News archive
An archive of news items from the home page.
To make a media enquiry to the Department, please email news@health.gov.au or call (02) 6289 7400 (24 hours).
08 February 2012
Online Tobacco Ads Stubbed Out
The Senate passed legislation restricting online tobacco advertising in Australia on 8 February 2012.
07 February 2012
New national body to support Medicare Locals
A national primary care organisation, the Australian General Practice Network, will form on 1 July 2012 a new national body for Medicare Locals– the Australian Government’s landmark new primary health care network.
06 February 2012
New Study Finds Shorter Waiting Times May Save Lives
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has welcomed a new study which shows the Australian Government’s policy of cutting the time patients wait in hospital emergency departments can “save lives.”
03 February 2012
$11 million investment in new Victorian medical school
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek officially opened the University of Notre Dame Australia’s newly built Melbourne Clinical
02 February 2012
More Indigenous Aged Care and Primary Health Care Workers for Remote Communities
Eighty three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged and primary health care trainees from the Indigenous Remote Service Delivery Traineeship Program have completed training with new, nationally recognised qualifications in business and management.
01 February 2012
Changes to Better Access
In the 2011-12 Budget, the Australian Government brought in changes to the Better Access program to deliver a mental health package that better targeted and supported some of the most disadvantaged people in our community.
31 January 2012
New Kits Rolled Out To Tackle Ear Disease
A new resource kit to tackle ear disease amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids has been launched by the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon.
25 January 2012
Senior Australian of the Year 2012
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing and Minister for Social Inclusion Mark Butler has congratulated the nonagenarian Indigenous community leader from north-east Arnhem Land, Laurie Baymarrwangga, who is this year’s Senior Australian of the Year.
23 January 2012
Open for Business: Australia’s First National Mental Health Commission
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, launched Australia’s first National Mental Health Commission on 23 January 2012.
22 January 2012
NBN to further boost Telehealth Takeup
A new $20.6 million telehealth program using the National Broadband Network (NBN) will provide new and innovative in-home telehealth services to older Australians, people living with cancer and those requiring palliative care.
21 January 2012
New Ads Encourage Australians to Shape Mental Health Reform
From 21 January 2012, advertisements are appearing in newspapers across the country inviting Australians with a lived experience of mental illness to help shape national mental health reform.
19 January 2012
Means Testing Won’t Hurt Private Health Insurance Industry
A new report has found the private health insurance industry increased its premium revenue by $1.25 billion in the last financial year, providing further evidence to Parliament that the industry is healthy and robust, and would not be significantly affected by means-testing of the private health insurance rebate.
17 January 2012
A New Ten Year Plan for Mental Health
Australians have been invited to help carve out the future of our mental health system with the release of the draft Ten-Year Roadmap for National Mental Health Reform for public consultation.
16 January 2012
Australia Reaches 1000 Organ Transplant Recipients in 2011
More than 1000 Australian lives were saved or improved through organ transplants in 2011.
16 January 2012
Coalition Set to Stop Closing The Gap
Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon said comments by coalition Senator Nigel Scullion that a key role driving the Australian Government's push to reduce smoking rates should be scrapped prove again the Coalition will put the interests of big tobacco before the wellbeing of Australians.
07 January 2012
New information phone line for women concerned about their breast implants - 1800 217 257
The Gillard Government today announced a new hotline for women concerned about their breast implants.
04 January 2012
Make Good on New Year’s Weight Loss Resolutions
Australians who made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight can count on some help to reach their target weight.
02 January 2012
Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline is of great assistance to new parents
Parents celebrating the arrival of a baby in the New Year are reminded about the Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline – 1800 882 436.
30 December 2011
GP Helpline demonstrated to cut demand on EDs and After Hours GP Services
More than 20,000 people who have called the GP after hours helpline since it commenced on 1 July have been redirected from seeking urgent after hours treatment at either hospital emergency departments or GP after hours services.
30 December 2011
New PBS Listings, including help for New Year's resolution to quit smoking
Smokers making a New Year’s resolution to quit the habit will benefit from new low strength nicotine patches being listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme on January 1.
27 December 2011
Access to doctors easier with After Hours GP Helpline
Minister for Health announces expansion of medical services to increase access to GPs after hours.
23 December 2011
Draft Regulations on Plain Packaging for Non-Cigarette Tobacco Products Released
The Australian Government has released draft regulations on plain packaging for non-cigarette tobacco products, including cigars and loose leaf tobacco, for public consultation and submissions by 20 January 2012.
23 December 2011
Resignation of Dr Rohan Hammett
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Catherine King, thanks the retiring National Manager of the TGA, Dr Rohan Hammett.
22 December 2011
Over 9,000 New Aged Care Places Allocated – But There is More to be Done
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced the results of the 2011 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) on 21 December 2011.
21 December 2011
Free Hearing Services for Young Australians from 1 January
Young adults aged 21 to 26 will soon be eligible for free hearing services, including hearing aids and cochlear speech processor upgrades provided through Australian Hearing.
17 December 2011
Aged Care Sector Prepares For eHealth Records
Software vendors have been invited to help prepare the aged care sector for the introduction of the Australian Government’s personally controlled electronic health records system.
16 December 2011
3,500 More Australians with Mental Illness to Get Day-To-Day Support
More than 3,500 Australians living with severe and persistent mental illness will receive day-to-day support to stay connected to their community through arts and crafts workshops, cooking lessons, shopping trips and other social outings.
15 December 2011
$114.2 Million Investment in Health and Medical Research
The Australian Government has invested a further $114.2 million in health and medical research through 159 grants
15 December 2011
Community Awareness Grants Awarded to Support DonateLife Week 2012
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King has announced Community Awareness Grants to the value of $527,032 to support DonateLife Week 2012 events that will encourage more Australians to ask and know family members’ donation wishes.
15 December 2011
New Nurse Practitioners to Care for Older Australians
The Australian Government is investing $18.7 million to expand the role of nurse practitioners in residential and community based care.
13 December 2011
One Million Mental Health Services Provided
One million therapy sessions have been provided to people with a mental illness under the Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) program.
13 December 2011
Regional Teams Tackling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Smoking and Chronic Disease
Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon has launched two new tool kits for health workers to tackle the high rates of smoking and chronic disease amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
11 December 2011
Beacon of Hope for Cancer Sufferers
The fight against cancer moved up a gear with a Government scheme providing almost $10 million in funding for Australia’s world-class researchers to continue their search for new ways to prevent and treat the disease.
11 December 2011
Leading Australians to Spearhead National Mental Health Reform
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced the appointment of the Mental Health Commissioners to Australia’s first National Mental Health Commission.
09 December 2011
Legislative and Governance Forum on Food Regulation - Communique
Australian and New Zealand ministers responsible for the regulation of food and beverages met in Melbourne to consider their response to the recommendations in the Food Labelling Review Report, Labelling Logic.
09 December 2011
Negotiations for Gold Coast GP Super Clinic Well Advanced
Negotiations with Oxenford Medical Centre Pty Ltd to establish the new $7 million GP Super Clinic on the Gold Coast are well advanced.
09 December 2011
Northam GP Super Clinic on the Way
Negotiations with Wheatbelt GP network to establish the new $3 million GP Super Clinic in Northam are well advanced.
09 December 2011
Teenagers Urged to Have Free Dental Checkups
Teenagers have been reminded to book a Medicare-subsidised dental checkup before the end of the year.
08 December 2011
Government to Improve Regulation of Therapeutic Goods
The Australian government will introduce a comprehensive package of reforms for Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to ensure the regulation of medicines and medical devices is more effective and transparent.
08 December 2011
More Early Psychosis Services for Young Australians
Thousands of young Australians experiencing early psychosis, or psychotic disorders, are a step closer to accessing innovative new youth early psychosis services.
07 December 2011
Voice For Consumers In Mental Health Reform
The establishment of a new national mental health consumer organisation has moved a step closer, with the Australian Government focused firmly on ensuring it will be driven by consumers, for consumers.
06 December 2011
47 Communities Step into Summer with Healthy Habits
47 communities around the nation will step into summer with healthy habits as a result of new healthy eating and exercise programs designed to help combat obesity.
04 December 2011
Queensland to get After Hours GP Helpline
Queenslanders will soon be able to get medical advice from a GP after hours as the state’s 13HEALTH nurse advice service teams up with the Australian Government’s after hours GP helpline
01 December 2011
1 Year for Big Tobacco to Get Plain Packs Into Gear
Tobacco companies have a full year to transition to plain packaging, with regulations setting out the specific requirements for the retail packaging and appearance of cigarettes under the Australian Government's world-leading plain packaging legislation released today.
01 December 2011
Minister Shaves off Trademark Mo for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has had no choice but to shave off his trademark moustache after Queensland’s peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health body raised $10,000 for Movember.
01 December 2011
New Cancer, HIV and Other Drugs Listed on the PBS
More than 160,000 patients will benefit directly from changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from today, including patients being treated for cancer, HIV and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
30 November 2011
Australia to Host 2014 International AIDS Conference
Melbourne has been selected as the host city for the International AIDS Conference to be held in 2014.
30 November 2011
New MyHospitals Data Shows Record Use of Hospitals
Australians can now look back at over three-years of elective surgery and emergency department data for their local hospital on the popular MyHospitals website following new data added to the website on 30 November 2011
30 November 2011
Next Steps to Help Consumers Make Healthy Choices
Easier-to-understand nutritional labelling for consumers and greater restrictions on the health claims that can be made about that food are among the Australian Government’s response to a national Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy.
30 November 2011
Understanding Mental Illness Through Better Research
Mental health research in Australia is being massively boosted by the Australian Government with $26.2 million to go towards research into better mental health treatment and improved clinical outcomes.
29 November 2011
Blackburn Fellowships Celebrate Women in Research
The outstanding achievements of Australian Nobel Laureate Professor Elizabeth Blackburn have been recognised through a new fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) awarded to top female Research Fellows.
28 November 2011
Study Confirms Safety of Australia’s Food Supply
The 23rd Australian Total Diet Study released by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), has reaffirmed the Australian food supply is safe for consumers.
25 November 2011
Food and Health Dialogue Communique
The Australian Government’s Food and Health Dialogue has continued to make substantial advances as it works with food industry to make healthier food choices easier and more accessible for all Australians.
25 November 2011
Less Salt in Soups
Salt levels in soups sold in Australia will be reduced by the food industry over the next three years, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, said on 25 November 2011.
25 November 2011
Protecting Babies from Whooping Cough
25 November 2011
Stronger Immunisation Incentives
The Australian Government will reform Australia’s childhood immunisation arrangements with the aim of increasing the immunisation rates of Australian children over time.
24 November 2011
Bendigo GP Super Clinic Boosts Local Health Care
23 November 2011
Agreement Reached on Raymond Terrace GP Super Clinic
The Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments will join together to deliver better health services to the Raymond Terrace community following agreement to establish a combined GP Super Clinic and HealthOne facility.
23 November 2011
eHealth Records Legislation Introduced
Legislation has been introduced into Parliament for Australia’s national eHealth records system, with the rollout starting from July 2012.
23 November 2011
Gillard Government Delivering More Doctors
The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to double the number of GPs entering training, according to a newly released report.
23 November 2011
People with Psychotic Illnesses Now Better for Longer
The lives of people experiencing psychotic illness have improved markedly compared with 12 years ago, according to the national survey of psychotic illness published on 23 November.
23 November 2011
Statement by the Minister on the Occasion of Quakers Hill Nursing Home Memorial Service
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler extends his condolences to those affected by the Quakers Hill Nursing Home fire.
22 November 2011
Independent Hospital Funding Umpire Laws Passed
21 November 2011
Parliament Passes World First Plain Packaging of Tobacco Legislation
The Australian Parliament has passed the Australian Government’s world-leading tobacco plain packaging legislation, meaning all tobacco products sold in Australia will need to be in plain packaging from 1 December 2012.
18 November 2011
Expanded Services for 189 More Local GP Clinics
More and more patients around the country will see services expand at their local GP clinics as a result of a $54 million investment in frontline medical services by the Australian Government.
16 November 2011
35-Year High in the Number of Australians Covered by Private Hospital Insurance
New figures from the Private Health Insurance Administration Council show that more Australians are covered by private hospital insurance now than at any other time in the past 35 years.
14 November 2011
New Health and Ageing Grants Open for Business
Funding for health and ageing grants programs will be easier to access with a new, simpler system that opened on 14 November 2011.
11 November 2011
Record Medicare Bulk Billing Continues
Record bulk billing levels are helping working families around the country with the cost of accessing health care services such as local doctors.
11 November 2011
Senate Passes World First Plain Packaging of Tobacco Legislation
The Australian Government’s world-leading tobacco plain packaging legislation has passed through the Australian Senate, meaning all tobacco products sold in Australia must be in plain packaging from 1 December 2012.
10 November 2011
Health Care Boost for Carindale
Patients in the Carindale area can see big changes at the Carindale Medical Clinic thanks to a $300,000 primary care infrastructure grant from the Australian Government.
10 November 2011
More Health Professionals to be Trained in Queensland
Queensland families will have better access to more doctors and allied health workers thanks to the opening of the expanded Greenslopes Private Hospital Clinical School.
10 November 2011
Western Australian Organ and Tissue Donors Contribute to National Donor Growth
West Australians have been thanked today by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, for their part in increasing the nation’s rate of organ and tissue donation
09 November 2011
More Choice is Good News for Private Health Consumers
The growing number of Australians covered by private health insurance will find it easier to make informed choices about their level of cover with handy new tools available on www.privatehealth.gov.au.
08 November 2011
New Research Tackles Depression among Older Australians and Their Carers
The National Ageing Research Institute has begun a ground-breaking program that aims to tackle depression among older Australians and their carers by improving their fitness.
07 November 2011
$1B Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Moves Forward
The Australian and Victorian Governments have agreed on the implementation plan to develop the $1 billion Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
04 November 2011
38 Organisations Named to Drive Primary Health Care Reform
Thirty-eight organisations have been selected to become the next Medicare Locals that will drive access to better primary health care for Australian families.
04 November 2011
Australian Government Committed to Prevention Strategies
The Australian Government’s committed and increasingly unified approach to injury prevention has earned the nation an enviable international reputation for road transport trauma and childhood injury prevention.
04 November 2011
New Mental Health App for Young Men to be Trialled
A new online mental health app designed specifically for young men was launched for trial on 3 November 2010 by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
04 November 2011
States and Territories Rewarded for Improved Elective Surgery Performance
Most states and territories will receive full reward funding for their performance against the third round of elective surgery targets.
04 November 2011
Tissue Donors on Increase in Queensland
Queenslanders have been thanked by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, for their part in increasing the nation’s rate of organ and tissue donation.
04 November 2011
Rural and Regional Health Australia to Improve Access to Health Services
Australians living in rural, regional and remote parts of the country now have better access to information about local Commonwealth health care services and a strong voice on funding priorities following the creation of Rural and Regional Health Australia.
03 November 2011
Director of Professional Services Review Appointed
Dr William (Bill) Coote has been appointed permanent Director of the Professional Services Review (PSR), Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon announced on 3 November 2011.
03 November 2011
New National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
The Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon, and the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, today announced the development of a new health plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
02 November 2011
Amendments to Tobacco Plain Packaging Start Date
The Government has announced revised implementation timeframes for the introduction of its world first tobacco plain packaging legislation following delays in the Senate passing the legislation.
02 November 2011
Construction Begins on $44.6m Capital Region Cancer Centre
Cancer patients in the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding regions of New South Wales are set to benefit further from national health reforms, as construction begins on the $44.6 million Capital Region Cancer Centre.
02 November 2011
High Number of HHF Applications Received
More than 200 applications for health services in rural and regional Australia, totalling almost $3.4 billion, have been received under the Australian Government’s latest Health and Hospitals Fund Regional Priority Round.
02 November 2011
Pillar of Health Reform Passes The House
A key pillar of the Australian Government’s health reforms, the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority, has moved a step closer with legislation to establish the statutory authority passing the House of Representatives, Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon, said.
02 November 2011
Second Report on Economic Potential of Senior Australians
The Australian Government has welcomed the second report from the Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians, which looks at how to the most of the opportunities presented by a larger and more active community of older Australians.
01 November 2011
Call for Public Submissions on Better Regulation of Industrial Chemicals
The Australian Government is inviting submissions for the review of the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme.
01 November 2011
One Year on Patients Have More Choice
Patients and pregnant women around the country are benefitting from trail-blazing nurse practitioners and midwives who, in collaboration with medical practitioners, are now providing Government-subsidised services to patients.
28 October 2011
Health Reform Delivers Over 40 Beds for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven
Patients in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven will benefit from better access to more sub-acute hospital beds including improved rehabilitation, palliative care and mental health services as a result of the Gillard Government’s historic national health reforms.
28 October 2011
New Guidelines Improves the Management of Volatile Substance Use
Australia’s first Consensus-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Volatile Substance Use in Australiaand a quick-reference summary to support heath workers treating clients in this area have been developed.
28 October 2011
Shellharbour GP Super Clinic Opens
The Australian Government is delivering more health services to Shellharbour with the official opening of the Shellharbour GP Super Clinic.
27 October 2011
First National Publication of Infection Rates on MyHospitals
For the first time all Australians are able to see how well their local public hospital is controlling serious staph blood infections (staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia), with the release of hospital infection rates on the MyHospitals web site.
26 October 2011
$16.7 Million Funding Boost For Queenslanders in Need
People with a disability and older, frail people in Queensland will receive more support to remain in their homes and their communities as a result of increased funding for the Home and Community Care program.
26 October 2011
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Accessing Health Services More Frequently
A new independent report has shown a dramatic increase in the number of health services provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients by the Australian Government.
25 October 2011
First Sod Turned for GP Super Clinic in Cockburn
The Cockburn community can look forward to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals following the start of construction of the Cockburn GP Super Clinic.
25 October 2011
National Health Reform Delivers Faster Treatment in WA
National health reform is delivering improved waiting times across Western Australian hospitals with Fremantle Hospital a striking example of the improvements that are taking place.
24 October 2011
A New Headspace for the Upper Spencer Gulf
Young people in the Upper Spencer Gulf area are to get better, local access to mental health care and related drug and alcohol services.
24 October 2011
Better Health Care for Wanneroo
Wanneroo residents will have better access to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the signing of a funding agreement between the Australian Government, Western Australia’s Government and Edith Cowan University to establish the $22 million Wanneroo GP Super Clinic.
24 October 2011
Government Sponsors Nation’s First Workshop to Make the Food Supply Healthier
A Food Innovation workshop in Werribee has attracted more than 120 participants from government, the food industry and research organisations to share ways to make Australian food healthier.
24 October 2011
Midland GP Super Clinic Reaches Mid-Point of Construction
Residents in Midland will soon have better access to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the Midland GP Super Clinic reaching the mid-point of construction.
24 October 2011
National Health Reform Delivers A Boost For Perth's Northern Suburbs
National health reform will deliver 52 beds for patients at Joondalup Health Campus, providing a major boost for services in the northern suburbs of Perth.
24 October 2011
New Headspace Locations Announced
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced the further expansion of the successful headspace program with 15 new sites and two outpost sites to be set up across Australia.
24 October 2011
New Headspace Outpost For Mount Isa
Young people living in Mount Isa are to get better, local access to mental health care and related drug and alcohol services.
24 October 2011
New Headspace Outpost for North West Coast
Young people living in Northwest Tasmania are to get better, local access to mental health care and related drug and alcohol services.
24 October 2011
New Headspace Sites for Queensland
More young Queenslanders will get the care and support they need to overcome mental illness with three new headspace sites to be rolled out in Queensland. The centres will be at Mackay, Ipswich and Sunshine Coast.
24 October 2011
New Headspace Sites for Victoria
More young people with mental illness, or at risk of mental illness, across Victoria, will be able to get the care and support that they need from four new headspace sites in Dandenong, Ringwood/Knox, Shepparton and Ballarat.
24 October 2011
New Headspace Sites for Young People in NSW
Young people living in NSW will benefit from the establishment of five new headspace sites, as announced by the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, on 24 October at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth.
24 October 2011
Planting the Seeds for a Healthier Future at Beldon Primary
Children at Beldon Primary School will soon be growing tomatoes, green beans, sweet corn and other veggies while learning about food and healthy eating habits after being selected to be part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program.
20 October 2011
41 New Health Professionals for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Servivces Across Australia
Health checks and access to health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders will be easier with the announcement new positions across Australia. These cover outreach workers, practice managers and health professionals to be based in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.
20 October 2011
Palm Islanders to Have Bigger Say In Their Local Health Services
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, and Queensland Minister for Health Geoff Wilson have welcomed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on Palm Island taking more direct involvement in their primary health care services with the signing of the Palm Island Statement of Intent.
19 October 2011
A Conversation on Ageing with Key Multicultural and Ethnic Groups
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Kate Lundy have met with key multicultural community organisations in Sydney as part of a national conversation on healthy and positive ageing.
19 October 2011
New Centre to Train More Doctors and Nurses in Western Sydney
A new training centre that will play a key role in training more doctors and nurses for Western Sydney has been opened in Blacktown.
19 October 2011
New Primary Health Care Services for South-East Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in south-east Queensland will have better access to health checks, general practice services, dental health, allied health and follow-up care with the opening of two new clinics in Brisbane.
18 October 2011
Allan Fels AO to Head Up Australia’s First National Mental Health Commission
Professor Allan Fels AO will chair the nation’s first National Mental Health Commission, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced.
18 October 2011
Australia Continues to Build on Increased Organ Donation and Transplantation
Australia’s official organ donation and transplantation outcomes are at the highest levels since national records began.
17 October 2011
$3.4 Million for Tasmanian Health and Medical Research
The Menzies Research Institute will benefit from the single largest investment in health and medical research grants in Australian history, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing announced on 17 October 2011.
17 October 2011
$35.7 Million for Research for Better Mental Health
Australians living with mental illness will benefit from 61 new research grants announced by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
17 October 2011
$39.8 Million in Health and Medical Research to Help Close the Gap
The Australian Government will fund $39.8 million of health and medical research towards improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
17 October 2011
$47 Million in Health and Medical Research Funding to Meet the Challenges of Ageing
Health and medical research into dementia, Parkinson’s disease, bone disease and other major age-related conditions will benefit from $47 million in Australian Government funding.
17 October 2011
$673.7 Million for Biggest Ever Investment in Health and Medical Research
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced the single largest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australian history.
17 October 2011
ACT Gains $10.8 Million from Biggest Ever Grant Announcement for Health and Medical Research
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced the single largest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australia on 17 October 2011.
17 October 2011
Appointment of New England North West Regional Cancer Centre Construction Tender Welcomed
Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has welcomed the appointment of Richard Crookes Construction to build the New England North West Regional Cancer Centre.
17 October 2011
Boost for Health Medical Research in South Australia
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced the single biggest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australian history.
17 October 2011
Northern Territory Researchers’ Excel in Medical Research Grants
Northern Territory researchers excelled in an announcement of grants for health and medical research in Australia by Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
17 October 2011
Queensland Women Lead the Way in $96.5 Million of Ground Breaking Medical Research
Queensland’s leading female researchers will receive funding to continue their groundbreaking work in osteoporosis, the genetics of ovarian cancer and childhood obesity prevention, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced on 17 October.
17 October 2011
Stanmore Public School Amongst 50 New Schools to Start Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Gardens
Kids at another 50 schools around Australia are set to join 128 schools that are already growing tomatoes, green beans, sweet corn and other veggies while learning about food and healthy eating habits.
17 October 2011
University of Sydney and University of Newcastle Shine in Health and Medical Research Stakes
The University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle topped the list of metropolitan and regional universities in the biggest ever investment of $673.7 million for health and medical research, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced on 17 October.
17 October 2011
University of WA in Top 10 for Australian Health and Medical Research Grants
Western Australia universities and medical research institutes will benefit from $28.2 million in research funding for 59 projects, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced on 17 October 2011.
17 October 2011
Victoria Shines in Health and Medical Research
Research institutes and universities in Victoria led the field in the biggest ever investment in health and medical research, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced on 17 October 2011.
12 October 2011
Further Evidence of Record Investment in Mental Health Services
New data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that spending on mental health related services is continuing at record levels.
12 October 2011
More Opportunity for Health Investments as Primary Health Care Reforms Being Delivered
The Australian Government is improving access to frontline health services across the country in a snap shot of primary health care reforms released by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon on 12 October.
11 October 2011
GP Super Clinic Closer for Portland
People in Portland can expect better health care soon with the Portland GP Super Clinic reaching the midpoint of construction.
11 October 2011
Social Workers Offer Support During Mental Health Week
Centrelink social workers received more than 300,000 referrals in the last financial year, many of them the result of last summer’s flooding. In recognition of Mental Health Week, Minister for Human Services Tanya Plibersek and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said the social workers were a fundamental component of services offered by the agency during times of crisis.
10 October 2011
GP Super Clinic Set to be Delivered for Redcliffe Residents
Construction on the Redcliffe GP Super Clinic will be completed in the coming months with the doors to open in 2012.
10 October 2011
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is an occasion to both acknowledge and work towards limiting the impact that mental health problems can have on individuals, families and the wider community.
09 October 2011
Get a head start on your New Year’s Resolutions: National 12 week ‘Swapping’ Challenge
With just 12 weeks to go until the New Year, Australians can be part of a unique national challenge and become a ‘Swapper’ – as part of the Swap It, Don’t Stop It campaign.
08 October 2011
Health Boost in Bush: Grants Available
Rural and remote health professionals, clinics and rural private hospitals have been invited by the Australian Government to apply for grants of up to $500,000 to improve their local health equipment or build new facilities.
07 October 2011
Better Health Services for Broken Hill
The Broken Hill community will have better access to doctors and other health professionals with the signing of an agreement to establish the Broken Hill GP Super Clinic.
06 October 2011
Minister Butler Attends Mount Isa Community Forum
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, joined the Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter at a community forum to discuss suicide prevention measures in Mount Isa on 6 October 2011.
05 October 2011
Tasmania Gains New Aged Care Teaching Facilities
Two of the State’s aged care homes and the University of Tasmania are about to join the growing ranks of state-of-the-art ‘teaching aged care facilities’ being established across Australia.
04 October 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Hobart
Patients in Hobart and surrounds will benefit from better access to emergency treatment, sub-acute hospital beds and cancer services as a result of the Gillard Government’s historic national health reforms.
04 October 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Launceston
Patients in Launceston and surrounds will benefit from better access to emergency treatment, sub-acute hospital beds and cancer services as a result of the Australian Government’s national health reforms.
04 October 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for North West Tasmania
Patients in North West Tasmania will benefit from better access to emergency treatment, sub-acute hospital beds and cancer services as a result of the Australian Government’s national health reforms.
04 October 2011
Plain Packaging Options for Non-Cigarette Tobacco Products
The Australian Government’s proposed approach to implement plain packaging for non-cigarette tobacco products such as cigars, cigarillos, roll-your-own tobacco and pipe tobacco has been released for public consultation.
30 September 2011
A Conversation on Ageing with Key Multicultural and Ethnic Groups
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Kate Lundy have met with key multicultural community organisations in Melbourne as part of a national conversation on healthy and positive ageing.
30 September 2011
Child Health Experts to Develop New Healthy Kids Check
Leading Australian child health experts will help develop a new Healthy Kids Check for three-year-olds.
30 September 2011
Important New Medicines Listed on the PBS
More than 160,000 Australians per year will benefit from the Australian Government’s decision to provide subsidised access to 48 medicines, including treatments for serious heart conditions including heart failure in infants and children, rare but serious infections like tuberculosis, and cancer.
30 September 2011
Release of draft eHealth Legislation
Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, released the draft eHealth records legislation for public consultation.
30 September 2011
School Workshops Encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Kids to Work in Health
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students are being encouraged to consider pursuing a career in health, as part of the Australian Government’s Attracting More People to Work in Indigenous Health campaign. Twenty workshops are being conducted in schools and careers exhibitions across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
29 September 2011
National Lead Clinicians Group Established
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has announced the Chair and members of the National Lead Clinicians Group.
28 September 2011
Makeover for Food Nutrition Calculator
A new version of a popular Nutrition Panel Calculator, used by industry to provide important nutrition information on food labels, has been launched.
27 September 2011
More Tasmanians Talking about Organ and Tissue Donation
Tasmanian families were today thanked by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, for their increased family discussion and knowledge of each others’ organ and tissue donation wishes.
27 September 2011
Pharmacy location rule changes to improve access to medicines
The rules governing the location of pharmacies in Australia will be fairer and more transparent following changes that come into force from 18 October 2011
26 September 2011
A Bright Future for Australian Health and Medical Research
2011 Australian of the Year Simon McKeon will chair an independent review of health and medical research in Australia and recommend a 10-year strategic health and medical research plan for the nation.
23 September 2011
Organ Donation Reform on Track for Continued Growth
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has released a mid point implementation review of Australia’s efforts to increase organ and tissue donation rates and agreed in principle to the opportunities for further improvements identified in the report.
22 September 2011
$5 Million for Culturally Appropriate Aged Care
The continuation of the Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) program will equip aged care services to deliver culturally appropriate aged care to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
22 September 2011
Gavin Larkin
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler paid tribute to founder of R U OK? DayGavin Larkin who passed away on Wednesday 21 September.
21 September 2011
Australia Supports Global Action on Tobacco
The Australian Government will provide an additional $700,000 to the World Health Organization to increase the global fight against tobacco smoking.
21 September 2011
Grants to Support DonateLife Week 2012
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King announced the availability of $300,000 in Community Awareness Grants to support community-based activities held during DonateLife Week 2012 (Sunday 19 – Sunday 26 February 2012).
20 September 2011
Speech to the United Nations on Non-Communicable Diseases
On 19 September, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, addressed the plenary session of the UN high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases.
19 September 2011
Australia’s GPs are the Front Line of Primary Care
Article by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and published in the Medical Observer.
19 September 2011
Foundation Stones to be Laid for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention
The Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon is to attend the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases in New York
19 September 2011
National Health Reform Continues to Deliver
A new national watchdog for Australia’s health system will soon be formed after legislation to establish the National Health Performance Authority passed the Senate on 19 September.
16 September 2011
Confronting new tobacco health warnings
The Gillard Government’s campaign to drastically cut smoking rates reached another milestone today with the release of new graphic health warnings for tobacco products.
16 September 2011
International Honour for Aged Care Provider Welcomed by Government
The Australian Government welcomes the United Nations’ Habitat Scroll of Honour award for the care of Victoria’s vulnerable elderly people to Wintringham — a major Australian care service for older homeless people.
