Latest news
Virtual nursing in aged care
We are testing a new framework for the delivery of virtual nursing services in residential aged care.
Webinar: changes to care minutes funding and financial reporting
We are hosting a webinar for residential aged care providers on changes to care minutes funding and financial reporting.
Hearing Services Program provider notice 2025-2 – Revalidated services changes
From 22 April 2025 Revalidated Service Requests must include supporting evidence, and will expire three months after submission.
Protect yourself this winter with a flu vaccine
Getting your flu vaccine reduces the risk of serious illness and complications caused by influenza.
Changes to tobacco products in Australia in 2025
Find out more about the changes to tobacco products sold in Australia in 2025 under new tobacco laws.
Stay safe this winter: protect yourself and those around you by getting vaccinated
As the weather cools down in most parts of Australia, protect yourself against serious illnesses by booking your vaccinations this winter.
Apply for the Support at Home Thin Markets grant
Applications are now open for the Support at Home Thin Markets grant.
Budget 2025–26 information
Budget 2025–26 information for the Health and Aged Care portfolio is now available.
New Support at Home pricing guidance
New guidance is available for in-home aged care providers to help set their own prices for the first year of the new Support at Home program.
Aged care residents help improve aged care
Feedback and suggestions from aged care residents are key to improving aged care in Australia.
Vaccination saves lives – prepare and protect
Protect yourself and your older community from common viruses like COVID-19 and flu. These are respiratory infections can make you cough and sneeze, give you a runny nose sore throat or fever. COVID-19 and flu can also get worse and lead to headaches, aches, shortness of breath and chest pain.
Cheer on our Australian team at the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships
Congratulations to the Australian team who were selected to compete at the upcoming 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships in Penrith.
Department of Health and Aged Care Statement
Professor Michael Kidd AO, MBBS, MD, FAHMS, FRACGP has been appointed as Australia’s new Chief Medical Officer from 1 June 2025.
Women’s History Month – Celebrating women’s football in Australia
Historic moments in women’s football have paved the way for women and girls in sport today.
Expressions of interest for Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) expanded cost collection
IHACPA is looking for additional residential aged care providers to expand their Residential Aged Care Cost Collection 2024–25. Express your interest to help inform pricing advice.
Apply to have your specialised aged care services recognised
Specialisation Verification helps older people from diverse backgrounds find verified specialised aged care services that meet their needs.
Webinar: Update from the National Health and Medical Research Strategy Chair
Join Ms Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM at 2:00pm AEST on 7 April 2025 for an update on the National Health and Medical Research Strategy
Webinar: Support at Home program update
We are hosting a webinar to give older people, families and carers an update on the Support at Home program.
$55.8 million for research into stem cell therapies, dementia, ageing and aged care
Applications are open for 2 new Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities.
Seeking a dynamic and visionary person to lead the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board
We are seeking nominations for the Chair of the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB). AMRAB advises the Minister for Health and Aged Care on where to direct spending under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). Nominations close on 11 May 2025.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred recovery
Health risks in the aftermath of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Queensland and New South Wales remain serious. These include infections, difficulty getting medicines, contaminated food or water, and mosquito-borne illnesses. Take care of yourself and loved ones. Support is available.
Priorities updated for the Genomics Health Futures Mission
The updated Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Genomics Health Futures Mission Roadmap and Implementation Plan are now available.
Improving health literacy and educating health professionals about safer medicine use
$37.5 million investment to improve consumer health literacy and support health professional education to promote the safe and effective use of medicines.
Support at Home program manual
The Support at Home program manual is now available to help providers understand how to deliver the Support at Home program.
Caring for your health during Cyclone Alfred in Qld and NSW
Protect your health and the people around you during the Cyclone Alfred emergency. Plan ahead and take simple steps to prepare.
The handbook of tools to support medicine management in multimorbidity and polypharmacy is now available
We commissioned the University of South Australia to develop a handbook of tools to support medicine management in multimorbidity and polypharmacy.
Increase to the Home Care Package subsidy
We have increased the Home Care Package (HCP) subsidy from 1 March to help providers pass on the award wage increase for aged care nurses.
Women and girls' football participation soars in 2024
The 2024 National Participation Report has shown a big jump in women and girls playing football.
Register for the CHSP 2025-27 extension and reforms update webinar
We are hosting a webinar for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers about the 2025-27 extension and changes under the new Aged Care Act.
A big boost for health and medical research
Applications are open for 4 new Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities.
Review: The Medical Research Future Fund has elevated cardiovascular disease and stroke research in Australia
Learn about the findings of a review into the progress of the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Cardiovascular Health Mission.
New Roadmap Aims to Address Health Inequities Faced by Autistic People
The Australian Government has released the National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People 2025-2035.
Toolkits to promote cervical screening
Help raise awareness about cervical screening and the Cervical Screening Test self-collection option.
Provider finance information updated on My Aged Care website
Residential and home care provider finance and operations information has been updated on the My Aged Care Find a provider tool. This update includes the most recent annual and quarterly data from providers.
$22 million for research to improve primary care in Australia
The Australian Government is investing $22 million in primary care research to ensure Australians get the best possible care. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
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.
Two new resources are now available to help providers transition to Support at Home
The Support at Home Program Provider Transition Guide and the Support at Home Claims and Payments Business Rules Guidance are 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.
New report centres voices of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly has released a report to Government, recommending a series of critical reforms to improve aged care for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, speech – 4 November 2024
Read Minister Butler's speech at the Stronger Medicare Awards.
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.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, press conference – 29 October 2024
Read the transcript from Minister Butler's press conference on the COVID-19 Response Inquiry findings.
$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.
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