Release archive

23 Jan 2012

Open for Business: Australia’s First National Mental Health Commission

The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, launched Australia’s first National Mental Health Commission on 23 January 2012.

21 Jan 2012

New Ads Encourage Australians to Shape Mental Health Reform

From 21 January 2012, advertisements are appearing in newspapers across the country inviting Australians with a lived experience of mental illness to help shape national mental health reform.

02 Jan 2012

Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline is of great assistance to new parents

Parents celebrating the arrival of a baby in the New Year are reminded about the Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline – 1800 882 436.

30 Dec 2011

GP Helpline demonstrated to cut demand on EDs and After Hours GP Services

More than 20,000 people who have called the GP after hours helpline since it commenced on 1 July have been redirected from seeking urgent after hours treatment at either hospital emergency departments or GP after hours services.

30 Dec 2011

New PBS Listings, including help for New Year's resolution to quit smoking

Smokers making a New Year’s resolution to quit the habit will benefit from new low strength nicotine patches being listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme on January 1.

27 Dec 2011

Access to doctors easier with After Hours GP Helpline

Minister for Health announces expansion of medical services to increase access to GPs after hours.

23 Dec 2011

Draft Regulations on Plain Packaging for Non-Cigarette Tobacco Products Released

The Australian Government has released draft regulations on plain packaging for non-cigarette tobacco products, including cigars and loose leaf tobacco, for public consultation and submissions by 20 January 2012.

30 Nov 2011

New MyHospitals Data Shows Record Use of Hospitals

Australians can now look back at over three-years of elective surgery and emergency department data for their local hospital on the popular MyHospitals website following new data added to the website on 30 November 2011

23 Nov 2011

eHealth Records Legislation Introduced

Legislation has been introduced into Parliament for Australia’s national eHealth records system, with the rollout starting from July 2012.

21 Nov 2011

Parliament Passes World First Plain Packaging of Tobacco Legislation

The Australian Parliament has passed the Australian Government’s world-leading tobacco plain packaging legislation, meaning all tobacco products sold in Australia will need to be in plain packaging from 1 December 2012.

18 Nov 2011

Expanded Services for 189 More Local GP Clinics

More and more patients around the country will see services expand at their local GP clinics as a result of a $54 million investment in frontline medical services by the Australian Government.

16 Nov 2011

35-Year High in the Number of Australians Covered by Private Hospital Insurance

New figures from the Private Health Insurance Administration Council show that more Australians are covered by private hospital insurance now than at any other time in the past 35 years.

10 Nov 2011

Senate Passes World First Plain Packaging of Tobacco Legislation

The Australian Government’s world-leading tobacco plain packaging legislation has passed through the Australian Senate, meaning all tobacco products sold in Australia must be in plain packaging from 1 December 2012.

10 Nov 2011

Health Care Boost for Carindale

Patients in the Carindale area can see big changes at the Carindale Medical Clinic thanks to a $300,000 primary care infrastructure grant from the Australian Government.

04 Nov 2011

38 Organisations Named to Drive Primary Health Care Reform

Thirty-eight organisations have been selected to become the next Medicare Locals that will drive access to better primary health care for Australian families.

02 Nov 2011

Pillar of Health Reform Passes The House

A key pillar of the Australian Government’s health reforms, the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority, has moved a step closer with legislation to establish the statutory authority passing the House of Representatives, Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon, said.

02 Nov 2011

High Number of HHF Applications Received

More than 200 applications for health services in rural and regional Australia, totalling almost $3.4 billion, have been received under the Australian Government’s latest Health and Hospitals Fund Regional Priority Round.

01 Nov 2011

One Year on Patients Have More Choice

Patients and pregnant women around the country are benefitting from trail-blazing nurse practitioners and midwives who, in collaboration with medical practitioners, are now providing Government-subsidised services to patients.

28 Oct 2011

Shellharbour GP Super Clinic Opens

The Australian Government is delivering more health services to Shellharbour with the official opening of the Shellharbour GP Super Clinic.

28 Oct 2011

Health Reform Delivers Over 40 Beds for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven

Patients in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven will benefit from better access to more sub-acute hospital beds including improved rehabilitation, palliative care and mental health services as a result of the Gillard Government’s historic national health reforms.

