Paramedics spat on, punched in festive abuse spike
Paramedics are breaking their silence after a festive season riddled with reports of verbal intimidation, sexual and physical assault by members of the public.
health
‘Very sticky’: summer heatwave to give way to storms
Inland Australians are tipped to swelter through another day of 40C heat as tropical humidity in the nation's north draws storms south.
Wearing the ‘many hats’ of a remote health worker
In a remote community of 150 people health workers wear 'many hats' but one of the clinic's four staff wouldn't have it any other way.
Big wet to follow swelter, says weatherman
The heatwave impacting Australia's southeast is set to continue across the weekend, but thunderstorms are also on the way.
Diabetic driver’s bid for silence in five-death inquest
A man previously charged over a crash that killed five people has legally challenged being called as a witness in an inquest into their deaths.
Native foods heroed in fight against chronic disease
Concerned about rates of chronic diseases, Indigenous communities and researchers have worked together to develop a lower sugar alternative to soft drink.
One mum’s baby bundles become life-changing charity
A pack of newborn clothes posted online and a conversation with a social worker were the beginnings of a charity focused on Indigenous mums and their babies.
‘100 out of 10 pain’: the common summer health scourge
Causing excruciating pain, kidney stones can be years in the making - but they're also more likely to hit sufferers in the warmer months.
History-making miracle premmie continues to defy odds
Tiny Charlie Jones has made history as one of the smallest premature babies in the country - tipping the scales at just 360 grams.
Funding deal rejected as elderly languish in hospital
State and territory health ministers have rejected a Commonwealth public hospital funding offer, as an ageing population stretches the system beyond capacity.
Barriers hinder Indigenous dementia support on Country
Indigenous people are at higher risk of developing dementia, but getting a diagnosis and support can be fraught with barriers, especially in remote regions.
Fresh alert for potentially lethal mosquito-borne virus
Japanese encephalitis, a potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus, has been detected in regional Victoria, sparking a health warning.
From footy to fatigue: battle to live full life with MS
Living with sensory issues and constant fatigue is difficult, but one man wants support to keep other with his incurable disease working to be front of mind.
Scramble to play down fears of aged care worker crisis
Department officials have defended not telling the aged care minister about potentially massive worker shortages because their model couldn't be verified.
‘Invisible’ cancer patients finally brought into focus
World-first data shows almost 21,000 Australians are living with incurable breast cancer, with advocates saying health services for the population fall short.
Embryo bungle earns IVF giant new licence conditions
A state watchdog has slapped a major IVF clinic with conditions for it to continue operating, after a patient was mistakenly implanted with her own embryo.
More care for utes than health: rural men’s harsh truth
Long distances are not the only thing stopping young rural men seeing their doctor, with social stigma and loneliness also hindering care.
Mental health warning issued for weight-loss drugs
The Australian medicines regulator has issued a mental health safety warning for a drug widely used for weight loss.
AI could improve Indigenous lives, but comes with risks
In community hands, AI has the power to improve lives and move the dial on some closing the gap targets, but there are some dangers to the technology.
‘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.
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.