Cop blames tumour for ‘unjustified, excessive’ assaults
A suspended senior constable has tried to argue that he punched two intoxicated civilians while on duty in separate incidents in 2023 because of a brain tumour.
Health
Last-ditch bid to stop psychiatrists quitting en masse
Replacing psychiatrists with nurses and counsellors will not lower standards, state leaders insist, as crisis plans are drawn up for looming resignations.
Doctors warned ‘aggressive’ tactic will impact families
Families of people with poor mental health will bear the brunt of chaos caused by psychiatrists resigning as experts warn the public system is failing patients.
Worries autism plan may overlook children who need help
Australia has launched its first national autism strategy and action plan but some say it doesn't go far enough to improve inclusion and engagement.
Major study sheds light on depression’s genetic links
Tens of thousands of Australians helped contribute to the world's largest study into depression genetics, generating hope for more tailored treatments.
More to do on Medicare and bulk-billing, Labor says
The federal government has unfinished business with Medicare, signalling its ambitions to further bolster the GP workforce and boost bulk-billing.
Summer’s first case of mosquito-borne virus detected
Japanese encephalitis, a potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus, has likely been detected in a resident in regional Victoria.
‘Drugs are illegal’: premier’s warning over test trial
Drug takers are being warned they could still be arrested despite a state government waving through a pill-testing trial at music festivals over the summer.
Measles, polio detected as authorities urge caution
Health authorities are urging people to monitor for measles symptoms after an infectious case was detected while polio was also found in wastewater.
Flesh-eating ulcer becomes ‘endemic’ in another state
Researchers picking apart a marsupial's faeces have warned a bacterium causing a flesh-eating ulcer is present "beyond doubt" in a popular coastal town.
‘A game changer’: help on way for rural women with endo
Rural women who live with the agony of endometriosis say a scholarship program to train nurses will help improve their quality of life and access to care.
Five ways to make your daily walks even more beneficial
Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated. Even just a brisk, ten-minute daily walk can deliver a host of health benefits – lowering the risk of several diseases, including heart disease, stroke and several cancers.
‘Tyranny of distance’ still plaguing remote health care
Thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live more than one hour's drive from basic health care services.
Indigenous psychiatrist’s passion to reshape care
An Indigenous psychiatrist is hoping to transform Australia's mental health response, advocating for community-based crisis care.
COVID-19 vaccine negligence claims ‘needle in haystack’
A class action accuses the government of negligence in approving COVID-19 vaccines, but lawyers say the case has no chance of making it to a hearing.
Beyond The Valley to host pill testing in state first
Beyond The Valley will be the first Victorian music festival to trial pill testing in an effort to curb overdoses and save lives.
Aged care revamp to shake up Australians’ golden years
Older Australians will be able to live at home for longer and receive better protections in aged care after a sector overhaul passed parliament.
Baby dies amid unprecedented whooping cough outbreak
A newborn baby is dead and infections are surging as health authorities scramble to contain a worsening national whooping cough epidemic.
Chronic conditions on the rise among Indigenous people
The number of Indigenous people smoking daily has dropped, while mental health conditions have risen, the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows.
Young people’s anxiety soars over cost of living
The percentage of young Australians worrying about the cost of living has more than doubled in two years and it is now their biggest concern, a survey suggests.
‘Significant’ jump in COVID-19 cases ahead of Christmas
A surge in COVID-19 cases has hit ahead of the festive season with health authorities warning those at risk to take precautions to avoid getting sick.
‘Nightmare’: PM’s tribute after teen’s methanol death
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones following her death from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos.
‘Fix this’: torn-up contracts not in patients’ interest
A major private hospital operator and multiple insurers have been urged to negotiate as contracts are torn up, likely to result in patients paying more.
Refugee mums start new chapter with mind, body and baby
Refugee mothers suffer pregnancy issues compared to Australian-born women but a specialist midwifery service is easing labour pains and giving peace of mind.
New parents urged to ‘make the call’ on mental health
New parents are struggling with their mental health, a perinatal anxiety and depression helpline says as it records a surge in calls from Indigenous families.
Deadly cough spreading like wildfire amid record cases
Australians are falling behind on whooping cough vaccinations as the nation faces its worst outbreak of the deadly bacterial disease.
Babies, pregnant mums to have greater RSV protection
The federal government will provide free access to vaccines protecting expectant mums and babies from respiratory syncytial virus.
Anguish over paramedic killer’s ‘tragic’ case verdict
The man who brutally stabbed paramedic Steven Tougher to death has been cleared of his murder on mental health grounds, leaving a family searching for answers.
Push to expand Medicare for better mental health access
Australians could have improved access to mental health support under a Greens election proposal to shore up the psychology workforce and expand Medicare.
Strengthening wildlife numbers key to mitigate bird flu
The Invasive Species Council wants better bird protections to mitigate the impact of a deadly bird flu strain as Australia war games how to contain an outbreak.
Nation’s sick state of readiness for pandemics unmasked
Australia's healthcare, economy and public service have been exhausted by COVID-19 and a Centre for Disease Control will be set up to prepare for pandemics.