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Webinar: Award wage increase for nurses in aged care

We are hosting a webinar to inform providers about how funding will be delivered for the next Fair Work Commission award wage increase for nurses in aged care.

A new resource is now available to help providers transition to Support at Home

The Support at Home Provider Program Transition Guide is now available to help providers transition to Support at Home.

Training for upcoming changes to clinical guidelines for cervical screening

Healthcare providers, make sure you’re up to date on upcoming changes to the National Cervical Screening Program clinical guidelines.

National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Evaluation Framework and Sharing Guidelines published

The National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Evaluation Framework and Sharing Guidelines are now available.

Mandatory reporting changes to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) from 1 March 2025

Legislative changes mean that vaccination providers must report additional details to the AIR.

Aged care clinical placements available to nursing students

High-quality clinical placements in the aged care sector are now available to nursing students through the Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program.

Medical Research Future Fund boosts funding for childhood brain cancer research

The Australian Government is investing close to $20 million in funding for Australian researchers to support groundbreaking national research. This will give new hope to Australian children, adolescents and young adults with childhood brain cancers.

Developing the National Oral Health Plan 2025–2034

The department is now progressing with the next National Oral Health Plan (NOHP) 2025–2034. The department held 2 workshops on 3 and 4 December last year in Canberra attended by oral health stakeholders.

Apply now for the Aged Care Wages – Stage 3 Historical Leave Liabilities Grant

A grant opportunity is now open to help aged care providers cover some of the increased value of leave entitlements for workers affected by the Fair Work Commission’s Stage 3 decision from 1 January 2025.

The 2025 Senior Australian of the Year is...

Congratulations to the 2025 Senior Australian of the Year, Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM!

Apply now for the Support at Home and new Aged Care Act Transition Support Grant

A grant opportunity is now open to support Home Care Package and Commonwealth Home Support Programme providers with a one-off funding of $10,000 (excl GST) towards the cost of upgrading IT systems.

Who will be the next Senior Australian of the Year?

Tune in to watch the 2025 Australians of the Year awards live and celebrate the incredible candidates.

Australians benefit from freeze to maximum cost of PBS medicines

The Australian Government has launched an advertising campaign to raise awareness about a freeze on the maximum patient cost of PBS medicines, a key measure to help ease the cost of medicines.

National Immunisation Program update – maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine

The maternal RSV vaccine will be available for eligible pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Hearing Services Program provider notice – Updated forms

Updated forms for the Hearing Services Program are now available. Providers must use the updated forms from 1 July 2025.

AHPC Statement – Appreciation Statement for Professor Paul Kelly

The Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) statement of Appreciation for Professor Paul Kelly leadership and contribution.

Survey reveals strong consumer and clinician involvement and progress towards impact in health and medical research

We have released the results of our first survey measuring the impact of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

$35.7 million to support clinical trials into areas of unmet medical need

Guidelines are available for the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) 2024 Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure grant opportunity.

$18.5 million to help eight innovative startups commercialise their research into medicinal treatments

The Australian Government is supporting these startups to address critical health issues such as cancer, pregnancy conditions and eye damage. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications List now available

The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) List will help Support at Home providers understand the products, equipment and home modifications that older people can access through the AT-HM Scheme.

Over 600 sports available to participate in: strive to be active in 2025

Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Ausplay data identifies that Australians participate in over 600 sports and physical activities nationwide.

Stay safe outdoors this summer

Be prepared this summer so you can stay safe, active and healthy.

Express interest for a menu and mealtime review program

Residential aged care providers can express interest in a free onsite menu and mealtime review program by an accredited practising dietitian to get ready for the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.

Australia set to host 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships

There is less than one year to go until the world’s best canoe and kayak athletes hit the water in Penrith NSW.

Report highlights gender parity in Medical Research Future Fund grant opportunities

We have released our third report on gender data for Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities. The findings indicate a positive trend towards gender parity among researchers.

$40 million to rapidly translate research into high-quality health care

Guidelines are available for the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) 2024 Rapid Applied Research Translation grant opportunity.

Thank you to the members of our Medical Research Future Fund Grant Assessment Committees

The success of Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant funding relies on the dedication and expertise of community members who volunteer to assess grant applications.

Software pilot for residential aged care Monthly Care Statements

Residential aged care providers and software vendors can sign up to the pilot before 20 December 2024.

Support your older community to stay well this holiday season

The holiday season is here, a time for spending with friends, family and loved ones. Support your older community to stay well and make sure everyone is on top of their vaccinations.

Statement of Intent from the National Rural Health Commissioner released

The National Rural Health Commissioner’s Statement of Intent is now available.

New Single Assessment System workforce

The new Single Assessment System workforce will make it easier for older people to enter aged care and access different services as their needs change.

My Aged Care support plans now available in My Health Record

My Aged Care support plans developed or updated from 9 December 2024 can be made available in My Health Record.

