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.
health
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.
Pressure on leader as coalition support plumbs new low
Federal parliament is back for another week and all eyes will be on the opposition after a dire poll and internal division over climate policies.
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.
Over half of Aussie men meet criteria for loneliness
With a growing number of Australian men suffering the effects of loneliness, a "meet a mate" campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of connection.
Illicit drug testing rising despite patchy availability
New insight into the demand for drug checking shows growing safety awareness among users, despite varied approaches to pill testing around Australia.
Guidelines developed for Australia’s biggest killer
Researchers have identified four key issues faced by people experiencing dementia at home or in aged care to evaluate whether quality care is being delivered.
Health body leading by example with Indigenous voice
A First Nations public health voice will put Indigenous perspectives "front and centre" two years after the failure of a national voice to parliament.
Grieving mum asks doctors to ‘truly listen’ to parents
Doctors must trust concerned parents when they bring sick children in for help, a mother says after a coronial finding on her three-year-old daughter's death.
Trump links autism to Tylenol, claim disputed by medics
US President Donald Trump says there is a link between the use of pain medication Tylenol and autism during pregnancy, a claim doctors dispute.
‘No evidence’: medical experts reject autism claims
Claims by US President Donald Trump linking paracetamol use in pregnant women to autism have been labelled as alarmist and unhelpful by authorities and experts.
Gambling harm impacting mental health and relationships
Gambling rates are on the rise in Australia with the practice linked to serious issues including suicidal thoughts, domestic violence and financial stress.