Former ministers' media centre

The human biosecurity emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015, which has been in place since 17 March 2020 will be extended by an additional three months until 17 June 2021.

The Australian Government welcomes the Final Report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which has today been tabled in Parliament, noting its significant and sweeping proposals for reform of the aged care sector.

Thousands of Australians with multiple sclerosis, asthma and diabetes will benefit from the listing or extension of several medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), bringing further support to patients and their families.

Read the transcript of the press conference with Minister Hunt, in Victoria on 28 February with an update on the COVID vaccine rollout and arrival of AstraZeneca vaccines in Australia.

Australians suffering from a severe form of eczema will now have access to a life changing medicine through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) which will provide hope and relief to many young Australians and their families.

The next phase of the Australian Government’s $31 million public information campaign begins today to inform Australians, with the vaccination program underway.

The next phase of the Australian Government’s $31 million public information campaign begins today to inform Australians, with the vaccination program underway.

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt's interview with Ray Hadley on 2GB on the vaccination rollout in aged care.

The Australian Government is investing $100 million into the development of new technologies to improve diagnosis and treatment of stroke, epilepsy and lung disease, including COVID-19.

Read the transcript of the press conference with Minister Hunt, in Canberra on 24 February with an update oHoly Spirit Home vaccine situation in Carseldine; COVID-19 vaccine rollout; Auckland, NZ being made a hot spot; Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Bill.

Queensland is a step closer to hosting an Olympic and Paralympic Games for the first time in the state’s history following a decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to enter into exclusive negotiations for the 2032 event.

Read the transcript of the press conference with Minister Hunt, in Canberra on 24 February with an update on the COVID vaccine rollout and administering vaccines.

Read the transcript of the press conference with Minister Hunt, in Canberra on 23 February about Pfizer COVID vaccine roll out, syringes, updates, vaccine passport, JobSeeker and Gaetjens Inquiry.

Aged care providers are being reminded applications for a share of funding in the Australian Government’s largest ever investment in residential aged care infrastructure will soon close.

Read the transcript of the press conference with Minister Hunt, in Canberra on 22 February about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Australia.

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt's interview with David Speers on ABC Insiders on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

The Australian Government is providing $9.7 million in additional funding to Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) as it continues to protect beachgoers and improve volunteer lifesaving skills.

More Australians than ever are receiving the medical care they need at no cost to themselves, as recent data shows almost nine out of 10 visits to the GP over the year to December were provided with no out-of-pocket cost.

Read the transcript of the press conference with Minister Hunt and Professor Brendan Murphy, in Canberra on 18 February about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Australia.

Australia’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program will commence from next week.

Tens of thousands of aged care residents in Australia will soon receive their first vaccine dose against COVID-19 next week.

As part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the Australian Government will provide a further $1 million to Ovarian Cancer Australia for their work supporting those living with ovarian cancer.

The Australian Government today reinforces its commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of older Australians with landmark reform to keep seniors safer.

Read the transcript of a press conference with Minister Hunt and Chief Medical Officer of Australia, Professor Paul Kelly, in Canberra on 15 February about the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine, and an update on the travel bubble with New Zealand.

The Australian Government is strengthening support for couples trying to become pregnant through the launch of the YourIVFSuccess website.