Latest news
Budget October 2022–23 information
Health Budget October 2022–23 information is now available.
Refresh of assessment criteria for Medical Research Future Fund grant opportunities
Read about changes to the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) assessment criteria and what they mean for MRFF applicants.
$86 million for genomic, data infrastructure, and treatment and intervention research
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities to the value of $86 million are now available.
The Every Moment Matters campaign highlights the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy
On 30 November 2021, we launched the Every Moment Matters campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the risks of drinking alcohol while pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
$16.9 million for medical research and technology innovations
The Australian Government will invest $16.9 million to support the transition of 15 cutting-edge projects into clinical practice. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
ATAGI recommendations for a booster dose of the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on Pfizer booster doses for children aged 5 to 11 years.
Cancer Australia – Yarn for Life
Cancer Australia’s Yarn for Life is the first national cancer awareness campaign developed for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Wollongong successfully kicks off Australia’s green and gold decade
The UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong has given the world a snapshot of what’s to come in Australia, and it looks great!
$5.4 million for brain cancer research
The Australian Government is providing more than $5.4 million to support ground-breaking brain cancer research. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Scam alert
We have been notified of a new phone scam that is targeting members of the Australian public. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be us, do not provide your personal details.
Cervical Screening Communications Toolkit
We have developed a ‘Cervical Screening Communications Toolkit’- spread the message and help save lives.
Prime Minister’s update following the National Cabinet meeting 30 September 2022
Read the Prime Minister’s update following the National Cabinet meeting on 30 September 2022.
$156 million to support innovative medical research
The Australian Government is investing $156.7 million in 93 innovative medical research projects to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Reducing the high rate of chronic kidney disease in First Nations communities
Indigenous-led research is using advanced multi-omics technology to reduce the high rate of chronic kidney disease in First Nations communities.
ATAGI recommend the COVID-19 vaccination for some children aged 6 months to under 5 years
Australia’s immunisation experts, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, recommend COVID-19 vaccination for some children aged 6 months to under 5 years who have an increased risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccination will help reduce this risk.
Take a Step
Did you know that in Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 24 years and under are 3 times more likely than other young people to die by suicide?
New weekly COVID-19 trends reporting
The Australian Government is now providing weekly trend reporting of COVID-19 case numbers and statistics.
FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup tips off in Sydney
Catch all the action and witness the best female basketballers compete for the coveted World Cup.
Top 3 with Professor Michael Kidd – Dementia
Professor Michael Kidd, Deputy Chief Medical Officer answers some of the common questions around dementia.
A little support can make a big difference this Dementia Action Week
Find out the simple things you can do to help support people living with dementia
Updated Dementia in Australia report released
The updated report has been prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, it shows how the impact of dementia is growing in Australia.
ATAGI update following COVID-19 meeting – 7 September 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their meeting on 7 September 2022. ATAGI are now meeting every fortnight on COVID-19 related issues.
ATAGI statement on use of the Moderna bivalent Original/Omicron vaccine
A statement from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) regarding COVID-19 Moderna Spikevax Bivalent Original/Omicron BA.1 vaccine.
AHPPC Statement – reduced isolation period for COVID-19 cases
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) notes the need for a proportionate approach to isolation for those with COVID‑19 infections at this stage of the pandemic.
Cycling Community ride to gear up Wollongong Road World Championships
The Wollongong 2022 Community Ride gives all ages and abilities a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ride a World Championship circuit on 17 September
Acknowledging Medical Research Future Fund assessors
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Roll of Honour celebrates the people who contributed to the MRFF grant assessment process in 2021-2022.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 31 August 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 31 August 2022.
Supporting bushfire responders after the fires
The largest ever pre- and post-bushfire fighters survey asks how the Black Summer fires in 2019-20 impacts their mental health. The results: we are better supporting professional bushfire fighters, but our volunteers need more help.
National Cabinet Statement on COVID-19 settings
The following statement was released following the conclusion of National Cabinet on Wednesday 31 August 2022.
$31.5 million to boost support for COVID-19 research
The Australian Government is providing $31.5 million to support medical researchers to drive, and contribute to, global efforts to understand and treat COVID-19. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard
Launch of Australia’s first standard of care for low back pain.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 24 August 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 24 August 2022.
Novavax vaccine for adolescents aged 12–17 years
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of the Novavax vaccine for adolescents aged 12-17 years.
The Connection
The Connection is the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA’s) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service run by and for the Indigenous community.
Keep Your Spirit Strong
During COVID-19 many people face challenges that have impacted their mental health. The ‘Keep Your Spirit Strong’ project aims to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders take important steps to ensure they are prioritising their social and emotional wellbeing.
