Human-to-human hantavirus transfer suspected on cruise
A cruise ship is marooned in the Atlantic Ocean with seven confirmed or suspected hantavirus cases on board, but authorities say the risk to the public is low.
health
Vaccine not to be sneezed at as flu season approaches
Australia's leading health practitioners have outlined how dangerous the coming winter flu season could be if vaccination rates don't improve.
Hantavirus-hit cruise ship to head to Spain
Spain is allowing a cruise ship hit by hantavirus and three deaths to dock in the Canary Islands, as authorities investigate if transmission occurred on board.
IVF clinic embryo mix-up prompts trauma lawsuit
A couple who donated embryos that were mistakenly switched have claimed they are suffering psychiatric trauma in a lawsuit launched against a major IVF clinic.
States push back on footing bill for NDIS changes
State leaders and ministers say they were kept in the dark on the extent of planned changes to the NDIS and fear they're being left to pick up the tab.
NDIS revamp deadline guaranteed as ‘hostages’ exposed
Anthony Albanese has offered assurances to disabled Australians as a premier warns overhauling a federal support scheme will leave the discarded worse off.
‘Just instinct’: farmer loses arm, neighbour steps up
A quick-thinking neighbour has been credited with helping save the life of an elderly Queensland farmer who lost his arm in a horror harvester accident.
Pressure on states to get behind NDIS changes
States and territories are being lobbied by the federal treasurer to back National Disability Insurance Scheme reforms to handle more people than previously.
NDIS cuts not just about kicking people off: minister
The minister in charge of the NDIS has defended looming changes to the scheme that will require people with disabilities to be reassessed.
Showers free in aged care reform as health rebate cut
Over-65s will lose a generous private health insurance rebate to help fund at-home support services for aged care recipients after a government backflip.
‘Cuts, cuts, cuts’: NDIS costs slashed in crack down
Tens of thousands of disabled Australians could lose access to support as the government tries to pare back the soaring cost of the NDIS.
Divers saved after tense 20-hour search in rough waters
After a 20-hour search, emergency services and police crews have found two men who had drifted more than 25 kilometres from their dive site.
War on illegal tobacco needs more ‘boots on the ground’
Huge enforcement gaps between jurisdictions mean illicit cigarettes and tobacco products are still too easy to access, experts warn.
‘Tragic case’: damning report on boys found in squalor
Almost six years after two disabled brothers were found in squalor, a damning report reveals how concerns about their health and wellbeing were ignored.
‘It killed my mum’: Prince Harry reveals royal turmoil
The Duke of Sussex has spoken candidly about the death of his mother and his struggles in his early life as a royal during his final appearance in Melbourne.
Wage increase delivered for midwives, nurses
Thousands of nurses and midwives have won a landmark pay rise for the first time in more than two decades after an industrial umpire ruled in their favour.
‘Resilience’ rewarded as ex-premier receives top honour
A former premier's service to public health, education and multiculturalism has been formally recognised with the nation's highest civilian honour.
Crowds abuzz for former royal couple’s Australian visit
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have received a warm welcome on their return to Australia as they toured charity organisations and a children's hospital.
More women set to skip the doctor to get the pill
Many women at low risk of complications will soon be able to access the contraceptive pill without a trip to their GP, but the rollout will not be swift.
‘World of hurt’: AFL great’s cancer warning for men
Carlton defender Sam Docherty was in his football prime when diagnosed with cancer. Now he's urging men to learn from his mistake.
Nationals leader eyes economics showdown with Liberals
Matt Canavan plans an "economic revolution" but he might struggle to win over coalition colleagues with his calls for more tariffs and government intervention.
‘Vaccine-fatigued’ Aussies vulnerable to big flu season
Doctors shell-shocked from 2025's record-breaking flu season are warning another significant round is on the way if vaccination rates stay low.
From serving the nation to serving a sentence
New Flinders University research warns many veterans and their families are being failed long after their service ends.
Tech giants slammed for censoring party-drug alerts
Automated censorship by social media platforms is hampering efforts to warn of potentially deadly drugs circulating in the community, pill-testers say.
Helping sick kids in the bush one flight at a time
A young female pilot is flying solo nationwide to raise funds for sick children in regional areas with her sights set on breaking a Guinness world record.
Needle-free vaccine rolled out after record flu season
A gentle, needle-less way to protect kids from the flu will be rolled out to hundreds of thousands of children as parents' confidence in vaccines wanes.
Shayna Jack dives in to take on young risky drinking
Olympic swimmer Shayna Jack's "soul crushing" doping scandal has sparked her involvement in a campaign against risky drinking by young women.
‘Barriers remain’ in voluntary assisted dying access
Voluntary assisted dying laws in Australia are largely working as intended, but issues around remote access and obstruction by health facilities remain.
Four minutes a day: Aussie adults fail to break a sweat
Australia may be a nation of walkers rather than runners, as a national study finds adults complete less strenuous exercise than many would expect.
Art and creativity tackle taboos in remote communities
Public health advocates say long term funding and commitment is needed to achieve Closing the Gap targets and improve outcomes for Indigenous people.
Medicinal cannabis concerns half-baked, advocates say
An analysis has found no evidence medicinal cannabis is effective for treating many illnesses but advocates say more data is needed to make a definitive call.