Albanese outlines aged care sector reform
Anthony Albanese used his budget reply speech to outline changes to aged care should Labor win the next election.
Health
Industry sectors fear waning COVID support
The federal budget provided funding to prepare the health system for an expected COVID surge in winter but industries are concerned the ball could be dropped.
Government prepares for winter COVID spike
The federal budget, released on Tuesday night, provides funding to prepare the health system for an expected COVID-19 and flu spike in winter.
Exports and innovation in $600m ag spend
The government's agriculture budget aims to make it easier for farmers to export their products, with hopes the sector will be worth $100 billion by 2030.
Billions set aside for COVID winter fight
Out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions will be reduced for millions of people, while Medicare funding will increase over the next five years.
Teen COVID boosters being considered
Case numbers of COVID-19 have been increasing across the country in recent days due to infections linked to an Omicron sub-variant.
Many struggle to meet health costs: survey
Many financially disadvantaged Australians and those with chronic conditions face difficulty meeting healthcare costs, a survey of 5000 adults shows.
Treasurer upbeat on PM’s virus response
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg believes Prime Minister Scott Morrison has done an extraordinary job steering Australia through the pandemic.
Jobseekers choosing careers in health care
Health care is the number one industry of choice for young Australians, according to a jobseeker survey.
Boost for ACT’s mental recovery from virus
The ACT and federal governments will spend $38 million on the territory's mental health and suicide prevention services as part of its COVID-19 recovery.
High prostate cancer stress in rural Aust
The prospect of leaving homes, jobs and families to access treatment is causing distress among men in rural Australia faced with a prostate cancer diagnoses.
Perth prison reports death in custody
The death of a Perth prisoner marks the fifth Indigenous death death in custody in Australia this year and more than 500 since the 1991 royal commission.
Qld unsure when 2nd Omicron wave will peak
Queensland is in the middle of a second Omicron wave but authorities aren't changing any public health measures.
WA posts 8133 virus cases, more free tests
Western Australia has recorded 8133 new COVID-19 infections and two deaths as the state prepares to unwind some public health restrictions.
Fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose approved
ATAGI has approved a fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine for some Australians, as the government looks to scrap pre-flight testing for overseas arrivals.
Booster 2.0: Fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose approved by authorities
ATAGI has approved a fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine for some Australians, as the government looks to scrap pre-flight testing for overseas arrivals.
Regulator fines company for vaccine advert
Australia's medical regulator has fined a company more than $13,000 for advertising an unapproved COVID vaccine while it was still undergoing clinical trials.
Newcastle baby died from COVID-19: coroner
A coroner says COVID-19 caused the death of a two-month-old baby in Newcastle in December when the city was overwhelmed by a wave of Omicron infections.
Health advice on fourth COVID jab imminent
The country's leading vaccine advisory group is set to hand down advice on whether a fourth COVID jab will be needed ahead of winter.
Tas premier isolating amid virus concern
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein is isolating at home after a family member tested positive to COVID-19.
Vaccine-induced cells boost COVID immunity
T cells can provide a long-lasting immune response to COVID-19 following vaccination or infection, new Doherty Institute research has found.
Cost of living central in budget: Morrison
With the federal budget less than a week away, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says cost of living pressures will be a key priority.
No mandates despite COVID spike: Qld CHO
Queensland's chief health officer is not considering reintroducing restrictions despite new sub-variant BA.2 sparking a COVID-19 spike.
NSW COVID-19 cases jump to nearly 21,000
Daily COVID-19 cases in NSW have again surged to more than 20,000 as the new Omicron sub-variant spreads rapidly and four more people with the virus have died.
Qld records two virus deaths, 6206 cases
Two people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland where there are almost 42,000 cases, mainly in Brisbane, Torres and Cape, Central Queensland and Wide Bay.
COVID-19 claims its youngest victim in NSW
A two-year-old child with no underlying health conditions has become the youngest person to die in NSW with COVID-19.
Aussies a tad smile shy, research shows
A national survey in the lead up to World Oral Health Day shows more than two thirds of Australians aren't confident about their smiles.
Minister optimistic about pandemic future
The health minister believes Australia remains in an enviable COVID-19 position globally, as the country records seven deaths and more than 40,000 new cases.
NSW adds 19,060 COVID-19 cases, 12 deaths
Australia's two biggest states have reported 26,907 cases and 14 deaths, with the majority of both figures from NSW.
New support measures for travel agents
The federal government will offer more than $75 million to support travel agents hit hard by the pandemic, as borders begin to reopen.
Is your child’s playground risking their health and harming the Great Barrier Reef?
Shredded recycled tyres are being used to make playground surfaces in Queensland but research shows the material can be toxic to human health and risk the environment, particularly the Great Barrier Reef.