16 September 2011
Pulling E-Health Together, Not Tearing it Apart
Article by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and published on 6 Minutes.
16 September 2011
Reducing Kidney Disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, said a report released on 16 September illustrates why the Australian Government’s investment in improving kidney health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is so important.
15 September 2011
Ask a Loved One R U OK? and Help Prevent Suicide
Australians are being encouraged to reach out to their loved ones, friends and colleagues and check on their wellbeing as part of R U OK? Day - a national day of action to prevent suicide.
15 September 2011
Cosmetics Regulatory Gap Closed
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has welcomed new laws to regulate ingredients in cosmetics which passed in the Senate on 15 September.
15 September 2011
Half a Million GP Super Clinic Services Completed and Counting as Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic Officially Opens
More than half a million services have been completed at GP Super Clinics across the country in another sign that national health reform is delivering real results for Australians.
15 September 2011
New outreach service keeps Mount Isa patients close to home
A new rehabilitation service is helping Mount Isa residents get the care they need closer to home.
15 September 2011
New Rehab Service Keeps Townsville Patients Close to Home
National health reform is delivering a fresh approach to patient rehabilitation and helping to deliver more services closer to home for North Queenslanders.
15 September 2011
New Resource to Get Australians Talking About Donation Wishes
A new resource to help Australians overcome barriers to discussion about organ and tissue donation has been launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
14 September 2011
All Huff and Puff as Big Tobacco Quietly Runs Away
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has said that tobacco companies have backed off on their attempt to gain access to Government legal advice.
12 September 2011
Ehealth Record Blueprints Finalised
The finalised plans for Australia’s secure, efficient eHealth system have been released by the Government.
12 September 2011
First Regional Meeting of the Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians in Alice Springs
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler meet with the Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians and local interest groups in Alice Springs to discuss the issues facing older Australians in the Northern Territory.
10 September 2011
World Suicide Prevention Day – Bringing Experts Together to Tackle Suicide
On World Suicide Prevention Day, the Gillard Labor Government announced a range of new measures aimed at strengthening its efforts to tackle suicide in the community.
09 September 2011
Australia Supports PNG in the Fight Against Tuberculosis
The Australian Government is boosting its support to Papua New Guinea to help PNG respond more effectively to tuberculosis, particularly in the Western Province. Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Richard Marles announced a further $1.1 million has been committed to help improve health services in the South Fly area of PNG’s Western Province – the PNG region closest to Australia.
09 September 2011
Huge Boost for Women Suffering from PCOS
Australian women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) will benefit from more effective diagnosis and treatment as a result of new world leading PCOS evidence based guidelines.
08 September 2011
20 New Health Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mothers and Babies
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, said the Australian Government is funding 20 new services that will provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and their babies with better access to vital health care.
08 September 2011
Better Regulation of Industrial Chemicals
The Australian Government has announced that it will conduct a review of the Commonwealth’s regulatory settings for the notification, assessment and regulation of industrial chemicals.
08 September 2011
West Welcomes More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals
The first batch of medical students to study at the newly-opened Western Centre for Health Research and Education at Sunshine Hospital were welcomed today by the Minister for Health and Ageing and local Federal Member for Gellibrand, Nicola Roxon.
07 September 2011
Launch of Health Implementation Plan
The plan charting the path for national health reform implementation has been released by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon.
07 September 2011
Monsignor Cappo Appointed Chair of Australia’s First National Mental Health Commission
Monsignor David Cappo AO has been named chairman of the nation’s first National Mental Health Commission.
07 September 2011
Organ Donation Scholarships Announced at Royal Adelaide Hospital
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, announced the inaugural recipients of the Janette Hall Professional Training and Development Scholarship program during a visit to Royal Adelaide Hospital in South Australia.
06 September 2011
Australia’s First E-Mental Health Strategy
Australians living with mental illness are a step closer to being able to access online care and support following the establishment of a new e-mental health expert committee which will advise on the rollout of the nation’s first mental health online portal and virtual clinic.
06 September 2011
New health promotion resource to help close the gap
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can now access a comprehensive health promotion pack to combat the risk factors for chronic disease and help close the gap in life expectancy.
05 September 2011
Improving Access to Insurance for People Living With Mental Illness
Agreement has been reached between the insurance industry and mental health sector to work together to reduce barriers for people with a mental illness from accessing different types of insurance.
05 September 2011
New Body to Advise on Dental Health
A new body "The National Advisory Council on Dental Health" has been established to provide expert advice on dental health matters to the Australian Government.
04 September 2011
Labor Delivers Record Number of Doctors and Nurses to Regional Australia
A record number of doctors and nurses are delivering much needed health services to communities around regional Australia according to new Medicare data released today following the Australian Government’s historic investments in regional health.
03 September 2011
$5.77 Million for Preventive Health Research Grants
Researchers across Australia are invited to apply for up to $5.77 million of funding to investigate new and innovative ways to combat alcohol abuse, obesity and smoking.
02 September 2011
Launch of the ‘Year of the Aboriginal Health Worker’
One of the important contributors to the Aboriginal health workforce in the Northern Territory is being celebrated with the launch in Katherine today of the ‘Year of the Aboriginal Health Worker’.
02 September 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Patients in Brighton
National health reform is delivering for the residents of Brisbane’s northern suburbs with six additional new rehabilitation beds announced at Brighton Health Campus.
02 September 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Patients in Ipswich
National health reform will deliver new sub acute services in Ipswich, providing more support for patients in the local community.
02 September 2011
Older and Frail Brisbane Patients to Benefit from National Health Refrom
National health reform is delivering extra resources for subacute care in Brisbane with new 32 subacute care beds at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital announced on 2 September.
01 September 2011
Erbitux, Gilenya and Other Medicines Listed on the PBS
More than 400,000 Australians will benefit from new subsidised medicines from 1 September 2011, including patients suffering multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and various forms of cancer.
01 September 2011
Interim Independent Hospital Pricing Authority Underway
Dr Tony Sherbon has been appointed the acting Chief Executive Officer of the interim Independent Hospital Pricing Authority (IHPA), beginning 1 September 2011.
01 September 2011
‘Connection’ Counts in Diabetes Care: West Moreton-Oxley Medicare Local
Patients with diabetes at Inala Indigenous Health are receiving better care after local doctors and allied health workers participated in an innovative program—Co-Creating Care—to help health professionals better connect with their patients and understand their needs.
31 August 2011
DoHA Signs Up to Support Indigenous Business
The Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) is the latest department to become a member of the Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council (AIMSC) and support certified Indigenous suppliers.
30 August 2011
Australia's New Chief Medical Officer Announced
Professor Chris Baggoley has been appointed Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, beginning immediately. Professor Baggoley is a respected clinician and public health specialist with a national and international reputation in the field of emergency medicine.
26 August 2011
Daffodil Day Boost for Fight Against Cancer
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon called on Australians to celebrate Daffodil Day’s 25th anniversary by lending their support to the fight against cancer.
26 August 2011
Food and Health Dialogue Communique
An Australian Government project to tackle poor dietary habits and to make healthier food choices easier and more accessible for all Australians, is achieving significant outcomes with the food industry stepping up to the mark with a number of better nutrition initiatives, the federal Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, said today, when chairing the seventh meeting of the government's Food and Health Dialogue.
25 August 2011
$475 Million More for Regional Health Facilities
Patients and families in regional communities across Australia are set to benefit from the next round of the Australian Government’s $5 billion Health and Hospitals Fund, with applications now open.
25 August 2011
Bone Marrow Donor Registry Awarded Three-Year Funding Agreement
The Australian Government has signed a three-year $7.4 million funding agreement with the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry.
25 August 2011
Medicare Locals to Deliver Home Grown Health Solutions
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Health Minister Nicola Roxon have heard how Australia’s first Medicare Locals are on their way to better coordinating local doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to provide more responsive and targeted services for patients.
24 August 2011
Politics Taken Out of Hospital Funding: National Health Reform
Legislation to establish the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority has been introduced into Parliament.
24 August 2011
World-Leading Plain Packaging Legislation Passes House of Representatives
The Australian Government’s world-leading plain packaging legislation has passed through the House of Representatives, as Australia moves one step closer to implementing plain packaging of tobacco from 1 January 2012.
23 August 2011
New CEO for Preventive Health Agency
Australia’s focus on preventing illness and promoting better health and wellbeing has received a boost with the appointment of a permanent Chief Executive Officer to the Australian National Preventive Health Agency.
22 August 2011
25 New Grants to Support Men’s Sheds
The Australian Government is funding new grants for 25 men’s sheds across the country to purchase tools, conduct building and maintenance and employ shed coordinators.
22 August 2011
Launch of Hearing Awareness Week Expo
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has Launched the Deafness Forum of Australia’s "Access to Communications and Access to Life" Expo at Parliament House to Mark Hearing Awareness Week.
22 August 2011
Listening to the Community During Hearing Week
Minister for Human Services Tanya Plibersek and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler have both had their hearing checked at Parliament House by staff from Australian Hearing, as they marked Hearing Awareness Week (21-27 August).
19 August 2011
COAG Commits to Delivery of Mental Health Reform
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler have welcomed the Council of Australian Governments’ decision to develop a National Partnership Agreement on Mental Health to help tackle major gaps in our mental health system.
19 August 2011
Health Appointments
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon have announced the appointment of the inaugural chairs of health reform bodies to drive transparency, accountability and efficiency.
17 August 2011
Unrivalled Transparency for Patients on the Way
Unrivalled access to information about the health and hospital system for patients has been supported by the House of Representatives as legislation to establish the Australian Government’s National Health Performance Authority passed through the lower house.
16 August 2011
Ten-Year High in Private Health Insurance
New figures issued by the Private Health Insurance Administration Council (PHIAC) show that Australia has reached its highest rate of private hospital insurance participation in more than ten years.
15 August 2011
Accenture to Build Australia’s Personal e-Health System
Accenture, a world leader in IT, has been selected to lead the building of the IT infrastructure for Australia’s national personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system in another major milestone for national health reform.
12 August 2011
Council Appointed to Promote Indigenous Health
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has announced the new membership of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equality Council.
12 August 2011
New Brain Research Facility at The Royal Melbourne Hospital
A state-of-the-art neuroscience facility opened in Melbourne offers new hope for Australians with Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease.
11 August 2011
Dr Coote Acting Head of Professional Services Review
Dr William (Bill) Coote has been appointed the Acting Director of the Professional Services Review.
11 August 2011
Experts Gather to Guide Better Coordination for Mental Health Consumers
A forum for mental health consumers, carers, community workers, counsellors, doctors and nurses will provide input to the coordinated care measure announced in this year's budget.
11 August 2011
Promoting Good Health at Work: A National First
Making healthy decisions at work will be easier for Australia’s 11 million workers from today with employers across the nation signing up to promote healthy habits in the workplace.
11 August 2011
St Vincent’s Part of Improving Organ and Tissue Donation Trend
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has highlighted St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney as typifying the positive impact of the Australian Government’s $151 million National Reform Agenda to increase organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
10 August 2011
Victoria’s Organ and Tissue Donate Rate Welcomed
Victoria’s improving record in organ and tissue donation and its contribution to an increasing national trend has been welcomed by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
10 August 2011
Young Australians to Participate in Online Mental Health Forum
Young people from around Australia will speak online in real time with the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, in a forum hosted by leading online mental health service for young people, ReachOut.com.
09 August 2011
A National Conversation on Healthy and Positive Ageing
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler have met with seniors at a fitness and leisure centre in Canberra in the lead-up to a national conversation on how to promote opportunities for healthy and positive ageing.
09 August 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Auburn and St Joseph’s Hospital
Patients at Auburn and St Joseph’s Hospitals will benefit from better access to elective surgery, emergency treatment and sub-acute hospital beds as a result of the Australian Government’s historic national health reforms.
09 August 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Blacktown Hospital
Patients at Blacktown Hospital will benefit from better access to elective surgery, emergency treatment and sub-acute hospital beds as a result of the Australian Government’s historic national health reforms.
09 August 2011
National Health Reform Delivers for Nepean Hospital
Patients at Nepean Hospital will benefit from better access to elective surgery, emergency treatment and sub-acute hospital beds as a result of the Australian Government’s historic national health reforms
09 August 2011
Record July Organ Donation Rates
The highest-ever organ donation rate for the month of July has been achieved with 33 deceased donors giving a second chance at life to 98 Australians in need of a transplant.
09 August 2011
Time to do Something Real in Indigenous Health
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, is encouraging nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists and other health practitioners to consider extending their careers to help provide care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders across Australia.
08 August 2011
New Merino Community Health Centre
A new Community Health Centre at Merino in Western Victoria, funded with the assistance of the National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program, has been opened by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
08 August 2011
Productivity Commission Final Report on Aged Care
The Australian Government has released the 2011 Productivity Commission Report, Caring for Older Australians.
06 August 2011
$10m in Community Projects to Reduce Risky Drinking
Communities around the country will share in up to $10 million for projects to combat risky drinking amongst young Australians.
05 August 2011
Australian Health Ministers’ Conference Communiqué
Australian Health Ministers completed a two day meeting of the Australian Health Ministers Conference in Darwin, chaired by WA Health Minister, Dr Kim Hames.
05 August 2011
Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council Communiqué
Health Workforce Ministers meet in Darwin to discuss national health workforce issues.
04 August 2011
Indigenous Health Improvements
Significant improvements in Indigenous mortality rates have been revealed in a report released on 4 August.
03 August 2011
National Health Reform Gains for Maroondah Hospital
Patients at Maroondah Hospital will benefit from better access to elective surgery, emergency treatment and sub-acute hospital beds as a result of the Australian Government’s historic national health reforms.
02 August 2011
Celebrating 20 Years of Safer Food
Food Standards Australia New Zealand has celebrated 20 years of ensuring safer food for Australia and New Zealand at a special event at Old Parliament House, Canberra.
02 August 2011
National Health Reform Finalised
The Australian Government has signed off on the final details of national health reforms with all states and territories to secure the future of health in Australia.
30 July 2011
Coffs Harbour GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services
Coffs Harbour residents will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement with Bawrunga Coffs Harbour GP Super Clinic Ltd.
30 July 2011
Nowra GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services
Nowra residents will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement with the Illawarra Division of General Practice Ltd.
30 July 2011
Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals for Tasmania
Tasmanian patients will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of around $7 million for up to 8 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the State.
30 July 2011
Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in South Australia
South Australian patients will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of nearly $15 million for around 30 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the State.
30 July 2011
Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in the ACT
Patients in the ACT will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of nearly $10 million for up to 9 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure.
30 July 2011
Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in the Territory
Patients in the Territory will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of around $8 million for up to 9 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure.
30 July 2011
Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in Victoria
Victorian patients will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of around $50 million for up to 49 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the State.
30 July 2011
Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in Western Australia
Patients in Western Australia will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of nearly $17 million for up to 20 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the State.
29 July 2011
Government helping in response to Hendra
The Australian Government has today announced it will be providing up to $6 million as part of the fight against Hendra.
29 July 2011
Karratha GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services
Residents of the West Pilbara will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement with the Pilbara Health Network for a GP Super Clinic to operate in Karratha.
29 July 2011
New Food and Health Dialogue Website Keeping Consumers Informed
A new Australian government website that features innovative initiatives to improve the nutritional profile of Australia's food supply, has been launched.
27 July 2011
38 New Community Projects to Tackle Indigenous Health Challenge
The Australian Government is funding 38 community-driven projects around the nation to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to quit smoking, eat healthy, exercise more and better manage their own often chronic health issues.
27 July 2011
Improving Smiles in the APY Lands
A new mobile dental van and equipment will help provide better dental health care to Aboriginal people in the far north west of South Australia.
27 July 2011
Reliance Medical Chosen to Provide Central Coast GP Super Clinic
Better access to GPs and allied health professionals has come a step closer for the people of the Central Coast following the signing of a $7 million agreement for a GP Super Clinic.
27 July 2011
Smokers Butting Out in Droves
Australia will soon have the world’s toughest anti-tobacco laws to help accelerate the nation’s decreasing daily smoking rates, Acting Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler said today, following the release of research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that showed that daily tobacco use is down to a record low of 15.1%.
25 July 2011
$4.5m in Support Services for Older Tasmanians
More frail, older people and younger people with a disability in Tasmania will receive extra support to remain in their own homes as a result of increased funding for Home and Community Care services.
25 July 2011
Tweed Heads GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services
Residents of Tweed Heads will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement.
24 July 2011
New National “Health Heroes” Campaign to Attract More Indigenous People into the Workforce
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has launched a new national advertising campaign aimed at attracting more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to work in Indigenous Health.
21 July 2011
$36 Million in Home and Community Care Projects for NSW
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler and NSW Minister for Ageing and Disability Services Andrew Constance have announced that almost 400 NSW communities will benefit from nearly $36 million in Home and Community Care (HACC) services.
20 July 2011
New Chair for the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Dr Andrew Refshauge has been appointed the new Chair of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for a three-year term.
20 July 2011
Tackling Suicide in LGBTI Community
Suicide rates among people in Australia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities will be tackled with a $1.1 million Australian Government grant.
20 July 2011
TGA Transparency Review Released
The Australian Government has released the report of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Transparency Review panel, chaired by Professor Dennis Pearce.
19 July 2011
Boost to After-Hours GP Services
After-hours support from local GPs has been given another boost by the Australian Government with the opening of applications for the fourth round of the $10 million General Practice After-Hours Grants Program.
19 July 2011
National Body to Coordinate Medicare Locals
The Australian Government will invite the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) to establish a new national body to support and coordinate the network of Medicare Locals and help lead the Government’s investments in primary health care.
18 July 2011
New Advisory Council to Boost Disease Prevention Efforts
Moves to prevent the lifestyle risks of chronic disease in Australia have been boosted with the creation of an expert Advisory Council for the Australian National Preventive Health Agency.
14 July 2011
Huge Boost of Support to Australians with Diabetes
More than a million Australians with diabetes will benefit from improved services and information following a five-year extension of the National Diabetes Services Scheme.
14 July 2011
More Beds and Better Care for Westmead Kids
Western Sydney families are benefiting from improved access to more hospital services as national health reform investments take shape at Westmead Children's Hospital.
11 July 2011
12 NT Projects to Support Healthier Communities
Hundreds of Northern Territory kids will take part in a three-year promotion – culminating each year in the Top End’s largest ever basketball tournament – to encourage better health among Aboriginal people. The Hoops 4 Health Challenge is one of 12 new community-based projects in the NT being funded under the Australian Government’s new Live Longer! health campaign.
11 July 2011
ABA funding supports 49 Northern Territory projects
A program that helps Indigenous Territorians access renal dialysis services in remote communities is one of 49 projects receiving funding totalling more than $26 million under the latest round of grants from the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA).
11 July 2011
Fair and Generous Support for Aged Care Residents and Aged Care Providers in the Transition to a Clean Energy Future
Aged care residents and aged care providers will receive fair and generous financial assistance to ease the transition to a clean energy future under the Australian Government’s plan to cut carbon pollution.
11 July 2011
New Aboriginal Health Board Launched in the West Arnhem Region
The new Red Lily Health Board in the West Arnhem Region of the Northern Territory will give local Aboriginal people a greater say in health planning activities and priorities for their communities.
11 July 2011
New DVD Focuses on Improving Road Safety for Indigenous Australians
The Australian Government has launched the DVD Being Safe, Not Sorry in conjunction with the National Road Safety Council, focusing on practical initiatives to improve road safety for Indigenous Australians.
08 July 2011
$26m in Local Grants Available for Healthy Communities
The Australian Government is calling on local governments around Australia to promote healthy lifestyles and apply for more than $26 million worth of Healthy Communities Grants
08 July 2011
Burnie Regional Cancer Centre a Big Step Closer
Acting Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler and Federal Member for Braddon Sid Sidebottom, have welcomed the release of an independent report supporting the establishment of a fully equipped cancer centre in Burnie.
08 July 2011
New Hybrid Theatre for Princess Alexandra Hospital
Brisbane patients seen at the Princess Alexandra Hospital will benefit from national health reform through a new $5.5 million investment into the latest surgical equipment that will mean more elective surgery will be performed at the hospital.
08 July 2011
New Translation and Interpreting Service for Aged Care Residents
The Australian Government is providing $2.2 million to engage interpreter services to help older people from non-English speaking backgrounds communicate on health and aged care matters.
07 July 2011
Review of Regulatory Powers of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
The Australian government will review the regulatory powers of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).
07 July 2011
A Fair-Go for Taxpayers: Private Health Insurance Rebate Changes Introduced
A more equitable and sustainable private health insurance rebate will be delivered as the Australian Government introduces new legislation into the Parliament that will ensure low and middle income Australians are not paying for the private health insurance of millionaires.
07 July 2011
Cannabis-Like Drugs to be Outlawed
Eight synthetic cannabis-like substances will be classified as prohibited substances throughout Australia from 8 July, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has announced.
07 July 2011
Grants to Lift Awareness of Organ and Tissue Donation
Community Awareness Grants totalling $348,000 have been awarded to address barriers to decision-making and discussion about organ and tissue donation in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
07 July 2011
Minister Welcomes Legislative Review Report
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has released the Report of the Independent Review of the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002 and the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002.
07 July 2011
More Progress in e-health Consultation and Engagement
Two important milestones in the development of Australia’s e-health system have been met with the key appointment of the National Change and Adoption Partner and the release of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record System: Legislation issues paper.
07 July 2011
Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic Boosts Local Health Services
The opening of the Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic is paving the way for better access to GPs and allied health professionals for the local Queanbeyan community.
07 July 2011
Sharing Stories to Improve Indigenous Health Care
A new report, ‘People I Can Call On’, which will give healthcare providers an insight into the challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with chronic illness, was launched today by the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon.
07 July 2011
Shellharbour GP Super Clinic Boosts Local Health Care
The Shellharbour GP Super Clinic is paving the way for better access to GPs and allied health professionals with the doors opening this week.
06 July 2011
Hinch Surgery Highlights Organ and Tissue Transplant Reforms
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has welcomed the news that well known broadcaster Derryn Hinch, has undergone liver transplant surgery.
06 July 2011
Leading the World on Tobacco Plain Packaging
The Australian Government’s world leading efforts to reduce the death and disease caused by smoking pushed ahead with the introduction of the Tobacco Plain Packaging Billinto the Parliament.
06 July 2011
Nominations Sought for the 2012 Senior Australian of the Year
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, encourages all Australians to nominate an older person who has given generously to others and made a significant contribution to society for the 2012 Senior Australian of the Year Award.
05 July 2011
Better Health Care Soon for Mount Isa
Mount Isa residents will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $5 million agreement with Kinetic Health Group Pty Ltd to establish the Mount Isa GP Super Clinic.
05 July 2011
New Head for Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee
Doctor Suzanne Hill is to be the new chair of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), the Australian Government’s expert group of technical advisers who recommend listing of medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
05 July 2011
Port Macquarie GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services
Port Macquarie residents will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement with Rural and Metropolitan Health (Port Macquarie) Pty Ltd to establish the Port Macquarie GP Super Clinic.
04 July 2011
100,000 NRT Scripts Filled to Help Australians Kick the Habit
Smokers around Australia have chosen to kick the habit with 100,000 scripts for subsidised nicotine patches being filled since they became available on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) in February.
01 July 2011
$9.6M Campaign to Tackle Indigenous Hearing Health
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has launched a new $9.6 million national campaign to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ear and hearing health.
01 July 2011
1 July Brings Better Health Care for Australian Families
1 July 2011 marks a significant milestone in national health reform, with many new measures that matter to Australian families beginning or coming into full operation.
01 July 2011
Australian Government Delivers on Suicide Prevention Election Commitment
The Australian Government is delivering on a key election commitment to provide more services for people who are at risk of suicide.
01 July 2011
Better Mental Health Services from 1 July
The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to transform the mental health system so it better meets the needs of people with a mental illness, their carers and families with a number of key initiatives being delivered from 1 July.
01 July 2011
First Steps to Aged Care Reform: New National Info Line
Older Australians, their families, and carers will find it easier to access valuable information about aged care with the introduction of a single, national information line on 1800 200 422 from today.
01 July 2011
Medicare Safety Net has Become More Sustainable
An independent report has found that changes by the Australian Government to the extended Medicare safety net (EMSN) have made the program more sustainable.
01 July 2011
New $4M National Mental Health Consumer Body Launched
The Australian Government continues to deliver on its commitment to make mental health a priority, with the announcement of up to $4 million to establish a new National Mental Health Consumer Organisation.
01 July 2011
New Protocols: Organ Transplant Lists
A consensus statement on organ transplant waiting lists and organ allocation protocols for transplantation has been launched by Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King.
30 June 2011
Hundreds of Older Australians to Receive Tailored Aged Care Support Services
More older Australians will receive the support they need to remain independent in their own homes with 700 new Consumer Directed Care packages to be rolled out nationwide.
30 June 2011
Boosting Learning and Training Opportunities for Next Generation of Aged Care Nurses
South Australian aged care organisations will receive more than $ 900,000 for 284 Clinical and Graduate Nurse Placements as part of a nationwide boost to aged care training and study opportunities.
30 June 2011
Food Standards Australia New Zealand Board Appointments
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Catherine King, announces three new appointments to the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Board.
30 June 2011
GP Care a Phone Call Away for Families
After hours GP advice will only be a phone call away for Australian families with the launch of the after hours GP helplineon 1 July 2011.
29 June 2011
Boost for Healthy Kids and Healthy Workers in South Australia
School and work are the latest South Australian battlegrounds in the fight to combat obesity and make healthier lifestyle choices following a huge boost to the Healthy Children and Healthy Workers initiatives.
29 June 2011
No Charge for Mobile Phone Calls to Lifeline from Anywhere in Australia
Mobile phone calls to Lifeline made from anywhere in Australia will be free of charge from 1 July under an agreement made between the three major phone carriers.
29 June 2011
Telehealth Transforming Health Care
Australian patients will be able to have Medicare funded consultations with any medical specialist via a video conference for the first time starting 1 July 2011.
28 June 2011
New Mersey Community Hospital Funding Agreement Signed
The future of the Mersey Community Hospital at Latrobe has been assured through a new three-year funding deal signed between the Australian and Tasmanian Governments.
27 June 2011
Australian Government Responds to Renal Study with $13m Funding
The Northern Territory towns of Alice Springs and Tennant Creek will receive $13 million for accommodation to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families affected by renal disease. The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, said the new funding was the first step towards addressing some of the issues raised in the Central Australia Renal Study, issued today.
27 June 2011
More Elective Surgery and Sub-acute Beds for the ACT: National Health Reform Delivering
The ACT is seeing immediate benefits of national health reform with an additional 800 operations and four new sub-acute beds, the result of $10.4 million provided by the Australian Government.
24 June 2011
Healthy Community Days for QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, NT, WA
A further twelve Live Longer! Healthy Community Days have been funded across the country as part of the Australian Government’s national campaign to help extend the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
24 June 2011
More Than 340,000 Primary School Aged Children to Benefit from Expanded Kidsmatter
The Australian Government will target the expansion of the highly successful KidsMatter program to schools in lower socio-economic areas to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of Australian children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
24 June 2011
Live Longer! Indigenous Health Program Arrives at Community Expo Day in Sydney
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has visited the Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service in Sydney to launch a Community Expo Day highlighting a new healthier lifestyle program called lively Djuarli. Djurali means Live Well and the Live Healthily in Dharawal program is aimed at helping people in the local community live healthier lifestyles.
23 June 2011
Coles Measures Welcomed
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon has congratulated Coles for showing community leadership by implementing measures to minimise alcohol consumption in Alice Springs.
23 June 2011
Improved and Expanded Mental Health Services for Survivors of Trauma and Torture
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, announced improved and expanded mental health services are now available to refugees arriving in Australia who have experienced trauma and torture.
22 June 2011
Delivering a better future for Indigenous people in the Northern Territory
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin today announced the Government’s next steps to improve the future of Indigenous Australians living in the Northern Territory.
21 June 2011
Applications Sought for New $5m GP Super Clinic in Darwin’s Northern Suburbs
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Senator for the Northern Territory, Trish Crossin have announced that the Department of Health and Ageing has opened the Invitation to Apply process for the establishment of the $5 million Northern Suburbs GP Super Clinic in Darwin.
21 June 2011
Erbitux and Other New Medicines Listed on the PBS
More than 400,000 Australians will benefit from new subsidised medicines from 1 September 2011, including patients suffering multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and various forms of cancer.
18 June 2011
New Aged Care Places on Offer in 2011 Aged Care Approvals Round
More than 12,000 new aged care places throughout Australia, worth over $400 million will be on offer as part of the 2011 Aged Care Approvals Round.
17 June 2011
Continence Program to Improve Lives of Millions of Australians
A new National Continence Program to increase awareness of bladder and bowel health in the community and among health professionals has been announced.
17 June 2011
Ensuring the Successful Delivery of E-Health Records
The Australian Government has announced two important appointments to further guide the implementation of the nation’s personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system.
17 June 2011
Medicare Locals to Reform Primary Health Care in Victoria
Four communities in Victoria will be leading primary health care reform, as Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon announced the Victorian organisations that will become Medicare Locals from 1 July 2011.
17 June 2011
Mental Health in Multicultural Australia Project to get $2.7 Million
The Australian Government is continuing its efforts to support better mental health and wellbeing in culturally and linguistically diverse communities with a new provider appointed to deliver a $2.7 million multicultural mental health project.
14 June 2011
DIY Male Health Toolboxes for Men’s Sheds
The Australian Government is funding DIY Male Health Toolboxes to be sent to men’s sheds around the country. The announcement by the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, was made as he launched Men’s Health Week with Australian Men’s Shed Association Patron Tim Mathieson in Canberra.
14 June 2011
Doctors Applaud Organ Donation Progress
Australia's senior organ transplant specialists have applauded the best organ donation rates in Australia's history with Victoria achieving the most outstanding results.
10 June 2011
Adelaide out in Front Leading Primary Health Care Reform
Adelaide is set to become one of the first communities in Australia to lead primary health care reform.
10 June 2011
Playford North GP Super Clinic Opens
More doctors, nurses and allied health professionals will be closer to home for residents in the northern suburbs of Adelaide following the opening of the new $7.5 million Playford North GP Super Clinic.
09 June 2011
33 Healthier Lifestyle Projects Nation-Wide
New healthy eating and exercise programs, including getting your hands dirty in a community garden and learning to cycle safely are taking off around the country to help combat obesity.