Cairns medical receptionist sentenced to jail for $178k Medicare fraud
A Cairns woman has been convicted after pleading guilty to fraudulently claiming more than $178,000 in Medicare payments.
The new Teeny Tiny Stevies song 'I got you'
A new children’s song has been created to help remind families how to avoid viral infections like COVID-19.
COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Treatments
The Australian Government has launched the latest phase of the COVID-19 campaign to inform Australians that COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments are available for eligible cohorts.
Therapeutic Goods Administration Adj. Professor John Skerritt's interview on ABC Radio Sydney on 15 August 2022
Read the transcript of Therapeutic Goods Administration Adj. Professor John Skerritt's interview on ABC Radio Sydney on 15 August 2022.
Stay COVID-19 safe!
Masks help protect people from viruses like COVID-19 and help stop them from spreading between people. Wearing a mask is something easy that you can do to protect yourself.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Getting a regular Kidney Health Check is important because often there are no warning signs for sick kidneys. That’s why kidney disease is sometimes called a ‘silent disease’.
ATAGI recommends COVID-19 vaccine use in some children aged 6 months to 4 years
From 5 September 2022, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 6 months to 4 years who are severely immunocompromised, have a disability, or have complex and/or multiple health conditions.
Transcript of Interview with Dan Searle, Physiotherapist
A transcript of the interview between Deputy National Rural Health Commissioner Faye McMillan, and physiotherapist Dan Searle from the third issue of the Chief Allied Health Officer Newsletter.
Have your say: Child Dental Benefits Schedule consultation
Submissions are now open to give feedback about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule to improve the service.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 3 August 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 3 August 2022
ATAGI recommendations on COVID-19 vaccine use in children aged 6 months to <5 years
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) COVID-19 vaccine use in children.
Consumer priorities for the Medical Research Future Fund
We asked members of our new Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Consumer Reference Panel (CRP) about their top priorities.
Step up for Breastfeeding – World Breastfeeding week 2022
World Breastfeeding Week reminds us that we all have a role in protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding. This year’s theme highlights the links between breastfeeding and good nutrition, food security and inequality.
Suicide prevention for boys and men
Boys and men are 3 times as likely to die by suicide in Australia than girls and women. The Buoy Project is testing 7 different suicide prevention programs that target boys and men. The aim is to find out which programs might be most effective in reducing male suicide.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 27 July 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 27 July 2022.
First meeting of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce
The Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, chaired by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP, met in Sydney on 29 July 2022 for the first time. A communique outlining discussions has been released.
Monkeypox (MPX) situation declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance
Australia's Chief Medical Officer has today declared the monkeypox (MPX) situation a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS).
Top 3 questions – The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing with Dr Ruth Vine
Recently the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing was released. Hear from Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Vine, on the newly released results, what these mean for Australians and what is being done to improve the mental health system.
Chief Medical Officer’s statement declaring monkeypox a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance
A statement from Professor Paul Kelly, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, declaring monkeypox (MPX) a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance.
Australia’s unique, ultra-early surgery trial to minimise stroke damage caused by bleeding in the brain
Jenni trained in stroke research after her dad had a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain. She is Associate Investigator and consumer adviser on a trial designed to reduce loss of function in survivors of this kind of stroke.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 20 July 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 20 July 2022.
One Year to Go – Celebrations begin for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Host cities are set to come alive on 20 July 2022, igniting excitement for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 20 July 2022
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 20 July 2022.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on ABC Radio National on 20 July 2022
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview with Patricia Karvelas on ABC Radio National on 20 July 2022.
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program – education webinars
We are holding webinars in July and August 2022 to give healthcare providers the skills and knowledge to support patients participating in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on Today Show on 20 July 2022
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview with Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon on Today Show on 20 July 2022.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on Sunrise on 20 July 2022
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview with Sunrise on 20 July 2022
Press conference with Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly and Minister Mark Butler
Read the transcript of the press conference with Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly and Minister Mark Butler on Tuesday 19 July 2022.
10-year countdown begins
Celebrate the start of the Green and Gold Runway, leading into the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and #HaveAGo
COVID-19 update from the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly
A statement by Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly regarding the increase in cases of the new BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of the COVID-19 Omicron strain.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 13 July 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 13 July 2022
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 6 July 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 6 July 2022.
National Cabinet Statement
See the below statement, released following the conclusion of National Cabinet on Saturday 16 July 2022.
Top 3 questions – Living with COVID-19 in winter with Professor Alison McMillan
Hear from Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Professor Alison McMillan. In this video she discusses if you can avoid getting COVID-19, how to prepare for it if you’re immunocompromised, and caring for someone with a disability or dementia.
