News and media
Read our latest news, see departmental media and ministerial releases, and learn how you can have your say.
Departmental media enquiries
Contact for members of the media
Primary tabs
![woman uses asthma puffer]()
The Australian Government has listed a range of medicines for treating multiple sclerosis, asthma and diabetes on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The listings will provide valuable support for more than 51,800 Australians living with these conditions, saving them up to $29,000 a year.
![young female doctor]()
The Government has added a life-changing new eczema medicine to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The $270 million in funding to list the medicine will help up to 3,600 Australians over 12 years of age living with severe eczema.
![COVID-19 campaign launch image]()
The second phase of the Australian Government's COVID-19 vaccination campaign has launched. Find out more about the campaign, including when different priority groups will receive the vaccine.
![Default image]( "Default image")
The New Zealand Prime Minister announced today 27 February 2021 Auckland will go into a lockdown for seven days after a community case with an unknown origin was recorded.
![$100 million for medical research technology]()
The Australian Government is investing $100 million into the development of new technologies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of stroke, epilepsy and lung disease, including COVID-19.
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Therapeutic Goods Administration Adj. Professor John Skerritt's interview on ABC Radio on 26 February 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
![Default image]( "Default image")
Statement from the Department of Health in relation to the incorrectly administered vaccination in a Brisbane aged care facility.
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on RN Drive on 22 February 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 22 February 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on The Today Show on 22 February 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on Sunrise on 22 February 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on SKY News on 22 February 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19)
![covid-19-vaccine]()
Find out more about the launch of Australia's COVID-19 vaccination program.
![Default image]( "Default image")
The Chief Medical Officer and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) have continued to monitor the situation in New Zealand over recent days.
![covid-19]()
A statement from the Infection Control Expert Group (ICEG) on transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 19 February 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on The Today Show on 19 February 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on Sunrise on 19 February 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
![covid19-vaccines]()
Find out who the initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine will go to.
![Default image]( "Default image")
A statement from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly about a further pause on New Zealand green zone flights.
![COVID-19 vaccination]()
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout is starting in February. Getting a vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting yourself from getting really sick from COVID-19. Encourage your family, Elders and community to get vaccinated when it is their turn so they are protected from it as well.
![A smiling child]()
Are you a healthcare professional caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people? You could be eligible for EarTrain: a series of free training modules on how to identify, manage and treat ear disease and hearing loss.
![covidsafe]()
Boost your COVID-19 awareness with online infection control training. It’s quick to do and costs nothing. Find out how a whole team of day care educators used it to bump up their knowledge and confidence to manage their COVID-19 health policies.
![Couple holding hands]()
Healthy relationships and safe sex – that was the message this National Condom Day marked on 14 February. It’s also a good reminder there’s no shame in asking for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) check.
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly's press conference on 17 February 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Health portfolio news and events
For news and events from our portfolio agencies, go to Our portfolio for links to their websites.