals over the next three months as a result of the first stage of a joint Australian Government/Victorian Government $60 million elective surgery blitz, the Victorian Premier, John Brumby, and Australian Government Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, announced on 14 March.

13 March, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

Race walker Nathan Deakes and cyclist Anna Meares were named on 17 March the joint winners of the prestigious Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Athlete of the Year award.

13 March, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

Australian sports people in Beijing and Australian soldiers in Afghanistan will use the same technologies under a new collaboration established by the Federal Government. The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis and the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, today opened the first ‘Frontiers of Human Performance’ workshop, which will examine the relationship between preparing high-performance athletes for competition and high-performance soldiers for combat.

13 March, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Government will monitor the implemention of the new funding model for aged care, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has said.

13 March, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

World Kidney Day, which fell on 13 March, was an important reminder for all Australians to be aware of the importance of taking care of their kidney health.

09 March, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government will establish a new position of Commonwealth Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer in recognition of the vital role nurses play in our health system.

07 March, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

More people in North Western Tasmania will have access to grief and trauma counselling services following the commitment of $1.25 million by the Australian Government.

07 March, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Management of the Mersey Community Hospital is to be moved on to a sounder footing, ending the current interim arrangements so that the hospital can deliver on the commitment made to the local community and provide more certainty for hospital staff.

07 March, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government and the Northern Territory Government are to work together to identify a way forward for radiation oncology services in Darwin, after the tender process established by the previous federal government for Darwin's Radiation Oncology Unit closed with no contract being awarded.

07 March, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government will provide more than $3 million to help the aged-care sector to adapt to the new funding model with comes into effect later this month.

06 March, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

One in every two Australians has an eyesight problem and regular eye checks are important for all Australians aged over 50, as well as for younger people who have a family history of eye disease.

06 March, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Private health premiums will increase by an average of 4.99 per cent from 1 April 2008.

04 March, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot was in northern Tasmania today to announce an additional 63 new residential aged care places for Tasmania.

04 March, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Three projects, totalling $2.6 million in capital grants, will be delivered to aged care facilities in Tasmania as part of the 2007 Aged Care Allocations round.

03 March, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Grants worth more than $9 million to tackle dementia were announced on 3 March.

03 March, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Sue Pieters-Hawke and Sallyanne Atkinson are to co-chair the national advisory group on dementia.

02 March, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

A new Commonwealth Dental Health Program has been announced by the Australian Government.

02 March, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government will invest up to $360 million over three years in a teen dental plan to make it more affordable for families to keep their children's teeth in good health.

28 February, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon, has asked some private health funds to review their applications for premium increases.

27 February, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government today recognised Adelaide resident Joan Trembath for her significant contribution to improving the lives of senior Australians.

27 February, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Older people needing aged care in Adelaide's southern suburbs will have more options after the opening of two new residential homes today.

25 February, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Federal Cabinet today formally approved the establishment of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission.

24 February, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

A new awareness campaign and new training resources to counter ovarian cancer are being launched this week, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, said in a message at the start of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week.

22 February, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Older and frail people, those with disabilities and their carers in the ACT will benefit from a further $1.9 million in Home and Community Care services.

21 February, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot, has signalled her intention to strengthen the current protocols and protections for nursing home residents.

21 February, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

The most rigorous anti-doping measures ever will protect Australia’s team heading to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, said on 21 February

20 February, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government is committed to providing a new Medicare licence for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine in the Hunter region and a new Invitation to Apply process will commence shortly, allowing potential providers to express an interest in providing the services.

19 February, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has confirmed its determination to improve the health of rural, regional and remote communities, during a roundtable meeting with health professionals and consumers.

18 February, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Department of Health and Ageing will strengthen guidelines on how investigation staff respond to concerns about clinical care, including during serious disease outbreaks in nursing homes, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, announced today in response to a report into the April 2007 gastro-enteritis outbreak at Broughton Hall Nursing home in Melbourne.

17 February, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has allocated $50 million to reduce alcohol and abuse in remote Indigenous communities.

17 February, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has joined state and territory governments in a national effort to boost organ and tissue donations.

15 February, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

New figures suggest that bulk-billing rates for non-referred (GP) attendances have hit a plateau for the moment, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, said on 15 February.

15 February, 2008 - Senator the Hon Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government would immediately begin work on a range of possible activities to increase the rate of organ and tissue donation, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, said on 15 February.