27 Oct 2011

First National Publication of Infection Rates on MyHospitals

For the first time all Australians are able to see how well their local public hospital is controlling serious staph blood infections (staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia), with the release of hospital infection rates on the MyHospitals web site.

25 Oct 2011

First Sod Turned for GP Super Clinic in Cockburn

The Cockburn community can look forward to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals following the start of construction of the Cockburn GP Super Clinic.

25 Oct 2011

National Health Reform Delivers Faster Treatment in WA

National health reform is delivering improved waiting times across Western Australian hospitals with Fremantle Hospital a striking example of the improvements that are taking place.

12 Oct 2011

More Opportunity for Health Investments as Primary Health Care Reforms Being Delivered

The Australian Government is improving access to frontline health services across the country in a snap shot of primary health care reforms released by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon on 12 October.

11 Oct 2011

GP Super Clinic Closer for Portland

People in Portland can expect better health care soon with the Portland GP Super Clinic reaching the midpoint of construction.

10 Oct 2011

GP Super Clinic Set to be Delivered for Redcliffe Residents

Construction on the Redcliffe GP Super Clinic will be completed in the coming months with the doors to open in 2012.

07 Oct 2011

Better Health Services for Broken Hill

The Broken Hill community will have better access to doctors and other health professionals with the signing of an agreement to establish the Broken Hill GP Super Clinic.

04 Oct 2011

National Health Reform Delivers for Hobart

Patients in Hobart and surrounds will benefit from better access to emergency treatment, sub-acute hospital beds and cancer services as a result of the Gillard Government’s historic national health reforms.

04 Oct 2011

National Health Reform Delivers for Launceston

Patients in Launceston and surrounds will benefit from better access to emergency treatment, sub-acute hospital beds and cancer services as a result of the Australian Government’s national health reforms.

30 Sep 2011

Release of draft eHealth Legislation

Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, released the draft eHealth records legislation for public consultation.

29 Sep 2011

National Lead Clinicians Group Established

Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has announced the Chair and members of the National Lead Clinicians Group.

23 Sep 2011

Organ Donation Reform on Track for Continued Growth

The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has released a mid point implementation review of Australia’s efforts to increase organ and tissue donation rates and agreed in principle to the opportunities for further improvements identified in the report.

21 Sep 2011

Australia Supports Global Action on Tobacco

The Australian Government will provide an additional $700,000 to the World Health Organization to increase the global fight against tobacco smoking.

20 Sep 2011

Speech to the United Nations on Non-Communicable Diseases

On 19 September, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, addressed the plenary session of the UN high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases.

16 Sep 2011

Confronting new tobacco health warnings

The Gillard Government’s campaign to drastically cut smoking rates reached another milestone today with the release of new graphic health warnings for tobacco products.

16 Sep 2011

Pulling E-Health Together, Not Tearing it Apart

Article by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and published on 6 Minutes.

15 Sep 2011

New outreach service keeps Mount Isa patients close to home

A new rehabilitation service is helping Mount Isa residents get the care they need closer to home.

15 Sep 2011

New Rehab Service Keeps Townsville Patients Close to Home

National health reform is delivering a fresh approach to patient rehabilitation and helping to deliver more services closer to home for North Queenslanders.

15 Sep 2011

Half a Million GP Super Clinic Services Completed and Counting as Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic Officially Opens

More than half a million services have been completed at GP Super Clinics across the country in another sign that national health reform is delivering real results for Australians.

12 Sep 2011

Ehealth Record Blueprints Finalised

The finalised plans for Australia’s secure, efficient eHealth system have been released by the Government.

08 Sep 2011

Better Regulation of Industrial Chemicals

The Australian Government has announced that it will conduct a review of the Commonwealth’s regulatory settings for the notification, assessment and regulation of industrial chemicals.

07 Sep 2011

Launch of Health Implementation Plan

The plan charting the path for national health reform implementation has been released by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon.

03 Sep 2011

$5.77 Million for Preventive Health Research Grants

Researchers across Australia are invited to apply for up to $5.77 million of funding to investigate new and innovative ways to combat alcohol abuse, obesity and smoking.

