Former ministers' media centre

Read the transcript of a press conference with Minister Hunt on 29 January about COVID-19 update, Travel arrangements with New Zealand, Vaccine rollout; CSL production of AstraZeneca; EU delays; Germany’s claims on AstraZeneca; Novavax; Britain/UAE border closure; South African variant of the virus.

A major upgrade to the Reinhold Batschi Men’s National Training Centre (RBMNTC) for men’s rowing was today officially opened by the Australian Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.

The Australian Government’s $23.9 million public information campaign to encourage Australians to get a COVID-19 vaccine begins today.

Congratulations Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM from the Northern Territory, who has been named the Senior Australian of the year for 2021.

On 24 January 2021, the New Zealand Government announced a case of COVID-19 detected in the community. This morning, New Zealand authorities advised that the case detected is a variant of concern. The case and subsequent exposure to the community are still under investigation.

Read the transcript of a press conference with Minister Hunt and Acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd on the suspension of travel arrangements with New Zealand.

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has marked a key milestone, celebrating its 40th anniversary this week.

The Australian Government is seeking expressions of interest from all accredited general practices to take part in the planned delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Australian families have clearly demonstrated that we are a vaccination nation, with childhood immunisation rates reaching record levels in December 2020.

The Australian Government is securing an additional vaccine workforce and working to deliver essential training to everyone who will administer the vaccinations.

The Australian Government is ensuring senior Australians can live at home for longer thanks to additional assistance under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

Read the transcript of a press conference with Minister Hunt about removal of last remaining hotspot definition, Pfizer vaccine and the Australian Open.

Young people in Batemans Bay and surrounds will now have easier access to mental health services with the opening of a new headspace centre today.

The Australian Government will extend grant agreements for programs providing support, training and education for services and individuals caring for people living with dementia.

Two new medical research centres will be funded by the Australian Government to produce rapid improvements in preventing, treating and curing diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and their complications.

Read the transcript of a press conference with Minister Hunt about $38 million for diabetes and cardiovascular research, International and domestic COVID vaccination update; Vaccine rollout - open call for general practice vaccinations next week; Emerging strains posing risk to vaccine development.

Breast care nurses epitomise what it is to be a national hero and it is with great privilege the Australian Government is able to continue supporting The McGrath Foundation’s breast care nurses with a $3 million investment in 2021.

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt's interview with Stan Grant on the 7.30 Report about Vaccine roadmap, consideration to mandating mandatory vaccination, vaccine effectiveness, herd immunity and the UK strain.

The oversight and guidance for sport integrity matters in Australia has been further strengthened with the appointment of a highly experienced nine-member Sport Integrity Australia Advisory Council.

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt's interview with Mark Levy on 2GB about COVID-19 vaccine, vaccination rollout timeline and international travel.

Perth will host the 2023 World Transplant Games in a major sporting coup for Australia.

By mid-2021, volunteers aged between 18 and 75 years will be recruited for an accelerated clinical trial of two ‘next generation’ vaccines against COVID-19, developed by researchers at the University of Melbourne.

Read the transcript of a press conference with Minister Hunt about additions to PBS, COVID vaccines, pre-flight testing, hotel quarantine systems and update on new strains.

Critical new medicines have been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), including to fight one of the most common blood cancers.

Vital support services will ensure senior and vulnerable Australians can access the help they need and stay connected during the holiday season.