Release of the National Dementia Action Plan 2024–2034

The National Dementia Action Plan 2024–2034 aims to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia, their carers and families.

Play Our Way funding applicants approved for women and girls’ sport

The $200 million Play Our Way program has approved successful applicants.

Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP) – Residential-based Aged Care Services Grant Opportunity (GO6989) results

We have announced the results of the latest ACCAP Grant Opportunity. Find out how many applications we received, and which aged care providers received grants.

Apply for the 2024–25 Fair Work Commission Stage 3 (Tranche 1) CHSP Base Funding Grant Opportunity

A grant opportunity is now open to help eligible Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers to meet award wage increases for some aged care workers from 1 January 2025.

Public consultation on the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity

Submissions are now open for feedback on the draft Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, Adolescents and Children in Australia.

Healthcare providers are helping people overcome bowel screening hesitancy

Doctors are helping more people translate intention into action when it comes to doing the free bowel cancer screening test.

$55 million for research that improves the health of people with intellectual disability, chronic respiratory disease and traumatic brain injury

Applications are open for 3 new Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities.

New Aged Care Bill passes Parliament

Parliament passed the Aged Care Bill on 25 November which means that after Royal Assent the new Aged Care Act will start from 1 July 2025.

The new Understanding Medicare: Provider Handbook is here

The handbook is a new resource designed to help healthcare professionals, medical practice staff or anyone involved in Medicare billing and claiming, to navigate the Medicare system.

Establishing Genomics Australia

We are establishing Genomics Australia from 1 July 2025 to provide national leadership and coordination to better integrate genomics into the health system.

myGovID is now myID

The Australian Government’s Digital ID app, myGovID has changed its name to myID. The app allows you to securely log into and use government services online.

Have your say on Australia’s Sexually Transmissible Infections (STI) Strategy

You can help guide how we continue to improve sexual health in Australia by providing feedback on our draft National STI Strategy. Consultation is now open until 20 December 2024.

Celebrating inspiring older Australians

The 2025 Senior Australian of the Year state and territory award winners have been announced.

Home Care Package subsidy increasing to pass on wage rise

We are increasing the Home Care Package subsidy on 1 January 2025 to pass on the Fair Work Commission Stage 3 decision to increase award wages for eligible workers.

Join the new chair driving the development of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy

Join Ms Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM at 2:00pm AEDT on 5 December 2024 to learn about the National Health and Medical Research Strategy.

Webinar — In-home aged care update

We are hosting a webinar to support in-home aged care providers and their workforce to understand upcoming changes to in-home aged care.

Share your ideas on brain cancer research in Australia

We invite you to contribute to our consultation on the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Australian Brain Cancer Mission.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup 2026 to kick off in 3 Australian host cities

The Matildas will be back at home taking on Asia’s best football teams in 2026.

$28 million for research into Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19

Applications are open for the 2024 Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 grant opportunity. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

National Immunisation Program update - RSV vaccine

In 2025, eligible pregnant women will be able to receive the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

AMRAB sets the Medical Research Future Fund’s Priorities for 2024–2026

The Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB) has finalised the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities 2024–2026. This fifth set of Priorities for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) came into effect on 6 November 2024.

Audit finds Australia’s health and medical researchers are passionate, diverse and highly mobile

We have undertaken a national audit of Australia’s health and medical research workforce. You can now read our findings and learn about opportunities to support our researchers into the future.

Hearing Services Program provider notice – Self-assessment tool (SAT) 2024

You must complete the SAT as a requirement under your contract. Completed SATs are due by 30 November 2024.

Express interest for a menu and mealtime review

Residential aged care providers can express interest in a free onsite menu and mealtime review by an accredited practising dietitian to get ready for the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. Expressions of interest close on 4 December 2024.

Contribute to genomic research in Australia through our consultation and grant opportunity

Have your say on the future direction of the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Genomics Health Futures Mission. Apply for a share of $50 million under the 2024 Genomics Health Futures grant opportunity.

Webinar: Implementing the Stage 3 Aged Care Award Wage Rise – What providers need to know

We are hosting a webinar to update the aged care sector on the funding available to implement the Fair Work Commission Stage 3 aged care award wage increase.

$251.7m to establish an independent Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC)

The Australian Government is investing $251.7 million to deliver Australia’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

Funding opportunity for internationally collaborative clinical trials between Australia and the United Kingdom

A new Australia-United Kingdom (UK) grant opportunity will fund platform trials that address areas of unmet clinical need. This research will improve the lives of people with serious health conditions who have limited options for prevention, diagnosis or treatment.

Hearing Services Program provider notice – Amendment to the Voucher Instrument

Notification of changes made by the Hearing Services Program (Voucher) Amendment (Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Matters) Instrument 2024.

Annual report – Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner 2023-24

This annual report covers the commissioner’s activities from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. It includes key highlights and priorities of the office.

