Latest news
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on Sunrise, Seven Network on 29 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nick Coatsworth's interview on Sunrise, Seven Network on 29 June 2020.
Clinical trial of new therapies for young patients with bone marrow failure
The Australian Government will provide more than $1 million to support a clinical trial of new therapies for young patients who cannot make enough blood cells due to bone marrow failure.
Research to use artificial intelligence to improve health care
$19 million from the Medical Research Future Fund will support transformative medical research projects using game-changing applied artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The projects will improve the ways we prevent, diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions.
Research projects to fight antimicrobial resistance and tuberculosis in the Pacific region
Four new Australian research projects totalling more than $8.3 million will tackle the threat of drug-resistant tuberculosis and antimicrobial resistance in the Pacific region.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on Sunrise on 29 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth's interview on Sunrise on 29 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on The Project on 28 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth's interview on The Project on 28 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer’s press conference about COVID-19 on 28 June 2020
Read the transcript of the press conference given by Professor Michael Kidd, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, on 28 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on Nine News Special on 28 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth's interview on Nine News Special on 28 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Lessons for Australia from Melbourne’s COVID-19 spike
An opinion piece by the Australian Government Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Alison McMillan.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on the safe return of crowds to stadiums, arenas and large theatres
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) about the safe return of crowds to stadiums, arenas and large theatres.
Prime Minister’s update following the National Cabinet meeting on 26 June 2020
Read the Prime Minister’s update following the National Cabinet meeting on 26 June 2020.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on the review of physical distancing and person density restrictions
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on the review of physical distancing and person density restrictions.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on hotel quarantine
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on hotel quarantine.
Legislation to cut red tape for GPs now in force
Legislation to cut red tape and simplify recognition of General Practitioners (GPs) as specialists, which streamlines access to higher Medicare rebates for patients is now in force.
$21.8 million for research into neurological disorders
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is supporting vital research that could mean major breakthroughs in treating a range of neurological disorders, including early Alzheimer’s disease, autism and encephalitis.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on Sunrise on 24 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth's interview on Sunrise on 24 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on The Project on 23 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd's interview on The Project on 23 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Research boost for rare cancers, rare diseases and unmet medical needs
The Medical Research Future Fund is providing $35.9 million for 17 cutting-edge research projects. The projects are designed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, improve neonatal outcomes and prevent bone loss in critically ill women.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on ABC Radio National Drive on 23 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd's interview on ABC Radio National Drive on 23 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Victorians urged to get tested for COVID-19 if they have any symptoms
Victorians with a cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, or loss of sense of smell or taste should get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer interview on 3AW Mornings on 22 June 2020
Read the transcript of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan's interview on 3AW Mornings on 22 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer interview on ABC Radio Melbourne on 22 June 2020
Read the transcript of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan's interview on 22 June 2020 on ABC Radio Melbourne about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer interview on The Project on 22 June 2020
Read the transcript of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan's interview on The Project on 22 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer interview on ABC Radio Canberra on 22 June 2020
Read the transcript of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan's interview on ABC Radio Canberra on 22 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
$5.9 million for research into stem cell treatments for incurable diseases
The Australian Government is funding 8 medical research projects to find new and innovative stem cell treatments for incurable diseases including leukaemia, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
Chief Medical Officer’s press conference about COVID-19 on 22 June 2020
Read the transcript of the press conference given by Professor Brendan Murphy, Chief Medical Officer, on 22 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Chief Medical Officer interview on ABC Radio National on 22 June 2020
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Dr Brendan Murphy's interview on ABC RN Breakfast on 22 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on 2GB Breakfast on 22 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth's interview on 2GB Breakfast on 22 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on Channel 9 Today on 22 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth's interview on Channel 9 Today on 22 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on Channel 7 Sunrise on 22 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth's interview on Channel 7 Sunrise on 22 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on Sky News First Edition on 22 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth's interview on Sky News First Edition on 22 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on ABC News Breakfast on 22 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 22 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer press conference about COVID-19 on 21 June 2020
Read the transcript of the press conference given by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth about coronavirus (COVID-19) on 21 June 2020.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in Victoria
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) about recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in Victoria.
Traumatic brain injury research to examine long-term impact of concussion in children
The Australian Government is investing over $5.7 million to further develop traumatic brain injury research, aimed at improving the lives of Australians who sustain brain injuries.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) update to residential aged care facilities about minimising the impact of COVID-19
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) to update residential aged care facilities about minimising the impact of COVID-19.
