Latest news
Time to get your flu vaccine
A statement by the Head of the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control Professor Paul Kelly.
Scope of Practice Review Issues Paper 2 – call for submissions
We are now calling for submissions in response to Issues Paper 2
Growth funding grants now open to expand CHSP services
Two grant opportunities are now open for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme to address service gaps, ensuring services are available when and where they are needed most.
Webinar: Introduction to aged care cost collection
The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) is hosting two webinars in April 2024. The webinars will provide information about aged care cost collection and how your contribution will help shape the future of Australian aged care services.
Addition of Q fever vaccines to the Australian Immunisation Register
From 15 April 2024, vaccination providers can report Q fever vaccines and natural immunity information to the Australian Immunisation Register.
Stakeholder Forum – Health Professional Education and Consumer Health Literacy
We are hosting a Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology (QUDTP) Program Stakeholder Forum on 22 April 2024. The forum will discuss 2 grant opportunities for Health Professional Education and Consumer Health Literacy. Register your interest today.
Women’s History Month – Celebrating female sporting icons in Australia
Iconic moments in women’s sports have led the way for women and girls in sport today.
PBAC chair, MSAC chair, and deputy chairs EOI outcome
New chair and deputy chair appointments announced for health technology assessment committees. This includes appointments for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC).
Explore Medical Research Future Fund funding rates and upcoming grant opportunities
Information about Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) funding rates and grant opportunities forecast to open from April 2024 is now available.
Medical Research Future Fund – Upcoming webinar for research administration officers
Registrations are now open to join our next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Research Administration Officer (RAO) webinar on 27 March 2024.
Play Our Way program grant opportunity now open
Applications for the Play Our Way program grant opportunity are now open.
Webinar: CHSP Community Transport Pricing Pilot update
We are hosting a webinar on Thursday 28 March 2024 from 2-3pm (AEDT) to give an update on the CHSP Community Transport Pricing Pilot.
$12.6 million to support international clinical trials in Australia and evidence-based health care
Applications are open for the 2024 International Clinical Trial Collaborations grant opportunity. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Webinar: Play Our Way program grant opportunity
A sector webinar for the Play Our Way program grant opportunity will be held on Friday 22 March 2024 from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm (AEDT).
Experts to advise on genomic research priorities
A new expert advisory panel will inform the future of Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) priorities for genomic research.
More medicines available for 60-day prescriptions
On 1 March 2024 the range of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines available for 60-day prescriptions expanded. This will give more Australians twice the medication on a single prescription.
2024 National Immunisation Program influenza vaccination – early advice for health professionals
Influenza vaccination is our best defence against influenza.
CHSP 2024–25 Funding Extension grant opportunity now open
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) 2024–25 Funding Extension Grant Opportunity (GO6821) is now open for current providers.
Mandatory reporting changes to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) from 1 March 2024
Legislative changes require vaccination providers to report additional details to the AIR.
Helping young Australians learn about the harms of vaping
We’re raising awareness about the harms of vaping and helping young people go vape-free.
Webinar: How to improve the health of rural, remote and regional communities with a Medical Research Future Fund grant
We invite you to join our Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Webinar at 11:00am (AEDT) on 14 March 2024.
Prime Minister announces the Stronger Medicare Awards
Recognising Medicare Champions – people, teams and practices in primary care that go above and beyond to benefit patients.
$93 million for research into improved health for children, young people and the aged, medical devices, mental health and stem cell therapies
Applications are open for 5 new Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities.
$50 million for the world’s most advanced artificial heart
The Australian Government is investing $50 million in technology that has the potential to half deaths from heart failure globally. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
National Allied Health Virtual Research Forum 2024 – Register now
Join us for a half-day virtual event on 30 April 2024 as we discuss and explore how allied health researchers can work with policymakers.
New fact sheet for Hearing Services Program providers
We've added a new fact sheet for Hearing Services Program providers that addresses questions we've received about service delivery.
$230 million for over 100 health and medical research projects and $245 million for new grant opportunities
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is supporting 110 groundbreaking health and medical research projects and providing up to $245 million in new grant opportunities.
New Aged Care Act consultation period extended
Public consultation on the draft new Aged Care Act as been extended to 8 March 2024. Have your say and help shape Australia’s aged care system.
Prime Minister launches pop-up display celebrating 40 years of Medicare
On 6 February, a special '40 years of Medicare' pop-up display was launched at Australian Parliament House in Canberra.
$35 million to fight blindness with artificial corneas
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is supporting next generation technology that aims to fight blindness with bioengineered corneas.
$20 million for research into childhood brain cancers
The Australian Government has announced $20 million for research into new treatments for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and other childhood brain cancers. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
The Medical Costs Finder awareness campaign is now live
The website helps Australians understand typical costs when planning for private health procedures.
Supplies of the Shingrix vaccine
A statement from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, on supplies of the Shingrix vaccine.
Celebrating 40 years of Medicare
In 2024, Australia is celebrating 40 years of Medicare, the backbone of Australia’s world-class health system.