07 June 2011
Australian Health Ministers’ Conference Communique - 7 June 2011
Australian Health Ministers met in Melbourne on 7 June and reached in principle agreement on legislation to establish the National Health Performance Authority as the next stage of national health reform.
06 June 2011
First Medicare Locals to Continue Primary Health Care Reform
Nineteen communities around Australia will lead primary health care reform as Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon announced the organisations that will become the nation’s first Medicare Locals from 1 July 2011.
06 June 2011
Telehealth Fees Unveiled
Patients in rural, regional and outer metropolitan areas will benefit from an increase in telehealth services with greater access to Medicare funded medical specialist video consultations available from 1 July this year.
03 June 2011
National Health Reform Full Steam Ahead
It’s full steam ahead for national health reform in the lead-up to the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) finalisation of the national health reform agreement next month.
03 June 2011
New Opportunities for The Long Term Unemployed Living with a Mental Illness
More assistance for long term unemployed Australians with a mental illness is one of the centrepieces of the Australian Government’s 2011-12 Budget.
02 June 2011
Extra Support for Older Australians After Hospital Stays
More than 30,000 older Australians each year will receive customised care and support to return to everyday life after a spell in hospital, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said today, announcing expansion of the Transition Care Program by 651 places - bringing the total number of transition care places to 4,000.
02 June 2011
It’s 3am and Your GP is closed — Who Can You Call?
After-hours contact with a GP will be just a phone-call away from July 1. Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon today announced that Medibank has been appointed to be the operator for the after hours GP helplineand has already recruited over 100 doctors.
02 June 2011
Know your family members’ organ and tissue donation wishes, OK?
All Australians are being encouraged to know the organ and tissue donation wishes of their loved ones in a compelling new television campaign announced today by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
01 June 2011
First Steps towards National Mental Health Commission
The first steps are being taken towards establishment of the nation’s first National Mental Health Commission, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said today - welcoming the appointment of Robyn Kruk as Chief Executive Officer designate of the new Commission.
31 May 2011
70 Accommodation Facilities Sign on to Stamp Out Smoking
On World No Tobacco Day, Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon announced a new partnership which will see 70 accommodation facilities managed by Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) move to stamp out smoking.
31 May 2011
Changing Lives for the Better in the Northern Territory
A stronger police presence in remote communities as part of the Northern Territory Emergency Response is helping to improve the wellbeing and safety of Indigenous people and communities.
31 May 2011
GP Super Clinic on the way for City of Hume
Residents of the City of Hume are the winners following the signing of a $7 million agreement between the AustralianGovernment and Dianella Community Health for a GP Super Clinic in Broadmeadows.
31 May 2011
Sign up to Support the Plain Packaging Pledge World No Tobacco Day
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has joined public health advocates for World No Tobacco Day in signing the Plain Packaging Pledge in support of the Government’s proposed plain packaging legislation.
30 May 2011
Government Responds to Hearing Inquiry with Funding Boost for More Services
The Australian Government today presented its response to the recommendations contained in the Senate report, Hear Us: Inquiry into Hearing Health in Australia.
27 May 2011
Training for More Doctors, More Nurses and More Allied Health Professionals
Queensland patients will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health workers with the announcement of a $51 million investment into 35 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the state.
27 May 2011
Eye Health Funding for WA, NT, SA and NSW
Funding of $880,000 has been announced for eye health testing and treatment equipment for mobile eye health teams in Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales.
26 May 2011
Aged Care Places Approved for Multi-Purpose Service in Gulgong
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has announced funding for the allocation of new, flexible aged care places in Gulgong.
26 May 2011
More Support for Palliative Care Patients, Their Families and Carers
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has marked National Palliative Care Week 2011 by announcing an $8.6 million boost to improve palliative care support and services for patients, their families and carers.
26 May 2011
National Sorry Day
Australians are marking National Sorry Day in communities across the country, reflecting on the grief and trauma experienced by members of the Stolen Generations and committing to an ongoing journey of healing.
25 May 2011
Vaccine Side Effects Under the Microscope
An independent assessment of Australia's management of vaccine adverse events, which recommends a more cohesive and coordinated national plan to deal quickly and effectively with health concerns about vaccines, was issued on 25 May.
21 May 2011
Funding for Albany Community Care Respite Centre
Albany Community Care Respite Centre is set to benefit from national health reform with the Australian Government today announcing $1.1 million in funding for the centre.
20 May 2011
$2.8 Million for SA Healthier Lifestyle Projects
New healthy eating and exercise programs, including getting your hands dirty in a community garden and learning to cycle safely will be on offer in four regions in South Australia to help combat obesity.
20 May 2011
Clinicians Taking the Lead
Clinicians will be front and centre in ensuring all Australians have access to high quality, coordinated healthcare as a result of the Australian Government’s national health reforms.
19 May 2011
Australian Government Delivers More Dental Services for Adelaide
Patients in Adelaide will benefit from more dental services with the opening of the $2.1 million, 10-chair teaching dental clinic at the Adelaide Dental Hospital.
19 May 2011
More and Better Support for the Severely Mentally Ill
Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler have visited the Mental Illness Fellowship of South Australia (MIFSA).
18 May 2011
Local Push for Healthier Lifestyles Kicks off in WA
New healthy eating and exercise programs, including walking groups and active transport, will be on offer in four regions of Western Australia to help combat obesity.
18 May 2011
Extra Funding for HACC Services in Western Australia
More frail, older people and younger people with a disability in Western Australia will be able to remain in their own homes and communities as a result of increased funding for Home and Community Care (HACC) services.
18 May 2011
More Surgery and More Beds for WA Thanks to National Health Reform
West Australians will soon see changes take place in the state’s health and hospital system as national health reform starts to deliver more beds and better care.
17 May 2011
More Beds, Treatment and Upgrades for Victorian Hospitals
Victorians will have better access to elective surgery, emergency treatment and subacute hospital beds with the Australian Government’s funding of Victorian projects announced as part of national health reform.
17 May 2011
National Blood Authority: New Board Appointments
A new chair and three new members have been appointed by the Australian Government to the seven-member board of the National Blood Authority.
17 May 2011
Supporting Healthy and Resilient Children Through the AEDI
The Australian Government is committing an additional $29.7 million (over five years) for the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI).
16 May 2011
13 New Services to Support Aboriginal Fathers
Stronger and prouder involvement in parenting will be promoted among Aboriginal men at 13 organisations in a new Australian Government initiative.
16 May 2011
2011-12 Budget Provides Greater Access to Psychological Support
The Australian Government’s $2.2 billion mental health package will provide more people with access to face-to-face psychological support from allied mental health professionals.
16 May 2011
Children to get Better Access to MRI Machines
Children under the age of 16 will get MRI scans more quickly and more cheaply as a result of changes announced in the Budget to improve access to MRIs.
16 May 2011
More Workers for Aboriginal Health in SA
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has launched a report aimed at encouraging more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to take up careers in health.
16 May 2011
Supporting Regional Australia with Extra Funding for Community Mental Health Services
People living in regional and rural Australia will benefit from the Australian Government’s $269.3 million boost for community mental health services, announced in the Budget.
15 May 2011
Government Anti-Smoking Ads Become More Targeted
The Australian Government is continuing its anti-smoking campaign that targets hard-to-reach and high-risk groups, with new advertising aimed at pregnant women and their partners and more groups from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
13 May 2011
2011-12 Budget Offers Greater Support for Mental Health Patients
The Government's $2.2 billion mental health package will provide invaluable assistance to young Australians who suffer from a mental illness.
13 May 2011
March 2011 Medicare Statistics
In the March quarter 2011, a total of $4.0 billion was paid in Medicare benefits for 78.7 million services. This represented 3.5 services and about $175 in benefits for every Australian.
11 May 2011
Way Cleared for Improved Access to Generic Medicines
Australian consumers and health professionals will have more ready access to generic medicines following the passage of legislation through the Senate today.
10 May 2011
Improved Health Services for Australians
Patients across Australia will be able to access better health services closer to home under a $3 billion investment in health reform announced in the 2011-12 Budget.
10 May 2011
Better Access to MRI Tests and Increase to Cancer Services
Patients will have access to more affordable Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services closer to home under a $104.4 million Diagnostic Imaging Review Reform Package.
10 May 2011
Delivering National Mental Health Reform
Australians with a mental illness will get the care they need, when they need it, under a $2.2 billion over 5 years reform package for mental health services.
10 May 2011
Gillard Government Delivers $1.8 Billion to Improve Health Services in Regional and Rural Communities
Regional Australians will receive better local health services through a $1.8 billion investment in regional health infrastructure.
10 May 2011
Investing to Close the Gap
The Gillard Government is delivering on our commitment to close the gap in Indigenous disadvantage with a $526.6 million boost to education, employment and health services for Indigenous Australians.
10 May 2011
New Panel to Advise on Public Hospital Access Targets
A Gillard Government commitment that people will receive the highest standards of service in their public hospitals was confirmed today with the announcement of an expert panel that will oversee how this reform is achieved.
10 May 2011
88 New Beds for Expanded Hervey Bay Health Services
Hervey Bay residents will see St Stephen’s Hospital dramatically expand from an eight bed hospital to a 96 bed hospital thanks to a $47.1 million investment by the Gillard Government to be announced in the 2011-12 Budget.
09 May 2011
Better Diabetes Care, Closer to Home for Regional West Australians
Residents in regional and remote Western Australia suffering from renal failure, often caused by diabetes, will be offered a helping hand thanks to 22 new renal dialysis chairs and other important health infrastructure projects to be funded through the Gillard Government’s 2011-12 Budget.
09 May 2011
Major New Hospital for South East NSW
NSW South Coast residents will benefit from national health reform with today’s announcement that the Gillard Government will fund $160.1 million for the new South East Regional Hospital based in Bega.
07 May 2011
Nutrient Database for Researchers and Consumers
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has launched a new version of a popular nutrient database, used by consumers and researchers alike to find out what nutrients are in food.
06 May 2011
Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council Communiqué
Australian and New Zealand ministers responsible for the regulation of food and beverages met in Canberra today and decided on further actions to address the ongoing health concerns associated with formulated caffeinated energy drinks.
06 May 2011
Government Commits to Cancer Care Service in Geelong
$26.07 million has been committed by the Australian Government towards an integrated Cancer Care Service that would benefit the residents of Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.
06 May 2011
New Youth Health Hub for Colac
Young people and families in Colac will benefit from a new Youth Health Hub, with a $1.2 million investment by the Australian Government to reform and modernise local hospital and health facilities.
06 May 2011
Parap to Benefit from Improved Access to Health Services
People living in Parap can look forward to better access to health care after it was announced that Blue Sun Dental will receive $221,778 of funding under round five of the Australian Government’s National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program (NRRHIP).
05 May 2011
134 Mental Health Beds for Regional Queensland
Patients across regional Queensland will benefit from 134 new mental health beds thanks to a $75 million injection from the Gillard Government delivered through the 2011-12 Budget.
05 May 2011
Major New Health Investments for Rockhampton and Region
Patients from Rockhampton and surrounding regions will continue to see the benefits from national health reform with a number of new multi-million dollar health infrastructure projects announced today by the Australian Government through the 2011-12 Budget.
05 May 2011
New Day Treatment Centre for Townsville
Townsville and North Queensland residents will benefit from national health reform with today’s announcement of a $13.75 million investment in local hospital and mental health services by the Gillard Government.
04 May 2011
$150 Million Supercharge for NT Health Infrastructure
Patients across the Territory will continue to benefit from national health reform through a huge $150 million investment into health and hospital infrastructure, including a new Palmerston hospital, announced in the lead-up to 2011-12 Budget.
04 May 2011
$480,000 of New Funding to Help Close the Gap in Northern Qld
Warren Snowdon, the Minister for Indigenous Health has visited the Stagpole Street Drug and Rehabilitation Unit in Townsville to announce nearly $480,000 in new funding to the Congress Community Development Education Unit Ltd (CCDEU).
04 May 2011
First Sod Turned on Gunnedah GP Super Clinic
The community of Gunnedah and surrounding regions will soon have improved coordinated healthcare with the official sod turning commencing construction work on the $4.3 million Gunnedah GP Super Clinic.
04 May 2011
Tamworth Hospital Redevelopment
Residents of Tamworth will benefit from national health reform with today’s announcement that the Gillard Government will be the majority funding partner for the $220 million major redevelopment and expansion of Tamworth Hospital.
04 May 2011
TGA Launches New Website
The Australian community's access to authoritative information about the safety of medicines and medical devices will be greatly enhanced with the launch today of a revamped Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.
03 May 2011
$65 Million Regional Cancer Centre Project for Albury
Albury Wodonga patients will benefit further from national health reform with the announcement that the Australian Government will fund a $65 million integrated regional cancer centre project through the 2011-12 Budget.
03 May 2011
Growing Veggies Good for Growing Minds - Next Round of Funding for Kitchen Gardens Opens
Growing ripe tomatoes, fresh green beans, sweet golden corn and educating young minds on food and healthy eating habits are just some of the components of an innovative Australian Government funded program designed to tackle childhood obesity.
03 May 2011
More Doctors and Nurses to be Trained in Western Sydney
The Australian Government will deliver more doctors and nurses to Western Sydney – one of the fastest growing population centres in the country – with the completion of the Blacktown Hospital Clinical School Research and Education Centre.
29 April 2011
Hospital Funding Boost Starts to Pay Dividends
The Government's 50 per cent boost to hospital funding in 2008 is starting to pay dividends according to a new report released on 29 April.
29 April 2011
Permanent Housing for Homeless: $16M Redfern Facility
A $16 million Australian Government funded aged care facility will cater for some of Sydney's most vulnerable and isolated.
28 April 2011
96 Doctors Start Psychiatry Training Through Record Australian Government Investment
Ministers Roxon and Butler met with the presidents of Australia’s medical colleges to discuss the Government’s investments in training more specialists and, in particular, the 96 new psychiatrist specialist positions that will see a substantial boost to our mental health workforce.
27 April 2011
Better Access to Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas
People in living in rural and remote communities will benefit from an innovative program that is boosting health and medical services across the nation.
21 April 2011
Australian Government Funds Major Upgrade for Royal Hobart Hospital
The Australian Government today announced a boost to health services in Tasmania by committing $240 million to a major upgrade of the Royal Hobart Hospital.
16 April 2011
More Patients to Benefit From New GP Facilities
Many more patients around Australia can expect a boost in the services provided by their local GP practice thanks to a new round of primary care infrastructure grants
14 April 2011
$2m Emergency Assistance to Flood-Affected Health Services in WA
Aboriginal Medical Services in the Kimberley and Goldfields areas of Western Australia are to receive almost $2 million in emergency funding to help restore vital services to Aboriginal communities severely affected by recent floods.
14 April 2011
Commitment on Youth Mental Health Delivered
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced a $300,000 grant to set up a new headspace youth mental health service in Hobart.
14 April 2011
More Support and Services for the Kimberley to Tackle Indigenous Suicide
The Australian Government is fast-tracking support and services in the Kimberley region of Western Australia in response to the recent tragic suicides of Indigenous people in the area.
14 April 2011
Ten New Youth Mental Health Services
Ten new headspace youth mental health services will begin operating by the end of the year, following the announcement of the selection of the lead agencies for operation.
13 April 2011
63 Extra Health Workers for WA
An extra 63 health workers are being provided to health services across Western Australia to help close the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
13 April 2011
Developing a Future Vision for Mental Health Research
Australian of the Year 2010 Professor Patrick McGorry AM and Director of the National Institute for Mental Health in the USA Professor Thomas Insel are taking part in a Mental Health Workshop, providing advice and initiatives to help improve Australia’s mental health system.
13 April 2011
Minister Snowdon holds an information session on low aromatic Opal fuel
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon MP, and BP held an information session with Aboriginal health professionals from across Western Australia on 13 April to raise awareness about the benefits of low aromatic Opal fuel.
11 April 2011
e-Health Records Blueprint released as National Health Reform continues to deliver
A national blueprint for the development of e-health records ready for their 1 July 2012 launch, helping Australians to better manage their own healthcare, has been released today.
11 April 2011
National Live Longer Roadshow Kicks off to Improve Health of Indigenous Australians
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has launched a new national campaign called Live Longer featuring community events across the country to help extend the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
11 April 2011
Pathology Services to be Better Managed and Funded, Delivering $550 Million Saving to Taxpayer
A new landmark agreement between the Australian Government and the pathology sector will ensure that patients get access to quality, affordable pathology services and the tax payer, better value for money.
07 April 2011
World's Toughest Anti-Smoking Laws Released
The world’s toughest laws on tobacco promotion moved a step closer with the release on 7 April of the Australian Government’s proposed design and legislation for plain packaging.
06 April 2011
Closing the Gap in Queensland's Gulf and Torres Strait
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has announced the Australian Government will fund provide $150,000 to fund a strategic position for an Indigenous Health Council in the Gulf region of Queensland
06 April 2011
Electronic Blue Book on the Way for Western Sydney
Western Sydney will lead Australia’s e-health revolution with an ‘electronic blue book’ on the way for mums and bubs as just one of a number of new e-health projects dedicated to the region.
06 April 2011
Hold the Salt: Simmer Sauces and Processed Meats
The sodium content of many simmer sauces and the sodium and saturated fat content of many processed meats will be reduced under a voluntary agreement with leading food manufacturers and retailers
06 April 2011
Indigenous Families in Mt Isa Get Better Access to Health Services
Indigenous babies in Mount Isa will have a better chance of being born healthy and staying healthy following the announcement of more than $420,000 to develop culturally appropriate pre-pregnancy care and early childhood development services.
06 April 2011
TGA Transparency Review Extended at Request of Review Panel
At the request of the chair of the Therapeutical Goods Administration (TGA) Transparency Review panel, Professor Dennis Pearce, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has extended the panel’s reporting date to 30 June 2011.
05 April 2011
Easier Access to Navigate Aged Care System
From 1 July 2011, older Australians and their carers will find it easier to access and navigate the aged care system with the introduction of a single phone number to access and navigate the system as the first step in the phased implementation of the one-stop shop measure.
04 April 2011
Mental Health Umbrella Project Launch
A community arts project has seen local artist Sandy Elverd work with volunteers from St Bede’s Anglican Parish to help disadvantaged people and those living with mental illness stay engaged with the Port Adelaide community.
02 April 2011
Additional Indigenous Remote Service Delivery Traineeships
Valuable training in business and management is again being offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Australian Government continues its commitment to improving employment opportunities for Indigenous communities and better delivery of aged and primary healthcare services in remote and rural Australia.
01 April 2011
Flexible Care Package Implementation Begins Today
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has announced that implementation has begun on the Government’s Flexible Care Packages for people with severe mental illnesses.
01 April 2011
Women, Health and Ageing – New Results from Longitudinal Study on Women in their 80s
The latest major report from the ongoing Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health has been released.
31 March 2011
Minister Welcomes Arthritis Awareness Week 2011
Chronic conditions involving the bones and joints are the leading cause of ongoing pain and disability in Australia and affect more than 6.3 million Australians, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said today as he acknowledged National Arthritis Week (27 March to 2 April 2011).
31 March 2011
Mobile Renal Dialysis Bus Launched
An innovative way to treat Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who require renal dialysis when returning or visiting remote communities in the Northern Territory has been launched in Alice Springs.
29 March 2011
Brisbane leads the way as e-health super site
Brisbane will the lead the way as an Australian e-health ‘super site’ following new e-health projects announced as a part of national health reform.
29 March 2011
E-Health benefits spread as Canberra team chosen to lead roll-out
Aged and palliative care patients in the ACT will benefit from better integrated and safer care through e-health systems developed by a team from Canberra that has been chosen as one of nine new projects to lead the roll-out of e-health records.
29 March 2011
E-Health Benefits Spread as Nine New Sites Start Work
Mothers and new born babies, Australians suffering from chronic disease and patients in aged and palliative care are some of the first groups set to benefit from national health reform as nine new locations have been selected to lead the roll-out of e-health records.
29 March 2011
E-Health benefits spread as Sydney team chosen to lead roll-out
Patients are set to benefit from a better, safer and more integrated medical records system to be developed by a consortium of Sydney health providers that have been chosen as one of nine new projects to lead the roll-out of e-health records.
29 March 2011
E-Health benefits spread into Western Sydney
Mums and bubs, Indigenous Australians and aged, chronic and complex disease patients in Western Sydney are set to benefit from a new e-health project.
29 March 2011
Instalment of Funding for Royal Hobart Hospital
The next $50 million instalment of the Australian Government’s contribution to the construction of the new Women’s and Children’s Precinct of the Royal Hobart Hospital will be paid to the Tasmanian Government shortly.
29 March 2011
New Training Resource for Child Services Workers
The social and emotional wellbeing of children will benefit from a pre-service vocational education and training resource launched in Canberra as part of the Government’s commitment to mental health reform.
29 March 2011
Territory to Lead E-Health Records for Indigenous Australians
Northern Territorians will be one of the first groups of Australians to have access to e-health records thanks to a new national health reform e-health project announced on 29 March.
28 March 2011
$10,000 up For Grabs for Men’s Sheds
Men’s Sheds and community-based organisations across the country can again apply for up to $10,000 each through the second round of the Australian Government’s Shed Development Program.
28 March 2011
Break the Chain: Indigenous Anti Tobacco Campaign Kicks Off
A new advertising campaign urging Indigenous Australians to quit smoking has hit the airwaves, newspapers and TV screens as the Australian Government continues its world-leading action to combat tobacco use.
28 March 2011
E-Health benefits spread as Geelong team to lead roll-out
Patients are set to benefit from a better and safer medication system to be developed by a team from Geelong that has been chosen as one of nine new projects to lead the roll-out of e-health records.
28 March 2011
Tasmanian aged and palliative care to lead e-health roll-out
Aged and palliative care patients and their families in North West Tasmania will be one of the first groups of Australians to have access to e-health records thanks to a new national health reform e-health project announced on 28 March 2011.
25 March 2011
Access to Indigenous Health Services Eased by New Health Brokers
A new health brokerage service has been established for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the inner north of metropolitan Melbourne.
25 March 2011
Food and Health Dialogue Communiqué
The Australian Government Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, chaired the sixth meeting of the Food and Health Dialogue on 25 March 2011.
24 March 2011
Record Number of Doctors in Training Delivered by National Health Reform
A record 900 GPs have started training this year, as a result of the Australian Government’s national health reforms.
23 March 2011
Progress Made to ‘Close The Gap’ in Indigenous Health
On the eve of the fifth anniversary of the National Close The Gap day, the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, met with some of the 355 additional health staff funded across Australia to help close the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
21 March 2011
Safeguards for Hospitals Welcomed
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has welcomed the passing of key health reform legislation that will drive safe, high quality health care for all Australians.
18 March 2011
Mental Health Reform Update
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, provides an update on what the Australian Government is doing to advance reforms in mental health.
18 March 2011
Opal Fuel Campaign to Focus on Boat Owners in Kakadu
Top End fishermen at the Kakadu Klash fishing competition are likely to be talking about the increasing use of low aromatic Opal fuel in boats as the rollout of Opal continues throughout Kakadu National Park.
18 March 2011
Postgraduate Scholarships for Aged Care Nurses
Around 130 scholarships are available for postgraduate or continuing education relating to care of older people.
17 March 2011
182 GP Training Places for Queensland
182 new GPs will begin training in Queensland this year as the Australian Government continues to deliver national health reform benefits, helping Queenslanders to see and contact a doctor when they need to.
17 March 2011
50 Bed Boost for Logan Hospital Redevelopment: National Health Reform Delivering
The upgrade of Logan Hospital has been given a shot in the arm with a boost of $175 million in new funding from the Australian Government to deliver 50 new beds and a new emergency department building.
17 March 2011
Better Help for Health Professionals Means Better Help for Treating Mental Health Problems
Health professionals will have access to new clinical practice guidelines to help them identify and treat mental health problems following National Health and Medical Research Council’s approval of guidelines developed by beyondblue: the national depression initiative.
17 March 2011
Ipswich Health Workers Praised for Flood Disaster Response
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon today toured the Ipswich GP Super Clinic and praised the local community for digging in and providing a helping hand during the recent flood crisis.
17 March 2011
QEII Emergency Department to Double in Size
The upgrade of Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee (QEII) Hospital has been given a significant boost with an additional $68.5 million in funding from the Australian Government including a doubling of the size of the emergency department.
16 March 2011
81 Extra GPs for WA as Part of National Health Reform
Eighty-one new GPs will begin training in Western Australia this year as the Australian Government continues to deliver national health reform benefits, helping more West Australians to see a doctor closer to home.
16 March 2011
Delivering World Class Rehabilitation and Better Health Services for WA
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has inspected work on the construction of Western Australia’s new State Rehabilitation Centre at Murdoch alongside Member for Fremantle, Melissa Parke MP.
15 March 2011
'Swap it Don't Stop it'
The Australian Government has launched its ‘Swap it don’t stop it’ campaign – a call to make easy, small, healthier lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of illness and disease.
15 March 2011
More Australians Access Mental Health Care
Record numbers of Australians are receiving mental health treatment according to an evaluation released on 15 March, however there are still some groups who are not accessing the services they need.
11 March 2011
Commonwealth Funds Major Upgrade for Port Macquarie Base Hospital
The Australian Government has announced a huge boost to health services in Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast by committing $96 million in a major upgrade of the Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
11 March 2011
Minister Congratulates Improved Access to Mental Health Hotlines
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has congratulated Vodafone Hutchinson Australia’s decision to abolish call charges to a number of front line national suicide prevention hotlines - including Kids Helpline and Lifeline.
10 March 2011
Community Ideas Sought on Mackay GP Super Clinic
Residents and health professionals from the Mackay area are invited to share ideas on Friday 11 March about the best options for their local GP Super Clinic.
10 March 2011
New training centre will attract more health professionals to Taree
The people of Taree and District are the latest to benefit from the Australian Government’s ongoing investment in regional Australia with the official opening of the $6 million Manning Education Centre, a multi-purpose medical education facility in Taree.
09 March 2011
68 GP Training Places for South Australia
Sixty-eight new GPs will begin training in South Australia this year as the Australian Government continues to deliver national health reform benefits, helping South Australians to see and contact a doctor when they need to.
09 March 2011
Health Reform to Deliver 179 Sub Acute Beds and Places in SA
South Australians will soon see changes taking place across the state as national health reform starts to deliver more sub acute beds and better care following an announcement of 179 sub acute beds and places with a substantial focus on mental health.
07 March 2011
10th GP Super Clinic Opening Brings Health Boost to Burnie
Residents from Burnie and surrounds will enjoy greater access to GPs and health professionals closer to home, with the opening of Australia's 10th GP Super Clinic in Burnie on 7 March.
04 March 2011
Australian Health Survey Gets Under Way
The Australian Health Survey about to be undertaken will help with the design and planning of a more focussed health care system for all Australians.
04 March 2011
Chief Medical Officer Professor Jim Bishop
Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, has announced he will leave the position in May this year.
04 March 2011
Community Views Sought on Lower Hunter GPsuper Clinic
Residents and health professionals from the Lower Hunter have been invited to share ideas about the best options for their local GP Super Clinic.
03 March 2011
Additional Funding for Home and Community Care Services in Victoria
Older Victorians who live in their own homes will benefit this year from an $11.9 million boost to aged care services provided to them across the state through the Home and Community Care (HACC) program - a joint initiative of the federal and state government.
03 March 2011
Agreement Reached with Australian Unity
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has completed the approvals for applications from all insurers, following further negotiations with Australian Unity––the final insurer to have its revised premium approved.
01 March 2011
IBM Selected for E-health Authentication Service
The National E-Health Transition Authority has selected IBM to design and build the National Authentication Service for Health, a key building block in developing personally controlled e-health records for Australia.
01 March 2011
Work to begin on new Tennant Creek Sobering Up Shelter
Work will soon start on a new purpose-built shelter in Tennant Creek to provide high-quality care and supervision for people who need somewhere to sober up.
28 February 2011
Extra $47 Million to Help People in Queensland Retain their Independence
Older Queenslanders who live in their own homes will benefit from a $47 million boost to aged care services provided to them across the state this year through the Home and Community Care (HACC) program - a joint initiative of the federal and state governments.
28 February 2011
Getting Information about Medicines and Medical Devices Made Easier
Australians will now be able to more easily find information about medicines and medical devices approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has announced.
28 February 2011
Record Investment in Specialist Doctor Training
A record number of specialist doctors have started work in Australian Government-supported training places as part of a $356 million commitment to boost specialist doctors across the country.
25 February 2011
Improved Services for Young People with Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Problems
Young people aged 12 and over with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drug conditions will benefit from a project researching improved services and pathways of care in South Australia’s northern suburbs.
25 February 2011
Ministerial Council On Drug Strategy
Ministers responsible for illegal and legal drugs met in Perth on 25 February to tackle some of the big issues facing governments and the community with regard to the harms caused by drugs and alcohol.
25 February 2011
Patients Benefit from New Medicines Listed on the PBS and NIP
Australians suffering from serious and life-threatening illnesses will benefit from seven new medicines being listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from 1 April 2011. Two new vaccines will also be added to the National Immunisation Program
25 February 2011
Private Health Insurance Premiums Kept to a Minimum
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has approved private health insurance premium increases to 34 out of 35 health funds by an average of 5.57 per cent, which will take effect from 1 April 2011.
24 February 2011
Minister Snowdon Opens Indigenous Research Forum
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has opened a two day forum that is a first step in establishing a network of experienced and emerging Indigenous researchers.
23 February 2011
Ambassadors Promote the Gift of Life
Four prominent Australians have been appointed by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King as DonateLife Ambassadors.
22 February 2011
$12 Million Extra Funding for Aged Care Services in South Australia
Older South Australians who live in their own homes will benefit this year from a $12 million boost to aged care services provided to them across the state through the Home and Community Care (HACC) program.
22 February 2011
Next Steps to Establish Medicare Locals
The Australian Government has released new guidelines for Medicare Locals to help health practitioners provide more responsive and targeted services for local communities.
21 February 2011
Nine-Year High in Private Health Insurance
Australia has reached its highest rate of private hospital insurance participation in more than nine years, with 44.9 per cent of the population covered.
21 February 2011
Protecting Bubs: Whooping Cough Epidemic
As the current whooping cough epidemic continues, Health and Ageing Minister Nicola Roxon has reminded parents to protect their children with vaccinations, which can begin six weeks after birth.