02 Sep 2011

National Health Reform Delivers for Patients in Brighton

National health reform is delivering for the residents of Brisbane’s northern suburbs with six additional new rehabilitation beds announced at Brighton Health Campus.

02 Sep 2011

Older and Frail Brisbane Patients to Benefit from National Health Refrom

National health reform is delivering extra resources for subacute care in Brisbane with new 32 subacute care beds at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital announced on 2 September.

25 Aug 2011

$475 Million More for Regional Health Facilities

Patients and families in regional communities across Australia are set to benefit from the next round of the Australian Government’s $5 billion Health and Hospitals Fund, with applications now open.

25 Aug 2011

Medicare Locals to Deliver Home Grown Health Solutions

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Health Minister Nicola Roxon have heard how Australia’s first Medicare Locals are on their way to better coordinating local doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to provide more responsive and targeted services for patients.

24 Aug 2011

Politics Taken Out of Hospital Funding: National Health Reform

Legislation to establish the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority has been introduced into Parliament.

22 Aug 2011

Health Appointments

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon have announced the appointment of the inaugural chairs of health reform bodies to drive transparency, accountability and efficiency.

17 Aug 2011

Unrivalled Transparency for Patients on the Way

Unrivalled access to information about the health and hospital system for patients has been supported by the House of Representatives as legislation to establish the Australian Government’s National Health Performance Authority passed through the lower house.

16 Aug 2011

Accenture to Build Australia’s Personal e-Health System

Accenture, a world leader in IT, has been selected to lead the building of the IT infrastructure for Australia’s national personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system in another major milestone for national health reform.

16 Aug 2011

National Health Reform Delivers for Blacktown Hospital

Patients at Blacktown Hospital will benefit from better access to elective surgery, emergency treatment and sub-acute hospital beds as a result of the Australian Government’s historic national health reforms.

02 Aug 2011

National Health Reform Finalised

The Australian Government has signed off on the final details of national health reforms with all states and territories to secure the future of health in Australia.

01 Aug 2011

Nowra GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services

Nowra residents will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement with the Illawarra Division of General Practice Ltd.

01 Aug 2011

Coffs Harbour GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services

Coffs Harbour residents will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement with Bawrunga Coffs Harbour GP Super Clinic Ltd.

01 Aug 2011

Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in Western Australia

Patients in Western Australia will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of nearly $17 million for up to 20 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the State.

01 Aug 2011

Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in Victoria

Victorian patients will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of around $50 million for up to 49 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the State.

01 Aug 2011

Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in the Territory

Patients in the Territory will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of around $8 million for up to 9 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure.

01 Aug 2011

Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in the ACT

Patients in the ACT will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of nearly $10 million for up to 9 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure.

01 Aug 2011

Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in South Australia

South Australian patients will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of nearly $15 million for around 30 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the State.

01 Aug 2011

Training for More Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals for Tasmania

Tasmanian patients will benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the announcement of around $7 million for up to 8 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the State.

29 Jul 2011

Karratha GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services

Residents of the West Pilbara will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement with the Pilbara Health Network for a GP Super Clinic to operate in Karratha.

19 Jul 2011

National Body to Coordinate Medicare Locals

The Australian Government will invite the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) to establish a new national body to support and coordinate the network of Medicare Locals and help lead the Government’s investments in primary health care.

19 Jul 2011

Boost to After-Hours GP Services

After-hours support from local GPs has been given another boost by the Australian Government with the opening of applications for the fourth round of the $10 million General Practice After-Hours Grants Program.

18 Jul 2011

New Advisory Council to Boost Disease Prevention Efforts

Moves to prevent the lifestyle risks of chronic disease in Australia have been boosted with the creation of an expert Advisory Council for the Australian National Preventive Health Agency.

07 Jul 2011

Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic Boosts Local Health Services

The opening of the Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic is paving the way for better access to GPs and allied health professionals for the local Queanbeyan community.

07 Jul 2011

Shellharbour GP Super Clinic Boosts Local Health Care

The Shellharbour GP Super Clinic is paving the way for better access to GPs and allied health professionals with the doors opening this week.

