Latest news
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.
$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.
$5.5 million investment in the health of Australian newborns
The Australian Government is investing $5.5 million into a newborn screening platform that will screen for hundreds of life-threatening genetic illnesses at birth. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Join our Medical Research Future Fund webinar for research administration officers
We invite you to join our next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Research Administration Officer (RAO) Webinar on 29 August 2024.
General practices: Help us promote our life-saving cancer screening programs
We have sent cancer screening packs to more than 7,000 general practices, and are seeking your help to promote our life-saving cancer screening programs.
Be counted as part of the Health and Medical Research Workforce Audit
Are you a health and medical researcher or do you support health and medical research activities? Have you had these roles in the past but left to work in another sector? If so, we want to hear from you.
Update on Pathology Accreditation Standards
Important information for healthcare providers and pathology laboratories regarding changes to the ‘Requirements for Cervical Screening (First edition 2023)’ from 1 August 2024.
Seeking to improve and increase rural surgical training
The Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner (ONRHC) and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) held a National Rural Surgeons’ Training and Retention Workshop in February 2024. The summary and outcomes paper from the workshop is now available.
$19 million for research using mRNA to prevent cancer and treat disease
The Australian Government is investing over $19 million into research that uses mRNA – the medical technology that underpins the Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Have your say on aged care quality indicators
We’re looking for volunteers to take part in one-hour online focus groups to get feedback on the aged care quality indicators.
Prepare clients for 3G network switch off
From 1 September 2024, major telecommunications providers will be switching off their 3G network. This may impact older people using 3G enabled devices, such as personal medical or alert alarms. Find out how you can prepare.
Commitment to equity on sex, gender, variations of sex characteristics and sexual orientation
We have released a joint statement with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to help make health and medical research more inclusive.
Hearing Services Program provider notice – Practitioner changes following the ACAud and HAASA merger
Providers to note recent program updates to align with the merger of ACAud and HAASA.
New incentive payment for general practitioners to ensure better health services for aged care residents
The General Practice in Aged Care Incentive supports aged care residents to receive regular visits from their general practitioner (GP) and the care team with an ongoing care plan.
Webinars on cervical screening for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients
NACCHO are hosting two CPD accredited webinars for healthcare workers on the cervical screening self-collection option. The webinars will focus on how to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women and people with a cervix in their cervical screening.
$53.6 million for research into women’s health, chronic pain and alcohol use
Applications are open for three new Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities.
Indigenous Australian athletes set to inspire as Paris 2024 approaches
This week, Australians across the country come together to celebrate NAIDOC Week and reflect on the contributions of Indigenous Australians.
Hearing Service Program 2024 Public Consultation
The Hearing Service Program publicly consulted on draft proposals to simplify and improve program service items and program standards. The results and themes are summarised here.
Save the date for DonateLife Week 2024
It’s time to grab your calendar and highlight Sunday 28 July to Sunday 4 August 2024 as DonateLife Week. We encourage all Australians to register as organ and tissue donors and be the reason someone else gets a second chance at life.
Guide for best practice design in residential aged care
The National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines outline practical changes aged care providers can make to improve residents’ quality of life.
Contribute to a new era in Australian health and medical research
We have joined with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to strengthen Australia’s world-leading research capability under a new structure. You can contribute by nominating for our new NHMRC-MRFF joint advisory committees.
Equity in cervical screening webinar
Healthcare providers are invited to attend a webinar on best practice cervical screening for people with disability.
Nominate someone inspiring for an Australian of the Year Award
Nominate an inspiring older person or someone making a difference to the lives of older people for a 2025 Australian of the Year Award.
Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships
Are you a registered nurse or midwife looking to develop your skills?
Appointment of National Rural Health Commissioner
Professor Jenny May AM appointed Australia’s National Rural Health Commissioner.
New Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy published
The Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy and Action Plan 2024–2029, sets our direction to deliver the highest quality, person-centred care for older people. This will drive a sustainable and productive care and support economy, through data and digital innovation.
$20 million to move digital health research from the lab into health care
The Australian Government is investing almost $20 million to commercialise digital health research projects that will transform health care in Australia. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
On-site pharmacists in residential aged care homes
Community pharmacies and aged care providers can now employ credentialed pharmacists to work on-site in residential aged care homes.
Have your say on our National Allied Health Workforce Strategy
Are you interested in Australia's allied health workforce? Have your say on the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy that we are currently developing. Consultation is open till 9 July 2024.
Have your say: Quality indicators for in-home aged care
We are expanding the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program into in-home aged care. Public consultation is now open to decide on the new quality indicators. Find out how to have your say.
National Immunisation Program (NIP) Meningococcal ACWY changes from 1 July 2024
MenQuadfi® will be funded through the NIP for adolescents aged 14 to 19 years
Changes to vaping in Australia from 1 July
From 1 July 2024, vapes can only be sold in Australia by pharmacies.
2024-25 Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Manual
A new look CHSP Manual for 2024-25 is now available
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