18 February 2011
Discuss Giving Life During Donatelife Week
Australia’s first national DonateLife Week has been launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
18 February 2011
New Era for Territory Medical Students
The first ever batch of ‘top end’ medical students to undertake their entire degree in the Territory have been welcomed onto campus by Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon.
18 February 2011
New Staff Provided Across Victoria to Improve Indigenous Health
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, said an additional 38 health staff are being funded across Victoria this financial year, to help close the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
18 February 2011
Palmerston GP Super Clinic Brings Care Closer to Home
Getting health care closer to home is easier for Palmerston residents, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, told locals as she toured the Palmerston GP Super Clinic on 18 February.
17 February 2011
Australian Health Ministers’ Conference Communique
The Australian Health Ministers' Conference met in Hobart on 17 February
17 February 2011
Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council Communique
The Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council met in Hobart on 17 February
17 February 2011
Seeking Indigenous Runners for New York Marathon
Outstanding natural long-distance runners are being sought to join Rob de Castella’s Indigenous Marathon Project and run in this year’s world-famous New York City Marathon.
16 February 2011
Better Training of Health Professionals for Tasmanians
Health students at the University of Tasmania will now have better access to clinical training through a new Commonwealth-funded IT management system, to be run in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services.
16 February 2011
Call for e-health partners
Personally controlled electronic health records are a step closer following the call for partners to help develop the system.
16 February 2011
Clarence GP Super Clinic Moves Closer to Completion
Better coordinated healthcare for the Clarence community is on its way, said the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, while inspecting the Clarence GP Super Clinic construction site.
16 February 2011
Members Sought for Preventive Health Advisory Council
Individuals with expertise in preventive health are invited to express their interest in joining a new national advisory council to tackle chronic disease.
15 February 2011
Health Reform Delivering for Patients at Royal Melbourne
Elective surgery patients at the Royal Melbourne Hospital are already benefiting from the Australian Government’s investment in national health reform.
14 February 2011
Adelaide GP Super Clinic a Step Closer
Adelaide residents and health professionals have shared ideas about the best options for the GP Super Clinic in central Adelaide.
14 February 2011
Cancer Centre Start a Reward for Community Effort
The hard work and commitment of the people of Ballarat and region has been rewarded with the official start of construction on the new $56.5 million Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre.
14 February 2011
Community Input Sought on Mt Barker GP Super Clinic
Residents and health professionals from the Mt Barker area have been invited to share ideas about the best options for their local GP Super Clinic.
14 February 2011
Construction Set to Start for Bundaberg GP Super Clinic
The Bundaberg region is a step closer to getting a GP Super Clinic with construction set to start following the announcement of the builder who has won the contract to construct the new facility.
14 February 2011
Grants to Support new and Established Men’s Sheds
Older and disadvantaged men in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia will soon have more help to meet and find social support with Australian Government Grants for Men’s Sheds.
13 February 2011
A Better Deal for Patients
The Australian Government will invest a guaranteed extra $19.8 billion in public hospitals.
12 February 2011
Better Aged Care Services for Older Australians from Non-English Speaking Backgrounds
Older Australians of non-English-speaking backgrounds will benefit from better access to aged care services that meet their needs following a call for applications for funding under the Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care Program.
11 February 2011
Training Boost for Indigenous Aged Care Workers
Indigenous people living in rural and remote areas will receive aged care training in their own communities under an Australian Government plan to bring employment opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
10 February 2011
Funding the beginning of 130 research careers
One hundred and thirty university graduates will benefit from $10.2 million of Australian Government scholarships. The scholarships have been provided to graduates in medicine, nursing, dentistry, allied health and other areas support their Masters and PhD studies - the foundations of a career in research.
10 February 2011
National Palliative Care Strategy Released
The release of the updated National Palliative Care Strategy will help ensure a nationally consistent and coordinated approach to the delivery of palliative care services across Australia.
10 February 2011
Realising real health benefits from research
Eighteen teams of researchers will be given the opportunity to develop their discoveries into products to improve human health thanks to $7.4 million of Australian Government support, provided as National Health and Medical Research Council Development Grants.
09 February 2011
10 of the Best Medical Research Projects
The successes of the Australian Government’s $700 million annual investment in health and medical research has been showcased in a new publication, 10 of the Best Research Projects 2010, launched on 9 February.
04 February 2011
Increased Safeguards for Radiotherapy Treatment
Australian cancer patients and others requiring radiotherapy will have increased safeguards to their treatment with the launch of the Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service.
04 February 2011
Sunshine Coast GP Super Clinic a Step Closer
Residents and health professionals on the Sunshine Coast are invited to share ideas on 4 February about the best options for their local GP Super Clinic.
03 February 2011
Gold Coast Community Called on for Input on GP Super Clinic
Gold Coast residents and health professionals are invited to share ideas tonight about the best options for the GP Super Clinic on the Gold Coast.
02 February 2011
Construction Underway for New Dementia Day Care Centre
People with dementia and their families will soon have access to a new Dementia Day Centre in Camden.
02 February 2011
Extra $16.1 Million for Home and Community Care in NSW
An additional $16.1 million has been provided for Home and Community Care (HACC) services across NSW.
02 February 2011
New Independent Committee to Assure Research Integrity
Australian taxpayers can be confident the research activities they fund meet the highest ethical and moral standards thanks to the establishment of the Australian Government’s Australian Research Integrity Committee.
02 February 2011
Surgery Success Heralds Implementation of Kidney Exchange Program
Successful surgery for three kidney recipients late last year has heralded the welcome implementation of the new Australian Paired Kidney Exchange (AKX) program.
01 February 2011
New PBS Listings Help Fight Life Threatening Illnesses
The Australian Government has announced a boost to the fight against life-threatening conditions with the listing of new drugs on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
31 January 2011
Community Input Sought for West Pilbara GP Super Clinic
Local residents and health professionals from the West Pilbara are invited to share ideas about the best options for the GP Super Clinic in Karratha.
31 January 2011
85 Aboriginal Health Organisations Receive Support
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, said more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would have access to best-practice health care, with the Australian Government announcing $5.6 million to help Aboriginal Health Organisations achieve accreditation under Australian quality standards.
30 January 2011
Cigarettes bring cancer closer: Largest-ever National Tobacco Campaign kicks off
A new hard-hitting advertising campaign that graphically links smoking with lung cancer hit the airwaves and TV screens today as the Australian Government continues its world-leading action to combat tobacco use.
30 January 2011
Watch the wheeze during back-to-school period
Parents of children with asthma should prepare back to school asthma action plans ahead of the anticipated spike in asthma cases at the start of the school term.
29 January 2011
Applications sought for new $15m ACT GP Super Clinic
The Australian Government has issued an Invitation to Apply for parties to establish the proposed $15 million ACT GP Super Clinic.
28 January 2011
Community input sought for new GP Super Clinics
Thirteen communities across the country are being invited to share ideas about the best options for GP Super Clinics in their local areas.
28 January 2011
Release of Final Report of Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy
Recommendations to improve food labelling law and policy in Australia and New Zealand are contained in the report of an independent panel released on 28 January.
27 January 2011
Directory of Services a Good Guide for Older Australians
A concise and user-friendly information directory that outlines the many Government services available for older people and their families has been launched.
27 January 2011
Grafton GP Super Clinic Moves Closer
The Grafton region is a step closer to getting a GP Super Clinic with the announcement that National Build Plan Group has won the contract to construct the new facility.
26 January 2011
Mental Health Minister Congratulates 2011 Local Hero of the Year
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler congratulates suicide prevention advocate Donald Ritchie OAM for winning the Australia Day Local Hero of the Year award for 2011.
26 January 2011
Minister for Ageing Congratulates 2011 Senior Australian of the Year
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler congratulates equal rights campaigner Professor Ron McCallum AO who received this year’s Senior Australian of the Year award.
25 January 2011
Outgoing Senior Australian of the Year Recognised
The contribution of culinary icon and outgoing Senior Australian of the Year Maggie Beer has been recognised by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
24 January 2011
Reduce your risk during Healthy Weight Week
Reduce your risk of chronic disease by achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle is the key message coming out of Healthy Weight Week.
21 January 2011
Productivity Commission Draft Report on Aged Care
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission’s draft report ‘Caring for Older Australians’ which will provide the Australian Government with key advice on the direction of aged care.
20 January 2011
Changes to the PBS will help flood victims across Australia
The Acting Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing of an important antibiotic will be extended, to increase the treatment options for people with skin infections caused by contact with contaminated flood water.
19 January 2011
Legionnaires' disease alert to travellers from Bali
Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, has issued an alert to travellers in Bali or who have recently returned, who experience ‘flu-like’ symptoms such as fever and cough to consult their GPs or hospital emergency departments.
18 January 2011
Latest National Teen Drug Usage Statistics Released
The National Drug Strategy Monograph: Australian secondary school students’ use of tobacco, alcohol, and over-the-counter and illicit substances in 2008, has been released by the Acting Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
18 January 2011
Tribute to Australian Organ Donors
A record number of 309 deceased Australians donated their organs and tissue for transplant during 2010, drawing praise and gratitude from the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
14 January 2011
Minister Raises Dementia Awareness
Minister Raises Dementia Awareness
14 January 2011
States Pull Together to Help out Queensland
Additional state and territory and local government environmental health officers, mental health officers and health department officials will be sent to Queensland to assist the flood recovery effort following a meeting on 14 January of the Australian Health Protection Committee.
13 January 2011
Aged Care Information Line Takes One Millionth Call
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler congratulated the staff of the Aged Care Information Line in recognition of the free service receiving its one millionth call.
13 January 2011
Ageing Support for Flood Affected Australians
Older Australians and aged care staff affected by unprecedented flooding in Queensland will be supported by the Labor Government under measures taken to ensure the safety and well being of people in residential and community care in flood affected areas
13 January 2011
Health Assistance for Flood Affected Australians
Health Assistance for Flood Affected Australians The Acting Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced special short term emergency health arrangements for flood-affected areas, including the activation of the Health National Incident Room and special pharmacy arrangements.
13 January 2011
Mental Health Support for Flood Affected Australians
Australians experiencing mental ill health resulting from unprecedented flooding in Queensland will be able to access support through special measures announced by Acting Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler on 13 January.
12 January 2011
Health and Ageing Support for Flood Affected Australians
The Acting Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, expressed concern and sympathy for the victims of the Queensland flood, reiterating the Commonwealth’s continued support to health and ageing authorities in Queensland and other states affected by these unprecedented floods.
07 January 2011
Momentum Building around E-Health
Personally controlled electronic health records are a step closer with the closing of applications for the second round of lead implementation sites.
06 January 2011
Medicine Reforms Benefit Tasmanian Hospital Patients
Tasmanians prescribed lengthy courses of medicines at public hospitals will now be able to receive up to a month's supply without the need for a separate trip to a GP.
05 January 2011
New Year’s Resolutions get a Helping Hand
New Year’s resolutions to get active, eat well and quit smoking will be promoted throughout the year and beyond by the Australian National Preventive Health Agency, which was formally established on 1 January 2011.
30 December 2010
$113m Mental Health Boost to Start 1 January
Hundreds of thousands of Australians with mental health problems will benefit from a $113.2 million boost in treatment and services from 1 January 2011
29 December 2010
New Directions for Improving Women’s Health
Ensuring women have access to the right health care at the right time is a key objective of the Government’s National Women’s Health Policy 2010 released on 29 December.
23 December 2010
Mental Health Expert Advisory Group Established
A new expert advisory group on mental health will provide the Federal Government with advice on the important reforms needed in the mental health sector.
23 December 2010
Significant Step in Health Reform
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has announced that an important milestone in health reform had been achieved with six states and territories reaching agreement with the Commonwealth on the boundaries for Local Hospital Networks and Medicare Locals.
23 December 2010
Spare Some Time for Aged Neighbours this Festive Season
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has encouraged Australians to spare a thought for their elderly relatives and neighbours during the festive season.
22 December 2010
Cloning Legislative Review Committee Established
An independent committee has been established by the Australian Government to review cloning legislation.
20 December 2010
Boost to Australians fighting cancer
Cancer treatment and prevention continues to get top priority from the Australian Government, following two announcements totalling $22.6 million for high-priority cancer research projects and to extend clinical trials.
20 December 2010
Community consultation under way for Canberra’s $15m GP Super Clinic
Local residents and health professionals have teamed up today to share ideas about the best options for a GP Super Clinic in the nation’s capital.
20 December 2010
New CEO to continue Organ and Tissue Donation Reforms
Ms Yael Cass is to head up the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority from 5 February 2011.
20 December 2010
New Deputy Chair Appointed to Key Mental Health Advisory Group
South Australia's Social Inclusion Commissioner, Monsignor David Cappo, has been appointed deputy chairman of the National Advisory Council on Mental Health - a key strategic group providing specialist policy advice on mental health to the Australian Government.
17 December 2010
Tender Call Marks New Stage in e-health Development
The Australian Government’s personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system took a further step forward today with the call for an organisation to evaluate the benefits and capabilities of the new system.
16 December 2010
Boost to Indigenous Aged Care Services in Northern Territory
The Australian Government is to provide $1.7 million to upgrade and extend the Galiwin’ku Aged Care Service on Elcho Island in the Northern Territory.
15 December 2010
Ministerial Conference on Ageing Communiqué
Australian and New Zealand Ministers responsible for ageing met in Melbourne on 15 December to discuss health and ageing matters affecting older people.
14 December 2010
Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment Kicks Off
The first stage of construction for the new integrated Women’s and Children’s Hospital kicked off on 14 December as part of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s redevelopment.
14 December 2010
Tasmanian State-Of-The-Art Ambulance Centre Ready for Business
Faster and more effective coordination of patient transport will result from Ambulance Tasmania’s new State Communications Centre and State Headquarters.
13 December 2010
Organ donations highest in Australia's recorded donation history
More Australian families are consenting to their loved ones becoming organ donors.
10 December 2010
Better Practice in Aged Care Award for Aldersgate
Aldersgate Aged Care Facility in Felixstow has received a Better Practice in Aged Care award in recognition of its leading-edge art therapy program.
10 December 2010
MyHospitals – Shining a light on Australian Hospitals
The MyHospitals website, which gives the community clear, comparable and user-friendly information about the services and the performance of their local hospital, was launched on 10 December.
09 December 2010
$1.5m for Innovative Community-Based Dementia Projects
Applications are being sought from groups and organisations for funding for projects that increase awareness of dementia in local communities.
09 December 2010
Early Successes in Efforts to ‘Close the Gap’
A new report on the Australian Government’s multi-million dollar commitment to tackling chronic disease in Indigenous communities shows positive progress is being made.
09 December 2010
New Director for the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Mr David Kalisch has been appointed the new Director of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
08 December 2010
Big Boost to Aged Care Places
Australia’s older people will gain 12,272 new aged care places, worth more than $450 million a year, in allocations in the 2009-10 Aged Care Approvals Round.
08 December 2010
Increase in Elective Surgery Operations Rewarded by the Commonwealth
For the first time, the Australian Government will will reward states and territories with $108 million for exceeding targets to increase elective surgery operations, the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, have announced.
08 December 2010
Minister for Ageing visits Goodwin Monash
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has visited Goodwin’s Ralph Cartwright Centre in Monash to present staff training awards and turn the first sod for a new residential aged care home.
08 December 2010
National Workforce Launched to Tackle Indigenous Smoking and Improve Health
Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has launched a new workforce featuring 82 new positions to help reduce smoking and help improve nutrition and physical activity in Indigenous communities across the country.
07 December 2010
More than $5 Billion in Applications for Regional Health
More than 230 applications totalling over $5 billion from regional and remote Australia have been received for the ‘regional priority round’ of the Australian Government’s Health and Hospitals Fund (HHF).
06 December 2010
Party Safe this Summer
Festival-goers will be targeted this summer as part of the Australian Government’s National Drugs Campaign to combat illicit drug use. The latest phase of the National Drugs Campaign will be promoted through the popular In the Mix website, the go-to site for the summer music festival program.
03 December 2010
Another Step Taken to Help Keep Communities Healthy
The Department of Health and Ageing is seeking organisations or consortia to manage the Healthy Communities Quality Framework registration process and information portal.
03 December 2010
Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council - Joint Communique
Food Ministers briefed on progress of historic Food Labelling Review
The health implications of caffeinated energy drinks, improvement of public awareness of the nutrition content of take-away food and recent international developments and efforts made by Australian and New Zealand industry in phasing out the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) chemicals in baby bottles and food containers were among topics discussed at a meeting of the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council in Adelaide today.
03 December 2010
GP Super Clinics: Boosting Primary Care Options for Australians
Making it easier for Australians to see and contact a health professional when they need to is a priority for the Australian Government, and GP Super Clinics form a central component of the Government’s efforts to address a shortage of services across the community.
02 December 2010
Celebrating Success in Indigenous Traineeships
An event on 2 December marked AFL SportsReady's 1,000th Indigenous trainee.
02 December 2010
Health Reform Delivers More Beds and Better Care in Queensland Hospitals
Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Queensland Treasurer and Acting Health Minister Andrew Fraser have announced new funding for Queensland hospitals under the Australian Government’s national health reform.
02 December 2010
Redcliffe GP Super Clinic Draws Closer
New health services are just around the corner for the Redcliffe community as the construction of the new, purpose-built Redcliffe GP Super Clinic continues ahead of schedule.
01 December 2010
Funding Equipment to Fight Hearing Loss in Indigenous Children
The Australian Government is providing more than 400 pieces of medical equipment to help reduce the rate of hearing loss among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
01 December 2010
Making it easier to see your doctor – Boost for GP After-Hours
After-hours support from local GPs will be boosted in communities around the country following two announcements on 1 December by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon.
01 December 2010
New Medicines Available Through PBS from 1 December
Australians suffering from pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, osteoporosis, bipolar disorder, or hepatitis C will be among those to benefit from changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) that come into effect on 1 December.
01 December 2010
Pandemic Warning Decreased to Alert Phase
From 1 December 2010, Australia's pandemic phase moves from PROTECT to ALERT, signifying the end of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) pandemic in Australia.
01 December 2010
World AIDS Day 2010
1 December is World AIDS Day – an important opportunity to renew Australia’s commitment to raise awareness and improve education about HIV.
30 November 2010
Further Steps Taken to Implement Medicare Locals
The Australian Government has taken the next step in reforming Australia’s health system and establishing a network of primary health care organisations – Medicare Locals – by releasing the latest draft of its planned geographic boundaries.
30 November 2010
Mobile Phone Applications Could Help Revolutionise Health Care in Australia
Accessing a patient’s record may be as easy as using a mobile phone application as the Government’s investment in e-Health revolutionises health care in Australia.
30 November 2010
Next Step for Telehealth Services for Patients
The Australian Government’s investment in better connecting patients to specialist services through technology took a step forward on 30 November, with the release of a discussion paper seeking views on the most effective delivery for the scheme.
29 November 2010
Over 1 Million Dental Checks have Teens Flashing Pearly Whites
Over one million dental checks have left Aussie teens with brighter smiles as a result of the Australian Government’s Medicare Teen Dental Program.
29 November 2010
Private Health Insurance Administration Council Members Appointed
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has welcomed the appointments of three new members to the Private Health Insurance Administration Council.
25 November 2010
$100 Million For Royal Hobart Hospital
The Australian Government and the Tasmanian Government have finalised an agreement to enable the construction of the Women’s and Children’s Precinct on the Royal Hobart Hospital site.
25 November 2010
Patients to Benefit from New Primary Care Infrastructure Grants
Patients can expect to see big changes at their local GP clinics, thanks to $64.5 million in primary care infrastructure grants announced by the Australian Government on 25 November.
25 November 2010
Registration, Accreditation And Support Processes For Overseas Doctors
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has welcomed the commencement of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing’s work to explore current registration, accreditation and support processes for overseas-trained doctors.
24 November 2010
Applications Now Open For Second Wave e-Health Projects
Hundreds of thousands more Australians will join the e-health revolution as a result of up to $55 million from the Australian Government now available for the next round of innovative e-health projects across the nation.
24 November 2010
Better Private Health Insurance Information a Win for Consumers
The 10 million Australians who are covered by private hospital cover now have a better tool to call on when trying to work out which cover is best for them, with the launch of improvements to the web site privatehealth.gov.au.
24 November 2010
Widespread Support for Health Reform Welcomed
Over three-quarters of all Australians support the Australian Government’s historic health reform agenda according to new statistics released on 24 November.
23 November 2010
42 More Schools to Help Promote Healthy Eating
Children at 42 schools around the country will be growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing fresh food and learning healthy eating habits as part of the latest round of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program.
22 November 2010
Anaesthetic training opportunities for rural and remote GPs
Increased funding for maternity training for doctors will enable general practitioners to complete procedural training in obstetrics and anaesthetics.
20 November 2010
$23m in Local Grants Available for Healthy Community
The Australian Government is calling on local governments around Australia to apply for more than $23 million worth of Healthy Communities Grants.
19 November 2010
Food and Health Dialogue Communique
The Australian Government Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Catherine King, has chaired the fifth meeting of the Food and Health Dialogue on 19 November
18 November 2010
Historic Health Prevention Agency a Reality
The fight against preventable diseases has been given a boost after the Parliament passed on 17 November the historic Australian National Preventive Health Agency Bill 2010.
18 November 2010
Mums the Winners from New Tool in Fight Against Diabetes
The National Gestational Diabetes Register was launched on 18 November.
17 November 2010
Internet Tobacco Advertising to Face New Tough Restrictions
Prohibiting retailers from peddling cigarettes as ‘cheap’ or ‘tax-free’ on the internet is the latest step in the Australian Government’s hard hitting and comprehensive action to reduce Australia’s smoking rates.
15 November 2010
10 Million Aussies now Have Private Hospital Insurance
For the first time since December 1982, more than 10 million Australians have private hospital insurance. Figures released on 15 November also showed that a high proportion of Australians were continuing to take out private health insurance, demonstrating the strength of the sector.
14 November 2010
World Diabetes Day: Education and Prevention is the Key
Diabetes education and prevention is the theme of World Diabetes Day, held on 14 November.
08 November 2010
$7.6 M New Health Clinic Opens for the Territory’s Largest Aboriginal Community
The expanded and refurbished health centre at Wadeye in the Northern Territory has been officially opened by the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon .
08 November 2010
Continuing the Fight Against Petrol Sniffing
The Australian Government is stepping up its push to curb petrol sniffing in regional and remote communities – making the low aromatic Opal fuel available in Kakadu National Park for the first time.
08 November 2010
Indigenous Runners Successful in New York Marathon
Four young men from remote Northern Australia have become the nation’s first Aboriginal marathon team to complete the world-famous New York City Marathon.
04 November 2010
Young Aboriginal Men Set Pace For New York City Marathon
Four young men from remote parts of Northern Australia are to become the nation’s first Aboriginal marathon team to compete in the world-famous New York City Marathon on 7 November.
01 November 2010
MyHospitals to Launch with Public Hospitals from all States
The MyHospitals website will be online in December with information about public hospitals in all states and territories– including Western Australia.
01 November 2010
Nurses and Midwives Access Medicare and the PBS
Nurse Practitioners and Midwives will from 1 November be able to access the Medicare Benefits Schedule and provide Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medicines in the community.
29 October 2010
Next Steps Taken to Establish Medicare Locals
The Australian Government has taken an important step in establishing a network of primary health care organisations – Medicare Locals – by releasing a discussion paper on their planned roles, functions and governance.
28 October 2010
e-Health Conference - Revolutionising Australia’s Health Care
The nation’s leading health experts, consumer groups and information technology specialists will come together to discuss the technological revolution in the delivery of health care at an e-health conference later this year.
28 October 2010
National Epidermolysis Bullosa Scheme Helping Those In Need
This week, 26-31 October, is International Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week and an important opportunity to highlight this rare and debilitating genetic disease.
28 October 2010
Process Commences For The Next 28 GP Super Clinics
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon announced the start of the process of delivering 28 new GP Super Clinics to local communities around Australia, an extra $233m investment in primary healthcare.
27 October 2010
Consultation Open on Alcohol–Free Community Sponsorship Fund
As part of its National Binge Drinking Strategy, the Australian Government is seeking input from the community on how to remove links between alcohol and community sporting and cultural activities that young people are involved in.
25 October 2010
New Eye Surgery ‘Blitz’ in Central Australia
A six-day intensive eye surgery ‘blitz’, funded by the Australian Government and coordinated by the Fred Hollows Foundation, has begun at Alice Springs Hospital.
22 October 2010
$8 Million Boost For Remote And Regional Health Services
People Living in Rural and Remote Communities are Already Benefiting From an Innovative Program that is Boosting Health and Medical Services in Communities Across the Nation.
19 October 2010
Funding for Innovative Health Training Facilities in Central Australia
More doctors, nurses and specialists will be supported in and around Alice Springs as part of the Australian Government’s health reforms to deliver better health and hospitals for all Australians.
18 October 2010
Bath Inquiry into the Northern Territory Child Protection System
The Australian Government will immediately commit more than $34 million to boost measures to protect children from neglect and abuse in the Northern Territory (NT).
18 October 2010
Driving change in the Northern Territory
Over the last three years the Australian Government has improved community safety and increased jobs for Indigenous people in the Northern Territory, as programs and services under the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) have been ramped up.
15 October 2010
Government to Deliver More Maternity Services in Regional Australia
The Australian Government has increased funding for maternity training for doctors that will see more obstetric and anaesthetic services and support for women in rural and remote areas.
15 October 2010
Supporting Women with Secondary Breast Cancer
A booklet which provides guidance on how to conduct important and often difficult conversations around palliative care for women whose breast cancer has spread, has been launched by Nicola Roxon the Minister for Health and Ageing, at the Pink Ribbon Lunch in Melbourne.
14 October 2010
World Sight Day Highlights Indigenous Eye Health Challenge
World Sight Day (14 October) has provided an opportunity for a reminder of the need to reduce the high rate of eye disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
13 October 2010
$5 Million Grant for Medical Training Facility at Geelong
More doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are set to be supported in Geelong as part of the Australian Government’s health reforms to deliver better health and hospitals for all Australians, with the announcement today for up to $5 million for a dedicated education precinct and ward-based training facility within a new Epworth HealthCare private not-for-profit hospital.
03 October 2010
Games Raise Awareness Of Need For Organ And Tissue Donation
The 12th Australian Transplant Games, which officially opened in Canberra on 3 October, play a crucial role in raising awareness and support for organ and tissue donation.
01 October 2010
Vital Help for Women after Breast Cancer Mastectomy
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Medicare Australia is reminding breast cancer survivors who’ve had a mastectomy that they can be reimbursed for external breast prostheses.
30 September 2010
30 Minutes to Spare can Reduce our Risk of Chronic Disease
By being active for at least 30 minutes on most days – such as taking a brisk walk – we can reduce our risk of chronic disease.
29 September 2010
Soliris A Step Closer For Life Saving Drugs Program
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has recommended to the Australian Government that it consider funding the drug Soliris® (eculizumab) for the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria (PNH) through the Life Saving Drugs Program.
26 September 2010
Alcopops Tax Has Worked
Victorian results from the 2008 Australian Secondary School Students Alcohol and Drug Survey (ASSAD) show that the closure of the alcopops tax loophole has worked, with the proportion of secondary school students who reported drinking in the week before the survey is at its lowest level since the survey began in 1984.
25 September 2010
New Funds for Renal Nurse Case Manager Positions in the NT
The Australian Government has provided additional funding of $704,000 for renal nurse case manager positions Katherine, Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.
13 September 2010
Final Statement for Minister for Sport
Kate Ellis has welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement that she will serve as Minister for Employment Participation and Child Care and as Minister for the Status of Women in the Australian Government.
11 September 2010
Statement from Minister for Health and Ageing
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon said she was pleased and honoured to continue leading the Government's ambitious health reform agenda to deliver better health services for all Australians.
30 July 2010
Seasonal flu vaccination for young children can be resumed - Updated advice from the Chief Medical Officer
Continued close monitoring of side effects with this year's seasonal flu vaccine in children under five years of age has shown that the higher than usual occurrence of fever and febrile convulsions appears to be confined to the vaccine Fluvax, manufactured by CSL so parents can now seek advice from their doctor to use other brands on the market if they want their young children vaccinated.
19 July 2010
Agreed Terms of Reference For Central Australia Renal Study
The Australian, Northern Territory, South Australian and Western Australian Governments have agreed to the Terms of Reference for a Central Australian renal study.
16 July 2010
Experts to Help Deliver Better Diabetes Services
People with diabetes will join health professionals, including medical specialists, general practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals, on an Advisory Group to help the Government deliver better services for Australians with diabetes.
16 July 2010
Myhospitals Website
For the first time all Australians will soon be able to view important data about their public hospitals thanks to a new website being developed as part of the Government’s ambitious health reform agenda.
15 July 2010
Australian Government Acts on New South Wales Nursing Home
The Australian Government has imposed sanctions on Calendula Pty Ltd, the approved provider of Daintree Aged Care in Albion Park, New South Wales.
15 July 2010
Communities Get Together to Get Fit, Keep Fit & Lose Weight
Communities right round Australia will be walking, cycling, lifting and eating their way to good health thanks to $6 million in grants announced on 15 July. It is expected that when fully operational these programs will be helping at least 150,000 people improve their health.
15 July 2010
Rural Health Minister Addresses Rural Health Students at National Conference
Delegates at the 12th National University Rural Health conference in Alice Springs have been told the Australian Government was committed to delivering an ambitious health reform agenda, which will support more health professionals to work and live in rural and regional Australia.
14 July 2010
Leading Organisations to Run Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship Scheme
Two expert organisations with proven track records have been appointed by the Australian Government to administer the Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme.
14 July 2010
New Facility to Train Nurses in Wound Management
Clinical training for doctors, nurses and other health professionals in Western Australia will be boosted with the development of a high technology education centre dedicated to wound management.
14 July 2010
Wanneroo GP Super Clinic a Step Closer
The establishment of the Wanneroo GP Super Clinic moved closer with the review of concept plans by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon.
13 July 2010
Building SA’s Health And Medical Research Institute
The Australian Government’s health and hospital reform took another step forward today with the turning of the first sod of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.
13 July 2010
Next Generation of Health Professionals for South Australia Get a New Home in Playford North
More doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are set to be supported in Adelaide’s northern suburbs as part of the Australian Governments health reforms to deliver better health and hospitals for Australians.
11 July 2010
Diabetes Week – More Funding, Better Care
The Australian Government’s ambitious health and hospital reforms have been boosted with more funding dedicated to researching diabetes, particularly finding a cure.