$6 million for research into the causes of brain cancer and new therapies

Applications are open for the 2024 Brain Cancer Discovery and Translation grant opportunity. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)

New National Sport Strategy now available

The new National Sport Strategy, Sport Horizon, has now been released. It sets a shared vision for creating healthy, active, and connected communities and a thriving sport system.

New staffing quality indicators for residential aged care

From 1 April 2025, residential aged care providers will collect data on 3 new staffing quality indicators. These make sure we measure the valuable input of enrolled nurses, allied health professionals and lifestyle officers.

The domino effect of being physically active, eating and sleeping well

With National Nutrition Week kicking off today, learn how physical activity, nutrition and sleep can have a positive impact on your physical health, mental health and wellbeing.

New reports to help strengthen Medicare

The findings of 3 strengthening Medicare reviews are now available. The reviews looked at some of the structures and systems that underpin Medicare, general practice and primary care.

Supporting rural health and medical research

Learn how the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) supports research that improves the diagnosis, treatment and care of people in regional, rural and remote communities.

Webinar: Learn how we are supporting big ideas through the Frontier Health and Medical Research initiative

We invite you to join our webinar on the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Frontier Health and Medical Research initiative on 25 October 2024.

$14 million for mental health research

The Australian Government is investing $14 million in research to protect the mental health of generations to come. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

COPD Clinical Care Standard

Launch of Australia’s first standard of care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Changes to accessing vapes in Australia from 1 October 2024

From 1 October 2024, the way you access vapes in Australia is changing.

Register for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) 2025–27 extension webinar

We are hosting a webinar for CHSP providers on the 2025–27 grant extension process and update on what the new Aged Care Act will mean for the CHSP.

Insights into researchers supported by the Medical Research Future Fund

Learn about the diversity of researchers who have applied to, and are supported by, the Medical Research Fund (MRFF).

Statement of Expectations for the National Rural Health Commissioner released

The Australian Government’s Statement of Expectations for the National Rural Health Commissioner is now available.

Take part in the quality indicators for in-home aged care pilot

We are looking for in-home aged care providers to take part in a pilot to test quality indicators.

Panel to advise on funding for Australian brain cancer research

A new expert advisory panel will inform funding priorities for the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Australian Brain Cancer Mission.

Act now for a dementia-friendly future during Dementia Action Week

This week is Dementia Action Week (16–22 September 2024) and the theme is ‘act now for a dementia friendly future’.

Registrations now open for the National Medicines Symposium 2024

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has opened registrations for the National Medicines Symposium 2024.

Report on the Genomics Health Futures Mission

Read about the review of the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Genomics Health Futures Mission.

$71 million for clinical trials and research into the best multidisciplinary models of primary care

Applications are open for 2 new Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities.

Australian Paralympic athletes inspire at Paris 2024

Congratulations to our Australian Paralympians who made us proud in Paris.

Milestone reached for new aged care law

The Australian Government has introduced the Aged Care Bill 2024 to Parliament. The Bill is for a new Aged Care Act – the main law that sets out how the aged care system operates. It will deliver major aged care reforms.

Take part in the Monthly Care Statements software pilot

We are looking for residential aged care providers and software vendors to take part in a software pilot to automate Monthly Care Statements.

$55 million for stem cell therapies, data infrastructure and research into rheumatoid arthritis

The Australian Government is investing $55.24 million in projects that will lead to new treatments and therapies for our community. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

Be aware of aged care scams

We are aware of scammers targeting older people and their families by impersonating aged care providers.

Have your say about MBS Online

We invite MBS Online users to take part in a survey on the user experience of the website.

Policy on Medical Research Future Fund and NHMRC outcomes released under media embargo

Do you know what to do when a Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) or National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding outcome is under media embargo?

Let’s talk eye and tissue donation

Each year the gift of donated tissues, including eye tissue, changes thousands of Australian lives. This week, we’re shining a light on eye and tissue donation and how it benefits Australians.

$76 million for critical research infrastructure

Apply for funding under the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) 2024 National Critical Research Infrastructure grant opportunity from 4 October 2024.

Major Sporting Events Legacy Framework now available

The Major Sporting Events Legacy Framework outlines why the Commonwealth supports major international sporting events of national significance in Australia. It also provides hosts with planning and funding application guidance for these events in the future.

New ‘Super Kids’ ad helps families understand the importance of childhood immunisations

The Australian Government has launched new advertising for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and carers reminding them about the importance of childhood vaccinations.

Cheer on our Australian Paralympic athletes at Paris 2024

Get behind the Australian team's quest for success at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games from 28 August – 8 September.

The Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology (QUDTP) Program – Grant opportunities now open

Applications are now open for the QUDTP grant opportunities for the Health Professional Education and Consumer Health Literacy streams.

Have your say about the draft autism health roadmap

We’re seeking your views on our draft National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People.

Supporting consumer involvement in health and medical research

Learn how we are supporting consumer involvement in research funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

Australian athletes shine at Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Congratulations to our Australian athletes who competed in our nation’s most successful Olympic Games in history.
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