Ministers' media centre

A year on from its introduction, Aged Care Star Ratings has revealed a significant improvement in the quality of aged care homes across Australia.

Read Assistant Minister Kearney's Doorstop in Carlton on Urgent Care Clinics, Medicare and bulk billing.

The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to Far North Queenslanders, with the Cairns South Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) opening on Tuesday 19 December 2023 at Balance! Edmonton Family Practice.

The Australian Government has delivered on another election commitment, with around two million Australians diagnosed with a rare or complex health condition now able to call a dedicated helpline that provides vital information and support that fits their needs.

The Australian Government is delivering on its commitments to Townsville residents, with the Townsville Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) opening on 18 December 2023 at Eastbrooke Family Clinic on Thuringowa Drive.

Australians will have access to 24/7 crisis support as the Australian Government invests in the future of our most trusted and effective digital mental health service providers.

The Albanese Government is making sure Australia’s primary youth mental health service – headspace – is fit-for-purpose, appropriately resourced and well-integrated with other services.

Read the transcript of Minister Butler's interview with Patricia Karvelas on the new digital services being the first step towards a better, fairer mental health system.

The Australian Government is pleased to announce a new term for the Aged Care Council of Elders.

The Australian Government is investing $296.8 million in funding to support outstanding health and medical research projects under the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), across three separate funding streams.

The Australian Government is investing over $379 million to support 216 emerging and established leaders in health and medical research to tackle the nation’s greatest health challenges.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has achieved gender equity in its flagship Investigator Grant scheme for the first time, reaching its target of 50:50 funding for men and women researchers, across all levels of experience and seniority.

Read the transcript of Assistant Minister McBride's interview with Scott Levi on Lake Haven Medicare Urgent Care Clinic; University of Newcastle - Ourimbah Campus.

The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to Brisbane Northsiders, with the Northside Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) opening from 15 December 2023 on the corner of Gympie and Brookfield Roads.

Christmas has come early for Men’s Sheds across the country with the Australia Government supporting 89 sheds with a share in more than $500,000 to continue to support the health and wellbeing of their communities.

The Australian Government is asking for feedback on the exposure draft of the new Aged Care Act – a-once-in-a-generation reform that will put older people at the centre of the aged care system.

Read the transcript of Minister Butler's interview with Graeme Goodings on Medicare Urgent Care Clinics

Tens of thousands of athletes are set to descend on Perth, Western Australia, in 2029 as the city hosts the World Masters Games.

Well-respected First Nations leader Ms Andrea Kelly has been appointed as the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, commencing in January 2024.

The Australian Government is delivering on commitments to the people of New South Wales with a provider for the Campbelltown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) finalised, following an Expression of Interest process.

The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to South Australians, with the Western Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) opening from 4 December at Old Port Road Medical & Dental Centre in Royal Park.

From 1 December 2023, Australians with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), biliary tract cancer (BTC), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and Crohn's disease (CD) will now have access to new treatment options through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Read the Minister's transcript on the opening of the Western Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

Read the transcript of Assistant Minister McBride's press conference on the opening of three Head to Health Kids hubs in Victoria.

The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to the Rockhampton community, with the Rockhampton Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) opening on 6 December 2023.