10 July 2010
More Nurses in Aged Care – Up to 395 Nursing Scholarships
Applications have opened for up to 395 undergraduate aged care nursing scholarships worth up to $30,000 each as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to boost training for aged care workers.
09 July 2010
Australian Government Acts on New South Wales Nursing Home
The Australian Government has imposed sanctions on Fairfield Nursing Home Holdings Pty Ltd, the approved provider of Fairfield Nursing Home in New South Wales.
09 July 2010
Federal Rural Health Minister Holds Health Roundtable in Colac
Minister for Rural and Regional Health Warren Snowdon has held a health roundtable in Colac and toured a number of the region’s health facilities to talk about health reform and health issues of importance to the area.
09 July 2010
New Peak Body to Support More Indigenous Physiotherapists, Dieticians, Occupational Therapists and Optometrists
The health of Indigenous Australians has taken another step forward with the launch of a new peak national body to represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health professionals and students.
09 July 2010
Wake up Call on Men’s Health
Minister for Rural and Regional Health Warren Snowdon said Australian men have to confront the reality of the health risks that can see them die earlier than their female counterparts.
07 July 2010
Indigenous Health Minister Holds Indigenous Health Forum in Ipswich to Mark NAIDOC Week
Indigenous Health Minister Warren Snowdon and Member for Blair Shayne Neumann have visited an Aboriginal Medical Service in Ipswich during NAIDOC week to hold an Indigenous Health forum.
07 July 2010
Minister Elliot Visits Hawthorn Village - Hobart
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has visited Hawthorn Village, an aged care facility in Blackmans Bay in Hobart’s south, where a 13-bed dementia wing was constructed with the assistance of a $1 million capital grant from the Australian Government.
07 July 2010
New Beds For Prince Of Wales Hospital
Australia’s historic health and hospital reform is set to deliver an additional 12 beds to Prince of Wales Hospital.
07 July 2010
Release of Roadmap to Reform
The timeline for the further delivery of better health and hospital services has been released by the Minister for Health and Ageing.
07 July 2010
Wallan and Mt Isa GP Super Clinics to Receive Financial Boost
Communities in Wallan and Mt Isa have received a boost as part of the Australian Government’s better health and hospitals plan, with the Government to an additional $2.5 million for the Wallan GP Super Clinic, making a total of $3.5 million and a further $2.5 million for the Mt Isa GP Super Clinic, making a total of $5 million.
06 July 2010
Better Clinical Training for Tasmanian Students - $4.5 Million
Up to an additional 250 medical, nursing and allied health students are expected to be trained in Tasmania each year by 2013 following a $4.5 million commitment for new clinical training infrastructure across the state.
06 July 2010
Ipswich GP Super Clinic Progressing Well
Progress at the Ipswich GP Super Clinic is advancing well, with the first stage of the clinic expected to be operational by the end of August.
06 July 2010
More Aged Care Beds for North Western Tasmania
Support from the Australian Government’s Zero Real Interest Loans initiative has helped deliver more aged care services in Deloraine.
06 July 2010
New $1.57 million Cooma dementia day-care and HACC centre
Services for older residents and people with a disability of Cooma and surrounds have received a boost with the opening of a $1.57 million dementia day care.
05 July 2010
Next Generation of Female Sport Leaders Announced
Minister for Sport Kate Ellis and Minister for the Status of Women Tanya Plibersek have announced the recipients of the 2010-11 Sport Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women (SLGSfW) program.
01 July 2010
Draft Boundaries for Your Medicare Local
The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) have provided to Government an independent report they have commissioned suggesting potential geographic boundaries for primary health care organisations.
01 July 2010
New Incentives will Bring Doctors to Rural and Regional Areas
Rural and regional families are set to benefit from more doctors in their communities as the Australian Government increases the rewards and incentives for doctors to move to these areas.
01 July 2010
New Truck to Help Boost Dental Care in Central Australia
Adults and children in remote Aboriginal communities will benefit from funding from a new 4WD mobile dental truck, announced in Alice Springs by the Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon and NT minister for Health, Kon Vatskalis.
01 July 2010
Previous Healthcare Identifiers Service Announcements
Previous ‘what’s new’ announcements on the Healthcare Identifiers Service
30 June 2010
Government Announces BPA Baby Bottle Phase Out
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mark Butler has announced the phase out by major retailers of baby bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA).
30 June 2010
Hospitals Busier Than Ever
The 2010 State of Our Public Hospitals report shows that our hospitals are busier than ever.
30 June 2010
New Beds for Campbelltown Hospital
Australia’s health and hospital reform is set to deliver an additional 20 beds to Campbelltown Hospital.
30 June 2010
Promotion of Medicines and Medical Devices
The Australian Government has released a proposal for stronger self-regulation by the pharmaceutical and therapeutic goods industries for promotion of their products to doctors and health professionals.
24 June 2010
Australian Government Acts on Victorian Nursing Home
The Australian Government has imposed sanctions on Islamic Society of Melbourne Eastern Regions Inc, the approved provider of Isomer Retirement Home in Victoria.
24 June 2010
Healthcare Identifiers: Passed by Parliament
Legislation to set up the Healthcare Identifiers Service has been passed by Parliament.
23 June 2010
Australia’s Health 2010
The 2010 edition of Australia’s Health has been released by Australian Institue of Health and Welfare.
23 June 2010
Boost for GPs to Train the Next Generation
Boosting GP services forms part of the Australian Government’s agenda to build a better health and better hospital system for Australian families.
21 June 2010
Comprehensive Support for Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Just a Phone Call Away
The Australian Government is providing more support for Australian women and their families with a new expanded national 24 hour Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline commencing on 1 July 2010.
21 June 2010
Thousands More Receive Their Elective Surgery Under Australian Government Reforms
More than 35,000 extra people received elective surgery in 2009, compared with the same period in 2007.
17 June 2010
More Elective Surgeries, Doctors and Nurses – AIHW Report
The latest report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that hospitals have benefited from the extra funding provided by the Australian Government as part of its work to deliver better health and better hospitals for Australian families.
15 June 2010
Big Step Forward in Fighting Tobacco Addiction
Legislation has passed Parliament that will help encourage an estimated 87,000 Australians to quit smoking.
15 June 2010
Construction Beginning on Shellharbour GP Super Clinic
The Australian Government’s better health and hospitals plan was enhanced today as the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and the Member for Throsby, Jennie George, kick-started work at the Shellharbour GP Super Clinic.
15 June 2010
Government Supports Next Generation of Health Professionals- New Training Facilities For Wollongong Hospital
More doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are set to be supported in Wollongong.
15 June 2010
New Beds for Wollongong Hospital
Australia’s historic health and hospital reform is to deliver an additional 21 beds to Wollongong Hospital.
15 June 2010
One Single, United and Stronger National Cancer Agency
The Australian Government plans to create a single national cancer control agency to further strengthen the Government’s strategic focus on cancer control and build a better health and hospital system.
15 June 2010
‘Doc’ceroos Take on Australian Federal Police at Parliament to Launch Men’s Health Week
The launch of Men’s Health Week is a great way of promoting awareness of male health issues. It was celebrated with a penalty shoot-out at Parliament House in Canberra on 15 June between the Australian Federal Police and ‘Docceroos’ – a team of soccer-playing doctors.
10 June 2010
$4.3 Million Boost to IT Services in NT, QLD, VIC and SA to Benefit Indigenous Health
Funding of more than $4 million has been announced for several Aboriginal health bodies to improve and upgrade their information technology capability.
09 June 2010
Boost to Respite Care in Mandurah
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot and Member for Brand Gary Gray have toured the near-completed residential respite centre at Mandurah Retirement Village, which will provide a boost in respite care in Mandurah. The new centre will provide 18 residential respite beds and be the first stand-alone respite facility in Western Australia.
09 June 2010
Midland Super Clinic Moving Closer
Plans have been unveiled for the $10 million Midland GP Super Clinic.
09 June 2010
More Condoman Resources & Boost for Health Campaign Fronted by Rugby League Star Steve Renouf
Indigenous Health Minister Warren Snowdon announced the Australian Government would provide $356,000 to fund the second phase of a Queensland Indigenous health campaign, fronted by former Indigenous rugby league star Steve Renouf.
09 June 2010
New Publication on Rural Health
Potential innovations for rural health delivery in Australia have been presented in a new publication by the Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN).
09 June 2010
Planting the Seeds for a Healthier Future
Students at Westfield Park Primary School in Perth are learning healthy lessons for life by growing and cooking healthy food through their participation in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program.
08 June 2010
An Additional $1.8 Million to Help People in Western Australia Remain Independent and in Their Communities
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot has announced an extra $1.8 million for Home and Community Care (HACC) services in Western Australia.
07 June 2010
$6.2 Million Boost – Health Reform Delivering Extra Beds for Ryde Hospital
The new 60-bed rehabilitation centre, to be established on the Ryde Hospital site as part of the Graythwaite Trust, will be further enhanced with an additional four sub acute beds.
07 June 2010
First Midwives to Benefit from Indemnity Insurance
From 7 June, privately practising midwives and their patients get extra protection with Australian Government-supported professional indemnity insurance.
07 June 2010
Primary Health Care Roundtable At Blacktown Hospital
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has met with local GPs and primary health care providers from the Blacktown and Mt Druitt areas to discuss the future of frontline health care services in the region.
04 June 2010
First Comparative Health Information under Australian Reforms
The first baseline data required under the Australian Government’s health reforms has been publicly released by the independent COAG Reform Council (CRC).
02 June 2010
$1.8 Million for Home Away from Home for Cancer Sufferers
$1.8 million will be provided by the Australian Government to construct an accommodation facility for patients and carers who will use the new Capital Region Cancer Centre in Canberra.
02 June 2010
Government Receives Policy Report
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has received a policy report that addresses disparities in hospital care between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians with acute coronary syndrome.
02 June 2010
Healthcare Identifiers
The draft regulations for the national healthcare identifiers have been revised and the Government will propose amendments to the Healthcare Identifiers Bill to respond to issues raised during public consultation.
02 June 2010
House Passes Tobacco Excise Legislation
Legislation that will help encourage an estimated 87,000 Australians to quit smoking has been passed in the House of Representatives.
01 June 2010
Hand on Heart – It’s Time to Call it Quits
A new report has been released that discredits the commonly held belief that heart conditions only affect older men.
01 June 2010
Seasonal Flu Vaccine Remains Suspended for young children without risk factors - Advice from the Chief Medical Officer
After consideration of the results to date of a comprehensive investigation into the safety of the seasonal flu vaccine for young children, I have advised, that as a precaution, the suspension of seasonal flu vaccination should continue for healthy children under five years of age.
31 May 2010
$5 Million Boost to Quitline
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon used World No Tobacco Day to announce that the Australian Government will provide $5 million to help support Quitline services around Australia.
31 May 2010
An Additional $28 Million to help NSW Residents remain Independent, in their Homes and in their Communities
An extra $28 million for Home and Community Care services in New South Wales was announced on 31 May.
31 May 2010
Anti-Tobacco workforce announced on ‘World No Tobacco Day’
Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, announced an anti-tobacco workforce will soon roll out in the first 20 of 57 regions around Australia to tackle Indigenous smoking rates.
31 May 2010
Reports of Poor Care Being Investigated
Allegations about poor care at Sydney aged care facilities are being investigated by the Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme and the independent Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.
28 May 2010
$140 Million Funding Boost for Aged Care Services
From 1 July 2010, aged care providers will receive an annual funding boost of more than $140 million through the annual indexation of the care subsidies paid by the Australian Government to residential, community and flexible care services.
28 May 2010
Boost to Northern Territory Hearing Health Services
Joint Release - Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Federal Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon and Northern Territory Minister for Central Australia Karl Hampton announced a $1.8 million funding boost to help improve Indigenous hearing health in the Northern Territory.
28 May 2010
Lead Clinicians Groups to deliver a greater say for local health professionals
The Australian Government will invest $58 million to establish Lead Clinicians Groups in Local Hospital Networks and at a national level.
26 May 2010
National Palliative Care Week 2010 - $14 Million Boost
Minister for Health Nicola Roxon and Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, marked National Palliative Care Week 2010 by announcing $14.3 million to fund nine projects for improved palliative care services, research, training and information.
25 May 2010
Breast Cancer Summit in Darwin: Supporting Sisters and Aunties to Survive!
More than 50 women representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as far afield as Alice Springs and the Tiwi Islands, along with Aboriginal Health Workers and other health professionals, are expected to attend a breast cancer summit in Darwin on 26 May.
24 May 2010
More Beds and Jobs for the ACT - Aged Care Boost
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot and ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope, officially opened IRT’s $99 million aged care village ‘Kangara Waters’ in Belconnen
21 May 2010
Minister Welcomes Release of Productivity Commission’s Aged Care Inquiry Issues Paper
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot welcomed the Productivity Commission’s release of the Issues Paper for its public inquiry into the future of Australia’s aged care system.
21 May 2010
More than $19 Million to Train More than 4,000 Aged Care Workers
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot announced that the Australian Government will invest more than $19 million to upskill more than 4,000 aged care workers.
21 May 2010
National Workshops to Assist Indigenous Health Bodies a Success
Workshops held across Australia supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisations to improve the quality of their health care services have wrapped up.
20 May 2010
Indigenous Women’s Health Strategy Welcomed
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin and Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, have welcomed the release of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Health Strategy
20 May 2010
Soliris: Minister Asks for Further Advice on New Drug
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon has made an urgent request for further advice from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) on the potential benefits of adding Soliris(R) (eculizumab) to the Government’s Life Saving Drugs Program (LSDP).
20 May 2010
Sue Macri Appointed as Associate Commissioner to Productivity Commission Aged Care Inquiry
Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot MP have announced the appointment of Sue Macri AM as Associate Commissioner to the Productivity Commission inquiry into aged care in Australia.
19 May 2010
Role of Social Workers and Occupational Therapists in Providing Coordinated Mental Health Care Packages
The Government has had constructive discussions with the Australian Association of Social Workers and Occupational Therapy Australia on how to best introduce coordinated mental health care packages for people with severe mental illness in primary care and better use of fee-for-service Medicare items.
18 May 2010
$7.6 Million for Lyell Mcewin Hospital in Northern Adelaide
The Australian Government will invest $7.6 million to provide additional radiotherapy facilities and equipment at the Lyell McEwin Hospital, under the regional cancer centres initiative to deliver improved cancer services for rural and regional patients.
18 May 2010
$84.8 Million for New and Enhanced Regional Cancer Services in Whyalla and Regional South Australia
The Australian Government and the South Australian Government will invest a total of $84.8 million to provide new and enhanced cancer facilities and equipment for Whyalla and regional South Australia, under the regional cancer centres initiative.
18 May 2010
Eleven New Chemotherapy Units for Country SA
The Australian Government will provide $5.4 million to establish chemotherapy units in ten country South Australian hospitals: Gawler, Mt Barker, Mt Gambier, Port Augusta, Victor Harbor, Clare, Murray Bridge, Northern Yorke Peninsula, Naracoorte and Port Lincoln.
18 May 2010
More than $8 Million for Services to Help Older People and People with Disabilities in Queensland
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot and Queensland Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk announced $8.9 million for Home and Community Care (HACC) Services in Queensland.
17 May 2010
Coordinated Mental Health Care
This years' Budget is redirecting funding to provide packages of care for up to 25,000 people diagnosed with severe mental illness.
17 May 2010
Eye Care Boost for 106 Remote Indigenous Communities
Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, announced new or expanded services will be delivered to 106 rural and remote Indigenous communities under a $6.5 million boost to an Australian Government eye health program.
17 May 2010
Funding to Upgrade Forster Aquatic and Leisure Centre
The Australian Government will provide $1.8 million to expand the Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Forster in New South Wales.
17 May 2010
Interphone Mobile Phone Study
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mark Butler noted the results of the international Interphone study into the link between mobile phone use and brain cancer.
17 May 2010
Port Stephens GP Super Clinic Officially Opened
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has officially opened the $2.5 million Port Stephens GP Super Clinic – to be known as the Nelson Plaza Clinic.
17 May 2010
Record Numbers Hold Private Hospital Insurance
The number of Australians with private health insurance has hit a 27 year high with a total of 9,912,887 covered in the March quarter of 2010.
14 May 2010
Investing in the Future of Health in and Around the Australian Capital Territory
Up to $2.2 million will be committed to support additional clinical training places for students at local universities which will encourage more health students to study and work in and around the ACT.
14 May 2010
March Quarter Medicare Statistics
In the March quarter 2010, a total of $3.7 billion was paid in Medicare benefits for 73.9 million services. This represented 3.3 services and about $165 in benefits for every Australian.
14 May 2010
National Call for New Clinical Training Proposals
Proposals are being sought to drive a new wave of clinical training opportunities throughout Australia.
13 May 2010
Biggest Morning Tea Has $12 Million Target for Cancer
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea – one of the Cancer Council’s leading fund-raising events – came to Parliament House.
12 May 2010
Australia’s First Public Nurse-Led Walk-In Centre Launched in Canberra
International Nurses’ Day was celebrated by the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and ACT Minister for Health Katy Gallagher as they launched Australia’s first public nurse-led Walk-in Centre.
11 May 2010
$325 Million Boost to Sport & Getting More Australians Active
The Australian Government is delivering $324.8 million ongoing funding to boost the number of Australians participating in sport and to drive Australia’s continued sporting success.
11 May 2010
Agreements Ensure Sustainable Access to Medicines
The Australian Government will ensure all Australians continue to have access to essential medicines, and will deliver better value for money for the Australian taxpayer through agreements that save $2.5 billion over five years.
11 May 2010
Building a Health and Hospitals Network for Australia’s future
The Government will put in place the most significant reforms to Australia’s health and hospitals system since the introduction of Medicare – to create a National Health and Hospitals Network that is funded nationally and run locally.
11 May 2010
Building a National Aged Care System
The 2010-11 Budget builds on the Australian Government’s reforms to aged care that will create a national aged care system to provide better support for older Australians.
11 May 2010
Building the Foundations for Better Mental Health Care
The Australian Government will invest $175.8 million to improve mental health services – through more youth-friendly mental health services, more funding for mental health nurses, and funding for packages of care for people with mental illness.
11 May 2010
Closing the Gap – Strengthening Indigenous Communities
The Budget continues the Government’s commitment to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians – health reforms will mean real, on-the-ground improvements in health and hospital care for Indigenous Australians.
11 May 2010
More Comprehensive and Convenient GP and Primary Care
The Budget will deliver a massive $1.2 billion boost to GP and primary health care, to deliver real improvements in frontline health services for patients across Australia.
11 May 2010
More Doctors and More Nurses in National Health and Hospitals Network
The Government will invest $1.2 billion in training and supporting more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, as part of building a National Health and Hospitals Network.
11 May 2010
More GP Super Clinics and Extra GP Infrastructure
The Government will invest $355.2 million to build around 450 GP Super Clinic type facilities.
11 May 2010
Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records for All Australians
Australians will be able to check their medical history online through the introduction of personally controlled electronic health records, which will boost patient safety, improve health care delivery, and cut waste and duplication.
11 May 2010
Proud Moment for New Socceroos and Nation
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has today congratulated the 31 players named in the squad for this year’s FIFA World Cup Finals in South Africa next month.
11 May 2010
Quicker Access to High Quality Hospital Care
The Government will invest more than $3.4 billion over four years to deliver better public hospital services for all Australians.
11 May 2010
Rudd Government Continues to Tackle the Rural Health Challenge
Building a National Health and Hospitals Network will deliver better health and hospitals for rural Australians and their families
11 May 2010
World First Action on Preventative Health
The Rudd Government will boost its efforts in preventative health with world leading new action on smoking and other chronic disease risks.
10 May 2010
Funding Round Open for 80 Indigenous Traineeships in Remote Communities
The Australian Government will provide 80 traineeships in business and administration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in aged and primary health care facilities.
07 May 2010
$16 Million for Anti-Epilepsy Drug - Now Available on the PBS
Australians with epilepsy who have not responded to other medicines will now have subsidised access to the drug lacosamide through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
07 May 2010
A Field Of Pink at the MCG Supporting Australians with Breast Cancer
The Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, will join with breast cancer survivors, their carers and supporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to recognise Australians affected by breast cancer.
07 May 2010
Australian Government Invests $6m to Strengthen Indigenous Fathers and Families
Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon announced $6 million would be invested in a new parenting initiative called Strong Fathers, Strong Families for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
07 May 2010
The Ministerial Council Advance Improved Nationally Consistent Food Regulation
Ministers responsible for food regulation in Australia and New Zealand met in Melbourne where they finalised a draft Intergovernmental Agreement that will assist Australian consumers and industry to understand food regulation in Australia.
07 May 2010
Walk Safely to School Day
The Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, joined together to encourage all school kids and parents to participate in the annual Walk Safely to School day.
07 May 2010
Work kicks off at Redcliffe GP Super Clinic
Construction work on the $5m Redcliffe GP Super Clinic kicked off on 7 May 2010, with the first sod turned by Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon and Member for Petrie, Yvette D’Ath.
06 May 2010
Australia’s First Male Health Policy
The Australian Government launched Australia’s first ever National Male Health Policy.
06 May 2010
Boost to Improve the Mental Health of Australia’s Youth
Youth-specific mental health programs will be expanded and more young people will receive vital care as part of the Australian Government’s $174 million package to improve the nation’s mental health.
05 May 2010
Indigenous Health Minister Launches Food Summit
Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, launched the Fresh Food Summit of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT).
05 May 2010
Professional indemnity insurance for midwives
Privately practising midwives will be able to purchase their own indemnity insurance, and be covered from 1 July 2010.
04 May 2010
Improving Asthma Management
The Australian Government is investing $22.6 million in the next 4-year phase of the Asthma Management Program.
04 May 2010
New Health Centre Opens in Tennant Creek
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, officially opened the new health centre at Tennant Creek.
03 May 2010
Better Pharmacy Services
The Government and Pharmacy Guild of Australia have finalised the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement, which will provide better pharmacy services for consumers and a stronger role for pharmacy at the front line of health care.
03 May 2010
Clinical training boost for Victoria
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, today announced $6.5 million to support additional clinical training places for students at local universities - which will encourage more health students to study and work in Victoria.
02 May 2010
First Ever Brain Cancer Action Week
Inaugural Brain Cancer Action Week launched by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon.
30 April 2010
First Site Launched for Institute for Urban Indigenous Health in Brisbane
Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon launched a new site for the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health, as part of $1m of additional funding to establish a network of health hubs in South East Queensland.
30 April 2010
Health authorities continue to put seasonal flu vaccine on hold for young children
A week long national evaluation of cases of fever with convulsions in young children following a seasonal flu vaccination has so far found no pattern of increased incidence of this side effect, other than higher numbers in WA.
30 April 2010
Outgoing Aged Care Commissioner Recognised
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot thanked Australia’s first Aged Care Commissioner, Ms Rhonda Parker who has completed her three year appointment.
29 April 2010
$14 Million to Support Palliative Care
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, has announced $14 million to support initiatives that improve palliative care support and services for patients, their families and carers.
29 April 2010
More Money to Boost Services for Indigenous Mums and Bubs in WA, VIC, SA, TAS
Indigenous babies will have a better chance of being born healthy and staying healthy following the announcement of additional Australian Government funding for nine mothers and babies services.
29 April 2010
National Indigenous Health Award Winners Announced
Indigenous organisations and Individuals that have promoted quality and excellence in health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been recognised in new national award ceremony.
28 April 2010
Anti-Doping Authority gets New Chief
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive for the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
27 April 2010
Sneak peek at upgraded Adelaide Superdrome
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis will inspect the Adelaide Superdrome, which is being revamped to improve facilities for Australia’s elite cyclists ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
23 April 2010
$13 Million to Establish A Drug And Alcohol Service in Cape York
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon announced funding of $13 million to establish a new, residential rehabilitation service near Cooktown.
23 April 2010
Government welcomes live music industry stand against alcohol-related violence
The Federal Government congratulates the live music community for taking a stand against irresponsible drinking and alcohol related violence.
23 April 2010
Seasonal Flu Vaccine and young children
Due to a spike in the numbers of young children in Western Australia experiencing fever and convulsions following seasonal flu vaccinations, Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, is advising all GPs and immunisation providers to stop giving seasonal flu vaccine to children five years and under until a cause is established.
22 April 2010
Australia mourns the passing of an Olympic trailblazer
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis paid tribute to former International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch.
22 April 2010
Australian Health Ministers’ Conference Joint Communiqué - 22 April 2010
Australian Health Ministers from the Commonwealth and all States and Territories met in Perth on 22 April 2010 and discussed a range of health issues including the groundbreaking national health reforms negotiated at COAG this week.
21 April 2010
$2.4 million to enhance Wellbeing Centres across Cape York
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, today announced an additional $2.4 million for upgrades to four Wellbeing Centres across Cape York.
21 April 2010
$3.5 Million in Community Grants to Increase Dementia Support
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, announced $3.5 million in grants will be provided to fund 82 community projects to provide support and raise awareness for people with dementia and their families.
21 April 2010
$637,000 funding to enhance Wellbeing Centre and Clinic in Mossman Gorge
$637,000 funding to enhance Wellbeing Centre and Clinic in Mossman Gorge - Announced today by the Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon.
21 April 2010
Productivity Commission Inquiry into Aged Care
The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot MP, have announced the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission’s public inquiry into aged care.
20 April 2010
$2.4 million to enhance Wellbeing Centres across Cape York
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, today announced an $885,000 investment to expand facilities and staffing at Aurukun’s Wellbeing Centre in Queensland’s Cape York region.
20 April 2010
$536,800 to enhance Hope Vale’s Wellbeing Centre
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, today announced a $536,800 investment to expand facilities at the Hope Vale Wellbeing Centre in Queensland’s Cape York region.
20 April 2010
Australian Government Invests $17.5 million in the Future of Cricket
Australia’s place as the world’s leading cricketing nation has been bolstered with $17.5 million for Cricket Australia’s Centre of Excellence.
20 April 2010
Australian Government to Invest $1.6B in 1300 Sub-Acute Care Beds
The Australian Government will invest $1.6 billion to deliver a guaranteed 1300 new sub-acute care beds by 2013-14.
20 April 2010
Expanding Elective Surgery Capacity in Our Public Hospitals
As part of its drive to reduce elective surgery waiting times, the Australiand Government will invest $800 million to improve timely access to elective surgery across the country.
20 April 2010
Historic Health Reform
An historic agreement was reached today to deliver better health and better hospitals for Australian working families. This will deliver the most significant reforms to our health and hospitals system since the introduction of Medicare. From July 1 this year the Australian Government will start delivering $5.3 billion in additional funding over the next four years.
20 April 2010
Improving the Nation’s Mental Health System
Australians with mental health needs, especially young people, will receive improved care through a $174 million investment in mental health services.
20 April 2010
Taking Pressure off Public Hospital Emergency Departments
The Australian Government will invest $750 million in expanding the capacity of public hospital emergency departments to deliver faster treatment for patients.
19 April 2010
Special Olympics open in Adelaide
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities Bill Shorten joined more than 850 athletes to open the ninth National Special Olympics in Adelaide.
14 April 2010
Frankston Hospital gets Additional Surgery Capacity
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has officially opened the $3 million elective surgery ward to increase multi-day surgery capacity at Frankston Hospital.
14 April 2010
Indigenous Health Project Officers Placed In General Practices Across Australia
The Australian Government has allocated more than 80 Indigenous Health Project Officers to general practices across the nation to help close the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
14 April 2010
Report Helps Shape First National Male Health Policy
Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health Minister, Warren Snowdon, launched A Snapshot of Men’s Health in Regional and Remote Australia.
12 April 2010
Building An Australian Aged Care System Improving Consumer Focus and Protection in Aged Care
The Australian Government will invest $25 million to improve consumer focus and strengthen protections for residents of aged care as part of its improvements to aged care services to better support older Australians.
12 April 2010
Building an Australian Aged Care System: Commonwealth to Take Complete Responsibility for Aged Care
As part of the Australian Government’s $739 million investment in aged care to better support older Australians, for the first time the Commonwealth will take full policy and funding responsibility for aged care.
12 April 2010
Building an Australian Aged Care System: Increasing the Capacity of the Aged Care System
The Australian Government will provide $263 million over four years to improve access to aged care services to better support older Australians.
12 April 2010
Building an Australian Aged Care System: Increasing the Number of Services in Aged Care
The Australian Government will invest $386 million to increase the number of services in aged care to better support older Australians.
12 April 2010
Guaranteed Elective Surgery Waiting Times
The Australian Government will guarantee elective surgery waiting times and set a national target that 95 per cent of Australians receive elective surgery within clinically recommended times.
12 April 2010
More Support for Older Australians in the National Health and Hospitals Network
The Australian Government will invest $739 million in aged care to better support older Australians.
12 April 2010
Netball Tackles Illicit Drugs with almost $600,000 for Education
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis announced $590, 700 for Netball Australia to tackle illicit drug use with community awareness and elite athlete education programs.
12 April 2010
Strengthening Primary Care in Local Communities
Patients will receive better health care in the community after primary health care organisations (PHCOs) are established across Australia.
11 April 2010
Almost $3 Million to Strengthen Pacific Communities Through Netball
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis will announce a new $2.95 million partnership to build netball development programs and help strengthen Pacific island communities.
11 April 2010
Federal Rural Health Minister Tours Kimberley and Pilbara
Warren Snowdon, the Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, has toured the Kimberley and Pilbara to talk about health reform and health issues of importance to the region.
09 April 2010
The Territory’s First Medical School Gets Underway
The NT's first medical school is getting underway. The Australian Government is providing $27.8 million over three years to support Flinders University to build a dedicated network of hospital and community-based medical education facilities to enable a NT medical program to be delivered in the NT.
08 April 2010
$16.2 Million for New and Enhanced Regional Cancer Services in Toowoomba
The Australian Government will invest $16.2 million to improve services to cancer patients in Toowoomba and South-West Queensland as part of its $560 million Regional Cancer Centres initiative.
08 April 2010
$18.5 Million Boost to Help 250,000 Victorians Live at Home
Seniors and people living with a disability in Victoria will receive an extra 225,000 hours of care and support thanks to an $18.5 million funding boost
08 April 2010
Investing in Sight-Saving Eye Care in the NT and WA
Indigenous communities of Central Australia will receive more sight-restoring surgery in a week-long blitz at the Alice Springs Hospital.
07 April 2010
$ 41.6 Million Enhanced Regional Cancer Centre for Tamworth
Cancer patients in Tamworth and the New England region will benefit from a new $41.6 million Regional Cancer Centre.
