Ministers' media centre

Australians have saved $250 million on cheaper medicines in 2023 thanks to the Albanese Government.

A ground-breaking new awareness campaign is encouraging young people to take action to prevent sexually transmissible infections (STI) by testing regularly and practising safe sex.

The Albanese Government has committed $188.5 million to crackdown on the importation of illegal tobacco.

Read Minister Butler's doorstop on importation of illegal tobacco, bulk billing and new STI campaign

Read the transcript from Minister Butler's radio interview on FIVEaa covering Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) across the country are delivering on the Government’s commitment to make it easier for thousands of Australians to see a doctor or nurse for urgent care, while diverting patients from hospital emergency departments.

Read the transcript from Minister Butler's press conference on Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, bulk billing and COVID-19.

Read Minister Butler's doorstop on Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and aged care.

Read Minister Butler's doorstop on vaping.

From 1 January 2024, Australians with advanced ovarian cancer, CLL, SLL, cystic fibrosis and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS), will have access to cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

There has never been a better time to quit vaping, as today marks the commencement of the first stage of the Albanese Government’s vaping reforms: the ban on importation of disposable single use vapes.

The Australian Government has delivered on its commitment with all 58 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (Medicare UCCs) open and operating before the end of 2023.

New shingles vaccine program has delivered half a million doses of the Shingrix vaccine with a further half a million due to be delivered in January.

The Australian Government’s vision for digital health over the next 10 years has been unveiled in a new plan released today.

The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to the people on the Central Coast, with the Lake Haven Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) now open.

The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment and making it easier for Victorians to get the care they need by opening the Inner Melbourne Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC).

Read Minister Butler's opinion piece published in The Australian.

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.

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.

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 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.