Latest news
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on ABC Radio Brisbane on 1 November 2021
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on ABC Radio Brisbane on 1 November 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
We’re opening our borders to the world
From 1 November, fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents can travel overseas without an exemption.
Commonwealth COVID-19 hotspot to end in Greater Melbourne on 31 October 2021
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has confirmed the Commonwealth hotspot declaration for all LGAs in Greater Melbourne will cease at 11.59pm on 31 October 2021.
Recommencing quarantine-free travel from New Zealand to Australia
A statement from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly about the recommencement of flights from New Zealand to Australia.
Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) weekly COVID-19 meeting on 27 October 2021 update
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 27 October 2021.
Supporting and Strengthening Primary Care as Australia opens up
The Australian Government is taking further steps to support and strengthen the health system as we open up to living with COVID-19 under phases B and C of the National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response, as agreed by National Cabinet.
Hotspot extended for Greater Melbourne, Victoria for the purposes of Commonwealth support
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has today extended the Hotspot for all LGAs in Greater Melbourne for the purpose of Commonwealth support.
Returning Australian children
A statement from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, about Australian children returning from overseas.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on Sky News on 28 October 2021
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on Sky News on 28 October 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on Sunrise on 28 October 2021
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on Sunrise on 28 October 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 28 October 2021
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 28 October 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
$30 million to support key areas of medical research
The Australian Government is investing up to $30 million in health and medical research to help bring ground-breaking discoveries to fruition. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund.
Vaccine Operation Centre – Weekly Operational Update – 18 October
A statement from the Vaccine Operations Centre on the status of the vaccine rollout.
Supporting research to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) supports research projects that aim to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 25 October 2021
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 25 October 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on the Today Show on 25 October 2021
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on the Today Show on 25 October 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on Sunrise on 25 October 2021
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on Sunrise on 25 October 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in WA
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres in Western Australia to help you book a vaccination appointment.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd's press conference about COVID-19 – 23 October 2021
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd’s press conference on provisional approval of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and coronavirus on 23 October 2021.
Spread Freedom
The Australian Government has launched the next phase of the COVID-19 campaign to encourage eligible Australians to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Next steps for the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission
A new expert advisory panel and evaluation are set to inform the future of the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission. The mission is an initiative of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 20 October 2021
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 20 October 2021.
Hotspot lifted for the Rural City of Mildura, and extended for Greater Melbourne, for the purposes of Commonwealth support
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has lifted the hotspot for the local government area (LGA) of the Rural City of Mildura, and extended the hotspot for all LGAs in Greater Melbourne, for the purpose of Commonwealth support.
$25 million to boost stem cell research in Australia
The Australian Government is boosting Australian led stem cell research through $25 million in grants. Funds are from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)
Commonwealth COVID-19 hotspot to end in the ACT on 18 October 2021
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has confirmed the Commonwealth hotspot declaration in the Australian Capital Territory will cease at 11:59 pm on 18 October 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in SA
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres in South Australia to help you book a vaccination appointment.
Commonwealth COVID-19 hotspot to end in NSW on 17 October 2021
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has confirmed the Commonwealth hotspot declaration in New South Wales will cease at 11:59 pm on 17 October 2021.
Flights to resume from the South Island of New Zealand; continued pause to green zone flights from the North Island
A statement from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly about New Zealand green zone flights from the South Island of New Zealand to Australia
Hotspot extended for the Rural City of Mildura and the ACT, and declared for Tasmania for the purposes of Commonwealth support
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has today extended the Hotspot for the Victorian local government area of the Rural City of Mildura and the ACT, and declared a Hotspot for Tasmania for the purpose of Commonwealth support.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 13 October 2021
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 13 October 2021.
More time to get vaccinated against shingles
The shingles vaccine Zostavax® will continue to be free for people aged 71-79 if they missed getting it at aged 70.
National Immunisation Program: Shingles vaccination catch-up program extended
The shingles vaccine Zostavax® will continue to be free for people aged 71-79 through to 31 October 2023.
Hotspot extended for Greater Melbourne, Victoria for the purposes of Commonwealth support
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has today extended the hotspot for all local government areas (LGAs) in Greater Melbourne for the purpose of Commonwealth support.
Hotspot lifted for Mitchell Shire for the purposes of Commonwealth support
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has today lifted the Hotspot for the Victorian local government area of Mitchell shire for the purpose of Commonwealth support.