07 April 2010
$42 Million for New and Enhanced Regional Cancer Services in Ballarat
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon and Member for Ballarat, Catherine King have announced that Ballarat will benefit from a $42 million investment from the Commonwealth Government’s $560 million Regional Cancer Centre initiative.
07 April 2010
$672,000 Funding Boost to Helping Queenslanders Remain Independent in Their Homes and in Their Communities
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot and State Member for Ipswich West, Wayne Wendt announced a $672,000 funding boost for Home and Community Care (HACC) services in Queensland.
07 April 2010
$70.1 Million for New and Enhanced Regional Cancer Services in North Queensland
Townsville and the Far North will benefit from a $70.1 million investment in rural and regional cancer facilities and equipment from the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Cancer Centre program.
07 April 2010
Delivering Regional Cancer Centres
The Australian Government will invest $560 million in new or upgraded cancer centres in regional and rural communities across Australia.
06 April 2010
Boost for Allied Health in Rural and Remote Australia
The Australian Government will double scholarships for allied health clinical placements in rural areas and establish a locum scheme to support 1,000 allied health workers over the next decade.
01 April 2010
April PBS
The Australian Government has made Taxotere plus cyclophosphamide (TC) available through the PBS to give patients an alternative treatment in the fight against this disease.
01 April 2010
Investing In The Future Of Health In South Australia
The Australian Government today provided a boost to the future of health in South Australia, with $10 million to be provided to support additional clinical training places for students at local universities.
01 April 2010
Thanks to a Leader of Australian sport
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis paid tribute to the contribution of outgoing Australian Sports Commission Chair Greg Hartung.
31 March 2010
$436 Million To Take Pressure Off Our Hospitals By Delivering Personalised Care For Diabetics
As part of delivering a National Health and Hospitals Network, the Australian Government will invest $436 million to transform the way Australians with long term illness are treated.
30 March 2010
$2.1 Million Clinical Teaching Facility for Mildura
The Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, has officially opened the Monash University School of Rural Health's new $2.1 million clinical training centre at Mildura in Victoria.
30 March 2010
Health Students the Winners with More Money for Rural Education Infrastructure
The Australian Government will boost the training opportunities for more than 1,000 medical, dental and allied health students in rural communities with $33 million more for essential infrastructure.
30 March 2010
New Guideline for Better Management of Osteoporosis
New clinical guideline released by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners will assist with diagnosis, treatment and management of osteoporosis in older people.
29 March 2010
Healthier Communities Coming After an Australian Government Grant
The Australian Government announced $4.9 Million for 12 Healthy Communities grants across Australia to tackle overweight and obesity in local communities.
29 March 2010
Review Shows Improved Access to Mental Health Care
Access to mental health services has improved according to a post-implementation review of a new initiative designed to improve access to psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners.
25 March 2010
$4m for Tri-Nation Research to Help Close the Gap in Indigenous Health
The Australian Government has announced three Australian research teams will receive a share of nearly $4 million to improve outcomes in Indigenous health.
24 March 2010
$3.3 million to reduce drownings at coastal black spots
The Australian Government is devoting $3.3 million to help reduce drownings at coastal danger spots along the nation's coastline.
24 March 2010
Building Named In Honour Of Pioneering Indigenous Leaders
A new building that’s set to become an education and medical research hub for the Northern Territory, has been named in honour of two pioneering Indigenous leaders of the past.
21 March 2010
The Facts on Swine Flu
Australians must be prepared for possible outbreaks of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza – or swine flu – as the southern hemisphere flu season begins.
19 March 2010
Mayberry boosts Australia’s medal haul
Marty Mayberry has won a silver medal in the standing downhill event at the Vancouver Winter Paralympics.
17 March 2010
Five Million Extra GP Services
The Government’s $632 million investment to train 1200 new GPs a year will deliver around five million extra GP services across Australia.
17 March 2010
Prevention Takes Centre Stage At World TB Day
World TB Day 2010, was launched at Parliament House on 17 March, and is an opportunity for health professionals, governments and individuals to refocus on the fight against the global epidemic of TB. World TB Day on 24 March marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch detected the cause of TB.
17 March 2010
Rural and Regional Australia to Gain from Workforce Expansion
Regional Australians will soon find it easier to get in to see a doctor, following the Australian Government announcement of $632 million to train an additional 6,000 GPs and specialists.
16 March 2010
A Landmark Day for Australian Nurses and Midwives
On 16 March 2010 the Senate has passed historic legislation that provides recognition of Australia’s highly skilled nurses and midwives.
16 March 2010
Swift start to Australia’s Winter Paralympics campaign
Cameron Rahles-Rahbula has taken the bronze medal for the standing slalom at the Vancouver Winter Paralympics.
15 March 2010
Birthday Girl Gives Historic Gift To Nation
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, has congratulated Jessica Gallagher on winning a bronze medal in the vision-impaired slalom today at the Vancouver Winter Paralympics.
15 March 2010
Building a National Health and Hospitals Network - Training a Record Number of Doctors
The Australian Government will invest $632 million to train a record number of doctors to tackle doctor shortages, expand capacity and deliver better health and better hospitals.
15 March 2010
Building a National Health and Hospitals Network - Training Record Numbers of GPs
The Australian Government will invest $339 million to increase GP training places to record levels to deliver better health and better hospitals for all Australians.
15 March 2010
Building a National Health and Hospitals Network - Training Record Numbers of Junior Doctors in General Practice
The Australian Government will invest $148 million to ensure that more junior doctors can experience a career in general practice before they become a fully fledged doctor.
15 March 2010
Building a National Health and Hospitals Network - Training Record Numbers of Specialist Doctors
The Australian Government will invest $145 million to train more specialist doctors where the community needs them, to deliver better health and better hospitals for all Australians.
14 March 2010
Congratulations Kookaburras – World Cup Champions
Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has congratulated the Australian Men’s Hockey Team after winning its first World Cup title in 24 years.
12 March 2010
Healthcare Identifiers Service – Public Consultation On Draft Regulations
The Australian Government has released draft regulations to support the operation of the Council of Australian Governments’ Healthcare Identifiers service.
11 March 2010
Glaucoma – The ‘Sneak Thief of Sight’ Raising Awareness During World Glaucoma Week
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot used World Glaucoma Week (7-13 March) to encourage Australians to be aware of the importance of regular eye health checks.
11 March 2010
Winter Paralympians to Inspire a Nation
The Australian Government has sent its best wishes to Australia’s team ahead of the Vancouver Paralympic Winter Games this weekend.
10 March 2010
Government on Track to Close the Gap on Infant Mortality
The National Indigenous Health Equality Council (NIHEC) has completed two reports: the Child Mortality Targets: Recommendations and Analysis and National Target Setting Instrument.
10 March 2010
On Target to Halve the Gap in Indigenous Child Mortality
A report card on Indigenous child health, presented to the Australian Government by its advisory committee on Indigenous health, the National Indigenous Health Equality Council, shows that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child mortality rates have been improving, particularly for infant mortality.
05 March 2010
National Health and Hospitals Network Good for Rural Health
Rural and regional health services stand to benefit from the National Health and Hospitals Network announced by the Prime Minister, Treasurer and Health Minister.
05 March 2010
$10.7 Million to Combat Indigenous Smoking
Fourteen sites across Australia will benefit from Australian Government funding round to promote innovative anti-tobacco campaigns and prevention strategies.
05 March 2010
Release of Issues Consultation Paper on Review of Food Labelling
The committee conducting the Independent Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy has released an issues consultation paper at the foold labelling review web site www.foodlabellingreview.gov.au
04 March 2010
Delivering Better Health and Hospitals to Brisbane
The Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Ageing have toured Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) to view first hand the result of Commonwealth investment in the health service.
03 March 2010
A National Health and Hospitals Network for Australia’s Future
The Australian Government announced major structural reforms to Australia’s health and hospital system on Wednesday 3 March 2010.
03 March 2010
Australian Government Tackles Petrol Sniffing In Remote WA
The Australian Government is providing an additional $2.3 million dollars to roll out Opal fuel in the Goldfields region of Western Australia to help curb petrol sniffing in the region’s Indigenous communities.
03 March 2010
Local Hospital Networks to Deliver on Local Needs
Local Hospital Networks will be established across the country and paid directly by the Australian Government for each public hospital service they provide.
03 March 2010
Release of Delivering Sustainable Health Funding for the Future
The Australian Government’s new National Health and Hospital Network will help ensure the long-term sustainability of Australia’s finances and underpin high-quality health services into the future.
03 March 2010
Taking Full Funding Responsibility for GP and Primary Health Care
The Australian Government will take full policy and funding responsibility for GP and primary health care services in Australia.
03 March 2010
Taking Majority Funding Responsibility for Public Hospitals
The Australian Government will for the first time become the majority funder of the public hospital system.
02 March 2010
Benetas/Deakin University Study Examines Respect for Older Australians
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot launched the results of a study examining the issue of respect for older Australians.
02 March 2010
Risdon Vale Primary students get active after school
Minister for Sport Kate Ellis visited Risdon Vale Primary in Hobart to encourage all students to lead an active life through the Active After School Communities program.
01 March 2010
Investing in the Aged Care Workforce - $9.5 Million for Nursing Scholarships
$9.5 million in nursing scholarships is being made available to train or upskill up to 680 people as part of the Australian Government’s investment in the aged care workforce.
01 March 2010
More Aged Care Places and Jobs in Mt Gambier
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot toured the construction and building works underway at Mt Gambier’s Boandik Lodge that will increase the number of aged care places in Mount Gambier.
27 February 2010
Streamlined Approvals Process for Medical Advances
A new report released on 27 February recommends improvements to the way new health products, procedures and services are assessed for public funding, in line with international best practice.
27 February 2010
‘4,000 Chemicals': $5M Anti-Smoking Campaign
A renewed tobacco campaign will continue building awareness of the health damage caused by smoking.
26 February 2010
Further public consultations on e-health
In recognition of the ongoing community and stakeholder interest in e-health, the Government has referred the Healthcare Identifiers Bill to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs.
25 February 2010
Ad Campaign launched to confront Illicit Drug Use
The Rudd Government today launched the next stage of its hard-hitting $17 million advertising campaign to combat illicit drug use in Australia.
25 February 2010
Australia’s best Winter Olympics ever
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has congratulated 28 year old Lydia Lassila on her gold medal winning performance at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
25 February 2010
Second Round of Public Consultations to Commence on 5 March
The committee conducting the Independent Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy is about to embark on the planned second round of public consultations in Australia and New Zealand.
24 February 2010
Australia Supporting Vaccination Efforts of Developing Neighbours
Australia has made its first contribution under international efforts to support the rollout of the H1N1 vaccine to developing countries. It has supplied 600,000 doses of the vaccine to Laos.
24 February 2010
Launch of Ovarian Cancer in Australia, an Overview 2010 – Teal Ribbon Day –
A new report issued on 24 February finds ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death for Australian women and the most common cause of gynaecological cancer death.
24 February 2010
National Reform for 10 Health Professions
Landmark legislation to support implementation of a national system of registration and accreditation for 10 health professions has been introduced in Parliament.
23 February 2010
Australian Organ And Tissue Donor Awareness Week 2010
Australian Organ and Tissue Donor Week 2010 was launched at Parliament House on 23 February. Australian families have been asked to think about organ donation, and know each other’s wishes about donation.
23 February 2010
Private Health Insurance Premiums Kept to a Minimum
Individual Fund Information Provided
Private health insurance premiums will increase by an average of 5.78 per cent from 1 April 2010.
21 February 2010
Children Benefit from New Drug on Life Saving Drugs Program
The Australian Government will provide $4.2 million over four years to fully subsidise Myozyme ® (alglucosidase alpha) to treat the rare and serious enzyme deficiency disorder, Infantile-onset Pompe disease.
19 February 2010
83 New Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outreach Workers to be Placed Around the Nation
National efforts to close the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation received a boost with the announcement of 83 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outreach Worker placements across Australia.
19 February 2010
PHI Membership Defies Predictions - Legislation in Senate on Monday
The latest PHI membership figures released today reveal that the number of Australians taking out cover continues to grow.
17 February 2010
Australian sports urged to engage All Cultures
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis launched a new online resource to help sporting groups engage more sportspeople from culturally diverse backgrounds.
17 February 2010
Negotiations under way for New Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation service for Cairns
A new drug and alcohol rehabilitation service has been announced for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Cairns and surrounding regions. The new service will begin in March 2010.
17 February 2010
New National Coordinator to Tackle Indigenous Smoking
High profile leader Mr Tom Calma has been engaged as the inaugural National Coordinator for Tackling Indigenous Smoking.
16 February 2010
Expanded Role for Medical Training Panel Will Improve Support for Australia’s Health Workforce
The functions of the Medical Training Review Panel (MTRP) will be expanded following a review of its role in supporting the development of Australia’s health workforce.
16 February 2010
Health Workforce Australia's First Board Appointed
The first board of Health Workforce Australia has been appointed, with the Hon Jim McGinty being appointed to the position of chairman of the Board.
16 February 2010
Homeless Queenslanders to Benefit from Funding Boost
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, and Member for Longman Jon Sullivan, announced a $627,475 funding boost for Home and Community Care Homeless Support Services in Queensland.
16 February 2010
Minister Opens Improved and Expanded Aged Care Facilities on Bribie Island
The $14.5 million refurbishment and expansion of the co-located Bribie Island Retirement Village and Bribie Island Aged Care Services has been opened.
15 February 2010
Begg-Smith becomes our most successful Winter Olympian
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, congratulated freestyle skier Dale Begg-Smith on winning Australia’s first medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
15 February 2010
Helping Bundaburg and Fraser Coast residents remain independent and in their own homes
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot and Queensland Senator John Hogg visited staff at the Churches of Christ Community Care in Bundaberg which is providing services to older residents of the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast areas.
13 February 2010
Indigenous Health Minister and League Star Kick Goals for Indigenous Health
Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon teamed up with rugby league star Steve Renouf at the Indigenous All Stars game on the Gold Coast to promote free health checks for Indigenous Australians who are at risk of getting chronic disease.
12 February 2010
Australian Health Ministers’ Conference Communique
At the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference, all Ministers have committed to jointly plan through Health Workforce Australia for the quality clinical undergraduate training for all of our future health professionals.
12 February 2010
Initiative to Entice Rural Students Into Medicine
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon launched a University of Adelaide initiative which aims to get more rural students into medical school.
12 February 2010
Rise in Bulk Billing Rates
In the December quarter 2009, a total of $3.9 billion was paid in Medicare benefits for 79.1 million services.
11 February 2010
Australia’s Health Workforce
On 12 February the Australian Health Ministers Conference will hold a special workforce meeting to finalise new arrangements for future clinical training places to meet the growing workforce demands across the country.
11 February 2010
More Support for Indigenous Mums and Bubs
Indigenous babies will have a better chance of being born healthy and staying healthy following the announcement of Australian Government funding of $9.1 million over three years for ten new mothers and babies services.
11 February 2010
Sporting Chance Expansion
About 10,000 students will benefit from an expansion of the Australian Government’s Sporting Chance Program to support Indigenous students’ engagement with school.
10 February 2010
E-Health Foundations to be Laid
Legislation to lay the foundations for a future secure electronic health (e-health) system has been introduced into Parliament.
10 February 2010
Gender milestone for Australian sport
The inclusion of the Australian Women’s Bobsleigh Team for the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver means that the team will now comprise 20 women and 20 men. This is the first time that an Australian Olympic Team will have an equal number of women and men.
10 February 2010
Sporting Chance for Indigenous students to shine
The Australian Government is providing $4.5 million for a program to encourage Indigenous students to achieve academic excellence through sport.
10 February 2010
Statement - Court of Arbitration for Sport bobsleigh team decision
The decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport is great news for Astrid and Cecilia and Australia’s Winter Olympic team.
09 February 2010
Pharmaceutical Costs Continue to Grow
A report tabled in Parliament warns that the cost of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is projected to grow significantly over the next few years.
09 February 2010
Release of Private Health Insurers Annual Report 2008-09
The latest figures released today by the Private Health Insurance Council show that the numbers of Australians taking out private health insurance continues to grow.
08 February 2010
Recognising Excellence in Aged Care Training – Goodwin Aged Care Services
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot presented training awards to 85 aged care workers from Goodwin Aged Care Services in Canberra.
07 February 2010
More Assistance for Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Families with children with type 1 diabetes will benefit from the Australian Government’s announcement on 7 February that it is increasing the maximum subsidy for the purchase of an insulin pump for children under 18.
05 February 2010
Australian Government Acts on South Australian Nursing Home
The Australian Government imposed sanctions on Whyalla Aged Care Pty Ltd, the approved provider of Copperhouse Court Hostel South Australia, on 4 February 2010
05 February 2010
End of an era at Adelaide Oval
Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has congratulated one of the world’s premier cricket ground curators, Les Burdett, on his retirement as ground manager at Adelaide Oval.
05 February 2010
Helping Tasmanians Remain Independent, in Their Homes and in Their Communities - $4.6 Million
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, and the Tasmanian Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Lara Giddings announced an additional $4.6 million in funding for Home and Community Care services in Tasmania.
05 February 2010
New and Improved Aircraft and Mental Health Support Service for Royal Flying Doctor
Three multi-million dollar aircraft have been added to the fleet of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
04 February 2010
A Partnership for Pacific Islands Cricket Development
The Australian Government, Cricket Australia and the International Cricket Council today signed up to a cricket partnership for capacity building and strengthening of cricket development programs in the Pacific.
04 February 2010
Landmark Reforms for Mothers, Midwives and Nurses
The Australian Government has welcomed the recommendation of the Community Affairs Committee that the Midwives and Nurse Practitioners Bills be passed.
04 February 2010
Supporting Australians and Their Families Suffering Cancer
The Australian Government has announced more than $824,000 in funding for 22 projects across the nation to develop and enhance cancer support as part of the Building Cancer Support Networks Initiative.
03 February 2010
New Treatment Guidelines for Alcohol and Drug Problems
Health professionals will be able to better treat people with alcohol abuse problems, as well as people with coexisting alcohol and other drug use and mental health conditions thanks to two sets of guidelines released today.
02 February 2010
$5.4 Million to Manage Asthma in Schools
The beginning of the 2010 school year provides a timely reminder for parents and school communities to be prepared and informed about asthma. The reminder comes as a new $5.4 million initiative is set to begin - ensuring schools and pre-school communities are better equipped in the management of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
02 February 2010
More Than $21 Million for Dementia Research and Education
A total of $21.7 million in funding has been allocated for Dementia Collaborative Research Centres and Dementia Study Training Centres across Australia. The three and a half year commitment will provide funding to five Dementia Training Study Centres and three Collaborative Research Centres.
01 February 2010
Aged Care Boost for Tumbarumba
Residents in Tumbarumba will have greater access to aged care services through the Tumbarumba Multi-purpose Service following the allocation of additional beds to the service.
29 January 2010
Aboriginal Health Workers Get a Peak National Body
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, travelled to Ceduna in South Australia to launch a peak national body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers.
29 January 2010
Government and Ophthalmologists Agree to Compromise on Cataract Fees
Cataract patients will now have certainty following an agreement reached between the Government and the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists.
29 January 2010
Rural Health Minister Visits Regional South Australia to Consider Health Reform
The Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, met with local health professionals in Ceduna, South Australia, to consult on the national priorities and options for health reform.
29 January 2010
Strathpine GP Super Clinic Officially Opened
The $2.5 million Strathpine GP Super Clinic opened two months ahead of schedule.
28 January 2010
New Directory helps older people to find Services
The Directory of Services for Older People 2010 is now available. The free directory provides important information for older people and their families with chapters on accessing aged care, legal rights, finance and health.
27 January 2010
National Grants to Get City Doctors Working in the Bush
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon launched a national program that will offer emergency training for up to 150 urban GP’s in exchange for their undertaking a locum placement in a rural or regional areas.
27 January 2010
Rural Health Minister drops into north-west Queensland to talk health reform
National priorities and options for health reform were on the agenda when the Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, met with local health professionals in Mount Isa and Cloncurry, Queensland.
25 January 2010
Culinary Icon – Maggie Beer named Senior Australian of the Year 2010
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, congratulated the 2010 Senior Australian of the Year - South Australian culinary icon Ms Maggie Beer.
25 January 2010
Health Minister inspects Palmerston GP Super Clinic
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon and Member for Solomon Damian Hale have inspected the therapy wing and other recent work at the $10 million Palmerston GP Super Clinic.
24 January 2010
Findings from the latest Australian Longitudinal Study on Womens Health
This report focuses on the reproductive health of women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH).
23 January 2010
A tribute to the Bradman of women’s cricket
Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has paid tribute to one of Australia’s greatest cricketers, Betty Wilson, who has died aged 88.
22 January 2010
$2.5 Million to Stop Strep Throat From Becoming a Killer
RHDAustralia, a new Australian Government-funded body, will help combat a potentially fatal heart disease that affects young Indigenous Australians.
22 January 2010
2009-10 Aged Care Approvals Round Commences
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, announced that more than 12,000 new aged care places throughout Australia.
20 January 2010
Building the GP Plus Super Clinic Network
The Prime Minister, Federal Minister for Health and the South Australian Minister for Health have announced the appointment of the construction firms to build the $25 million Modbury GP Plus Super Clinic and Noarlunga GP Super Clinic. Work will soon commence, with the first stage of the Noarlunga clinic complete in September 2010, and the first stage of the Modbury clinic finished the following month.
20 January 2010
Tribute to an Australian cricket role model
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, has paid tribute to the remarkable contribution of women’s cricket pioneer Karen Rolton.
19 January 2010
Federal Rural and Regional Health Minister Visits Bendigo and Kyneton
National priorities and options for health reform were on the agenda at Bendigo and Kyneton in Victoria when the Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, met local health professionals on 19 January.
18 January 2010
E Health to Deliver a Better, More Efficient System
Patient care will be improved and inefficiency in the health system will be cut by new e-health legislation soon to be introduced.
15 January 2010
Health Reform Consultation – Sutherland Hospital
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot visited Sutherland Hospital to consult with front-line health professionals about the ways the Australian Government can address the challenges in Australia’s health system.
15 January 2010
More than $46 Million for Ingham Health Research Institute at Liverpool Hospital
A $46.9 million funding agreement to construct a new research facility at Liverpool Hospital has been signed.
14 January 2010
New Equipment to help reduce Elective Surgery waiting times in Tamworth
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has visited Tamworth Hospital, which recently benefited from new up-to-date surgical equipment worth more than $338,000.
14 January 2010
Respite for Australian carers - More than $4 Million in grants
Grants totalling more than $4 million have been announced for 269 services across Australia that provide respite for carers.
08 January 2010
New North Lakes Health Precinct Starts Services Rolling
Residents in Brisbane’s north now have access to a wider range of community-based health services being rolled out through the new $53 million health precinct in North Lakes.
08 January 2010
Redcliffe GP Super Clinic to boost chronic disease care
The Redcliffe GP Super Clinic to be built on the grounds of the Redcliffe Hospital is being planned to ensure more support for people with chronic disease who live in and around Redcliffe.
07 January 2010
Sanction: Australian Government acts on Victorian Aged Care Home
The Australian Government has imposed a sanction on the Lions Club of Sunbury Elderly Peoples Homes Inc, an aged care provider in Melbourne.
06 January 2010
New Equipment Boosts Breast Screening in South Australia
New state-of-the-art digital imaging equipment will soon be introduced at BreastScreen Australia services in South Australia as part of a $120 million national upgrade funded by the Australian Government.
05 January 2010
Better screening and care for Breast Cancer sufferers
The Australian Government has continued its fight against breast cancer with the announcement that Australian women at risk of breast cancer soon will be able to be screened by the latest technology. The Prime Minister wore pink and helped sizzle sausages at Day 3 of the Sydney Cricket Test between Australia and Pakistan as part of the fund raising efforts for the McGrath Foundation and its work to support women with breast cancer.
02 January 2010
Next Phase Of National Sexual Health Campaign
The second phase of a national campaign aimed at reducing the rate of sexually transmissible infections among Australians, especially young people, begins on 3 January.
01 January 2010
$15 Million Extra Funding For Specialised Drugs
From 1 January Australians living with HIV and a rare and serious enzyme deficiency disorder will benefit from new listings on Australian Government drug programs.
01 January 2010
New Year Heralds Important Health Reforms
2010 represents another important year of reform for Australia's health system, with several initiatives commencing on 1 January to further the Government's reform agenda.
30 December 2009
Protect yourself in five ways and enjoy the warm summer days
Spending time outside during the summer months is when people need to be extra vigilant about protection from the sun and the risk of skin cancer.
29 December 2009
Drinking Nightmare Campaign Effective: Research
According to new research, the Rudd Government’s campaign to reduce harm associated with binge drinking among young Australians has achieved strong awareness, as another burst of advertising will ensure the Don’t Turn a Night Out into a Nightmare campaign continues to remind people to drink responsibly over the holiday period.
28 December 2009
Government Continues Fight Against Illicit Drugs
The Australian Government is continuing the fight against the scourge of illicit drugs with a funding package totalling more than $4 million for measures to support peak bodies, drug education, online counselling, data collection and law enforcement research.
27 December 2009
One stop shop scholarship program for health professionals - Applications now open
Nurses and allied health professionals are now able to apply for more than $118 million in a revised and expanded training and scholarships program beginning in 2010.
24 December 2009
Agreement to Deliver Certainty for Community Pharmacy and Government
The Australian Government and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia have reached agreement on the major components of the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement, which will commence on 1 July 2010.
23 December 2009
Breast Screening boost with new equipment
Australian women are more likely to have breast cancer detected with new state-of-the-art equipment being introduced at BreastScreen Australia services. Thirteen priority projects will receive funding this financial year.
23 December 2009
New Cancer Treatment Equipment for Coffs Harbour
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and the NSW Minister for Health Carmel Tebbutt, welcomed the successful commissioning of new cancer treatment equipment in Coffs Harbour.
23 December 2009
New dedicated taskforce to support Australia’s World Cup Bid
A dedicated taskforce will be established to help support the development of Australia’s bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022.
23 December 2009
The Festive Season Not Always Time of Joy
Christmas is traditionally a time of celebration, connecting with family and friends and sharing in the giving spirit, however, for many it can also be a confronting time.
23 December 2009
Transparency in Aged Care - Data Release
De-identified financial performance data provided to the Department of Health and Ageing from residential aged care facilities for 2007-08 is now available on the department's website.
23 December 2009
Work of Men’s Health Ambassadors Comes to a Successful Close
Australia’s Men’s Health Ambassadors met for the last time at Government House in Melbourne on 22 December. Since November 2008 they had worked to raise awareness of male health issues.
22 December 2009
$12 Million Boost for Older South Australians
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot and South Australian Minister for Ageing and Disability Jennifer Rankine will announce an 8 per cent increase in Home and Community Care (HACC) funding in South Australia.
22 December 2009
83rd National Health Consultation in Wonthaggi
National priorities and options for health reform were on the agenda when the Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, met with local health professionals in Wonthaggi, Victoria.
22 December 2009
Brightsky Australia Helping Alleviate Kids’ Suffering
Children all around Australia suffering from the effects of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) will have more support from January 1st thanks to the commencement of a new program.
22 December 2009
More General Practice Training Places for the ACT
An additional five general practice vocational training places will be made available in Canberra in 2010
21 December 2009
Locum Program to boost Rural and Remote Medical Workforce
A new program will help give rural and remote doctors a break by providing locum services and subsidy assistance.
21 December 2009
New Medical Clinic to service Rushworth and District
Residents in Rushworth in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley now have their own dedicated medical facilities with the completion of the Rushworth and District Community Medical Clinic.
21 December 2009
Toy Boxes to Make Child's Play of Hospital Treatment
More than 300 toy boxes are being provided to hospitals throughout Australia to help distract children from the pain and distress of medical procedures and ease the burden of hospital stays.
18 December 2009
Construction of New Narrabri Health Service to Begin Soon
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and the NSW Minister for Health, Carmel Tebbutt, have announced that construction of the new Narrabri District Health Service redevelopment would begin soon.
15 December 2009
Further Community Consultations on GP Super Clinic for Bundaberg
The Invitation to Apply process for the Bundaberg GP Super Clinic has now closed and unfortunately there was not a successful candidate.
14 December 2009
Medicare Red Tape Slashed
Patients and doctors are set to benefit from the Rudd Government’s moves to streamline and simplify the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
14 December 2009
Ministers take next steps on The Future of Sport in Australia
Minister for Sport Kate Ellis had welcomed decisions made at the Ministerial Council for Sport and Recreation meeting in Melbourne.
12 December 2009
Summer safety tips for older Australians
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has warned older people of the dangers of Summer heat and urged others to check on older relatives and neighbours during hot days.
11 December 2009
$8.6 million leaves legacy for sailing, Perth and emerging nations
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has announced $8.6 million support for the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships, to help pay for Olympic-class boats, race management equipment and rigid hull inflatable boats as well as training for volunteers and officials.
11 December 2009
Australian Government Funding Supports Local Communities to Take Action on Obesity
Local government areas will receive a funding boost from the Australian Government to foster healthier lifestyles in their communities, as the release of a sobering report shows risk factors of chronic disease continue to rise.
11 December 2009
Snowdon Shaves Mo
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, took advantage of his attendance at the ‘Have a Crack’ Day to shave off his treasured moustache which he had been growing for 40 years. ‘Have a Crack’ Day was organised by Andrology Australia to focus attention on and raise funds for men’s health issues.
10 December 2009
Better Equipment to Assist Terminally Ill Patients
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, announced that 187 palliative care services will share in $2.6 million in funding to help them upgrade their equipment.
10 December 2009
E-Health Takes Important Step Forward
The Australian Government released exposure draft legislation on 10 December 2009 that will assign a unique healthcare identifier number to health care providers and consumers – an important step in building a secure e-health system in Australia.
10 December 2009
More Services for more New Mothers
The increasing number of women becoming pregnant and having babies will benefit from the Australian Government’s improved maternity services and support programs.
10 December 2009
New Incentives to Provide Better Health Care To Indigenous Australians
A new incentive program to help provide better health care to Indigenous Australians was announced in Melbourne on 10 December.
09 December 2009
Appointment of first CEO of Health Workforce Australia
The first Chief Executive Officer of Health Workforce Australia will be Mr Mark Cormack. Health Workforce Australia has been established to produce more effective, streamlined and integrated clinical training arrangements and to support workforce reform initiatives.