07 Jul 2011

More Progress in e-health Consultation and Engagement

Two important milestones in the development of Australia’s e-health system have been met with the key appointment of the National Change and Adoption Partner and the release of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record System: Legislation issues paper.

06 Jul 2011

Better Health Care Soon for Mount Isa

Mount Isa residents will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $5 million agreement with Kinetic Health Group Pty Ltd to establish the Mount Isa GP Super Clinic.

06 Jul 2011

Port Macquarie GP Super Clinic to Provide Better Health Services

Port Macquarie residents will soon have better access to GPs and allied health professionals following the signing of a $7 million agreement with Rural and Metropolitan Health (Port Macquarie) Pty Ltd to establish the Port Macquarie GP Super Clinic.

04 Jul 2011

First Steps to Aged Care Reform: New National Info Line

Older Australians, their families, and carers will find it easier to access valuable information about aged care with the introduction of a single, national information line on 1800 200 422 from today.

01 Jul 2011

1 July Brings Better Health Care for Australian Families

1 July 2011 marks a significant milestone in national health reform, with many new measures that matter to Australian families beginning or coming into full operation.

30 Jun 2011

GP Care a Phone Call Away for Families

After hours GP advice will only be a phone call away for Australian families with the launch of the after hours GP helplineon 1 July 2011.

29 Jun 2011

Telehealth Transforming Health Care

Australian patients will be able to have Medicare funded consultations with any medical specialist via a video conference for the first time starting 1 July 2011.

27 Jun 2011

More Elective Surgery and Sub-acute Beds for the ACT: National Health Reform Delivering

The ACT is seeing immediate benefits of national health reform with an additional 800 operations and four new sub-acute beds, the result of $10.4 million provided by the Australian Government.

22 Jun 2011

Delivering a better future for Indigenous people in the Northern Territory

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin today announced the Government’s next steps to improve the future of Indigenous Australians living in the Northern Territory.

21 Jun 2011

Applications Sought for New $5m GP Super Clinic in Darwin’s Northern Suburbs

Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Senator for the Northern Territory, Trish Crossin have announced that the Department of Health and Ageing has opened the Invitation to Apply process for the establishment of the $5 million Northern Suburbs GP Super Clinic in Darwin.

10 Jun 2011

Playford North GP Super Clinic Opens

More doctors, nurses and allied health professionals will be closer to home for residents in the northern suburbs of Adelaide following the opening of the new $7.5 million Playford North GP Super Clinic.

10 Jun 2011

Adelaide out in Front Leading Primary Health Care Reform

Adelaide is set to become one of the first communities in Australia to lead primary health care reform.

07 Jun 2011

Australian Health Ministers’ Conference Communique - 7 June 2011

Australian Health Ministers met in Melbourne on 7 June and reached in principle agreement on legislation to establish the National Health Performance Authority as the next stage of national health reform.

06 Jun 2011

First Medicare Locals to Continue Primary Health Care Reform

Nineteen communities around Australia will lead primary health care reform as Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon announced the organisations that will become the nation’s first Medicare Locals from 1 July 2011.

03 Jun 2011

National Health Reform Full Steam Ahead

It’s full steam ahead for national health reform in the lead-up to the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) finalisation of the national health reform agreement next month.

02 Jun 2011

It’s 3am and Your GP is closed — Who Can You Call?

After-hours contact with a GP will be just a phone-call away from July 1. Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon today announced that Medibank has been appointed to be the operator for the after hours GP helplineand has already recruited over 100 doctors.

20 May 2011

Clinicians Taking the Lead

Clinicians will be front and centre in ensuring all Australians have access to high quality, coordinated healthcare as a result of the Australian Government’s national health reforms.

19 May 2011

More and Better Support for the Severely Mentally Ill

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler have visited the Mental Illness Fellowship of South Australia (MIFSA).

18 May 2011

More Surgery and More Beds for WA Thanks to National Health Reform

West Australians will soon see changes take place in the state’s health and hospital system as national health reform starts to deliver more beds and better care.

10 May 2011

New Panel to Advise on Public Hospital Access Targets

A Gillard Government commitment that people will receive the highest standards of service in their public hospitals was confirmed today with the announcement of an expert panel that will oversee how this reform is achieved.