Consultation is open for the draft Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan
If you have an interest in primary health care and want to have a say about our draft Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan, consultations are now open. Find out how you can get involved and make a submission.
Vaccine Operations Centre – Weekly Operational Update – 11 October
A statement from the Vaccine Operations Centre on the status of the vaccine rollout.
COVID-19 vaccination services for people with disability, carers and disability workers
We maintain a list of Commonwealth COVID-19 vaccination services for people with disability, family members and carers, and disability workers.
Continued pause to New Zealand green zone flights
A statement from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, about New Zealand green zone flights due to the current COVID-19 outbreak in New Zealand.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on recommendations for managing COVID-19 health risks
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on recommendations for managing COVID-19 health risks.
Hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support extended for NSW and Jervis Bay
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has today extended the Hotspot for the purpose of Commonwealth support for NSW and the Jervis Bay Territory.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks now open in Qld and WA
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and at festivals in Queensland and Western Australia to help you book a vaccination appointment.
Hotspot declared for the Rural City of Mildura, Victoria
The Australian Government Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd, has today declared the Victorian local government area of Mildura a Hotspot for the purpose of Commonwealth support.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 6 October 2021
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 6 October 2021.
Updated advice on requirements for workers in health care settings who are exposed to COVID-19
The Department of Health welcomes new guidance to help health and residential care providers best manage workers exposed to COVID-19 infection.
Third dose of COVID-19 vaccine recommended for people who are severely immunocompromised
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have recommended a third dose of COVID-19 vaccines for people who are immunocompromised.
Hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support extended for Greater Melbourne, and Mitchell Shire
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, extended the Hotspot for all Victorian local government areas (LGAs) of Greater Melbourne, and Mitchell Shire for the purpose of Commonwealth support.
Vaccine Operations Centre – Weekly Operational Update – 4 October
A statement from the Vaccine Operations Centre on the status of the vaccine rollout.
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on the Today Show on 6 October 2021
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on the Today Show on 6 October 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on ABC Radio Brisbane on 6 October 2021
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on ABC Radio Brisbane on 6 October 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on Sunrise on 6 October 2021
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on Sunrise on 6 October 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Pause on New Zealand green zone flights continued
A statement from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly about New Zealand green zone flights due to the current COVID-19 outbreak in New Zealand.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in Qld and WA
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and at festivals in Queensland and Western Australia to help you book a vaccination appointment.
Vaccine Operations Centre – Weekly Operational Update – 27 September
A statement from the Vaccine Operations Centre on the status of the vaccine rollout.
Hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support declared for Greater Shepparton, Victoria
The Australian Government Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd, has today declared a Hotspot for the Victorian LGA of Greater Shepparton for the purpose of Commonwealth support.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on COVID-19, schools and reopening Australia
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on COVID-19, schools and reopening Australia.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on visitation in residential aged care facilities
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on National Principles for Infection Prevention and Control in Quarantine.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on mandatory vaccination of all workers in health care settings
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on National Principles for Infection Prevention and Control in Quarantine.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on the role of ventilation in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on the role of ventilation in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19
Hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support declared for Moorabool Shire, Victoria
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has today declared a hotspot for the Victorian local governement area (LGA) of Moorabool Shire for the purpose of Commonwealth support.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 29 September 2021
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 29 September 2021.
Hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support extended for NSW, Jervis Bay and the ACT
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has today extended the hotspots for the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and the Jervis Bay Territory.
Framework for international travel and COVID-19 vaccines
To enable fully vaccinated Australians to travel, the Australian Government is finalising new arrangements. Find out more.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Professor Alison McMillan's opinion piece on aged care workforce vaccination
An opinion piece from Professor Alison McMillan, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer on the positive vaccination rates among the aged care workforce.
New hope for Australians living with brain cancer
Australians living with the most common and deadliest form of brain cancer will be given new hope. Thanks to a patient-focused clinical trial for Australians with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
$90 million to help Australians live longer and healthier lives
The Australian Government is opening two medical research grant rounds, worth $90 million to help accelerate Australian-led genomics and cardiovascular research.
Improving the lives of Australians through health and medical research
The Australian Government is investing $9.2 million in 12 new health and medical research projects. Transforming their ideas into life-saving medicines, devices and treatments for the patients of the future.
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on Sky News on 30 September 2021
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on Sky News on 30 September 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support declared for Latrobe City
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has today declared a hotspot for Latrobe City, Victoria.