09 December 2009
Bondi Primary Students Help Promote Healthy Eating Habits
Students at Bondi Public School in Sydney are helping to fight Australia’s growing obesity problem, through their successful participation in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.
09 December 2009
Working with families to protect children
Early intervention services, which draw on kinship ties of Aboriginal people to build strong families and protect children, are being established in the Alice Springs town camps and surrounding areas under the Alice Springs Transformation Plan.
08 December 2009
Gold Coast Aged Care Facility Receives National Award for First Class Care
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot officially recognised the first class care provided by Gold Coast-based aged care home, De Paul Villa Aged Care by presenting them with the prestigious Better Practice in Aged Care Award.
07 December 2009
$300 Million for Elective Surgery
People in every State and Territory waiting for elective surgery will benefit from a further $300 million in funding targeted to relieve pressure on waiting lists.
07 December 2009
Reforming Health For All Australians
Today the Prime Minister met with Premiers and Chief Ministers to discuss future directions for national health reform.
04 December 2009
An Additional $12 Million To Help NSW Residents Remain Independent, In Their Homes And In Their Communities
More funding for Home and Community Care (HACC) services in New South Wales has been announced. HACC delivers affordable and accessible care to help meet the individual needs of older people, people with a disability and their carers.
04 December 2009
Indigenous Health Services Boosted in Brisbane's South
Indigenous communities living in Brisbane’s south will benefit from a newly refurbished building as part of an upgrade to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service.
04 December 2009
NEW LISTINGS AND CHANGES TO PBS – 1 DECEMBER 2009
Several additions and changes to drugs listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme came into effect from 1 December. These changes will bring health benefits to many thousands of Australians.
03 December 2009
2009 Minister's Awards for Excellence In Aged Care – Recognising and Honouring Best Practice in Aged Care
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot announced the recipients of the 2009 Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Aged Care at HammondCare’s Southwood facility in Sydney’s south west.
03 December 2009
Minister puts Australia’s best foot forward in South Africa
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, has visited South Africa to promote Australia’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup.
03 December 2009
Pandemic Flu Vaccine Approved for Children
On 3 December, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved for registration the Australian-made Panvax H1N1 Vaccine Junior enabling children from 6 months to 9 years of age to be protected against the pandemic H1N1 influenza.
02 December 2009
Movember Fund Raising Earns Praise From Roxon
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has congratulated all who took part in the Movember fund-raising campaign to support men’s health.
01 December 2009
Date Set For The Mo To Go
Minister for Rural and Regional Health Warren Snowdon has committed to shave off his trademark moustache alongside a swag of celebrities at a new men’s health event in Melbourne.
30 November 2009
Draft ADHD Guidelines Released
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) today made available updated draft Australian Guidelines on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other useful information to assist parents and medical professionals to recognise and appropriately treat ADHD.
27 November 2009
Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy Communique - 27 November 2009
Ministers responsible for illicit and legal drugs met in Canberra on 27 November to tackle some of the big issues facing governments and the community with regard to the harm caused by drugs and alcohol.
26 November 2009
Asbestos Awareness Week
Asbestos Awareness Week aims to commemorate those lives that have been touched and affected by asbestos-related conditions as well as highlight the dangers of asbestos.
26 November 2009
National Seniors Housing Report – Helping Understand the Housing Preferences of Older Australians
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot welcomed the new perspective on housing for older Australians contained in the Moving or staying put: Deciding where to live in later life report released on 26 November by National Seniors Australia.
26 November 2009
Report On Operation Of The Aged Care Act Shows More Services Are Being Provided To More Older Australians
The 2008-09 Report on the Operation of the Aged Care Act 1997, tabled in Parliament on 26 November, confirmed the Government’s ongoing commitment to increasing access to quality aged care services for older Australians where and when they needed them.
26 November 2009
Response to the Senate inquiry report Forgotten Australians and Lost Innocents Revisited
The Australian Government tabled its response to the recommendations contained in the Senate inquiry report Forgotten Australians and Lost Innocents Revisitedon 26 November 2009.
26 November 2009
Support for Cataract Patients
The Government intends to support cataract patients by issuing a revised regulation that will pay a $491.85 fee for the most common cataract procedure.
25 November 2009
2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Team Unveiled
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis today announced the members of the 2010 Australian Winter Paralympic Team to compete in Canada from 12 - 21 March 2010.
25 November 2009
Minister Consults on Private Health Reform
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, hosted a consultation at Parliament House in Canberra to discuss the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission final report with private health insurers and private hospitals.
24 November 2009
Future of Sea Lake District Health Service Assured
Sea Lake residents will continue to have access to health and aged care services in their local community thanks to a $2.35 million funding package from the Australian and Victorian Governments.
23 November 2009
Greg Hartung to help lead International Paralympics
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has congratulated Greg Hartung on his election as Vice President of the International Paralympic Committee Governing Board on 23 November 2009.
23 November 2009
Minister Consults Further on Primary Health Reform
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, hosted a consultation at Parliament House in Canberra to discuss the draft National Primary Health Care Strategy and the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission’s final report specifically with key primary health organisations and professionals.
23 November 2009
More than 830,000 Australians Helped by Community Care Services
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot released the first annual Home and Community Care (HACC) Program report on 23 November 2009.
20 November 2009
More Space for Headspace
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, officially opened the new national premises of Australia’s youth mental health foundation, headspace.
19 November 2009
ANU Weighs into Debate on Health Reform
One of Australia’s premier universities is lending its weight to the Australian Government’s debate on health reform.
19 November 2009
Cancer Research Grants Announced
Announcement of the successful grant applications under the 2009 round of the Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme.
19 November 2009
Don't Let Your Teenager Become a 'Schoolies' Statistic
Parents are urged to warn their teenagers about the risks of binge drinking as thousands of school-leavers prepare to head to Schoolies Week activities around the country.
19 November 2009
Minister Launches New Palliative Care Resources
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot has launched two new publications developed by Catholic Health Australia (CHA) to assist staff and volunteers in aged care homes who provide care and support for palliative care patients.
18 November 2009
Kids and Alcohol Don't Mix
The launch of the ‘Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix’ campaign, by DrinkWise Australia and the alcohol industry, is targeted at parents and is a positive move by the industry to combat binge drinking.
17 November 2009
Independent Panel report maps bold vision for Australian sport
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis welcomed the release of The Future of Australian Sport from the Independent Sport Panel on 17 November 2009.
17 November 2009
New Operating Theatres to Increase Capacity at RBWH
The Australian Government’s $5.1 million investment in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital’s new state-of-the-art surgical theatres were officially opened on 17 November.
16 November 2009
$7 million to fight malaria
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Health and Ageing have met with Dr Margaret Chan, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO).
16 November 2009
Health Infrastructure Funding for Remote Communities
Applications for the fourth round of the $46 million National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program (NRRHIP) opened on the 14th of November and close on the 29th of January 2010.
16 November 2009
National Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign
The Government has launched the 2009/10 National Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign, with a focus on the dangers of cumulative exposure to the sun, particularly for young Australians.
16 November 2009
Private Health Insurance Membership Rises Again
Figures released on 16 November show that more Australians are continuing to take out private health insurance (PHI) membership.
16 November 2009
Rural and Regional Aged Care Workers to Benefit from $2.6 Million Training Initiative
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot has announced $2.6 million to provide training for 4000 staff working in rural and regional aged care homes.
15 November 2009
National Call for Regional Cancer Centres Applications
Applications for the Australian Government’s $560 million Regional Cancer Centres are now open via a national advertising campaign.
14 November 2009
Australian Government Supports World Diabetes Day
Today is World Diabetes Day – with the theme ‘Understand diabetes and take control.’
13 November 2009
Cross-government envoys for Australia’s World Cup bid
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has appointed Geoff Dixon to assist the Commonwealth, States and Territories bid for Australia to host the 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.
13 November 2009
Minister for Rural and Regional Health Visits Wilpena Pound
The Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, has told South Australian doctors that he’s determined to address inequities triggered by a lack of doctors working in the bush.
13 November 2009
National Breastfeeding Strategy endorsed and more progress on e-health and elective surgery
Health Ministers met in Adelaide on 13 November to discuss a range of issues including e-health, improving elective surgery performance, and strengthening accountability and performance reporting in the health system.
13 November 2009
September Quarter 2009 Medicare Statistics
In the September quarter 2009, a total of $4 billion was paid in Medicare benefits for 79.1 million services.
12 November 2009
Moffatt and Rickard are AIS Athletes of the Year
Minister for Sport Kate Ellis announced triathlete Emma Moffatt and swimmer Brenton Rickard as the 2009 AIS Athletes of the Year.
11 November 2009
Closing the gap in Aboriginal Health a step closer
The Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon said Aboriginal communities moved closer to designing and addressing their own health needs with the launch of Pathways to Community Control, which is designed to get Aboriginal communities in the NT a step closer to taking primary health care into their own hands.
11 November 2009
Funding Boost to The Alfred
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and the Member for Melbourne Ports, Michael Danby, visited The Alfred Hospital which is benefiting from Australian Government funding to help improve elective surgery performance and boost sub-acute care services.
10 November 2009
Stage two of historic Groote Eylandt Regional Partnership Agreement
Improved infrastructure and better social and economic outcomes for Indigenous people in the Groote Eylandt region will be delivered following the signing of stage two of an historic Groote Eylandt Regional Partnership Agreement.
09 November 2009
Building Better Health Care in Bathurst
Bathurst Base Hospital has benefited from $156,000 from the Australian Government to purchase new surgical equipment. The funding is part of Stage Two of the Government’s $600 million Elective Surgery Waiting List Plan.
09 November 2009
Minister Opens New Pukatja Medical Clinic in Ernabella
The new Pukatja Medical Clinic in Ernabella, in far north South Australia, was officially opened on 9 November. It replaces one destroyed by fire in September 2006.
09 November 2009
PM and Health Minister Roxon visit Bathurst
The people of Bathurst will feel the benefit of increased incentives to attract doctors and then keep them in the region, thanks to the Australian Government’s Rural Health Workforce Strategy.
06 November 2009
Commonwealth to Help Alleviate Dialysis Dilemma in Alice Springs
The Australian Government has made a transportable dialysis facility available to the Northern Territory Government to help ease the demand for dialysis services in Alice Springs.
06 November 2009
Minister Launches Program to Empower Mothers
An innovative home visiting service in Central Australia is helping mothers gain confidence and improve their parenting skills.
06 November 2009
Review of the Aged Care Funding Instrument – Release of Terms of Reference
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, released the terms of reference for the Government’s review of the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) on Thursday 6 November.
06 November 2009
Snowdon to Shave off Signature Mo for Charity
Minister for Rural and Regional Health Warren Snowdon says he’s willing to shave off his trademark moustache in the name of men’s health. Mr Snowdon is taking part in Movember, an annual charity event held every November to help raise awareness and funding for men’s health.
05 November 2009
Australia Better Prepared to Treat Injured in a National Emergency
An agreement has been signed between Princess Alexandra Hospital and the National Clinical Care and Trauma Response Centre, which will mean Australia is more prepared than ever to respond to a national incident that causes a significant number of injuries.
05 November 2009
Brisbane Southside GP Super Clinic Contract Signed
The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has signed a funding agreement with the University of Queensland that will see the people of the Brisbane Southside region benefit from a $7.5 million GP Super Clinic.
05 November 2009
Midwives / Nurse Practitioner Amendment
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has circulated an amendment the Government intends to introduce into the Health Legislation (Midwives and Nurse Practitioners) Bill and the Midwife Professional Indemnity (Commonwealth Contribution) Scheme Bill.
02 November 2009
Minister Welcomes Launch of New Urban Indigenous Health Institute
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, has welcomed the establishment of the new Institute for Urban Indigenous Health in Brisbane.
02 November 2009
MYEFO Points to Rising Health Costs
The 2009-10 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook includes an increase in estimated expenditure on Health and Ageing of $4.8 billion over four years - mainly due to increases in projected expenditure on Medicare Benefits, Pharmaceutical Benefits and the Private Health Insurance Rebate.
01 November 2009
Movember – It's Time to think about Men's Health
November marks the beginning of Movember, the annual moustache-growing charity event aimed at raising awareness and funding for men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer and depression.
01 November 2009
New Listings and Changes to PBS – 1 November 2009
Several additions and changes to drugs listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme come into effect from 1 November.
31 October 2009
Tackling Binge Drinking - The Next Phase
The Australian Government is stepping up its efforts to tackle binge drinking across the nation, with the second phase two of the Government’s National Binge Drinking Campaign, targeting young people about binge drinking – ‘Don’t Turn a Night Out Into a Nightmare’ – beginning on 1 November.
30 October 2009
Lung Health Awareness Month
November is Lung Health Awareness Month and the Australian Government is encouraging Australians not to take their lungs for granted.
30 October 2009
Providing More Doctors for the Bay
GPs in Batemans Bay will be offered retention grants of up to $12,000 a year under an Australian Government initiative to encourage them to stay working in the region.
29 October 2009
$500 Million Boost to Health and Medical Research
The Australian Government has announced a multi-million dollar funding to boost the nation’s health and medical research effort.
29 October 2009
More Funding to Support Rural Health Infrastructure
The Australian Government will inject a further $6.1 million to improve local health infrastructure in 40 rural and remote communities throughout Australia.
29 October 2009
Prevention Put on Hold by the Senate
Plans to stablish Australia’s first ever Preventative Health Agency have stalled in the Senate.
28 October 2009
Food and health dialogue announced
The Australian Government's Food and Health Dialogue was formally announced on 28 October by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mark Butler. The Dialogue provides a framework for government, public health groups and industry to work collaboratively across all levels of the food supply chain to improve dietary intakes.
28 October 2009
Minister Presents Excellence in Health Journalism Awards
Paul Smith, of ‘Australian Doctor’ magazine, has been named Health Journalist of the Year 2009.
27 October 2009
Boost for Clinical Trials in Australia
The Australian Government will boost Australia’s profile as a preferred destination for clinical trials.
26 October 2009
National Epidermolysis Bullosa Dressing Scheme Begins Soon
This week, 26-31 October, is International Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week.
26 October 2009
Pink Ribbon Day
Every year, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pink Ribbon Day provides a significant opportunity to promote key awareness messages about breast cancer within Australia.
26 October 2009
Working Together Essential for a Healthier Nation
Key representatives in the sport, food, alcohol, business and public health sectors have meet with the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, to discuss the recommendations of three major health reform reports: the National Preventative Health Strategy, the Health and Hospitals Reform Commission’s Report, and the draft National Primary Health Care Strategy.
23 October 2009
Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council Final Communiqué
Ministers responsible for food issues in Australia and New Zealand met in Brisbane today. The Chair of the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council, Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mark Butler, announced that former Australian Health Minister, Dr Neal Blewett AC, will head up the Panel which will undertake a comprehensive examination of food labelling law and policy.
23 October 2009
Australian Government acts on Victorian Nursing Home
The Australian Government has imposed sanctions on Doutta Galla Aged Care Services Ltd, the approved provider of Lynch's Bridge Aged Facility in the Melbourne suburb of Kensington.
23 October 2009
Consumers key to Health Reform
The focus of health reform was on patients as the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, hosted the first consumer-specific consultation in partnership with the Consumers’ Health Forum.
23 October 2009
Eating Disorders Collaboration to Host National Workshop
The National Eating Disorders Collaboration – led by the Butterfly Foundation – is hosting a National Workshop on eating disorders in Canberra on Saturday 24 October at the Australian National University.
22 October 2009
Australia’s First Preventative Health Agency
Australia’s first ever Preventive Health Agency will soon be established following the passage of important legislation in the House of Representatives on 22 October.
22 October 2009
Health Guidelines for Early Childhood Settings
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon and Minister for Early Childhood Education, Kate Ellis, have launched new Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Guidelines for early childhood Settings, developed with the assistance of a consortium led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
21 October 2009
Minister Consults on Mental Health Reform
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, today hosted a consultation at Parliament House in Canberra to discuss the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission final report with key mental health organisations and professionals.
20 October 2009
Osteoporosis - It Affects Men Too
New resources aimed at increasing awareness and diagnoses of osteoporosis in Australian men were launched on 20 October to mark World Osteoporosis Day.
19 October 2009
The 'Face of Care' - Minister Launches Carers Australia Photo Exibition
Carers Week, which runs from 18 to 24 October, has been marked with the launch of the ‘Face of Care’ photographic exhibition at Old Parliament House in Canberra.
16 October 2009
Australians urged to give for medical research and national youth ambassador announced
Australians are being encouraged by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mark Butler, to give generously for medical research, to ensure future generations benefit from medical breakthroughs.
16 October 2009
NT Doctors Included in Cash Retention Scheme
The Northern Territory’s general practitioners would be offered retention grants of between $2 500 and $12 000 under an Australian Government initiative to encourage them to stay in the territory.
16 October 2009
Sight-Saving Project to Continue in Alice Springs
Indigenous Australians in central Australia would continue to receive sight-saving eye care, the Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, has announced.
14 October 2009
PM and Rural Health Minister Visit Murray Bridge
The people of Murray Bridge will feel the benefit of increased financial incentives to attract doctors and then keep them, as a result of the Australian Government’s Rural Health Workforce Strategy.
14 October 2009
Rural Health Among Rudd Government’s Top Priorities
Improved health care in regional and remote areas of Australia was a top priority in the Australian Government’s program of national health reform, Indigenous, Rural and Regional Health Minister Warren Snowdon said at the opening of the Council of Remote Area Nurses of Australia Conference in Alice Springs.
13 October 2009
$21m for new Better Health Grants
The AustralianGovernment will provide $21 million for the first-ever nationwide Partnership for Better Health Grants. Partnerships for Better Health Grants will help researchers to work directly with health organisations so that research results can be better tailored to real world situations.
13 October 2009
New GP Super Clinic for Gunnedah
The Australian Government has announced a $4.3 million commitment to construct a new GP Super Clinic at Gunnedah, NSW.
12 October 2009
Shepparton Doctors Included in Cash Retention Scheme
Shepparton’s general practitioners would be offered retention grants of between $2500 and $12,000 under an Australian Government initiative to encourage them to stay in the district.
11 October 2009
Australian Government announces 4,600 extra training places for Aged Care workers: Preparing for our Ageing population
Up to 4,600 new training places over four years in aged and community care will be created under a $19 million training plan – as part of the Government’s response to the challenges of Australia’s ageing population.
10 October 2009
World Mental Health Day 10 October 2009
World Mental Health Day marks the peak of Mental Health Week which provides opportunities for raising awareness of mental health through national, state and local events.
10 October 2009
$100 Million for Life Extending Cancer Medicine
Over the next four years more than a thousand people suffering from multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, will benefit from an Australian Government decision to list lenalidomide (Revlimid®) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 November 2009. It will also be added to the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS).
09 October 2009
Coates Elected to International Olympic Committee Board
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, has congratulated John Coates on his election to the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee.
09 October 2009
Masters of sport send message of good health
The Federal Minister for Sport Kate Ellis welcomed athletes from all over the world to the 2009 World Masters Games in Sydney.
09 October 2009
Specialists’ Fee Doubled For Complex Cataract Procedures
The Government is introducing a new schedule fee (rebate) for complex cataract surgeries, which will more than double the amount provided for more common, less time consuming cataract procedures.
08 October 2009
$800,000 to Cut Wait for Elective Surgery in Hobart
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, visited Royal Hobart Hospital, which has benefited from $800,000 from the Australian Government to help cut elective surgery waiting times.
08 October 2009
A Million Dollar Home for Wellbeing on the Tiwi Islands
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health, and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon officially opened the new Wurrimiyanga Wellbeing Centre at Nguiu in the Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory on 8 October.
08 October 2009
Health Reform Consultation – Westmead Hospital
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, Member for Parramatta Julie Owens and Member for Reid, Laurie Ferguson have visited Westmead Hospital to consult with health professionals about the ways the Australian Government can address the challenges in Australia’s health system.
08 October 2009
Health Reform Consultation – Wyong Hospital
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot and Member for Dobell, Craig Thomson have visited Wyong Hospital to consult with front-line health professionals about the ways the Australian Government can address the challenges in Australia’s health system.
08 October 2009
Sorell GP Super Clinic Moves Closer
The next phase of the development of the Sorell GP Super Clinic is under way with the selection of a firm of Hobart-based architects to design and supervise the construction of the clinic.
07 October 2009
GP Incentives Boosted in Northern Tasmania
GPs in the Ulverstone and Burnie areas will benefit from increased financial incentives from the Australian Government to encourage them to relocate to and stay in these districts.
07 October 2009
Meeting to Make a Difference to Male Health
Men, health professionals, researchers and educators have gathered in Newcastle as part of the National Men’s Health Gathering 2009.
07 October 2009
Minister Consults on the Future of Aged Care
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot met with aged care providers, stakeholders, consumer representatives and health professionals in a National Health and Hospital Reform Commission (NHHRC) consultation session held in Sydney on 7 October.
07 October 2009
National Registration and Accreditation One Step Closer
Nationally consistent registration and accreditation for health professions is a step closer.
07 October 2009
Rural Clinical School Extension Boost for Burnie
The growing popularity of the University of Tasmania’s Rural Clinical School at Burnie has been recognised, with the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, officially opening an extension to the school.
06 October 2009
KidsMatter Mental Health Project Receives Extra Funding
The KidsMatter Primary initiative, which aims to promote mental health, prevent mental illness and initiate early intervention where necessary among primary school students, is to have its initial pilot roll-out at 101 schools extended.
05 October 2009
Teaching the Importance of an Eye Check
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, has launched a new educational resource project aimed at improving eye health in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
03 October 2009
Encouraging Indigenous People into Health Careers
A new book - ‘Journeys into Medicine’ - launched at the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association’s Annual Symposium is a collection of stories from Indigenous doctors and medical students speaking about their experiences, challenges and triumphs in becoming and being a doctor.
02 October 2009
Listening Tour Held at Tweed Heads Hospital
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot has visited Tweed Heads Hospital to consult with front-line health professionals about the ways the Australian Government can tackle the challenges in Australia’s health system.
02 October 2009
Tread the Path to a Healthier Life
Australians are being encouraged to set aside some time to go for a walk and to continue to be active as part of Walk to Work Day (2 October).
01 October 2009
Beyondblue Anxiety and Depression Awareness Month - October 2009
Individuals, people in workplaces and community groups are encouraged to get active in October – beyondblue Anxiety and Depression Awareness Month - to raise awareness of anxiety and depression and help reduce the stigma associated with them.
01 October 2009
Changes to PBS – 1 October
Changes from 1 October to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will help improve the health outcomes for more Australians.
01 October 2009
Extra $36 Million to Help Queenslanders Stay Independent and in their Homes
Queensland will get an extra $36 million to support older people living independently in their own homes under the Commonwealth-State Home and Community Care program. The announcement was made on 1 October, the International Day for Older Persons.
01 October 2009
Listening tours held at the Princess Alexandra and Prince Charles Hospitals - Brisbane
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has visited the Princess Alexandra and Prince Charles Hospitals in Brisbane to hear from front-line health professionals about the ways the Government can address the challenges in Australia’s health system.
01 October 2009
New Charter of Rights Begins on International Day of Older Persons
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot has marked International Day of Older Persons by announcing that more than 64,000 older Australians receiving community care services will for the first time have a legislated charter of their rights and responsibilities.
30 September 2009
AIHW Reports Health Funding Rise Under Rudd Government
The Australian Government’s share of total health funding increased from 42.0% in 2006-07 to 43.2% in 2007-08.
30 September 2009
Free Pandemic Flu Vaccine Available For All
From 30 September, Australia will embark on what is potentially the biggest vaccination program in its history, offering free pandemic (swine flu) vaccine to every person in the country.
29 September 2009
Minister Consults on Dental Reform
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, visited The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne to discuss recommendations from the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission with dental health professionals.
28 September 2009
Bunbury Hosts National Health Debate
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health, and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, visited the Bunbury Hospital South West Health Campus as part of a consultation with health professionals and stakeholders on recommendations of the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission report.
28 September 2009
Looking into Indigenous Eye Health
A national report into Indigenous eye health released on 28 September shows adult Indigenous Australians suffer higher rates of blindness and other eye related health problems than non-Indigenous Australians.
27 September 2009
Australian Government acts on Victorian Nursing Home
On 27 September the Australian Government imposed sanctions on Margeruite Gerrard Pty Ltd, the approved provider of Radford Private Nursing Home in Victoria.
27 September 2009
World Heart Day
This year’s World Heart Day theme is ‘A workplace that encourages healthy habits can reduce heart disease and stroke’.
24 September 2009
Minister Announces $4 Million Dementia Package
A $4 million package for additional dementia research, information and support for people living with dementia and their carers has been announced by the Australian Government.
24 September 2009
New Equipment to cut Elective Surgery Waiting Times in Macarthur
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has visited Campbelltown Hospital, which benefited from a $556,852 contribution from the Australian Government’s Elective Surgery Plan.
24 September 2009
New Influenza Testing Equipment for all States and Territories
The Australian Government will provide $1.4 million in funding to the National Influenza Centres and other public health laboratories to purchase automated influenza testing equipment. Every state and territory will receive funding as part of this initiative.
23 September 2009
Construction begins on the new Australian Red Cross Blood Service Facility
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) marked a new era in Australian blood production, with the commencement of construction of their new principal blood manufacturing site in Sydney.
23 September 2009
Health Reform Consultation for Gladstone
A meeting has been held with health professionals and stakeholders at the Gladstone Hospital as part of nation-wide consultations on recommendations of the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission.
23 September 2009
New Equipment to help Reduce Elective Surgery Waiting times in the Illawarra
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot together with Member for Cunningham Sharon Bird and Member for Throsby Jennie George visited Wollongong Hospital which has benefited from a $402,754 contribution from the Government’s Elective Surgery Waiting List Reduction Plan.
22 September 2009
Giving Rural Obstetricians and Anaesthetists a Well Earned Rest
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, has announced the start of the General Practitioner Anaesthetist Locum Scheme for the rural and remote GP anaesthetist workforce.
22 September 2009
Listening Tour at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mark Butler, has visited the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne as part of the Listening Tour following the release of the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission Report.
21 September 2009
$70M to boost Cancer Survival for Thousands
The Garvan St Vincent’s Cancer Centre has benefited from $70 million from the Australian Government to expand its world-class research capacity.
21 September 2009
World Alzheimer's Day – ‘Diagnosing Dementia: See it Sooner’
Australia has joined 50 other countries including Argentina, South Korea, Venezuela, India, Israel, Greece, Belgium, Canada and the United Kingdom in marking World Alzheimer’s Day.
18 September 2009
Australia Joins International Efforts to Assist Swine Flu Vaccine Rollout in Developing Countries
Australia has joined a group of nations that have commitedt to support the rollout of H1N1 vaccine to needy groups in developing countries.
18 September 2009
Closing the Gap - Indigneous Health Project Officers in Divisions of General Practice
The Australian Government has provided $34.7 million over three years to fund 94 full-time equivalent new Indigenous Health Project Officer positions as a part of the COAG National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes.
18 September 2009
Riverina Hosts National Health Debate
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health, and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, has visited the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital as part of consultation with health professionals and stakeholders on recommendations of the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission.
18 September 2009
TGA Green Lights Panademic Flu Vaccine
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has announced it will register the CSL pandemic influenza (swine flu) vaccine, paving the way for a national vaccination program.
18 September 2009
Training Dentists in Wagga Wagga
Construction is complete and students are enrolled at the new School of Dentistry and Health Science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.
17 September 2009
Australian Government acts on South Australian Nursing Home
The Australian Government imposed sanctions on Northgate Aged Care Pty Ltd on 16 September 2009.
17 September 2009
CATSIN Conference gets Underway 'We Can Do It - Yes We Can'
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has congratulated the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses (CATSIN) on its 11th national conference in Melbourne. The conference has as its theme ‘We can do it – yes we can’.
17 September 2009
Kanggawodli
Kanggawodli, a purpose-built residential facility that provides a culturally appropriate place for Indigenous patients to recover after their initial discharge from hospital and while they are receiving treatment, has been opened in South Australia.
16 September 2009
Extended Medicare Safety Net Measure
Medicare Safety Net changes were passed in the Senate on 16 September.
16 September 2009
Indigenous Health Minister Gets Down to Business
Business improvement and corporate governance were the main topics of discussion during a two-day conference that began on 16 September in Sydney for Indigenous health organisations from across NSW.
16 September 2009
Minister moves for reform of peak anti-doping agency
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis introduced legislation in Parliament on 16 September, which proposes a number of changes to keep the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) at the forefront of global and local efforts to stamp out drug cheats.
16 September 2009
New operating theatres for Canberra hospital
The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon and ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher today officially opened two new operating theatres at the Canberra Hospital.
15 September 2009
Building First Class Facilities for Royal Brisbane
Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has inspected the construction site for two new operating theatres at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
14 September 2009
$2.3 Million to Help People in ACT Remain Independent, in their Home and in their Community
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, and ACT Minister for Ageing, John Hargreaves have announced a $2.3 million funding boost to the Home and Community Care services in the ACT.
14 September 2009
Australia's First GP Super Clinic Opens in Ballan
Australia’s first fully operational GP Super Clinic has opened in Ballan, Victoria.
14 September 2009
Bacchus Marsh and Melton Hospital Upgrade: A Big Win for a Growing Community
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and the Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, have toured the $2 million upgrade to the Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital and opened the new Medical Imaging Unit at the hospital.
14 September 2009
First Aussie wins US Open Junior Title in 25 years
Kate Ellis, Minister for Sport, congratulated Australian Bernard Tomic, on winning the US Open Junior Boys Singles title.
14 September 2009
New Royal Flying Doctor Plane ready to serve Australia
The Royal Flying Doctor Service in South Eastern Australia has been strengthened by a new Beechcraft King Air B200, purchased with the assistance of $4.8 million Federal Government funding.
11 September 2009
A Home for Rural Health Professionals in Katherine
The Centre for Remote Health is setting up a home in Katherine to help attract health professionals to the Northern Territory, thanks to the Australian Government.
11 September 2009
Building Australia's World Class Cancer Care System
On 11 September, the Prime Minister and the Health Minister were in Sydney to sign the funding agreement to deliver $150 million for Lifehouse at RPA: The Chris O’Brien Cancer Centre.
11 September 2009
Ministerial Conference on Ageing
The Australian Government and state and territory ministers responsible for the care of older Australians and the Australian Local Government Association have met in Canberra at the third Ministerial Conference on Ageing.
