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
![Covidsafe news item webtile]()
The Australian Government is expanding eligibility for the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative. Find out more.
![covid-mental-health-campaign]()
How’s your head today? is a new national COVID-19 mental health campaign that urges people to prioritise their mental health, raise awareness about how to identify when something is wrong, and encourage people to seek help.
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Vine's interview on ABC Radio National on 28 October 2020
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Vine's interview on ABC Radio National on 14 October 2020
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Vine's interview on ABC Radio Melbourne on 10 September 2020 about World Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK? Day.
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Vine's interview on ABC News on 10 September 2020 about World Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK? Day.
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Vine's interview on Sunrise on 10 September 2020 about World Suicide Prevention and R U OK? Day.
![Image of World Suicide Prevention Day 2020]()
The Prime Minister’s National Suicide Prevention Adviser has a message about the power of staying connected to one another to mark World Suicide Prevention Day and RUOK? Day.
![mental-health-covid-19]()
The Australian Government will provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people subjected to further restrictions in areas impacted by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
![Default image]( "Default image")
An opinion piece by the Australian Government’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine.
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer For Mental Health Dr Ruth Vine's interview on 25 May 2020 on Radio National Drive about mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
![Two people hold hands]()
The Australian Government is providing more than $20 million additional funding through the Medical Research Future Fund for research to improve mental health care and reduce suicide rates in Australia.
![Bushfire smoke]()
The Australian Government has announced the successful applicants for the Medical Research Future Fund's 2020 Bushfire Impact Research grants.
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Doctor Ruth Vine's interview on 19 May 2020 on ABC Radio National about coronavirus (COVID-19) and mental health.
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Doctor Ruth Vine's interview on 19 May 2020 on ABC Radio Melbourne about coronavirus (COVID-19) and mental health.
![National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan]()
Read about Australia’s National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan.
![Prime Minister's Statement (COVIDSafe)]()
The National Cabinet met today to further discuss Australia’s current COVID-19 response, easing restrictions in the coming months, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID-Safe environment and getting the economy moving again.
![Two men in a men's shed]()
The Australian Government has committed to ongoing support of men’s sheds as part of the National Men’s Health Strategy 2020–2030. A new grant round to fund tools, events and equipment will open in October 2020.
![People holding hands to illustrate mental health support]()
More mental health support services will be provided to firefighters, emergency personnel, individuals and communities impacted by the ongoing bushfire disaster.
![image-red-cross]()
People react in different ways after traumatic experiences.
Returning from a country affected by disaster, where you may have been injured or experienced a traumatic event can cause distressing thoughts and feelings.
There are a number of support services available in every state and territory.
![group of young people sitting in a support group]()
The Australian Government is taking a further step towards reducing the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia, by providing $8 million to support research aimed at identifying effective approaches to suicide prevention.
![group of women sitting in a support group]()
From 1 November 2019, Australians with complex eating disorders will be able to access new services through Medicare that will help save lives.
![image of double helix]()
A $7 million research investment in pharmacogenomics will improve the treatment and outcomes of people with mental illness.
![Image of young girl with provider]()
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.
![ABS logo]()
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.
Health portfolio news and events
For news and events from our portfolio agencies, go to Our portfolio for links to their websites.