$12 million for research to improve treatment of cardiovascular disease and stroke patients
The Australian Government, together with the National Heart Foundation, has announced a further $12 million for research to improve treatment of people, including children, suffering cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on ABC Radio National Breakfast on 18 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd's interview on 18 June 2020 on ABC Radio National about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on preliminary media reports of the results of a randomised trial of the use of dexamethasone
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on preliminary media reports of the results of a randomised trial of the use of dexamethasone.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee statement on risk management for boarding schools and school-based residential colleges
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) about risk management for boarding schools and school-based residential colleges.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer press conference on 17 June
Read the transcript of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan's press conference on COVID-19 on 17 June 2020.
Research projects aim to improve life for brain cancer survivors
Researchers will study the medical, functional and psychosocial needs of people who have survived brain cancer in a major 3-year research project funded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
The annual update of the Distribution Priority Areas (DPA) and the Districts of Workforce Shortage (DWS) for specialists will be available on 1 July 2020
To ensure distribution of medical workforce to locations where they are needed most, the DPA (for GPs) and DWS (for specialists) systems facilitate placing restricted medical practitioners into communities of greatest need across Australia.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer interview on Channel 9 Today on 16 June 2020
Read the transcript of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan's interview on 16 June 2020 on Channel 9 Today about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on ABC Radio National Drive on 15 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd's interview on 15 June 2020 on ABC Radio National Drive about coronavirus (COVID-19).
The risks of mass gatherings are real
Statement from the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly about COVID-19 and the risks of mass gatherings.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer press conference about COVID-19 on 14 June 2020
Read the transcript of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan’s press conference on 14 June 2020 about COVID-19.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer interview on Weekend Today on 14 June 2020
Read the transcript of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan's interview on 14 June 2020 on Weekend Today about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer interview on Sky News Sunday Agenda on 14 June 2020
Read the transcript of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan's interview on 14 June 2020 on Sky News Sunday Agenda about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Research into predicting cancer trends to help prepare our health system
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is supporting 6 projects over the next 3 to 5 years to predict changes in cancer trends. This work ensures treatments are based on the best evidence, are targeted to the individual patient and are available where and when needed.
Funding for research to end avoidable indigenous deafness, blindness and kidney disease
The Australian Government is investing $35 million in 42 key research projects in areas such as ending avoidable indigenous deafness, ending avoidable indigenous blindness, and helping to eradicate chronic kidney disease.
Prime Minister’s update following the National Cabinet meeting on 12 June 2020
Read the Prime Minister’s update following the National Cabinet meeting on 12 June 2020.
PFAS study delayed by COVID-19
A joint media statement from Professor Brendan Murphy, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer and Professor Martyn Kirk,
Australian National University.
Australian National University.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on positive coronavirus test in person who attended protest in Victoria
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on 11 June 2020 about a positive coronavirus test in a person who attended a protest in Victoria.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer’s interview on ABC News Breakfast on 11 June 2020
Read the transcript of Professor Michael Kidd's interview with Michael Rowland and Lisa Millar on ABC News Breakfast on 11 June 2020 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on Sky News First Edition on 11 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd's interview on 11 June 2020 with Peter Stefanovic on Sky News First Edition about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on Channel 9 Today on 11 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd's interview on 11 June 2020 on Channel 9 Today about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer interview on Channel 9 Today on 10 June 2020
Read the transcript of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan's interview on 10 June 2020 on Channel 9 Today about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Funding for 10 clinical trials to find innovative cancer treatments
Through the Medical Research Future Fund, the government is funding 10 clinical trials researching treatments for melanoma, reproductive and gynaecological cancers and childhood brain cancer.
Ground-breaking research to help find a cure for motor neurone disease
The Australian Government has announced a $2 million commitment to expand research opportunities to help find a cure for this devastating disease.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on Channel 9 Today on 9 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth's interview on 9 June 2020 on Channel 9 Today about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on Channel 7 Sunrise on 9 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth's interview on 9 June 2020 on Channel 7 Sunrise about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer press conference about COVID-19 on 8 June 2020
Read the transcript of the press conference given by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth about coronavirus (COVID-19) on 8 June 2020.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer press conference about COVID-19 on 7 June 2020
Read the transcript of the press conference given by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly about coronavirus (COVID-19) on 7 June 2020
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on large gatherings and the need for continued caution
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) about large gatherings and the need for continued caution.