Chief Medical Officer’s statement on standard of care on COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments in residential aged care facilities
A statement from Professor Paul Kelly, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, about the standard of care on COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments in residential aged care facilities.
Take on winter
The Australian Government has launched the latest phase of the COVID-19 campaign to encourage Australians to get up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination and receive their flu vaccination this winter.
Kids will be kids
The Australian Government has launched the latest phase of the COVID-19 campaign to encourage parents of children aged 5 to 15 to book their child’s COVID-19 vaccination.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 12 July 2022
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview with Lisa Miller on ABC News Breakfast on 12 July 2022.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on ABC News Radio on 12 July 2022
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview with Thomas Oriti on ABC News Radio on 12 July 2022.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on the Today Show on 12 July 2022
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview with Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon on the Today Show on 12 July 2022
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on Sunrise on 12 July 2022
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview with Sunrise on 12 July 2022
COVID-19 oral treatment eligibility expanded from 11 July 2022
From 11 July 2022, more Australians at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 will be able to access oral antiviral treatments following new recommendations from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
AHPPC statement on COVID-19 winter update and ongoing health protection measures to support our community
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic situation, drawing upon international and local evidence.
T20 Cricket World Cup countdown begins
Get ready for one of the biggest events on Australia’s sporting calendar this year as the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup starts in 100 days.
ATAGI updated recommendations for a winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the COVID-19 vaccine winter dose.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 1 June 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 1 June 2022.
Top 3 questions – Menopause with Prof Alison McMillan & Karen Cook (part 2)
Our Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Professor Alison McMillan and Karen Cook from the Nursing Taskforce talk about menopause. In this video, we're going to talk a little bit more about perimenopause, menopause, and some other treatments that you can use to manage menopause.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 29 June 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 29 June 2022.
Top 3 questions – Oral Treatments for COVID-19 with Dr Lucas de Toca (Part 2)
In this video Dr Lucas de Toca talks about COVID-19 oral treatments, including who is eligible, when to take them, and how to access them in rural or remote areas.
Self-collection now available for cervical screening – Information for healthcare providers
From 1 July 2022, the National Cervical Screening Program will allow all eligible screeners to collect their own Cervical Screening Test sample.
Self-collection now available for cervical screening
From 1 July 2022, the National Cervical Screening Program will allow all eligible screeners to collect their own Cervical Screening Test sample.
Medical Research Future Fund webinar for research administration officers
We invite you to join us for the inaugural Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Research Administration Officer webinar at 2:00pm (AEST) on 4 August 2022.
New name for Department
The Department of Health is now called the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. The change of name reflects the importance of aged care to the Australian community and the high priority the Government places on aged care reform.
Top 3 questions – Oral Treatments for COVID-19 (Part 1)
Hear from Dr Lucas de Toca PSM on COVID-19 oral treatments, how the various medicines differ from each other, and who is eligible to receive them.
Top 3 questions – Bowel Cancer Screening with Professor Michael Kidd
This Bowel Cancer Awareness month hear from Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd on the importance of completing your simple, free bowel cancer screening test.
Processing of self-collection samples
Important information for healthcare providers and pathology laboratories regarding changes to the Cervical Screening Test from 1 July 2022.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on Sky News Live on 24 June 2022
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview with Peter Stefanovic on Sky News Live on 24 June 2022.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on the Today Show on 24 June 2022
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview with Alex Cullen on the Today Show on 24 June 2022
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly and Professor Anne Kelso's press conference on 23 June 2022
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly and Professor Anne Kelso's press conference on 23 June 2022 about e-cigarettes.
Celebrating Olympic Day, 23 June
This Olympic Day, join in the #HaveAGo initiative and see where it takes you.
Cancer screening packs distributed to general practices across Australia
The Australian Government Department of Health is seeking help from healthcare providers to increase participation in the national cancer screening programs (bowel, breast and cervical).
Policy for varying a Medical Research Future Fund grant agreement
Read our policy for varying a Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant agreement.
Fraudulent pharmacist sentenced to six years’ prison
Former NSW pharmacist sentenced to imprisonment for his role in conspiring to defraud taxpayers more than $19 million.
Top 3 questions – Men's Health Week with Dr Lucas de Toca (Part 2)
In celebration of Men’s Health Week, hear from Dr Lucas de Toca on how family history and lifestyle impact our health and learn tips to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Top 3 questions – Men's Health Week with Dr Lucas de Toca (Part 1)
Hear from Dr Lucas de Toca talk about whether men are more susceptible to certain illnesses or conditions compared to women, and when men should start regular health checks and screening tests.
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