Latest news
Hearing Services Program provider notice 2022-06 – Schedule of Service Items and Fees 2022–2023
The Schedule of Service Items and Fees 2022–23 is available. There are new inclusions in the updated schedule and some service items can be delivered via telehealth.
World-first discovery promises new therapy for injured or wasted muscle
Professor Peter Currie dedicated his research career to finding a treatment for incurable muscle injury and disease. In 2021 Peter’s research team published their discovery of a new biological substance needed for skeletal muscle healing. Peter thinks NAMPT could be the cure he’s been looking for.
AHPPC Statement on the Removal of Mask Mandates in Airports
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) has reviewed the current COVID-19 situation in Australia and revised the need for mandated mask wearing in certain settings.
Top 3 questions – Menopause with Prof Alison McMillan & Karen Cook (part 1)
Our Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Professor Alison McMillan and Karen Cook from the Nursing Taskforce talk about menopause. In this video, you will gain an understanding of what menopause is and how to deal with symptoms
NRL legends help tackle bowel cancer
The Australian Government, Cancer Council, and the National Rugby League come together to encourage Australians to participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Top 3 questions – Sleep and mental health with Doctor Ruth Vine
Hear from Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine about what is considered normal sleep and things you can do to help improve your sleep and mental health.
ATAGI recommendations on first booster dose in adolescents aged 12-15 years
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of a first booster dose in adolescents aged 12-15 years.
Australians urged to get vaccinated against influenza
This year, for the first time, Australia will be managing COVID-19 and an influenza season. As we move into the winter 2022 season it is increasingly important that people protect themselves from both COVID-19 and influenza.
Top 3 questions – Flu vaccination & pregnancy with Professor Alison McMillan
Hear from Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Professor Alison McMillan on why it’s important to get your flu vaccine when you’re pregnant.
Award-winning healthcare for Western Desert communities
The Purple House story began with paintings by Papunya Tula artists from Walungurru and Kiwirrikurra.
Are you a young dad? Stay on track with this new resource
Stayin’ On Track is an online resource space offering mentorship and support for young Aboriginal dads to stay on track and be good dads.
Be Brave. Make Change.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It is also time to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Book your COVID-19 vaccine winter dose
No matter where you live, whether you’re up north in the sun, or down south with the cold, it is recommended that some people receive a winter dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Top 3 questions – Monkeypox
Dr Lucas De Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, talks about Monkeypox.
World Bicycle Day just the start
World Bicycle Day celebrates the benefits of cycling across the globe. It is the perfect lead up the 2022 UCI Road World Championships, being hosted in Wollongong in September 2022.
Top 3 questions – Chronic Conditions
Dr Lucas De Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, answers the Top Three questions across our channels.
World No Tobacco Day 2022 Tobacco – Threat to our environment
Protect the environment, World No Tobacco Day 2022 will give you one more reason to quit.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 25 May 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 25 May 2022.
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination provide important protection this winter
A statement from Australia's acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett, about managing COVID-19 and an influenza season.
Top 3 with Dr Lucas De Toca – Winter Preparedness
Dr Lucas De Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, answers the Top Three questions across our channels.
Our Journey Our Story
Aboriginal-led research is implementing and evaluating the Debakarn Koorliny Wangkiny (Steady Walking and Talking) co-design framework. The aim is to improve mental health services for Aboriginal young people.
Music therapy eHealth supporting people with dementia
A music therapist and a human-computer interaction expert help carers use music to calm people with dementia.
National Sorry Day – 26 May 2022
The Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner would like to pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.
Expanded ATAGI recommendations on winter COVID-19 booster doses for people at increased risk of severe COVID-19
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have expanded their recommendations on the use of additional (booster) doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 18 May 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 18 May 2022.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in (NSW, Qld, Vic, NT and SA)
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in (NSW, Qld, Vic, NT and SA) to help you book a vaccination appointment.
Hearing Services Program provider notice 2022-05 – Updates to maintenance and consent and agreement information
There is a new maintenance agreement template available, which comes into effect on 1 July 2022. We have updated the maintenance services fact sheet. A documenting consent and agreement fact sheet is now available.
Monkeypox update from acting CMO Dr Sonya Bennett
A statement from Australia's acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett, urging Australians to be aware of the monkeypox virus.
Top 3 questions – What is long COVID, is it becoming more common, do vaccines reduce your chance of getting it
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd, answers the Top Three questions across our channels.
Department of Health statement
Reference to a Department of Health Website in election advertising material.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in (NSW, QLD, VIC, SA and NT)
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in (NSW, QLD, VIC, SA and NT) to help you book a vaccination appointment.
Australia set to host Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029
Rugby Union’s biggest sporting event – The Rugby World Cup – will return to Australia in 2027 and 2029.
