Labor ‘waited too long’ to announce big election pledge
With a federal election looming, an expert warns it will take more than a rate cut and a health promise to turn the political tides in Labor's favour.
health
Prayers as Vatican says Pope passes ‘tranquil’ night
The Pope is resting in hospital after a "tranquil" night, the Vatican says, as he thanks doctors and supporters in a written message.
Medicare the winner as parties match funding pledges
Healthcare funding is to receive a certain boost with both major parties pledging to spend billions of dollars as they prepare for the federal election.
Pope ‘rested well’ but won’t lead Sunday prayers
The Pope "rested well" overnight, the Vatican says, but will not lead Sunday prayers for a second consecutive week as he's treated for double pneumonia.
Fresh cyclone threat brewing off sodden coastline
A cyclone is almost certainly looming off the coast of Australia's rain-soaked north but forecasters say its path is still uncertain.
Pope’s health ‘slightly improving’, Vatican says
The Pope's health is improving and he is alert, able to move around and even doing some work, the Vatican says.
Disease deaths, cases rise as new flood menace surfaces
Authorities are concerned about the death toll caused by a disease linked with heavy rain, with the number of cases rising in flooded northern Australia.
‘Blow for women’ as hospitals shut maternity wards
Staffing challenges and declining birth rates have been blamed for maternity wards closing at private hospitals in two jurisdictions.
State euthanasia changes to hinge on conscience vote
Victoria is moving to change its voluntary euthanasia laws after falling behind other states and erecting too many barriers for terminally ill patients.
Pope Francis alert and eating, Vatican says in update
Pope Francis has spent a sixth night in hospital without any further complications, the Vatican says.
‘Brave’ drug takers cop police presence at test trial
The first music festival to take part in a state's pill-testing trial has been named but doubts remain about how effective the scheme will be.
Pope had ‘peaceful’ night despite pneumonia diagnosis
The Vatican says Pope Francis has developed bilateral pneumonia, after new tests showed a further complication in the condition of the 88-year-old pope.
Pope’s engagements cancelled amid ‘complex’ infection
Pope Francis' respiratory tract infection is presenting a "complex clinical picture", the Vatican says, and will require further time in hospital.
Pope Francis spends third ‘peaceful’ night in hospital
Pope Francis remains in a Rome hospital receiving treatment for a respiratory tract infection.
Rarer dementia a rollercoaster of debilitating ailments
Little is known about a form of dementia that affects more than 100,000 Australians but researchers are looking to build knowledge on the debilitating illness.
Stoush over anti-Israel ‘kill’ rant video stalls probe
Two nurses who bragged about killing Israeli patients are yet to be charged by police as investigators seek access to video footage.
Resignations puts private mental health care in play
Dozens of public health specialist resignations remain in play as data outlines how few have rescinded their threat to quit the system.
Nurses cop national ban over anti-Israel ‘kill’ rant
Two nurses who suggested Israeli patients would be killed or refused care have had their registrations suspended as police weigh up laying charges.
Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat?
Many people have resorted to desperate measures to control their weight and the way they relate to food. They’ve tried expensive diets, surgery, medications, excessive exercise, purging, extreme food restriction—all to no avail.
Indigenous scholars awarded with ‘overwhelming honour’
Five Indigenous scholars have been awarded the inaugural First Nations Cancer Scholarship, supporting each person to undertake full-time studies or research.
Tech weapon joins tougher penalties in war on vaping
A crackdown on vaping has delivered a record fine for one retailer as health authorities release a free app to help young nicotine addicts conquer the cravings.
Time for ‘rubber to hit the road’ in Closing the Gap
A plan to reduce disadvantage among Indigenous people is at risk of not meeting targets, as Indigenous leaders call for funding to back programs.
Benefits of publishing pill testing data outweigh risks
The benefits of publishing Australian pill testing trial data outweigh the risks, according to a new report examining what happens overseas.
Gaza ceasefire averted famine but threat remains: UN
The United Nations humanitarian chief says famine has been mostly averted in Gaza as a surge of aid enters the territory during a fragile ceasefire.
Cost relief hailed as right prescription for menopause
Women's health specialists say hormone therapy subsidies are a significant step forward in treating the often prolonged and severe symptoms of menopause.
Bird flu case detected in Victoria’s north
There has been a bird flu outbreak at a poultry farm in Victoria, days after the federal government announced it had eradicated the disease from Australia.
Clean-up signals new threats for flood-ravaged region
A flood-hit region looks set to battle more heavy rainfall but experts warn residents will confront another threat when their massive clean-up finally starts.
Harvest celebrates native grains in community hands
At an annual harvest, community and university researchers are working together to harness the health benefits and possible paths to a native grain industry.
Stretched hospitals get $1 billion in ‘landmark’ deal
In a bid to bolster an under-pressure health system, the federal government has committed $1.7 billion in extra funding for public hospitals and services.
Weather on firefighters’ side in race to control blazes
Concerns have been raised about how health services deal with fire threats, as a cool change offered fire crews a chance to contain raging blazes.
A country practice luring health workers to the bush
Healthcare workers getting a taste of life in the country are staying in the bush, as medical groups push for rural health to be a federal election priority.