News and media

Survivors of brain injuries caused by stroke and other serious events can lose function in their arms and hands. An Australian company is creating a virtual reality therapy system to help survivors regain the use of these limbs.

We are investing $9.76 million in the development of lifesaving drugs and world-class treatments in Australia. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

We have upgraded and refreshed the Australian Clinical Trials website. Learn more about the new site.

We will be delivering a payment to registered nurses who work for the same aged care employer for 6 or 12 months.

Australians can now register with their preferred general practice in MyMedicare. Learn about the new voluntary patient registration system, how to register, and what it means for you.

Our response to the Australian Public Service Commission’s capability review of our work is now available. It outlines the actions we are taking to further improve how we manage and deliver Australia’s world-class health and aged care systems.

This annual report covers the commissioner’s activities from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. It includes key highlights, priority areas and their focus for the future.

We invite you to join our next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Webinar at 2:00pm (AEDT) on 23 November 2023.

We are providing almost $6 million to boost the health and wellbeing of First Nations people. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

Learn about the new Australian Cancer Plan, which aims to improve prevention, screening, treatment and management of all cancers for all people across Australia.

The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scheme (PHMSS) encourages and assists entry-level First Nations health students complete their studies, and join the health workforce. From 1 July 2024, a First Nations-led organisation will administer the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme (PHMSS).

A new version of the Working in aged care in Australia booklet now provides aged care workers with information about what changes are happening in aged care and how these affect the workforce.

The shingles vaccination schedule under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) has changed.

We are seeking expressions of interest to fill 3 vacancies on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Remuneration Tribunal (PBRT) that commence in May 2024. Consider applying if you have expertise in regulatory fields, competition research or legal practice relating to medicine and pharmacy.

Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities to the value of $147.5 million are now available.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan aims to deliver positive outcomes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Bachelor of Nursing students can now apply for high-quality clinical placements in the aged care sector through the Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program.

We have announced $30.8 million for Indigenous-led research into health issues facing First Nations people. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

An update from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, on the end of the COVID-19 emergency response.

On 20 October 2023, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer declared that COVID-19 is no longer a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS) following the end of winter in Australia. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) supports this declaration.

University students can feel severe psychological distress before their exams. The Vibe Up trial uses artificial intelligence (AI) to find out if digital mental health therapies can help, and which therapies work best for each student.

The Reimagining Where We Live design ideas competition is now open for architects and designers to design an innovative aged care home and showcase what can be achieved with the Australian Government’s new Design Principles and Guidelines for aged care homes.

The new Office of the Inspector-General of Aged Care will provide informed and independent oversight of the aged care system.

The Australian Government has announced $15 million for the development of next-generation medicines to better treat prostate and childhood cancer. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).