Former ministers' media centre

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt's speech at the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference 2022 - Gold Coast

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt at the Gold Coast Press Conference, on 25 March 2022, on ATAGI advice on booster doses; national immunisation program and Ofev added to PBS listings.

Following medical advice, the Biosecurity Emergency Determination relating to COVID-19 for Australia will not be renewed when it lapses on April 17.

The Australian Government and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will enter into a record 10-year strategic partnership, worth nearly $1 billion, to provide more certainty for regional, rural and remote patients who rely on the critical aeromedical service.

The Australian Government is investing more than $100 million for seasonal influenza vaccines to protect Australians most at risk this winter.

Australians considered most at risk of severe illness will be able to receive a fourth COVID-19 vaccine heading into winter following advice accepted by the Australian Government from leading immunisation experts.

The Australian Government is helping more Australians access the medications they need with a new addition to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for people with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD).

The Australian Government will improve medication management and safety for aged care residents by investing $345.7 million for on-site pharmacists and community pharmacy services in government-funded residential aged care facilities (RACFs).

The Australian Government is extending the National Suicide Prevention Research Fund with an additional $4 million over two years, as part of our commitment to increase Australia’s world leading research into suicide prevention and treatment.

Community organisations across the country will share in more than $500,000 from the Australian Government help raise awareness about organ and tissue donation in Australia and encourage more Australians to take the easy step to sign up on the Australian Organ Donor Register.

Following extensive consultation with stakeholders, the Australian Government will extend the consultation period for the updated National Medicines Policy (NMP).

The Australian Government is investing more than $4 million across country Australia to increase access to specialists for patients and encourage more specialists to undertake their training in regional, rural and remote areas.

To help get more local doctors trained in the specialties Australia needs, the Australian Government is providing $708.6 million to continue the Specialist Training Program (STP) for four years from 2022.

A multidisciplinary teaching hub at a Tasmanian aged care facility will secure greater opportunities for health students and better access to services for older Tasmanians across the region.

More than $43 million will be invested into mental health and suicide prevention support and services across the Northern Territory over the next five years, following the signing of a landmark bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments.

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt at the Melbourne Press Conference, on 20 March 2022, on Genomics Australia to guide the future of genomic health and medicine over the coming decade.

Through our 10-year Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) plan, the Australian Government is committed to helping Australians live longer and better lives by ensuring that our health system can embrace and benefit from one of the most promising emerging medical disciplines – genomics.

As part of our plan for a stronger future, the Australian Government will extend the National Ice Action Strategy (NIAS), investing more than $315 million over four years in the ongoing fight to reduce the impact of ice, other drugs and alcohol.

The Australian Government has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer for Australia’s primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

Almost two years since telehealth was introduced by the Australian Government as a temporary initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 100 million services have now been delivered across the nation.

The Australian Government’s plan to make private health insurance simpler and more affordable for all Australians is continuing to move ahead through landmark reform of the Prostheses List.

Today is National Close the Gap Day, a day to reflect on the gap in health and wellbeing outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.

Australians with lung conditions will be able to access the world’s first and only dedicated lung scanner, which was developed and built in Australia, at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney.

Joint media release with the Minister for Home Affairs, Karen Andrews, and the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Dan Tehan, on the return of international cruise ships to Australia.

Australians with blood cancer will receive improved treatment and care through new and continued funding from the Australian Government, working in close partnership with the Leukaemia Foundation.