09 May 2011

Major New Hospital for South East NSW

NSW South Coast residents will benefit from national health reform with today’s announcement that the Gillard Government will fund $160.1 million for the new South East Regional Hospital based in Bega.

09 May 2011

Better Diabetes Care, Closer to Home for Regional West Australians

Residents in regional and remote Western Australia suffering from renal failure, often caused by diabetes, will be offered a helping hand thanks to 22 new renal dialysis chairs and other important health infrastructure projects to be funded through the Gillard Government’s 2011-12 Budget.

05 May 2011

Major New Health Investments for Rockhampton and Region

Patients from Rockhampton and surrounding regions will continue to see the benefits from national health reform with a number of new multi-million dollar health infrastructure projects announced today by the Australian Government through the 2011-12 Budget.

05 May 2011

New Day Treatment Centre for Townsville

Townsville and North Queensland residents will benefit from national health reform with today’s announcement of a $13.75 million investment in local hospital and mental health services by the Gillard Government.

05 May 2011

134 Mental Health Beds for Regional Queensland

Patients across regional Queensland will benefit from 134 new mental health beds thanks to a $75 million injection from the Gillard Government delivered through the 2011-12 Budget.

04 May 2011

First Sod Turned on Gunnedah GP Super Clinic

The community of Gunnedah and surrounding regions will soon have improved coordinated healthcare with the official sod turning commencing construction work on the $4.3 million Gunnedah GP Super Clinic.

04 May 2011

$150 Million Supercharge for NT Health Infrastructure

Patients across the Territory will continue to benefit from national health reform through a huge $150 million investment into health and hospital infrastructure, including a new Palmerston hospital, announced in the lead-up to 2011-12 Budget.

04 May 2011

Tamworth Hospital Redevelopment

Residents of Tamworth will benefit from national health reform with today’s announcement that the Gillard Government will be the majority funding partner for the $220 million major redevelopment and expansion of Tamworth Hospital.

03 May 2011

$65 Million Regional Cancer Centre Project for Albury

Albury Wodonga patients will benefit further from national health reform with the announcement that the Australian Government will fund a $65 million integrated regional cancer centre project through the 2011-12 Budget.

29 Apr 2011

Hospital Funding Boost Starts to Pay Dividends

The Government's 50 per cent boost to hospital funding in 2008 is starting to pay dividends according to a new report released on 29 April.

21 Apr 2011

Australian Government Funds Major Upgrade for Royal Hobart Hospital

The Australian Government today announced a boost to health services in Tasmania by committing $240 million to a major upgrade of the Royal Hobart Hospital.

18 Apr 2011

More Patients to Benefit From New GP Facilities

Many more patients around Australia can expect a boost in the services provided by their local GP practice thanks to a new round of primary care infrastructure grants

11 Apr 2011

e-Health Records Blueprint released as National Health Reform continues to deliver

A national blueprint for the development of e-health records ready for their 1 July 2012 launch, helping Australians to better manage their own healthcare, has been released today.

06 Apr 2011

Easier Access to Navigate Aged Care System

From 1 July 2011, older Australians and their carers will find it easier to access and navigate the aged care system with the introduction of a single phone number to access and navigate the system as the first step in the phased implementation of the one-stop shop measure.

31 Mar 2011

New Training Resource for Child Services Workers

The social and emotional wellbeing of children will benefit from a pre-service vocational education and training resource launched in Canberra as part of the Government’s commitment to mental health reform.

30 Mar 2011

E-Health benefits spread into Western Sydney

Mums and bubs, Indigenous Australians and aged, chronic and complex disease patients in Western Sydney are set to benefit from a new e-health project.

30 Mar 2011

E-Health benefits spread as Sydney team chosen to lead roll-out

Patients are set to benefit from a better, safer and more integrated medical records system to be developed by a consortium of Sydney health providers that have been chosen as one of nine new projects to lead the roll-out of e-health records.

30 Mar 2011

E-Health benefits spread as Canberra team chosen to lead roll-out

Aged and palliative care patients in the ACT will benefit from better integrated and safer care through e-health systems developed by a team from Canberra that has been chosen as one of nine new projects to lead the roll-out of e-health records.

