Hospital staff sent to Vic flood areas
Towns in northern Victoria are being warned it is getting too late to evacuate from flooding, with the Murray River expected to break its banks this week.
Health
Australian virus response ‘was over-reach’
Australia has been warned against the perils of over-reach when dealing with future health crises, following a critical review of the response to COVID-19.
Connectivity a lifeline for bush patients
The AMA is urging the government to improve mobile and internet coverage in the bush, particularly as several states endure major floods.
PM rejects claims regions left behind
Anthony Albanese has hit back at opposition claims regional areas are being forgotten for infrastructure funding in the upcoming budget.
Australia’s 1000 dark days of COVID-19
Australia will soon mark 1000 days since it recorded its first COVID-19 case - and experts reflect on the life-altering crisis of the pandemic era.
Floods to hit federal, household budgets
The devastating floods hitting large swathes of the country will put more pressure on the already-pressured federal budget and the cost of some essential items.
Online victims still shoulder abuse burden
A disability activist and writer has called for the eSafety commissioner to do more to stop online abuse towards Australians with disabilities.
Ditch pig eradication programs: experts
Feral pigs are a major problem for Australian farms and ecosystems but scientists say trying to exterminate them won't work.
Doctors alarmed over easing COVID-19 rules
Another COVID-19 wave is on its way to Australia, with the nation's peak medical body urging federal and state governments to rethink winding back restrictions.
Health warnings after isolation scrapped
The decision by federal, state and territory leaders to scrap mandatory COVID-19 isolation periods for most Australians has been criticised by health experts.
Hidden surgery waiting lists a ‘scandal’
Hidden wait times for elective surgery mean it's impossible for patients to make an informed decision about whether to go public or private, the AMA says.
Mandatory COVID isolation rules scrapped
National cabinet has agreed to end mandatory five-day isolation periods for people with COVID-19 - unless they work in hospitals or aged care.
Interim tick for Pfizer infant booster
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has given provisional approval for Pfizer's COVID-19 booster to be used in children aged six months to five years.
COVID-19 cases continue to drop nationally
The national average number of COVID-19 cases dropped about 15 per cent compared to the previous reporting week, the latest federal coronavirus data shows.
Data expected to show drop in COVID cases
The federal health department is due to release the latest data on COVID-19 cases, vaccinations and the impact on hospitals.
Victoria scraps masks on public transport
Victorians will no longer need to wear masks on public transport after the state government decided to fall in line with the rest of the country.
Lockdowns hit happiness more than cases
Lockdowns throughout the pandemic affected the mental health of Australians, particularly men, more than hearing rising case numbers, a new study shows.
Major step to booster for young children
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has provisionally approved the Pfizer booster for children aged five to 11, with a decision pending on its rollout.
Vic to trial COVID nasal spray treatment
A COVID-19 nasal spray designed to reduce a person's viral load will undergo a six-month clinical trial in Victoria.
SA and NSW drop masks on public transport
South Australia and NSW have dropped requirements for mask wearing on public transport in the latest easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
End of the pandemic is in sight: WHO
The comment was the most optimistic from the United Nations agency since it declared COVID-19 an international emergency in January 2020 and started describing it as a pandemic three months later.
National cabinet to consider future of COVID leave payments
The financial support is due to lapse at the end of September, despite people who test positive for the virus still needing to isolate for five days.
Fossil fuel subsidies make “no economic sense”
Australian federal and state governments’ total fossil fuel subsidies cost $11.6 billion - up $1.3 billion on the previous year.
Europe and China are bone dry and Pakistan is underwater: A climate scientist’s view on what is going on
Yuck factor pushes Premier towards desalination
A battle is brewing in South-East Queensland over water. Despite heavy rains and flooding, the water supply authority, Seqwater, has flagged the need to find more water sources to keep up with urban growth.
Caesarean birth adds cardiovascular risk
Australian children born via caesarean section have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease and are more likely to be overweight or obese, according to a new study.
Repeat waves prompt long COVID fears
COVID-19 infections and deaths continue to rise as a leading infectious diseases expert warns Australia is losing its battle with the virus.
Doctors ‘need a carrot’ to stay rural
Rural medical clinics say doctors are leaving to work in urban areas or asking for more money to stay in the bush since the Labor government increased the number of workforce priority areas.
Wuhan lab leak theory is dead says COVID academic
The Huanan market was the pandemic epicentre. From its origin there, the SARS-CoV-2 virus rapidly spread to other locations in Wuhan in early 2020 and then to the rest of the world.
Study confirms mRNA vax safe in pregnancy
Pregnant women vaccinated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines reported fewer side effects than non-pregnant women, according to a Canadian study.
Omicron wave sends office return backwards
Office occupancy rates plunged in most major Australian cities in July as COVID-19 cases spiked across the country.