News

Many parts of Australia will experience heatwave conditions over the coming weeks and months. Learn about the health effects of extreme heat, who is most at risk, the precautions you can take and where to get help during a heatwave.

The AusVaxSafety summary report 2018 has been released. Learn more about AusVaxSafety and discover where to find the report and and related infographics.

Information for people in fire affected areas of New South Wales and Queensland.

Have your say and help shape our national strategy towards a healthier weight for all Australians.

From 1 November 2019, Medicare rebates will ensure patients with advanced breast cancer can better manage and plan their treatment.

From 1 November 2019, Australians with complex eating disorders will be able to access new services through Medicare that will help save lives.

A $7 million research investment in pharmacogenomics will improve the treatment and outcomes of people with mental illness.

In response to this morning’s media the Department of Health advises that the new items that will be available from 1 November 2019 involve no changes to those health care professionals who are able to treat eating disorders under the MBS.

A new online directory will provide people living with chronic pain—and their health practitioners—with a comprehensive list of available services to help manage their conditions.

The Australian Government is calling for proposals for $3 million in research to better understand the causes and improve diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

The annual Report Card on the Implementation Plan for The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013 to 2023, shows 12 of the 20 goals named in the Plan are on track to be achieved by 2023.

A new website is available to help parents find independent reliable information about childhood immunisations.

Find out more about getting the HPV vaccine for your child, including what diseases it protects against and what to do if a dose is missed.

The Australian Government is investing $3 million to examine the benefits of medicinal cannabis for pain, symptom and side effect management for cancer patients.

The Australian Government has commissioned the Australian Academy of Science to develop a suite of educational and promotional materials to raise awareness about measles.

Cheaper medicine is on the way for more than 500,000 patients from October 1, with price reductions for common scripts and new medicines added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), in some cases saving more than $100,000 per patient.

1 October is International Day of Older Persons and this year's theme is "The Journey to Age Equality".

The 2019–20 Federal Budget details the Australian Government's commitment to supporting lifesaving medical research. The Budget includes a $5 billion 10-year investment plan from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).  

The Australian Government’s $32 million investment in health research will support innovative solutions to our most pressing health issues. The Medical Research Future Fund’s Investigator Grants will back projects that deliver medical discoveries and ultimately save lives.

The ABS’ Causes of Death, Australia, 2018 report notes suicide dropped one place to 14th leading cause of death overall. Rates of mortality due to heart disease and cerebrovascular disease also decreased, however these remain among the leading causes of death in Australia.​​​​​​​

Patients with intestinal failure associated with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS), and those suffering spasticity in the upper limbs, will soon have access to greater medicinal support, thanks to new and amended listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

A delegation from Australia, including the Prime Minister’s Suicide Prevention Adviser, Ms Christine Morgan, attended a major international suicide prevention conference in Northern Ireland last week.

The Home Care Packages Program Data Report 4th Quarter 2018-19 has been released.

The National Dust Disease Taskforce has released a consultation paper and is seeking submissions from the community and stakeholders.

The Australian Government is delivering $150 million over 3 years to enable more senior Australians to access entry-level home support.