13 February, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Rudd Government believes prevention should play a far greater role in the health system and has already taken steps in this direction. The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, was responding to the release on 13 February of an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report that showed there had been an 8 per cent decline in funding for public health in 2005-06, from $867 million the previous year to $797 million.

12 February, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has confirmed the locations for the 2007-08 expansion of Medicare-eligible Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services.

08 February, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

In light of the South Australian Coroner's findings on 7 February on the actions of the approved provider at Brighton Aged Care, the Department of Health and Ageing is immediately demanding the provider show cause why its provider status should not be revoked.

08 February, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Australian state and territory laws should be changed to prohibit doctors who have financial interests in nursing homes from signing the death and cremation certificates of their own residents, the Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot, said on 8 February.

07 February, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

High-quality residential aged care will be available to more people in the Bundanoon area with the completion of Warrigal Care’s new 90-bed home later this year. The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, Elliot made the comments at the official opening of stage one of the project on 7 February.

05 February, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Minister for Health and Ageing has launched a program for nurses to visit Indigenous children and their families at home to ensure they get the support they need earlier.

04 February, 2008 - The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport

A guide for school teachers, children, parents and all sports people on how to play sport and exercise safely in hot weather will be distributed to all Australian schools this month.

04 February, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

More than $124 million will be invested by the Australian Government in new medical and health research projects, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, announced today. The funding is a significant injection in the future careers and research capabilities of Australian research staff.

01 February, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Patients with deteriorating diabetic control and people who have severe dry eyes will benefit from changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 February 2008.

31 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

Phillip Island residents are set to continue to have access to after-hours GP services, following a joint funding commitment by the Australian and Victorian governments.

30 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

All South Australians will have access to a free 24-hour, seven-days-a-week health advice line from today, with the launch of South Australia’s branch of healthdirect Australia.

29 January, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

More residential places to care for older Australians will be made available in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.

25 January, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

Micro-finance pioneer David Bussau AM – who, after his ‘retirement’, helped create more than two million jobs for poor families in developing countries – was named 2008 Senior Australian of the Year on 25 January.

24 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

In the lead up to Australia Day, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, is encouraging Australians to make a difference in the lives of thousands of compatriots by donating blood.

22 January, 2008 - The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing

The Australian Government has formally announced an additional 375 new residential aged care places for South Australia.

21 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

A record 586 new graduate nurses will start work across the Western Australian public health system in 2008. The Australian Goverment Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and the WA Minister for Health, Jim McGinty, welcomed the first of the nurses on 21 January.

15 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Australian Government has taken the first steps towards bringing 7,750 extra nurses into Australia’s hospitals within five years.

14 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The meeting between Treasurers and Health Ministers on 14 January was an important step in delivering better health care to working families, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon said. The agreement reached with the states and territories would provide $150 million to help 25,000 patients get the elective surgery they needed.

14 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The meeting between Treasurers and Health Ministers on 14 January was an important step in delivering better health care to working families, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon said. The agreement reached with the states and territories would provide $150 million to help 25,000 patients get the elective surgery they needed.

14 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The meeting between Treasurers and Health Ministers on 14 January was an important step in delivering better health care to working families, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon said. The agreement reached with the states and territories would provide $150 million to help 25,000 patients get the elective surgery they needed.

14 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The meeting between Treasurers and Health Ministers on 14 January was an important step in delivering better health care to working families, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon said. The agreement reached with the states and territories would provide $150 million to help 25,000 patients get the elective surgery they needed.

14 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The meeting between Treasurers and Health Ministers on 14 January was an important step in delivering better health care to working families, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon said. The agreement reached with the states and territories would provide $150 million to help 25,000 patients get the elective surgery they needed.

14 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The meeting between Treasurers and Health Ministers on 14 January was an important step in delivering better health care to working families, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon said. The agreement reached with the states and territories would provide $150 million to help 25,000 patients get the elective surgery they needed.

14 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The meeting between Treasurers and Health Ministers on 14 January was an important step in delivering better health care to working families, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon said. The agreement reached with the states and territories would provide $150 million to help 25,000 patients get the elective surgery they needed.

14 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The meeting between Treasurers and Health Ministers on 14 January was an important step in delivering better health care to working families, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon said. The agreement reached with the states and territories would provide $150 million to help 25,000 patients get the elective surgery they needed.

12 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, and the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, have welcomed the signing of a contract between Medicare Australia and the National E-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA) for the development of a Unique Healthcare Identifier (UHI) service.

11 January, 2008 - The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing