Ministers' media centre

As Australia marks the 10th anniversary of Labor’s world-leading tobacco plain packaging laws, the Australian Government is reigniting the fight against tobacco addiction with new measures.

The Department of Health and Aged Care, in collaboration with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, have updated national guiding principles to improve the quality and safety of medication management for all Australians.

Read the transcript of Minister Butler's doorstop on new Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medicines for high cholesterol, chronic heart failure, and a potentially life-threatening blood cell condition.

From 1 December 2022, Australians with high cholesterol, chronic heart failure, and a potentially life-threatening blood cell condition will have access to new and updated medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The Australian Government has been made aware of plans by Southern Cross Care in Tasmania to restructure and make redundant sections of its skilled nursing workforce.

An RMIT University research program aiming to minimise cardiac complications for patients receiving radiotherapy is one of ten projects funded through the $50 million National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Synergy Grant scheme this year.

Read the transcript of Minister Butler's doorstop on the Australian Government's new skin cancer campaign.

To mark the start of National Skin Cancer Action Week, the Australian Government has announced a multi-million-dollar skin cancer prevention campaign – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.

Read the transcript of the radio interview with Minister Butler and Neil Mitchell on COVID-19; GP shortages; the Alfred Hospital.

The Australian Government is investing in the future capacity of Australian health and medical research with more than $7 million to support the research training of 62 outstanding graduates.

As flooding continues to cause significant damage and disruption across the east coast, the Australian Government is providing an extra $9.7 million to impacted communities to boost mental health supports and respond to the public health risks posed by mosquito borne diseases.

Read the transcript of Minister Butler's press conference on COVID; Pfizer Comirnaty Bivalent Original/Omicron BA.1 vaccine; port protests.

The Australian Government has accepted a recommendation from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of the Pfizer Comirnaty Bivalent Original/Omicron BA.1 vaccine as a third and fourth dose in people aged 18 years and older.

Read the transcript of Minister Butler's press conference on Omnipod DASH subsidy; NSW pharmacist prescribing; Strengthening Medicare Taskforce; scope of practice.

The Albanese Government is changing the lives for the 130,000 Australians living with type 1 diabetes by subsidising access to the next generation of Omnipod insulin pumps from December 1.

A doctor or nurse practitioner who lives and works in the most remote parts of Australia will have their HELP debt wiped under legislation being introduced by the Australian Government today.

Aged care workers are in line for a much deserved pay rise because of the advocacy of unions, the sector and the Australian Government.

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring the safety of those at risk of Monkeypox (MPX) and has been working closely with states, territories and key stakeholders to ensure a coordinated national response.

The Albanese Government has appointed respected health economist Dr Pradeep Philip to conduct an independent review into the integrity of Medicare and its compliance mechanisms.

Read the transcript of Minister Butler's press conference with Member for Macarthur Dr Mike Freelander on New Shepherd Centres, COVID-19 and Professional Services Review.

The Australian Government is calling for stakeholder input on the draft Australian Cancer Plan (ACP) which is designed to provide lasting change and improve outcomes for all people affected by cancer.

The Australian Government has delivered on a key election commitment and has provided $6.5 million to The Shepherd Centre to address gaps in hearing services available for children with hearing loss and their families in New South Wales and Tasmania.

A new headspace centre has opened in Taree, providing young people with the support they need for their mental health and wellbeing.

Read the transcript of Minister Butler's doorstop on Flinders Medical Centre upgrade; SA Aboriginal Arts and Cultural Centre; IUD’s; women’s health; SA Cabinet documents.

The Australian Government will partner with the South Australian Malinauskas Government to deliver $400 million for a once-in-a-generation upgrade to the Flinders Medical Centre.