Hotspot extended for Mitchell Shire, lifted for Geelong and Surf Coast, Victoria
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has today extended the current hotspot for Mitchell Shire, Victoria.
$25.5 million to support research to improve the quality of life for Australians as they age
The Australian Government has announced $25.5 million for research aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of older Australians. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in Qld and WA
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and at festivals in Queensland and Western Australia to help you book a vaccination appointment.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine's opinion piece on the mental health benefits of vaccination
An opinion piece from Dr Ruth Vine, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health.
Lieutenant General John Frewen and Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Alison McMillan's press conference on 24 September 2021
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen and Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Alison McMillan's press conference on 24 September 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Brewarrina, the small town with huge community spirit
Brewarrina is a small town in north-west New South Wales, but don’t let its size fool you - it’s a town with huge community spirit.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 22 September 2021
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 22 September 2021.
ATAGI statement about the need for additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines
A statement from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) about the need for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.
Spikevax (Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine available in pharmacies
The Australian Government is rolling out 440,000 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine through pharmacies across the country this week.
Rapid antigen testing continues in NSW for aged care
The Australian Government continues to make rapid antigen test (RAT) kits available to the services and providers in high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs) across NSW.
Continued pause to New Zealand green zone flights
A statement from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly about New Zealand green zone flights due to the current COVID-19 outbreak in New Zealand.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Alison McMillan's press conference on 21 September 2021
Read the transcript of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Professor Alison McMillan's press conference about COVID-19 on 21 September 2021.
Commonwealth hotspot extended for Greater Melbourne and declared for Greater Geelong, Surf Coast and Mitchell Shire
The Australian Government CMO, Professor Paul Kelly, has today extended the COVID-19 Hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support for Greater Melbourne, and declared a Hotspot for Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and Mitchell Shire.
$4 million for traumatic brain injury research
The Australian Government has announced $4 million for traumatic brain injury research. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Have your say on the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy and Priorities
Consultation is now open on the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy 2021-2026 and related Priorities.
Dementia in Australia report
The Dementia in Australia 2021 report is the first of its kind in almost 10 years. Prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, it shows how the impact of dementia is growing in Australia.
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.
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on ABC RN Breakfast on 15 September 2021
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on ABC RN Breakfast on 15 September 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Grant opportunity to improve digital frontline health care
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is supporting research projects using the latest digital and mobile technology to improve primary health care delivery.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 15 September 2021
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 15 September 2021.
Changes made to Hotspots for NSW, ACT, Jervis Bay Territory, Shepparton and Ballarat
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has today extended the COVID-19 Hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support for NSW, ACT and the Jervis Bay Territory, lifted the Hotspot for Shepparton, and declared a Hotspot for Ballarat.
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 13 September 2021
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 13 September 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on Sunrise on 13 September 2021
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on Sunrise on 13 September 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on the Today Show on 13 September 2021
Read the transcript of Lieutenant General John Frewen's interview on the Today Show on 13 September 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Vaccine Operations Centre – Weekly Operational Update – 13 September 2021
A statement from the Vaccine Operations Centre on the status of the vaccine rollout.
COVID-19 vaccination program rolls out to people 12 years and older
Find out more information about COVID-19 vaccinations for people 12 years and older.
Continued pause to New Zealand green zone flights
A statement from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly about New Zealand green zone flights due to the current COVID-19 outbreak in New Zealand.
Funding boost for research into COVID-19 treatments
The Australian Government has announced $5 million for research into a new, effective and safe antibody treatment to combat COVID-19. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Medicare Benefits Schedule continuous review to improve patient care
Medicare items and services will be reviewed by experts on an ongoing basis to ensure the Medicare Schedule remains contemporary and provides universal access to the best technologies and services under new arrangements introduced by the Australian Government.
The stroke journey
'Having a stroke is a scary experience. It can change your life in an instant. But our stories show that good outcomes are possible, even when everything feels overwhelming,' (Joe, survivor of stroke, and proud Kooma man).
ANAO audit of the administration of the Medical Research Future Fund
The Department of Health has published a resource on the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) audit of the administration of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Commonwealth Hotspot Changes for Victoria and Extensions for NSW
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has today amended the COVID-19 Hotspot for Victoria and extended the Hotspot for NSW for the purposes of Commonwealth support
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