Improving cancer outcomes by helping regional patients join clinical trials
Cancer specialist Associate Professor Craig Underhill is leading an ambitious program to improve cancer outcomes in regional Victoria by 2025. He is giving patients access to new treatments by increasing their access to clinical trials.
Business and Workforce Advisory Service is now available
Aged care providers can now access free business and workforce advice.
Recognising the Nominees of the 2024 Senior Australian of the Year Award
The annual Senior Australian of the Year Award recognises the outstanding achievements of older people across each state and territory in Australia.
Unleashing the potential of our health workforce – Issues Paper 1 released today
Today we released the first issues paper as part of the Scope of Practice review.
Smart glasses could help people who are blind or vision impaired navigate by sound
Augmented reality glasses combine machine vision and AI to add digital information to what we see. Entrepreneur Robert Yearsley is adapting this technology to help people who are blind or vision impaired navigate by spatial sound.
Make STI testing your Beforeplay – campaign launched today
We have launched a new sexually transmissible infection (STI) campaign. The national advertising campaign aims to increase awareness, testing and prevention of STIs that are on the rise in young people.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 12 January 2024
Read the transcript from Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on ABC News Breakfast about COVID-19.
From research plan to research proposal – Medical Research Future Fund webinar
Watch the recording of our Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) webinar from 23 November 2023. We discussed addressing MRFF priorities in grant applications in this webinar.
Report on the Australian Brain Cancer Mission
Read about the review of the Australian Brain Cancer Mission.
Launch of the National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program
From 1 January 2024, participating pharmacies can receive payment for administering National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines in a pharmacy setting.
COVID-19 emergency leave extended for permanent aged care residents
We have extended emergency leave for permanent aged care residents for 12 months. This means residents who wish to temporarily relocate during COVID-19 outbreaks can continue to use emergency leave instead of social leave through to 31 December 2024.
Additional $15 million in 2023-24 for CHSP ad hoc grant opportunity
An additional $15 million in 2023-24 is now available for the CHSP ad hoc grant opportunity (GO5672) to support providers.
The Digital Health Blueprint has been published
The Digital Health Blueprint 2023–2033 outlines the Australian Government’s ten-year vision for the role digital health capabilities will continue to play in delivering a more person-centred, connected, and sustainable health system for Australians.
Express your interest in guiding the Medical Research Future Fund’s Australian Brain Cancer Mission
We are seeking expressions of interest for 2 Australian Brain Cancer Mission Expert Advisory panels (EAPs). Applications close 10 February 2024.
Hearing Services Program provider notice – Qualified practitioners
Providers must ensure that only qualified practitioners (QPs) deliver/supervise services to program clients. Providers must keep QP information in the Hearing Services Online portal (portal) up-to-date.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Advisory Council appointments
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Advisory Council has reappointed Andrea Coote and appointed Professor Valerie Braithwaite.
Measuring the wellbeing of First Nations youth
Australian youth are among the healthiest in the world, but First Nations youth continue to be left behind. To help close this gap, researchers are developing a wellbeing measure specifically for First Nations youth.
$55.8 million for grants to support additional postgraduate psychology places
A new grant opportunity assists higher education providers to increase postgraduate psychology places.
Nominate your organisation to manage the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme
Calling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned organisations to nominate to manage the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme (PHMSS).
Researchers and administrators – Helping you to manage your Medical Research Future Fund grant
You can now find the information you need to manage your Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant in one convenient place.
Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program Grant Opportunity
Eligible organisations can apply for the opportunity to administer the $49.363 million Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program.
Announcement of interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner
Ms Andrea Kelly has been named as the interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner. The interim Commissioner will be engaging with First Nations communities and stakeholders on the design and functions of a permanent Commissioner role, including where it is located.
Protecting older people in the festive season
Christmas, summer and the festive season is a time many of us spend with our family and friends. Make sure you know the basics and protect yourself, family and friends from COVID-19.
Are you passionate about improving the lives of people with traumatic brain injury?
Express your interest in our next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Traumatic Brain Injury Mission Expert Advisory Panel (EAP).
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly’s interview on ABC News Breakfast on 7 December 2023
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly’s interview with Lisa Millar on ABC News Breakfast about COVID-19.
Launch of Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy
The Australian Government has launched Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy.
Nurses are helping rural and regional women access contraception and medical abortion
Women living in rural and regional areas have more unplanned pregnancies and less access to contraception and medical abortion. Professor Danielle Mazza AM is trialling a nurse-led model of care to address this need.
$33.7 million for grants to support provisional psychologists to practice
A new grant opportunity is funding internships for provisional psychologists and supervisor training.
New Support at Home program to be rolled out in 2 stages
From 1 July 2025, the new aged care Support at Home program will replace the existing Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme will transition no earlier than 1 July 2027.
World AIDS Day 2023
World AIDS Day, held on 1 December each year, helps raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. This year’s theme is ‘Inclusion. Respect. Equity.’
Public release for 2023 Health Employee Census Results
The Australian Public Service employee census report for 2023 has been released. Read more about the census and Health's results.
$23.7 million for innovative trials that address areas of unmet medical need
Guidelines for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) 2023 Innovative Trials grant opportunity are now available.