30 Mar 2011

Brisbane leads the way as e-health super site

Brisbane will the lead the way as an Australian e-health ‘super site’ following new e-health projects announced as a part of national health reform.

30 Mar 2011

Territory to Lead E-Health Records for Indigenous Australians

Northern Territorians will be one of the first groups of Australians to have access to e-health records thanks to a new national health reform e-health project announced on 29 March.

30 Mar 2011

E-Health benefits spread as Geelong team to lead roll-out

Patients are set to benefit from a better and safer medication system to be developed by a team from Geelong that has been chosen as one of nine new projects to lead the roll-out of e-health records.

30 Mar 2011

Tasmanian aged and palliative care to lead e-health roll-out

Aged and palliative care patients and their families in North West Tasmania will be one of the first groups of Australians to have access to e-health records thanks to a new national health reform e-health project announced on 28 March 2011.

29 Mar 2011

Instalment of Funding for Royal Hobart Hospital

The next $50 million instalment of the Australian Government’s contribution to the construction of the new Women’s and Children’s Precinct of the Royal Hobart Hospital will be paid to the Tasmanian Government shortly.

29 Mar 2011

E-Health Benefits Spread as Nine New Sites Start Work

Mothers and new born babies, Australians suffering from chronic disease and patients in aged and palliative care are some of the first groups set to benefit from national health reform as nine new locations have been selected to lead the roll-out of e-health records.

24 Mar 2011

Record Number of Doctors in Training Delivered by National Health Reform

A record 900 GPs have started training this year, as a result of the Australian Government’s national health reforms.

21 Mar 2011

Safeguards for Hospitals Welcomed

Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has welcomed the passing of key health reform legislation that will drive safe, high quality health care for all Australians.

17 Mar 2011

QEII Emergency Department to Double in Size

The upgrade of Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee (QEII) Hospital has been given a significant boost with an additional $68.5 million in funding from the Australian Government including a doubling of the size of the emergency department.

17 Mar 2011

50 Bed Boost for Logan Hospital Redevelopment: National Health Reform Delivering

The upgrade of Logan Hospital has been given a shot in the arm with a boost of $175 million in new funding from the Australian Government to deliver 50 new beds and a new emergency department building.

17 Mar 2011

182 GP Training Places for Queensland

182 new GPs will begin training in Queensland this year as the Australian Government continues to deliver national health reform benefits, helping Queenslanders to see and contact a doctor when they need to.

16 Mar 2011

Delivering World Class Rehabilitation and Better Health Services for WA

The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has inspected work on the construction of Western Australia’s new State Rehabilitation Centre at Murdoch alongside Member for Fremantle, Melissa Parke MP.

16 Mar 2011

81 Extra GPs for WA as Part of National Health Reform

Eighty-one new GPs will begin training in Western Australia this year as the Australian Government continues to deliver national health reform benefits, helping more West Australians to see a doctor closer to home.

15 Mar 2011

A Better Deal for Patients

The Australian Government will invest a guaranteed extra $19.8 billion in public hospitals.

10 Mar 2011

Community Ideas Sought on Mackay GP Super Clinic

Residents and health professionals from the Mackay area are invited to share ideas on Friday 11 March about the best options for their local GP Super Clinic.

09 Mar 2011

68 GP Training Places for South Australia

Sixty-eight new GPs will begin training in South Australia this year as the Australian Government continues to deliver national health reform benefits, helping South Australians to see and contact a doctor when they need to.

09 Mar 2011

Health Reform to Deliver 179 Sub Acute Beds and Places in SA

South Australians will soon see changes taking place across the state as national health reform starts to deliver more sub acute beds and better care following an announcement of 179 sub acute beds and places with a substantial focus on mental health.

07 Mar 2011

10th GP Super Clinic Opening Brings Health Boost to Burnie

Residents from Burnie and surrounds will enjoy greater access to GPs and health professionals closer to home, with the opening of Australia's 10th GP Super Clinic in Burnie on 7 March.

01 Mar 2011

IBM Selected for E-health Authentication Service

The National E-Health Transition Authority has selected IBM to design and build the National Authentication Service for Health, a key building block in developing personally controlled e-health records for Australia.

