Media centre

Medicare bulk billing rate of 86 per cent for 2019

Australians continue to visit their GPs without having to pay a cent, with the latest Medicare data showing 86 out of 100 visits to the GP were bulk-billed for the 2019 calendar year.

United show of support from Australia’s leading sport organisations

Australia’s leading sport organisations have joined forces in a major fundraising effort to support bushfire affected communities.

More contraceptive choice for Australian women

Australian women will soon have access to a new form of contraceptive with the Australian Government a new listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

A pathway to improved allied health for rural Australians

Increasing access to allied health services such as physiotherapy, pharmacy, psychology and podiatry is vital to improving health outcomes for Australians living outside the major cities.

Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH) Summit

Read the transcript of Minister Coulton speaking at the Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH) Summit in Canberra.

Greater support for Australians with an intellectual disability

Australians with an intellectual disability will soon receive greater support, thanks to a Australian Government $6.5 million investment in the Primary Care Enhancement Program.

Doorstop interview Gift of Life Walk, Lake Burley Griffin

Read the transcript of Minister Coulton speaking about organ donation at the Canberra DonateLife Walk.

First National Action Plan for rare diseases

The Australian Government will provide up to $3.3 million for activities to implement the first National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Diseases, which was launched today.

1,683 Australian lives were saved through organ donation in 2019

The lives of 1,683 Australians were saved last year by organ transplants made possible through the generosity of 787 organ donors, data released today by the Organ and Tissue Authority shows.

Interview on Sky News about coronavirus (COVID-19)

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt on Sky News talking about coronavirus (COVID-19).

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) breakfast

Read the transcript of Minister Coulton speaking at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) breakfast at Parliament House.

Doorstop interview at Parliament House about coronavirus (COVID-19)

Read the transcript of a press conference with Minister Hunt and Professor Brendan Murphy, Chief Medical Officer, and about coronavirus (COVID-19).

$2 million for vital coronavirus research

Applications have opened for the Australian Government’s $2 million grant opportunity to support research into development of a vaccine to protect against novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Press conference about coronavirus (COVID-19) with the Prime Minister, Treasurer and Chief Medical Officer

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt's press conference with the Prime Minister, Treasurer and Chief Medical Officer about coronavirus (COVID-19).

$900,000 commitment to support families dealing with alcohol and drug issues

The Australian Government is providing $900,000 to Family Drug Support Australia so it can continue providing a free 24-hour support line for families dealing with drug issues.

Press conference at Parliament House about coronavirus (COVID-19)

Joint press conference with Professor Brendan Murphy, Chief Medical Officer, about coronavirus (COVID-19) on 24 February 2020.

Facilitating Chinese-based students to attend Year 11 and 12

A joint media release with the Hon. Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Education; the Hon. James Merlino MP, Victorian Minister for Education, Deputy Premier of Victoria; and Professor Brendan Murphy, Australian Chief Medical Officer.

Doorstop interview about coronavirus (COVID-19)

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt and the Hon. Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Education; the Hon. James Merlino MP, Victorian Minister for Education, Deputy Premier of Victoria; and Professor Brendan Murphy, Australian Chief Medical Officer speaking about coronavirus (COVID-19).

Government welcomes organ report

The report from a review into organ donation, retrieval, and transplantation services has today been welcomed by the Australian Government.

Australian women’s cricket team T20 World Cup campaign begins

A joint media release with The Hon. Marise Payne, Minister for Women, about the women’s International Cricket Council T20 World Cup.

New hope for lung cancer patients with ground-breaking treatment option to be listed on the PBS

Australians with non-small cell and small cell lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will benefit from new and expanded treatment options on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 March 2020.

Ensuring senior Australians can access the support they need

Improvements to the Federal Government’s online portal continue to ensure elderly and senior Australians can access vital support.

Doorstop interview about novel coronavirus in Darwin on 18 February

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt, Northern Territory Health Minister, Natasha Fyles and Professor Brendan Murphy, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer speaking about novel coronavirus in Darwin on 18 February 2020.

Interview on Channel 7 Sunrise about coronavirus (COVID-19)

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt's interview on Channel 7 Sunrise about coronavirus (COVID-19).

Interview on Triple M Breakfast about coronavirus (COVID-19)

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt's interview on Triple M Breakfast about coronavirus (COVID-19).