Australian Immunisation Handbook website upgrade
New features will be available soon as part of an upgrade to the Australian Immunisation Handbook website and mobile app.
Using artificial intelligence to stop antibiotic resistant superbug outbreaks in our hospitals
The SuperbugAI Flagship is developing a hospital tracking and response system to detect superbugs. The system will also support personalised treatment to improve patient survival and control outbreaks sooner.
Improving the speed and accuracy of emerging genomic technologies
Dr Ira Deveson’s ultra-fast COVID sequencing workflow made global media headlines. At the peak of the pandemic in 2020, Ira’s new workflow reduced COVID variant sequencing time from one week to 4 hours. This allowed authorities to quickly trace the sources of infections and stop them from spreading.
Helping surgeons get all the cancer out the first time
New surgical probes will help surgeons to identify microscopic cancer tissue in real time. This ability to check they have removed all the cancer during the operation will reduce the need for repeat surgery.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 11 May 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 11 May 2022.
Top 3 with Dr Lucas De Toca – Flu vaccination, what is in it and how safe it is
Dr Lucas De Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, answers the Top Three questions across our channels.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 4 May 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 4 May 2022.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in (NSW, QLD, VIC, NT and SA)
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in (NSW, QLD, VIC, NT and SA) to help you book a vaccination appointment.
International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day
Today is International Day of the Midwife, and on May 12 we celebrate International Nurses Day.
Top 3 questions – Flu season
Dr Lucas De Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, answers the Top Three questions across our channels.
Australian community urged to get vaccinated against influenza update from the Acting CMO Dr Sonya Bennett
A joint statement from the Acting Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett, and the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Professor Alison McMillan, regarding the importance of flu vaccinations this winter.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in (NSW, QLD, VIC, NT and SA)
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in (NSW, QLD, VIC, NT and SA) to help you book a vaccination appointment.
COVID-19 oral treatment listed on PBS from 1 May 2022
From 1 May 2022, Paxlovid will be available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for Australians at high risk of developing severe COVID-19.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 27 April 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 27 April 2022.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in (VIC, NSW,QLD and SA)
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in (VIC, NSW, QLD and SA) to help you book a vaccination appointment.
Routine childhood immunisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Campaign launched to encourage parents and carers to get their kids vaccinated on time for the best protection.
Update on the proposed changes to the Medical Research Future Fund Act 2015
The Investment Funds Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 (IFLA Bill 2021) has lapsed following the federal election announcement.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 20 April 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 20 April 2022.
Dr Aleeta explains why it’s important for kids to get vaccinated against COVID-19
Dr Aleeta Fejo, Aboriginal GP and Senior Doctor, answers important questions about children and the COVID-19 vaccines, and explains why it's important for kids to get vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (the TGA) has found no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility in males or females, or any future infertility in children.
Why is it recommended to get a COVID-19 booster?
Having two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine means you have very good protection, especially against severe disease, but a booster dose will make sure the protection from the first two doses is even stronger and longer lasting.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in NSW, Vic and Qld
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland to help you book a vaccination appointment.
$15 million to support Mitochondrial disease research
The Australian Government will invest up to $15 million to determine the safety, efficacy and feasibility of implementing mitochondrial donation reproductive technology following the passing of Maeve’s Law.
Help stop the flu in 2022
Annual vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications. The influenza vaccine is recommended for all individuals aged 6 months and over.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in Vic, NSW, Qld, SA and NT
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory to help you book a vaccination appointment.
ATAGI statement on use of booster doses in adolescents aged 12-15 years
A statement from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on booster doses in adolescents aged 12-15 years.
Join our next Medical Research Future Fund webinar
We invite you to join us for our next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) webinar at 10:30am on 12 April 2022.
Pregnant and want to quit smoking?
iSISTAQUIT works in a culturally safe way to assist Indigenous women navigate health and wellbeing systems so they can quit smoking.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 30 March 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 30 March 2022.
Dr Mark shows us how to use a rapid antigen test (RAT)
In these videos, Dr Mark Wenitong walks us through the testing process step by step
Australia set to host FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022
Secure your tickets to support the Opals in their quest for the World Championship title
Maxi Vaxi Bus brings vaccine to WA doorsteps
To support the great work already being done by Aboriginal Health Services and organisations, WA have introduced the Maxi Vaxi bus, a vaccination bus that will travel to the Kimberley, Pilbara, Midwest and Goldfields regions during March and April 2022 to offer additional vaccination clinics.
Mental health experts to guide the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission
A new expert advisory panel will guide research into mental health under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Medical Research Future Fund grant opportunity gender data
A report on Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunity gender data is now available.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine opinion piece on floods and testing our resilience
An opinion piece from Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine on floods and testing the resilience and mental strength of Australians.