$29 million for research to tackle heart disease and stroke
The Australian Government is investing in vital research initiatives to tackle the nation’s two biggest killers — heart disease and stroke. This funding is the first round of disbursements from the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Cardiovascular Health Mission.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on ABC Radio Melbourne on 4 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on 4 June 2020 on ABC Radio Melbourne about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on ABC Radio Adelaide on 4 June 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on 4 June 2020 on ABC Radio Adelaide about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Chief Medical Officer's statement on the National Dust Disease Taskforce
A statement from Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy about an extension to the delivery of the final report of the National Dust Disease Taskforce due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer press conference about COVID-19 on 3 June 2020
Read the transcript of the press conference given by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly about coronavirus (COVID-19) on 3 June 2020.
Clinical update: National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule changes from 1 July 2020 – advice for vaccination providers
From 1 July 2020, the National Immunisation Program schedule will be updated based on the advice of clinical experts.
Further funding for COVID-19 vaccine and treatment research
The Australian Government is investing $66 million from the Medical Research Future Fund into finding a vaccine and treatments for COVID-19, as well as better preparing for future pandemics.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on 3AW Talking Health on 30 May 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd's interview on 30 May 2020 on 3AW Talking Health about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer press conference about COVID-19 on 31 May 2020
Read the transcript of the press conference given by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth about coronavirus (COVID-19) on 31 May 2020.
Principles for COVID-19 public transport operations
As people begin to return to work and school, principles have been developed to provide guidance on public transport for operators and passengers.
The mental health impact of COVID-19
An opinion piece by the Australian Government’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine.
Release of the Australian National Disease Surveillance Plan for COVID-19
The Australian National Disease Surveillance Plan for COVID-19 is now available.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on tobacco use, e-cigarette use and COVID-19
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) about tobacco use, e-cigarette use and COVID-19.
Update from the Prime Minister on hospital funding over the next 5 years
The Prime Minister, the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, has announced that the Commonwealth and states have signed a $131 billion 5-year hospitals agreement.
Prime Minister’s update following the National Cabinet meeting 29 May 2020
Read the Prime Minister’s update following the National Cabinet meeting 29 May 2020.
Protect your child by vaccinating against flu
Influenza in kids can be serious. Getting vaccinated against influenza is the best way to protect your child and others from flu. From 2020, the influenza vaccine is available free for children aged 6 months to under 5 years under the National Immunisation Program.
Have your say on our draft National Injury Prevention Strategy 2020–2030
We’re asking for feedback on the draft National Injury Prevention Strategy 2020–2030. This strategy will help us reduce the rate of injury in Australia.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer press conference about COVID-19 on 27 May 2020
Read the transcript of the press conference given by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly about coronavirus (COVID-19) on 27 May 2020.
Continued support for endometriosis research
The Australian Government is investing more than $9.5 million in 5 research projects to improve diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of endometriosis. The funding comes from the Medical Research Future Fund.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on Channel 9 Today on 27 May 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd's interview on 27 May 2020 on Channel 9 Today about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on early childhood and learning centres
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) about early childhood and learning centres.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on restoration of elective surgery and hospital activity
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) about the restoration of elective surgery and hospital activity
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) coronavirus (COVID-19) statements on 14 May 2020
3 statements from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee about COVID-19.
National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan
Read about Australia’s National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on the resumption of sport and recreation activities
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) about the resumption of sporting and recreational activity in Australia.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on risk management for re-opening boarding schools and school-based residential colleges
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) about risk management for re-opening boarding schools and school-based residential colleges.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) advice on reducing the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools (24 April 2020)
Advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) for school leaders engaging with children, parents, teachers and support staff to reduce even further the relatively low risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) coronavirus (COVID-19) statements on 24 April 2020
3 statements from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee about COVID-19.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on restoration of elective surgery
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) about the restoration of elective surgery.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) advice on residential aged care facilities
Advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) for residential aged care facilities about minimising the impact of COVID-19.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) advice on reducing the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools
Advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) for school leaders engaging with children, parents, teachers and support staff to reduce even further the relatively low risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) coronavirus (COVID-19) statement on 16 April 2020
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) about the next phase of modelling to better understand the present state of the coronavirus epidemic.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) coronavirus (COVID-19) statement on 9 April 2020
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) about recommendations to the National Cabinet around management of health risk for Australian crew on international flights.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) coronavirus (COVID-19) statements on 7 April 2020
5 statements from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee about COVID-19.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) coronavirus (COVID-19) statement on 3 April 2020
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee about COVID-19 in children and early childhood and learning centres.
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