11 September 2009
Opening of StrongBala Male Space in Katherine
The men of Katherine have marched down the main street together to show their determination to take the necessary steps to transform their health and their lives.
11 September 2009
RACGP Launches Guidelines — Management of Arthritis
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has launched three comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for better management of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
10 September 2009
National Indigenous Health Equality Council Meets with Minister Snowdon
The National Indigenous Health Equality Council, which provides the government with evidence-based advice to close the gap in health between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, met on 10 September with the Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon.
10 September 2009
World Suicide Prevention Day
Today (10 September) is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day that is about bringing together governments, communities and individuals to raise awareness and reducing the incidence of suicide in Australia.
09 September 2009
$3.2M Boost for Palliative and Geriatric Care at Calvary
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has visited Calvary Hospital which has benefited from $3.2 million to boost services.
09 September 2009
Australian Government acts on Victorian Nursing Home
The Australian Government has imposed sanctions on Kincsem Pty Ltd, the approved provider of Glenlyn Aged Care Facility in Glenroy, Victoria.
08 September 2009
Government Finalises Detail on EMSN items and CAPS
Regulations to finalise the remaining detail of the Australian Government's move to put the extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) on a more sustainable footing have been tabled in Parliament.
08 September 2009
GP Super Clinic for Midland
The Australian Government has signed an agreement with Health Integra Pty Ltd to provide $10 million to establish a GP Super Clinic in Midland, Western Australia.
07 September 2009
Government Releases Breast Screening Report
The Australian Government has released an expert committee’s evaluation of the BreastScreen Australia program and said that the valuable program will continue.
07 September 2009
Minister Speaks with Tomorrow’s Health Leaders
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, opened the Australian Medical Students’ Association’s leadership development seminar in Canberra.
06 September 2009
National Project to Manage Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
The Australian Government is allocating more than $1 million to manage Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, one of the most common complaints faced by women of reproductive age in Australia.
04 September 2009
Australian Health Ministers’ Conference
Australian Health Ministers met in Canberra today to discuss a range of issues affecting the national health system. The meeting was chaired by ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher.
04 September 2009
Medicare-Eligibility Granted to MRI Unit at Rockhampton Hospital
People in Rockhampton and surrounding areas now have access to Medicare-eligible Magnetic Resonance Imaging services at Rockhampton Hospital.
03 September 2009
$8.6 Million Funding Boost For Coffs Harbour Hospital
The Australian Government has announced $8.6 million in funding for Coffs Harbour Base Hospital to purchase new surgical equipment and upgrade a key part of the emergency department to help relieve the pressure on public hospitals and reduce waiting times.
03 September 2009
Healthy Eating is Back on the Table
The Australian Government is looking for schools to get on board for the next round of the innovative Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program.
03 September 2009
Launch of AFL Players Association ‘Just Think’ Campaign
The Australian Government today announced $132,000 for the Australian Football League (AFL) to support their work in tackling alcohol fuelled street violence, particularly amongst young Australians.
03 September 2009
Living Well Expo Connects Coffs Harbour Residents to Community Services
A Living Well Community Information Expoin Coffs Harbour opened on 3 September, with more than 80 exhibitors helping people living in the town and the surrounding regions connect with the community services they may need.
02 September 2009
Ellis Announces $50,000 for Establishment of the Australian Captains Forum
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis announced $50,000 to support the establishment of the Australian ‘Captains Forum’.
02 September 2009
Important Role for Pharmacists in Health Reform
Nicola Roxon has launched the Pharmacy Guild’s ‘Ask Your Pharmacist Week’.
01 September 2009
Australians Benefit From Health Agreement with Belgium
The Australian Government has begin a reciprocal health agreement with Belgium, allowing Australians and Belgians to use each others’ public health facilities while travelling in the two countries.
01 September 2009
Medicare Funded Scans for Oesophageal Cancer and for Head Cancer and Neck Cancer
From 1 September, Positron Emission Tomography scans for cancer of the oesophagus or the gastro-oesophageal junction, and for head and neck cancer will be funded under Medicare.
01 September 2009
New Listings and a Change to PBS from 1 September
Several new listings and a change to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 September will bring health benefits to many Australians.
01 September 2009
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month - A Perfect Time for Men to Talk to their GP
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month and it is a perfect time to remind men with symptoms or a family history of prostate cancer to discuss any concerns they may have with their doctor.
01 September 2009
Release of Preventative Health Taskforce Final Report
The final report of the Preventative Health Taskforce was released on 1 September at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.
31 August 2009
Building a 21st Century Primary Health Care System
The draft of Australia’s first National Primary Health Care Strategy has been released by the Australian Government.
31 August 2009
New GP Super Clinic for Cockburn
The Australian Government has announced $6.65 million funding to deliver a new GP Super Clinic at Cockburn.
28 August 2009
$4.9 Million Dementia Respite Care Unit to Help Carers Get a Well Deserved Break
Brotherhood of St Laurence’s new $4.9 million respite centre in Frankston was opened on the 28th of August 2009.
28 August 2009
Cancer Clinical Trials Extended to Regional Patients this Daffodil Day
Cancer patients in Bendigo, Wodonga, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Hobart will now be able to benefit from new cancer treatments as part of clinical cancer trials.
28 August 2009
Medicare Bulk Billing Rates Again Increase
Bulk billing rates for Medicare services reached record levels in all states and in the territories except for West Australia in 2008/09.
28 August 2009
Minister Opens new $15 Million Aged Care Facility in Melbourne
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot today officially opened Doutta Galla’s $15 million aged care facility in the Melbourne suburb of Footscray.
27 August 2009
Dementia Day Care Centre for Belmont - $1.5 Million
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot and New South Wales Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Paul Lynch, have announced the construction of a new dementia day care centre worth more than $1.5 million in Belmont in Lake Macquarie.
26 August 2009
Major New Multiple Sclerosis Research Project
A collaborative research project focusing on protein analysis to unlock the secrets of multiple sclerosis was launched today.
26 August 2009
Meals on Wheels Celebrated
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, and the Parliamentary Secretary for the Voluntary Sector, Ursula Stephens, have acknowledged the contribution of Meals on Wheels in our communities as the organisation celebrated ‘Meals on Wheels Day’ around the nation.
26 August 2009
New Equipment Arrives at St Vincent’s Hospital
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has inspected new elective surgery equipment purchased by St Vincent’s Hospital from a $450,000 Australian Government grant.
25 August 2009
$7 Million for Tasmania's First PET Scanner
Funding has been announced for Tasmania’s first public Positron Emission Tomography scanner, to be located at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
25 August 2009
Funding Boost for Elective Surgery at Port Macquarie Base Hospital
The Australian Government has announced over $200,000 in funding to help reduce elective surgery waiting lists at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
21 August 2009
Australia Ranks in World Top Ten for Diabetes Rates
About 1,000 Australian children 14 years and younger are developing Type 1 diabetes each year.
20 August 2009
National Seniors Australia- Promoting Productive Ageing Online
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot today officially launched two online tools developed by National Seniors Australia to help recognise and promote productive ageing in Australia.
20 August 2009
Reducing Wastage of Chemotherapy Medicines
The Government is continuing its discussions with key stakeholders regarding the 2008-09 Budget measure to reduce wastage of valuable chemotherapy medicines.
19 August 2009
Surgical Safety Check List Given Official Tick-Off
The first Australia and New Zealand edition of the Surgical Safety Checklist was launched at Parliament House on 19 August.
18 August 2009
Private Health Insurance Stronger Than Ever
More Australians are taking out private health insurance membership than ever before.
17 August 2009
Top Researchers to Inspire Students
Smart bombing cancer, fighting malaria at the frontline, and making type 1 diabetes history are just some of the exciting Australian research projects highlighted in the National Health and Medical Research Council’s "10 of the Best Research Projects 2009" launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, the Hon Mark Butler MP, as part of CSIRO’s National Science Week activities.
14 August 2009
New $3.7 Million GP Superclinic for South Morang and Additional Elective Surgery Money for Northern Hospital
The Australian Government has announced a new $3.7 million GP Superclinic for South Morang.
14 August 2009
New $4.9 Million GP Superclinic for Portland
The Australian Government has announced a new $4.9 million GP Superclinic for Portland.
14 August 2009
New $6.6 Million GP SuperClinic for Wodonga
The Australian Government has announced a new $6.6 million GP Superclinic for Wodonga.
14 August 2009
NRL Tackles Indigenous Health and Social Disadvantage
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and the Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, have congratulated the National Rugby League on dedicating its Round 23 to national efforts to improve the life expectancy of Indigenous Australians.
14 August 2009
Three New GP Super Clinics in Victoria
Three new GP Super Clinics will be built in Victoria to deliver better health services, take pressure off hospitals, and make sure families can get the health care they need.
13 August 2009
Alcopops Tax Loophole Finally Closed
The loophole that allowed sales of alcopops to flourish has finally been closed.
12 August 2009
Creating a Built Environment That Keeps us Active
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, launched the Healthy Spaces and Places projectat the Built Environment Meets Parliament Summit in Canberra.
12 August 2009
Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who died on 11 August, was a role model, a visionary and a tireless champion for people living with an intellectual disability.
12 August 2009
New Allied Health Web-Based Training Package Launched
Education and training for allied health workers is now just a mouse click away after a new web-based training package was launched.
11 August 2009
Government to work with AFL to kick goals for climate change
The Australian Government is teaming up with the Australian Football League (AFL) to help footy fans take action on climate change.
07 August 2009
GP Super Clinic for Queanbeyan
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon and Member for Eden-Monaro, Mike Kelly announced that a contract has been signed for the $5 million Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic to be run by Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic Pty Ltd.
07 August 2009
Jeans for Genes Day 2009
Jeans for Genes Day is an important annual fundraiser of the Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI). The CMRI is continually working to prevent diseases before they occur in Australian children.
06 August 2009
$46.9 Million Premier Research Institute for South-West Sydney
The Liverpool and south-west Sydney region will benefit from a $46.9 million investment for the construction of the Ingham Health Research Institute.
06 August 2009
Rudd Government commits $7 Million a year for more Aged Care services in Forde
The Australian Government, today announced 235 new aged care places worth more than $7.4 million each year for older people living in the electorate of Forde.
06 August 2009
Rudd Government kick starts Nepean expansion
The Australian Government is kick-starting new major health building projects in New South Wales, with funding from its nation-building Health and Hospitals Fund.
04 August 2009
More Than $1 Million in New Surgical Equipment for the North Western Regional Hospital
The Australian Government has announced the North Western Regional Hospital in Burnie has received an additional $1 million in surgical equipment as part of the Government’s elective surgery funding program.
04 August 2009
More Than $15 Million to Support Older People from Non-English Speaking Backgrounds
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot and Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten announced more than $15.6 million to fund 77 projects to help older culturally and linguistically diverse people access aged care services.
04 August 2009
Next milestone in the Devonport GP Super Clinic
The Australian Government has announced the successful tenderer for construction of the Devonport GP Super Clinic.
03 August 2009
Funding Boost Results in 30 New Rehab Beds for Townsville
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has announced that Townsville was set to benefit from the Australian Government’s $500 million investment in subacute care - announced as part of last year’s historic $64 billion COAG agreement.
01 August 2009
New Listings and Changes to PBS from 1 August 2009
Several new listings and changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 August will bring health benefits to many Australians.
25 July 2009
Aged Care - Public Input Sought for Complaints Review
The Australian Government is seeking public input on its review of the operation of the Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme
24 July 2009
$5.1 Million for Better Support for Women with Post And Antenatal Depression
The Australian Government will invest $5.1 million over three years to enable four specialist organisations to provide telephone-based support for women experiencing post or antenatal depression, or grief following the loss of a baby that will link to an enhanced 24 hour hotline for pregnant women and new mums.
24 July 2009
Encouraging Health Students to Think Rural
Cairns doctors will be able to access retention payments and relocation grants for the first time next year following changes to the way the Australian Government will target its rural workforce programs, the Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon announced.
24 July 2009
Huge Cut in SA Elective Surgery Waiting Lists
South Australia’s public hospitals performed nearly 44,000 elective surgery procedures in 2008/09, slashing overdue waiting lists by 98.5 percent.
24 July 2009
Welcoming a McGrath Breast Care Nurse for Cairns
The Australian Government is continuing its fight against breast cancer with the appointment of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse for the Cairns region.
23 July 2009
$16 Million for Deakin University to Establish a Rural Clinical Training Program
The Australian Government will provide $16m to Deakin University to expand their medical program by setting up a Rural Clinical School program with major sites at Geelong, Warrnambool, Ballarat, and Camperdown.
23 July 2009
$43.8 Million Package to Train More Than 8000 Aged Care Workers
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot announced a $43.8 million education and training package designed to up-skill more than 8,000 aged and community care staff.
23 July 2009
$5 Million Investment for Geelong Hospital
The Australian Government will provide over $5m towards two important infrastructure projects at Geelong Hospital.
22 July 2009
More Aged Care Beds and Jobs for Blackall, Queensland
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot and Member for Flynn, Chris Trevor MP, officially opened the $2.2 million extension to McLean Place aged care facility in Blackall in Queensland’s central west.
22 July 2009
More Community Aged Care Places for Gladstone
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, and Member for Flynn, Chris Trevor MP, have announced an additional 10 community aged care packages worth more than $125,000 a year in total for the Nhulundu Wooribah Indigenous Health Organisation (Nhulundu) in Gladstone.
22 July 2009
Sea of Pink as Hook Up Committee Welcome McGrath Breast Care Nurse
Federal Member for Flynn Chris Trevor and Federal Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot hosted a seaside event to raise awareness for breast cancer and officially recognise Gladstone’s first McGrath Breast Care Nurse Donna Nicholls.
20 July 2009
Healthier Choices Can Reduce the Risk of Kidney Disease
Kidney Health Australia’s “Wee Week”, which is being held from 19 – 25 July, will raise much-needed awareness about the importance of keeping healthy to avoid urinary tract infections (UTI) which can lead to chronic kidney disease and even kidney failure.
20 July 2009
Meeting the Needs of Older Australians in South West Sydney
Aged care services in Sydney will be enhanced following the announcement of more residential and care places in the electorates of Banks and Blaxland.
20 July 2009
New Clinical School opens at Victor Harbor
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mark Butler, officially opened the new Victor Harbor Education Centre.
19 July 2009
$44 Million to Protect Those Most at Risk From Seasonal Flu
The Australian Government will nearly double seasonal flu protection by extending the free vaccine program for vulnerable groups from next year.
17 July 2009
Improving the Katherine Hospital Emergency Department
The Australian Government has allocated $1.2 million to the Northern Territory for the Katherine District Hospital through the Taking the Pressure off Public Hospitals initiative
17 July 2009
Investing in Health Services in Melbourne's Western Suburbs
Sunshine Hospital surgery facilities will be enhanced with a $2.6 million upgrade funded by the Australian Government
16 July 2009
Working together to keep Meals on Wheels rolling across Queensland
More than $5 million has been provided for Meals on Wheels services throughout Queensland.
15 July 2009
GP Super Clinic for Mt Isa
The Australian Government has signed an agreement with North and West Queensland Primary Health Care to establish the $2.5 million GP Super Clinic in Mt Isa.
14 July 2009
Ochre Health to run $5-million GP Super Clinic for Grafton
The Australian Government has signed an agreement with the Ochre Health Group to run the $5-million
13 July 2009
$10.7M Available to Reduce Indigenous Smoking Rates
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, today encouraged organisations with expertise in smoking prevention and quitting smoking to join a $10.7 million initiative to reduce smoking amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
13 July 2009
Building better hospital services in Alice Springs
Residents of Alice Springs and surrounding communities will benefit from a $15.2 million boost to emergency and medical infrastructure at Alice Springs Hospital.
13 July 2009
Caboolture Hospital Receives new ED Infrustructure
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, today visited the emergency department at Caboolture Hospital to view plans as part of the hospital’s redevelopment. The $5.2 million investment by the Government will see the construction of five treatment bays and dedicated paediatric space in the ED to improve patient privacy.
13 July 2009
First step taken towards national e-health system
In an out-of-session communique, the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference has announced that the first step has been taken towards a national e-health system. National consultations are set to begin on the legislative framework to underpin the governance, privacy and agreed uses for national healthcare identifier numbers essential to a secure national e-health system.
13 July 2009
National Diabetes Week 2009
National Diabetes Week, which began on 13 July, helps raise awareness of the lifestyle factors that contribute to a person developing type 2 diabetes.
13 July 2009
Strathapine GP Super Clinic Begins Construction
Construction has started on the Strathpine GP Super Clinic in Brisbane’s outer north. The clinic, to be completed by early 2010, will provide 90 jobs for the Strathpine region during the construction phase and a further 40 during fit-out, stimulating the local economy.
09 July 2009
$4.3 million to take pressure off Royal Darwin Hospital
The Australian Government will provide $4.3 million to improve Royal Darwin Hospital’s emergency department.
09 July 2009
Funding to Keep Medical Students in NT
Northern Territory medical students are closer to being able to complete their entire medical degree without having to leave the NT following the signing of a Memorandum of Intent between Charles Darwin University and Flinders University.
09 July 2009
Start for Palmerston GP Super Clinic and Child Care Centre
The Australian Government and the Northern Territory Government have announced the start of construction of the $10 million Palmerston GP Super Clinic and $2.4 million Early Learning and Child Care Centre, with the turning of the first sod at the Palmerston health precinct.
08 July 2009
H1N1 Medical Research Projects Fast-Tracked
Funding has been given to 41 Australian medical research projects that will help ensure the Australian Government’s response to the evolving threat of H1N1 is based on the most up-to-date information available.
08 July 2009
Report Highlights Importance of Our GPs
The Australian Government has welcomed a new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that provides information on GP activity in Australia and underlines the importance of primary care.
07 July 2009
More Aged Care Beds and Jobs for Melbourne
Jewish Care Victoria’s $27 million ‘Gary Smorgon House’ aged care facility in the Melbourne suburb of Caulfield has been officially opened by the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot.
03 July 2009
$1.1M Funding to Reduce Elective Surgery Waiting Times in Adelaide
Residents of Bedford Park and the surrounding areas in Adelaide will benefit from a $1.1 million investment by the Australian Government in an operating theatre and surgical equipment.
03 July 2009
$500,000 announced to support women leaders in sport
Australian sport will reap the benefit of support for 132 women leaders awarded under the 2009 Sport Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women.
03 July 2009
GPs are major players in H1N1 Influenza 09
Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, has described the national response to combating H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Flu) as appropriate, proportionate and successful, following criticisms by a Victorian GP in the latest on-line edition of the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA).
02 July 2009
$18.5 Million Redevelopment of Historic Site Officially Opened – More Aged Care Beds for Plympton
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has officially opened Stage One of ‘The Pines Lodge’ in Plympton.
02 July 2009
Healthy Active Ageing in Adelaide
On 2 July, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, and the Member for Kingston, Amanda Rishworth, joined residents at Grandview Court in Trott Park for a game of bowls on their Nintendo Wii.
02 July 2009
More than $2.7 Million Support for Older People from Non-English Speaking Backgrounds
The Australian Government is to provide more than $2.7 million for organisations to help aged care service providers deliver culturally appropriate care.
01 July 2009
$400,000 to Support National Baseball League
The Australian Government is to provide $400,000 to support plans for a new national baseball league that will help develop the next generation of Australian baseball stars.
01 July 2009
1 July Brings Increased Aged Care Funding, Better Access to Services and More Information for Australian Families
Australian Government changes introduced from 1 July will benefit older Australians and the aged care industry by providing more information, better access to services and increased funding for more aged care places.
01 July 2009
Delivering More Health Professionals to NT Communities
A significant milestone has been reached with the Remote Area Health Corps placing its 100th health professional in a remote Indigenous community in the Northern Territory.
01 July 2009
Election of Rosemary Bryant to Presidency of the International Council of Nurses
Australia’s Chief Commonwealth Nurse, Rosemary Bryant, has been elected president of the International Council of Nurses.
01 July 2009
Health Boost for the Ipswich Community
A contract has been signed with the University of Queensland to establish a $2.5 million GP Super Clinic at Ipswich.
01 July 2009
Health Care Boost for Indigenous Australians
Health care for Indigenous Australians received a significant boost on 1 July with the introduction of programs aimed at improving services.
01 July 2009
Health Care Initiatives Boost for Rural & Remote Australians
People living in rural and remote areas of Australia will receive a significant boost to their health services with the introduction from 1 July of a number of Australian Government initiatives.
01 July 2009
New Listings and Changes to PBS - 1 July 2009
Several additions and changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) that came into effect on 1 July will bring better health benefits to many Australians.
01 July 2009
Support for People Living With Cancer
From 1 July, people living with cancer will have better access to a variety of treatments, medicines and support.
30 June 2009
$44 Million Boost for Logan Hospital
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, Member for Forde Brett Raguse and Queensland Deputy Premier and Health Minister Paul Lucas visited Logan Hospital to discuss the Australian Government’s $44 million expansion of the Logan Hospital Emergency Department.
30 June 2009
Free HPV ‘Catch Up’ Vaccination Program a Success
The free ‘catch up’ vaccination program for Human Papilloma virus (HPV) ended on 30 June for women aged 18 – 26 but will continue to provide free vaccines on an ongoing basis for 12- and 13-year-old girls to be delivered through schools.
30 June 2009
Health is at hand for all Australians
Newborn babies, Indigenous Australians and people with sleep problems are among the beneficiaries of a raft of new medical research projects that have received funding from the Australian Government.
30 June 2009
Meeting the Needs of Older Australians: Additional Residential And Community Care Places
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has announced 10,447 new aged care places worth more than $347 million a year will be provided for care for frail older Australians under the latest Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR).
30 June 2009
More GP and midwife training support means more choice for Australian mothers
From 1 July, midwives and GPs, particularly those in rural and remote Australia, will get more support under an Australian Government initiative to provide safe, quality maternity care to Australian women.
30 June 2009
State of Our Hospitals 2007-08
The State of Our Public Hospitals report for the 2007-08 year was issued 30 June.
29 June 2009
Hearing Screening for All Australian Babies
The Australian Government will seek a commitment from States and Territories to deliver newborn Hearing Screening for all Australian babies from 1 January 2011.
26 June 2009
National Education and Prevention Action Plan on Illicit Drugs in Sport
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, has released the Australian Government’s $20.1 million Illicit Drugs in Sport - National Education and Prevention Action Plan to help tackle illicit drug use in sport and in the broader community.
25 June 2009
Indigenous Australians recognised in H1N1 Influenza 09 Health Response
All of Australia is now responding to the outbreak of H1N1 Influenza 09 in the PROTECT pandemic alert phase which is concentrating our efforts on caring for the most medically vulnerable in our community
25 June 2009
Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee Paper Welcomed
A report calling for new efforts to improve Indigenous health, and thereby reduce Indigenous incarceration was launched today by the Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, and the Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor.
24 June 2009
Historic Step Forward for Midwives and Nurse Practitioners
New legislation has been introduced that will give nurses and midwives access to the Medical Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
22 June 2009
New Intervention Strategy to Target Underage Drinkers in NT
As part of the $53.5 million National Binge Drinking Strategy announced last year, the Australian Government has signed a funding agreement with the Northern Territory Government to operate a pilot program across the Territory to teach young people about the risks associated with underage drinking.
22 June 2009
New Intervention Strategy to Target Underage Drinkers in SA
As part of the $53.5 million National Binge Drinking Strategy announced last year, the Australian Government has signed a funding agreement with the South Australian Government to operate a pilot program in three different police local service areas to teach young people about the risks associated with underage drinking.
22 June 2009
New Intervention Strategy to Target Underage Drinkers in Southern Tasmania
As part of the $53.5 million National Binge Drinking Strategy announced last year, the Australian Government has signed a funding agreement with the Tasmanian Government to operate a pilot program in the Southern District to teach young people about the risks associated with underage drinking.
22 June 2009
New Intervention Strategy to Target Underage Drinkers in Victoria
As part of the $53.5 million National Binge Drinking Strategy announced last year, the Australian Government has signed a funding agreement with the Victorian Government to operate a pilot program in the City of Wyndham to teach young people about the risks associated with underage drinking.
19 June 2009
Minister Welcomes Independent AIHW Report
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot has welcomed the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report - Residential Aged Care in Australia 2007–08: a statistical overview.
18 June 2009
Aged Care Sector to Benefit from $148 Million Indexation Boost
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has announced a $148 million boost in funding to the residential aged care and community care sector during the 2009-10 financial year as a result of annual indexation.
18 June 2009
Rural Health Infrastructure Boost
The Australian Government will invest $5 million in 27 rural and regional health infrastructure projects under the National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program.
17 June 2009
Minister Welcomes AIHW Report on Children’s Health
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has welcomed the release of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report, ‘A Picture of Australia’s Children 2009’.
17 June 2009
New Pandemic Phase PROTECT
On 17 June, the Australian Government announced a new response phase called PROTECT to manage the outbreak of H1N1 Influenza 09.
16 June 2009
$300,000 to help basketball build a strong future
The Australian Government is to provide $300,000 to help Basketball Australia (BA) continue building a stronger future for the sport in Australia.
15 June 2009
Tradies Health Receives Tune Up
The health of tradies has received a boost with a new initiative from the OzHelp Foundation which will monitor and inform tradies of their health.
12 June 2009
$20 Million - Eden on the Avenue Opens at Deception Bay – More Aged Care Beds and Jobs in Brisbane’s North
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot was joined by Member for Longman, Jon Sullivan, in opening the $20 million Eden on the Avenueaged care facility at Deception Bay.
12 June 2009
Sanctions: Australian Government Acts on Tasmanian Aged Care Home
The Australian Government has imposed sanctions on North East Aminya Hostel, an aged care facility in Scottsdale, Tasmania.
10 June 2009
$13.3 Million to Help People in NSW Remain Independent, in their Homes and in their Communities
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot, and the New South Wales Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Mr Paul Lynch, have announced an extra $13.3 million for Home and Community Care (HACC) services in New South Wales.
10 June 2009
$18,000 for Haberfield’s Ella Centre
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot and Member for Grayndler, Anthony Albanese have announced $18,000 for the Ella Centre’s ‘D-Caff’ to help further support families, carers and people living with dementia in Sydney’s inner west.
09 June 2009
Report on Karingal Nursing Home
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot, has released the report into the Karingal Nursing Home’s handling of a mouse plague.
07 June 2009
Sanctions: Australian Govt Acts on Kempsey Aged Care Home
The Australian Government has imposed sanctions on Vincent Court, an aged care facility in Kempsey New South Wales.
05 June 2009
Professor Melissa Wake Winner of Minister’s Award
Outstanding medical researcher and pediatrician Professor Melissa Wake has been awarded the 2009 Federal Health Minister’s Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Research - recognising her landmark work to solve common child health problems.
03 June 2009
Increased Public Health Response in Victoria
The Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) and the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, have advised that it is appropriate to raise the pandemic response to a modified SUSTAIN response for Victoria while keeping the national level at CONTAIN for the other states and territories.
02 June 2009
Myth busting - cardiovascular disease and women
The leading cause of death among women in Australia today is cardiovascular disease.
01 June 2009
Government Subsidises New Drugs
The Australian Government will subsidise new forms of several drugs already listed on the PBS and will extend the listing of Adalimumab as an alternative treatment for severe psoriasis from 1 June.
31 May 2009
Australia recognised as leader on World No Tobacco Day
Australia’s leading role in including health warnings on cigarette packaging will be recognised internationally by the World Health Organisation tomorrow.
29 May 2009
Campaign Targets Sexually Transmitted Infections
A national campaign launched on 29 May aims to reduce the rate of sexually transmitted infections among Australians, especially young people and Indigenous people.
27 May 2009
More Than $14 Million for Palliative Care Initiatives
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot announced a $14.4 million package to provide extra services and equipment for palliative care.
26 May 2009
Kidney Disease – Australia’s ‘Silent Killer’
Kidney Health Week is an opportunity for Australians to learn more about the dangers of kidney disease and how to avoid it.
25 May 2009
Taking Pressure off Canberra Hospital’s Emergency Department
The Australian Government is to provide $10 million to establish a ‘Walk-in Centre’ at the Canberra Hospital to help take pressure off its busy emergency department.
23 May 2009
Australian Government Acts on Victorian Nursing Home
The Australian Government has imposed sanctions on St Benedict’s Private Nursing Home in the Melbourne suburb of Sandringham, as the nursing home had not fixed previous non-compliance.
22 May 2009
Alert Level Raised to ‘CONTAIN’
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, has advised that it is appropriate to raise Australia’s pandemic alert level to CONTAIN.
22 May 2009
Joint Communiqué - Gene Technology Ministerial Council
The 8th meeting of the Gene Technology Ministerial Council was held in Canberra on 22 May.
21 May 2009
Closure of Gracedale Manor Aged Care Facility
The Australian Government has responded quickly to the announcement by the administrators of Kendalle Pty Ltd (Brooke Bird Chartered Accountants) to close Gracedale Manor - an aged care home in Melbourne.
20 May 2009
Health Boost for Cairns
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon and Member for Leichhardt, Jim Turnour have signed an agreement with Balance! Healthcare to establish the $5 million Cairns GP Super Clinic.
20 May 2009
More GPs, Health Workers for Far North Queensland Indigenous Communities
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon and Member for Leichhardt, Jim Turnour have announced that the Australian Government will provide almost $600,000 to improve Indigenous health care services in Far North Queensland.
20 May 2009
More Help for Homeless Victorians
Homeless people, or those at risk of becoming homeless, are being recognised as a ‘special needs’ group under the Aged Care Principles, and a $900,000 joint funding boost to Home and Community Care services from the Australian and Victorian Governments has been announced.
18 May 2009
Statement by Senator McLucas to the 62nd World Health Assembly
Impact of the economic and financial crisis on global health
15 May 2009
Bulk-Billed Medicare Services Increase: March Quarter Results
Figures issued on 15 May show an increase in the percentage of Medicare services bulk-billed in the March quarter 2009.
15 May 2009
Health and safety first priority as children walk to school
Today (15 May) is Walk Safely to School Day – a national event to encourage primary school children to enjoy physical activity by walking to school.
13 May 2009
Australian Government Acts on Victorian Nursing Home
The Australian Government has imposed sanctions on Domain Seahaven in Inverloch in southern Victoria.
12 May 2009
Extended Medicare Safety Net Report
A report on the operation, effectiveness and implications of the Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) has been tabled in both Houses of Parliament.
11 May 2009