Budget 2022-23: Investments in life-saving health and medical research
The Australian Government has announced investments in the Medical Research Future Fund and a new plan for biotechnology in Australia in the 2022-23 Budget.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in (Vic, NSW, Qld, SA and NT)
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in (Vic, NSW, Qld, SA and NT) to help you book a vaccination appointment.
Final report of the ECG Review Committee and Government response
We have published the final report of Electrocardiogram (ECG) Review Committee. The committee reviewed Medicare Schedule Benefits (MBS) plain ECG items, which were introduced on 1 August 2020 following recommendations from the MBS Review Taskforce.
AHPPC statement on winter season preparedness
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on winter season preparedness.
New National Gene Technology Scheme website
A new website has been launched for the National Gene Technology Scheme – a collaboration between all Australian governments. Learn more about the new website.
Budget 2022–23 information
Health Budget 2022–23 information is now available.
2022 NIP influenza vaccination program
Vaccination against influenza is important this year with the Australian community potentially more vulnerable to the virus.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 23 March 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 23 March 2022.
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on Today on 28 March 2022
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview with Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon on Channel 9's Today show on 28 March 2022.
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on Sunrise on 28 March 2022
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview with David Koch and Monique Wright on Sunrise on 28 March 2022.
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on Sky News Live on 28 March 2022
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview with Peter Stefanovic on Sky News Live on 28 March 2022.
Policy statement for Department of Health staff participating in activities funded by Medical Research Future Fund
Read our policy for Department of Health staff who participate in activities funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Give yourself a boost
The Australian Government has launched the latest phase of the COVID-19 campaign to encourage eligible Australians to stay up to date with their vaccination status by booking a COVID-19 booster.
Changes to border requirements from 18 April 2022
The Australian Government has announced that from 18 April 2022, a number of changes to Australia’s international border arrangements will take effect.
715 health check
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages can get their free 715 health check at Aboriginal Medical Services and bulk-billing clinics. This health check helps identify whether someone is at risk of illnesses or chronic conditions.
ATAGI statement on recommendations on a winter booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has made recommendations on a winter booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine
Health Funding Facts update
The Australian Government announced a record $503 billion investment in our universal health system in the 2021–22 Budget. We’ve updated our Health Funding Facts tool to use the latest figures. Find out more about our key investment areas.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas and SA
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania to help you book a vaccination appointment.
2023 AGPT program open for applications
Becoming a general practitioner is a rewarding career choice that provides vital healthcare support to local communities. Applications to join the Australian General Practitioner Training (AGPT) program in 2023 opened on 21 March 2022.
World’s first lung scanner brings hope for people living with lung conditions
Funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) has supported the development and commercialisation of the world’s first dedicated lung scanner.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 16 March 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 16 March 2022.
Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly's with Patricia Karvelas on Radio National on 18 March 2022 about COVID cases on the rise in Australia.
Read the transcript of the interview with Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly's with Patricia Karvelas on Radio National on 18 March 2022 about COVID cases on the rise in Australia.
Top 3 questions – Closing the Gap day
Hear from Doctor Lucas De Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, talking about Closing the Gap day.
Top 3 questions – Healthy lifestyle choices
Professor Michael Kidd, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, discusses making healthy choices, and the small steps we can take every day to enjoy a healthy life.
Vital health support for flood-affected regions
Many areas of eastern Australia are currently affected by severe floods. The Australian Government will provide more than $35.9 million in funding to ensure the continuity of vital health services and mental health support. Find out what healthcare support and services are available to help you.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in (QLD, NSW, VIC, and TAS)
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in (QLD, NSW, VIC and TAS) to help you book a vaccination appointment.
A new long-term plan for the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce
This national health workforce plan sets a target for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be fully represented in the health workforce by 2031. We co-designed the plan in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health leaders.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 9 March 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 9 March 2022.
Celebrating World Kidney Day – are you taking care of your kidneys?
10 March is World Kidney Day, and all this week is Healthy Kidney Week. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd answers 3 important questions on how you can keep these vital organs healthy and happy.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett's interview on ABC Afternoon Briefing on 9 March 2022
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett's interview on ABC Afternoon Briefing on 9 March 2022 about Japanese encephalitis.
Australia’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 preparations coming to life
The world’s biggest women’s sporting event is fast approaching.
Hearing Services Program provider notice 2022-04 – Response to the current flood emergency
The program is monitoring flood affected areas and will work with service providers to ensure continuity of service should sites be affected. Service providers can contact the program on 1800 500 726 should they be affected by flooding.
Affected by floods? Help is available
If you've been affected by the floods in New South Wales and Queensland there are a range of services you can access to stay on top of your health needs.
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