Department of Health and Ageing | Latest News

Better Access to Care for Tasmanians Affected by Dementia

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:44:30 +1000

An innovative nurse practitioner pilot project is improving access to primary health care for older Australians in Tasmania.

Another 50,000 Australians take out private health cover

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:30:54 +1000

The March quarterly report from the independent Private Health Insurance Administration Council found the number of Australians with hospital cover had increased to 10,455,462.

GP After Hours Helpline Begins Service in Victoria

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:26:33 +1000

The popular after hours GP helpline has become a truly national service, as Victoria has now signed on, bringing all state and territories on board.

Schizophrenia Awareness Week

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:17:58 +1000

At the beginning of Schizophrenia Awareness Week (14-20 May), the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has welcomed the opportunity the week provides to promote greater community understanding of schizophrenia and mental illness generally.

New eHealth “learning centre” goes live

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:47:55 +1000

An online “learning centre” which details how the Australian Government’s new electronic health record system will work for patients and practitioners has been launched.

Australian Government 2012-13 Health and Ageing Portfolio Budget Statements and Budget Media Releases

Tue, 08 May 2012 19:30:00 +1000

Information for the Health and Ageing Portfolio 2012-13 Budget and related Media Releases are available for viewing.

Budget Media Releases:

Facebook Joins the Organ and Tissue Donation Campaign

Tue, 08 May 2012 09:02:47 +1000

Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has joined with Facebook to launch a way for Australians to start a conversation about their wish to become an organ and tissue donor.

Budget Delivers Certainty for eHealth System

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:43:36 +1000

Australian families will benefit from a $233.7 million investment to continue the rollout of a national, secure eHealth system which will deliver safer and better health services.

Minister Welcomes Move on Duty-Free Tobacco

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:26:44 +1000

The Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, welcomed the Budget measure to reduce the amount of duty free cigarettes and tobacco that people are allowed to bring into Australia.

Australian Government Invests in Frontline Health Services

Tue, 08 May 2012 -1:-1:-1 +1000

The Australian Government will deliver major new health initiatives and continue to support frontline health services for Australian families in the 2012-2013 Budget.

Blitz on dental waiting lists to benefit low income Australians

Sun, 06 May 2012 11:06:14 +1000

The Australian Government has announced 400,000 people will benefit from a blitz on public dental waiting lists as part of a $515.3 million drive in foundation measures.

Expansion of Program to Fight Bowel Cancer

Sat, 05 May 2012 11:20:49 +1000

The Australian Government’s life-saving National Bowel Cancer Screening Program will be expanded under the 2012-13 Budget to provide additional screenings to people aged 60 and 70.

Healthy Eating for a Healthy Australia

Sat, 05 May 2012 08:28:28 +1000

Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King urges Australians to think carefully about their food and nutrition choices.

Tribute to Organ and Tissue Donation Advocate David Gough

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:33:47 +1000

Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King today paid tribute to one of Australia’s treasured advocates for organ and tissue donation, David Gough.

WA Acknowledged for Role in Organ and Tissue Donation

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:30:56 +1000

Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has acknowledged Western Australia for its contribution to increasing organ and tissue donation for transplantation as part of the Australian Government’s National Reform Agenda.

Grafton’s $5 Million GP Super Clinic Officially Opened

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:45:05 +1000

The new $5 million GP Super Clinic in Grafton was opened on 4 May, making it easier for residents to see a GP and giving better access to quality health care.

Online Training Available for Suicide Prevention Professionals

Thu, 03 May 2012 14:50:16 +1000

Australians who have attempted or are at risk of suicide or self-harm will benefit from an updated and expanded online training package produced as part of the Australian Government efforts to tackle suicide.

New Organ and Tissue Donation Resources for Illawarra’s Orthodox Communities

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:29:50 +1000

New resources for Greek, Serbian and Macedonian communities are now available to help dispel myths and overcome barriers to discussion and decision-making about organ and tissue donation.

Your Say on Australia’s First Ever Mental Health Report Card

Thu, 03 May 2012 09:47:11 +1000

Australians are now able to have their say on the nation’s first Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, through a new online survey.

New Acting Chair of GPET Announced

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:48:58 +1000

Dr Richard Matthews has been appointed the Acting Chaiman of General Practice Training and Education Ltd. Dr Matthew’s appointment is for a three-month period from 1 May 2012.