‘Not good enough’: hospital funding feud spills over
Australian governments are wasting $1.2 billion a year on avoidable public hospital spending as states and territories unite to call for more federal funding.
health
Major cause of death reaches lowest level in 47 years
The number of Australians dying from a prevalent disease has hit an almost 50-year low while mortality rates for dementia have been steadily rising.
Rob Hirst: feeling good, for a hundred years or more
Midnight Oil's drummer, who has stage four pancreatic cancer, still has songs pinging around his brain at night, while he rages against the dying of the light.
‘Cruel game’: cracks showing over NDIS scheme shake-up
Tensions have bubbled to the surface over a federal overhaul of support for autistic children to rein in snowballing NDIS scheme costs.
Mental health crisis unfolding in ED departments
Australia's public hospitals are under scrutiny as data shows rising mental health presentations are pushing the system to its limits.
Tobacco tax cut ‘no fix’ to $4b smugglers’ paradise
Public health experts are urging authorities not to get the jitters on tobacco taxes as the economic cost of Australia's black market trade explodes.
Landmark puberty block ban reinstated by government
A transgender teen's mother is set to discuss legal options after a state government reinstated a puberty blocker ban soon after it was overturned in court.
NZ Labour apes Albo’s Labor with ‘Medicard’ policy
Australia's Medicare card would have a Kiwi equivalent if NZ Labour wins office, after a major policy play by Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins.
Authority on notice after year 12 exam subject gaffe
An "extremely traumatic" year 12 test subject mix-up has sparked a state government investigation with the curriculum authority coming under the spotlight.
Renewed puberty blocker ban may face another challenge
A state government might face a second legal challenge after reinstating a puberty blocker ban for transgender children hours after it was overturned in court.
Historic aged care reforms spark concern
A landmark overhaul of the nation's aged care rules is in effect, enshrining older Australians' rights into law but also pushing up some prices.
Coalition support plunges further amid climate fighting
A dire poll is putting Opposition Leader Sussan Ley under pressure as the coalition thrashes out its approach to energy and climate change.
COVID jabs cut the risk of heart complications in kids
Vaccination has been associated with a smaller risk of rare heart conditions compared to COVID-19 infection in children, the largest study of its kind suggests.
Smoke shops shut down a stone’s throw from health HQ
Two stores allegedly selling illicit tobacco and vape products were operating metres from the offices of health officials attempting to curb the prolific issue.
Israeli military carries out ‘targeted strike’ in Gaza
A drone strike on a car and shelling by tanks are among the latest reports of violence in Gaza, as protesters in Tel Aviv call for the release of all hostages.
Talking and tinkering townsfolk make for more wellbeing
Small communities are the key to a good life, according to a national survey that shows Australians are reporting greater overall wellbeing.
Gaza in a ‘race against time,’ Australian doctors say
Australian doctors in Gaza have shared their hopes and fears for the Palestinian enclave amid a shaky ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Nurses, midwives vote to endorse lucrative pay deal
Queensland's public nurses and midwives are set to be among the highest paid in the country after officially accepting a $1.8 billion deal, ending a stand-off.
Puberty blocker battle sparks landmark legal challenge
The mother of a transgender teen unable to access hormone therapy after a state ban has launched a legal challenge, sparking protests outside court.
Record-high flu season as jab rates stall, GPs warn
Stalling vaccination rates among children and seniors are exacerbating a record-breaking flu season, the peak body for general practitioners says.
Medicinal cannabis being ‘exploited’ through telehealth
Companies that prescribe and dispense medicinal cannabis have drawn the ire of doctors and pharmacists warning of gaps in the regulation of medicinal cannabis.
Dying on ‘own terms’ to get easier in law refresh
Barriers to terminally ill patients accessing assisting dying are poised to be pulled down under a law shake-up, honouring the last wishes of a young man.
Midnight Oil fans rally to rescue drummer’s ‘war horse’
A drummer for one of Australia's most-loved rock bands is battling cancer and says he is surrounded by love after deciding to sell his old "war horse".
Rural mums forced to travel 500km for miscarriage care
Women in remote areas are 1.6 times more likely to suffer perinatal loss, prompting calls for national standards in care to overcome the tyranny of distance.
Report calls for an end to rationing of home care spots
The government is being urged to introduce major changes to the nation's aged care system to ensure older Australians can get the support they need.
States and feds go toe-to-toe over hospital funding
The fight over a new health funding agreement is becoming increasingly heated as the states accuse the federal government of adding to pressure on hospitals.
Major change to IVF treatments for donors and families
Families involved in an IVF bungle will be permitted to continue their treatment after a provider was found to be exceeding a donor limit.
Psychiatrists win pay leap but system still ‘broken’
A big temporary pay boost for public psychiatrists has been handed down after scores of specialists quit an under-resourced state public system.
States hit emergency alert over ‘unfair’ hospital funds
Pressure is ramping up on the federal health minister as state and territories double down on claims he is walking back on a funding promise.
Indigenous footy legends lace up for New York marathon
NRL legend Johnathan Thurston and AFL superstar Lance "Buddy" Franklin will make their marathon debuts, with their eyes set on the world's most famous footrace.
Missed cancer scans reveal major hospital bungle
Up to 20,000 medical images are being reviewed after a weeks-long delay in the assessment of a cancer patient's scans revealed a systemic failure.