Media centre

Government taking action to support patients following nuclear medicine scan shortages

The Australian Government is working proactively to find solutions to support patients following an unexpected shortage of nuclear medicine scans in hospitals and medical centres.

Easing the burden of prostate cancer

The Australian Government has increased its support for men battling prostate cancer, after it launched the Position Statement for Distress Screening and Psychosocial Care for Men with Prostate Cancer, developed by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Clinical trials to combat reproductive cancers

The Australian Government is investing up to $15 million in targeted clinical trials to improve treatments and discover cures for reproductive and gynaecological cancers such as ovarian, cervical and fallopian cancer.

Support for International FASD Awareness Day

Today (9 September) is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day.

$32 million available to support vital translational health research

The Australian Government is opening the door for Australian researchers through a $32 million investment that will support innovative solutions to the nation’s most pressing health issues.

Medicare bulk billing at record level

An increased number of Australians are attending General Practitioner (GP) appointments without reaching into their pockets, with GP bulk billing rates under Medicare hitting a record high of 86.2 per cent for the full year of 2018-19. 

National Action Plan for Blood Cancers

The Australian Government will establish an expert National Taskforce, and commission a National Action Plan to improve diagnosis, treatment and the understanding of blood cancers. 

$27 million for new medicines

The Australian Government will invest $27 million to provide affordable access to three new medicine listings through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Doorstop interview about the National Blood Cancers Taskforce

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt talking about the National Blood Cancers Taskforce and new medicine listings on the PBS from 1 September 2019.

Southport Medicinal Cannabis manufacturing facility opens

The Australian Government is boosting our medicinal cannabis sector, opening a new medicinal cannabis manufacturing facility in Southport, Queensland.

Doorstop interview at the sod turn for the endED Butterfly House

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt talking about treatment for eating disorders at the sod turn for the endED Butterfly House in Mooloolaba. Minister Hunt also answers questions about the Penington Institute's report on drug overdose.

Doorstop interview at Medifarm facility on the Sunshine Coast

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt speaking about medicinal use of cannabis at the opening of the Medifarm facility on the Sunshine Coast.

$11.7 million investment to keep Australians out of hospital

The Australian Government is investing $11.7 million in 10 prevention projects to keep Australians out of hospital.

PBS support for end of life care and opioid dependency

The Australian Government will invest over $40 million to provide affordable access to two new medicine listings through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), helping Australians with opiate addiction and those suffering breathlessness throughout their final stages of life.

Major investment for new S.A. biomedical research facility

The Australian Government will invest $80 million to develop a world-class biomedical research facility in South Australia.

Building a Mentally and Physically Healthy Australia

Delivering the world’s best mental health system – stigma-free and focused on prevention, starting with children under 12 – is the major focus of the Australian Government’s Long Term National Health Plan, outlined today.

National Press Club address — Long Term National Health Plan

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt's address to the National Press Club. Minister Hunt talks about Australia's Long Term National Health Plan and the Australian Government's vision for a physically and mentally healthier community.

A New Frontier in Emergency Stroke Care

A team of Melbourne researchers have been awarded a $1 million dollar grant through the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Frontiers initiative to develop, test and ultimately implement portable brain imaging tools in air and road ambulances.

Celebrating and supporting young Australians

Today is International Youth Day (IYD), an annual celebration of the role of young people in driving change, while also raising awareness of youth issues and challenges.

Australia pledges $19 million to boost health across the Pacific

The Australian Government is continuing to step up its commitment with the Pacific, pledging an additional $19 million to boost health care across the region.

$13 million to combat tuberculosis in our region

The Australian Government has announced a $13 million commitment to help support global efforts in eradicating one of the world’s most dangerous diseases.

Aged Care Employee Day

Today is a great day to acknowledge the tremendous contribution made by Australia’s hundreds of thousands of volunteers, carers, nurses, allied health professionals, cleaners, administrative staff and the many others who work in aged care.

National strategy to increase breastfeeding

The Australian Government has today launched The Australian Breastfeeding Strategy: 2019 and Beyond, backed by a $10 million investment to support, encourage and promote breastfeeding.

New Support for People with Severe Mental Illness in the ACT

The Australian Government has invested more than $1.3 million to help support people living with severe mental illness in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

Doorstop interview about mental health, suicide rates and Indigenous health

Read the transcript of Minister Hunt talking about mental health, suicide rates and Indigenous health.