Government accused of slow response to disease outbreak
Vaccine hesitancy, health staff shortages and overcrowding in remote communities could all be causes of a diphtheria outbreak, the federal health minister says.
Health
Reported diphtheria death denied by health authority
A territory health authority says the death of a man in an outback hospital is in no way linked to diphtheria despite media reports to that effect.
Fatality confirmed, disease rate dropping amid outbreak
The rate of diphtheria cases is dropping in a territory caught in the middle of a national outbreak after health authorities confirmed its first fatality.
‘Concerning outbreak’: respiratory disease cases rising
Case numbers in one of Australia's worst diphtheria outbreaks are climbing, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joining the call for people to get vaccinated.
A 10-hour trip for a blood test amid rural health gaps
Rural women have revealed significant barriers to fertility treatment, including interstate trips, fragmented care and the cancellation of abortion services.
Aged care price cap reform latest casualty of Iran war
Older Australians will have to wait longer for price limits on home care services as the government cites rising costs and volatility caused by the Iran war.
Deadly disease outbreak linked to waning vaccinations
One of Australia's worst diphtheria outbreaks has spread across the nation with fears the respiratory disease has claimed a life in an outback community.
Thousands face tests over dentist HIV, hepatitis risks
A retired dentist who treated thousands of patients over decades may have exposed them to serious bloodborne viruses such as HIV through poor infection control.
Critical period to stop new mums slipping through gaps
The greatest risk of major depression for new mothers is two weeks after giving birth, a study has revealed, sparking calls for better screening and support.
‘Perfect’: carer’s family reacts to murderer’s jailing
A murderer, who killed his live-in carer with a hammer in their home, has been jailed for more than two decades, much to the relief of the victim's family.
‘No apology’: quarantine for Aussies on virus-hit ship
To prevent the spread of a deadly virus, four citizens and a permanent resident returning from a plagued cruise will be placed in an official isolation centre.
‘Extremely difficult’: principal speaks after stabbing
A school principal has praised the courage of staff who rushed to his aid after being stabbed, as the teacher who attacked him was handed a jail sentence.
Vaccine not to be sneezed at as flu season approaches
Australia's leading health practitioners have outlined how dangerous the coming winter flu season could be if vaccination rates don't improve.
IVF clinic embryo mix-up prompts trauma lawsuit
A couple who donated embryos that were mistakenly switched have claimed they are suffering psychiatric trauma in a lawsuit launched against a major IVF clinic.
States push back on footing bill for NDIS changes
State leaders and ministers say they were kept in the dark on the extent of planned changes to the NDIS and fear they're being left to pick up the tab.
Pressure on states to get behind NDIS changes
States and territories are being lobbied by the federal treasurer to back National Disability Insurance Scheme reforms to handle more people than previously.
NDIS cuts not just about kicking people off: minister
The minister in charge of the NDIS has defended looming changes to the scheme that will require people with disabilities to be reassessed.
Family’s ‘life sentence’ after carer murdered by friend
The family of a much-loved carer who was murdered by his friend and patient say they have been handed a life sentence following his brutal death.
Showers free in aged care reform as health rebate cut
Over-65s will lose a generous private health insurance rebate to help fund at-home support services for aged care recipients after a government backflip.
‘Cuts, cuts, cuts’: NDIS costs slashed in crack down
Tens of thousands of disabled Australians could lose access to support as the government tries to pare back the soaring cost of the NDIS.
‘It killed my mum’: Prince Harry reveals royal turmoil
The Duke of Sussex has spoken candidly about the death of his mother and his struggles in his early life as a royal during his final appearance in Melbourne.
Carlton supporting Hollands after mental health episode
The AFL has been in contact with Carlton about how to best support Elijah Hollands following the Blues utility's concerning performance against Collingwood.
‘Resilience’ rewarded as ex-premier receives top honour
A former premier's service to public health, education and multiculturalism has been formally recognised with the nation's highest civilian honour.
More women set to skip the doctor to get the pill
Many women at low risk of complications will soon be able to access the contraceptive pill without a trip to their GP, but the rollout will not be swift.
‘World of hurt’: AFL great’s cancer warning for men
Carlton defender Sam Docherty was in his football prime when diagnosed with cancer. Now he's urging men to learn from his mistake.
‘Vaccine-fatigued’ Aussies vulnerable to big flu season
Doctors shell-shocked from 2025's record-breaking flu season are warning another significant round is on the way if vaccination rates stay low.
From serving the nation to serving a sentence
New Flinders University research warns many veterans and their families are being failed long after their service ends.
Helping sick kids in the bush one flight at a time
A young female pilot is flying solo nationwide to raise funds for sick children in regional areas with her sights set on breaking a Guinness world record.
Needle-free vaccine rolled out after record flu season
A gentle, needle-less way to protect kids from the flu will be rolled out to hundreds of thousands of children as parents' confidence in vaccines wanes.
Shayna Jack dives in to take on young risky drinking
Olympic swimmer Shayna Jack's "soul crushing" doping scandal has sparked her involvement in a campaign against risky drinking by young women.
Medicinal cannabis concerns half-baked, advocates say
An analysis has found no evidence medicinal cannabis is effective for treating many illnesses but advocates say more data is needed to make a definitive call.