Medical Costs Finder – helping Australians plan for private health costs
The Medical Costs Finder website helps Australians understand typical costs when planning for private health procedures.
$66 million for genomics research into serious diseases and common chronic conditions
The Australian Government has announced $66 million for 25 genomic research projects that will make a real difference to people’s lives. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
ATAGI recommendations on use of the Moderna and Pfizer monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of XBB 1.5 COVID-19 vaccines.
World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 18-24 November 2023
During World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, remember that the incorrect use of antibiotics increases drug resistance in the bugs we are trying to kill.
Eliminating Cervical Cancer in Australia
Australia now has a national strategy to help us achieve our goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2035 – the first country in the world to do so.
Consultation for the new National Sport Plan
Public consultation for the new National Sport Plan is open until 7 December 2023. Help shape the future direction of sport in Australia.
Help make health and medical research more inclusive
Consultation on the draft Statement on Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation in Health and Medical Research is now open.
Survey about the 15% aged care pay rise now open
A survey is now open for organisations and workers in the aged care sector to share with us what the 15% pay rise for aged care workers has meant for them.
Virtual reality is helping brain injury survivors regain use of their arms and hands
Survivors of brain injuries caused by stroke and other serious events can lose function in their arms and hands. An Australian company is creating a virtual reality therapy system to help survivors regain the use of these limbs.
$9.76 million to support the local development of lifesaving new drugs
We are investing $9.76 million in the development of lifesaving drugs and world-class treatments in Australia. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
New Australian Clinical Trials website
We have upgraded and refreshed the Australian Clinical Trials website. Learn more about the new site.
Aged Care Registered Nurses’ Payments Program
We will be delivering a payment to registered nurses who work for the same aged care employer for 6 or 12 months.
MyMedicare patient registration now open
Australians can now register with their preferred general practice in MyMedicare. Learn about the new voluntary patient registration system, how to register, and what it means for you.
Our response to the capability review
Our response to the Australian Public Service Commission’s capability review of our work is now available. It outlines the actions we are taking to further improve how we manage and deliver Australia’s world-class health and aged care systems.
Annual report – Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner 2022–23
This annual report covers the commissioner’s activities from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. It includes key highlights, priority areas and their focus for the future.
Learn about addressing Medical Research Future Fund priorities in grant applications
We invite you to join our next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Webinar at 2:00pm (AEDT) on 23 November 2023.
$6 million for research to tackle diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Indigenous communities
We are providing almost $6 million to boost the health and wellbeing of First Nations people. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Launch of the Australian Cancer Plan
Learn about the new Australian Cancer Plan, which aims to improve prevention, screening, treatment and management of all cancers for all people across Australia.
First Nations to Manage Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme (PHMSS)
The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scheme (PHMSS) encourages and assists entry-level First Nations health students complete their studies, and join the health workforce. From 1 July 2024, a First Nations-led organisation will administer the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme (PHMSS).
Working in aged care in Australia
A new version of the Working in aged care in Australia booklet now provides aged care workers with information about what changes are happening in aged care and how these affect the workforce.
National Immunisation Program – changes to shingles vaccination from today
The shingles vaccination schedule under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) has changed.
Expressions of Interest to join the Pharmaceutical Benefits Remuneration Tribunal
We are seeking expressions of interest to fill 3 vacancies on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Remuneration Tribunal (PBRT) that commence in May 2024. Consider applying if you have expertise in regulatory fields, competition research or legal practice relating to medicine and pharmacy.
$147.5 million for research into rare illnesses, multidisciplinary primary care, cardiovascular disease and diabetes
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities to the value of $147.5 million are now available.
Launch of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan aims to deliver positive outcomes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aged care placements available to nursing students
Bachelor of Nursing students can now apply for high-quality clinical placements in the aged care sector through the Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program.
$30.8 million for Indigenous-led health research
We have announced $30.8 million for Indigenous-led research into health issues facing First Nations people. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Update from CMO Professor Paul Kelly
An update from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, on the end of the COVID-19 emergency response.
End of COVID-19 emergency response
A statement from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, on the end of the COVID-19 emergency response.
AHPPC statement – End of COVID-19 emergency response
On 20 October 2023, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer declared that COVID-19 is no longer a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS) following the end of winter in Australia. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) supports this declaration.
Can AI personalise mental health treatments for university students?
University students can feel severe psychological distress before their exams. The Vibe Up trial uses artificial intelligence (AI) to find out if digital mental health therapies can help, and which therapies work best for each student.
Aged care design ideas competition now open
The Reimagining Where We Live design ideas competition is now open for architects and designers to design an innovative aged care home and showcase what can be achieved with the Australian Government’s new Design Principles and Guidelines for aged care homes.
New statutory agency to investigate systemic issues in aged care
The new Office of the Inspector-General of Aged Care will provide informed and independent oversight of the aged care system.
$15 million for research to better treat prostate and childhood cancer
The Australian Government has announced $15 million for the development of next-generation medicines to better treat prostate and childhood cancer. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$30 million to improve children’s mental health and wellbeing
Apply for funding under the 2023 Childhood Mental Health Research grant opportunity. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
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