28 Feb 2011

Record Investment in Specialist Doctor Training

A record number of specialist doctors have started work in Australian Government-supported training places as part of a $356 million commitment to boost specialist doctors across the country.

22 Feb 2011

Next Steps to Establish Medicare Locals

The Australian Government has released new guidelines for Medicare Locals to help health practitioners provide more responsive and targeted services for local communities.

16 Feb 2011

Better Training of Health Professionals for Tasmanians

Health students at the University of Tasmania will now have better access to clinical training through a new Commonwealth-funded IT management system, to be run in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services.

16 Feb 2011

Call for e-health partners

Personally controlled electronic health records are a step closer following the call for partners to help develop the system.

16 Feb 2011

Clarence GP Super Clinic Moves Closer to Completion

Better coordinated healthcare for the Clarence community is on its way, said the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, while inspecting the Clarence GP Super Clinic construction site.

16 Feb 2011

Members Sought for Preventive Health Advisory Council

Individuals with expertise in preventive health are invited to express their interest in joining a new national advisory council to tackle chronic disease.

15 Feb 2011

Health Reform Delivering for Patients at Royal Melbourne

Elective surgery patients at the Royal Melbourne Hospital are already benefiting from the Australian Government’s investment in national health reform.

04 Feb 2011

Sunshine Coast GP Super Clinic a Step Closer

Residents and health professionals on the Sunshine Coast are invited to share ideas on 4 February about the best options for their local GP Super Clinic.

03 Feb 2011

Gold Coast Community Called on for Input on GP Super Clinic

Gold Coast residents and health professionals are invited to share ideas tonight about the best options for the GP Super Clinic on the Gold Coast.

31 Jan 2011

Community Input Sought for West Pilbara GP Super Clinic

Local residents and health professionals from the West Pilbara are invited to share ideas about the best options for the GP Super Clinic in Karratha.

31 Jan 2011

Applications sought for new $15m ACT GP Super Clinic

The Australian Government has issued an Invitation to Apply for parties to establish the proposed $15 million ACT GP Super Clinic.

27 Jan 2011

Grafton GP Super Clinic Moves Closer

The Grafton region is a step closer to getting a GP Super Clinic with the announcement that National Build Plan Group has won the contract to construct the new facility.

07 Jan 2011

Momentum Building around E-Health

Personally controlled electronic health records are a step closer with the closing of applications for the second round of lead implementation sites.

05 Jan 2011

New Year’s Resolutions get a Helping Hand

New Year’s resolutions to get active, eat well and quit smoking will be promoted throughout the year and beyond by the Australian National Preventive Health Agency, which was formally established on 1 January 2011.

23 Dec 2010

Significant Step in Health Reform

Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has announced that an important milestone in health reform had been achieved with six states and territories reaching agreement with the Commonwealth on the boundaries for Local Hospital Networks and Medicare Locals.

17 Dec 2010

Tender Call Marks New Stage in e-health Development

The Australian Government’s personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system took a further step forward today with the call for an organisation to evaluate the benefits and capabilities of the new system.

10 Dec 2010

MyHospitals – Shining a light on Australian Hospitals

The MyHospitals website, which gives the community clear, comparable and user-friendly information about the services and the performance of their local hospital, was launched on 10 December.

08 Dec 2010

Increase in Elective Surgery Operations Rewarded by the Commonwealth

For the first time, the Australian Government will will reward states and territories with $108 million for exceeding targets to increase elective surgery operations, the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, have announced.

08 Dec 2010

Minister for Ageing visits Goodwin Monash

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler has visited Goodwin’s Ralph Cartwright Centre in Monash to present staff training awards and turn the first sod for a new residential aged care home.

07 Dec 2010

More than $5 Billion in Applications for Regional Health

More than 230 applications totalling over $5 billion from regional and remote Australia have been received for the ‘regional priority round’ of the Australian Government’s Health and Hospitals Fund (HHF).

02 Dec 2010

Health Reform Delivers More Beds and Better Care in Queensland Hospitals

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Queensland Treasurer and Acting Health Minister Andrew Fraser have announced new funding for Queensland hospitals under the Australian Government’s national health reform.

01 Dec 2010

Making it easier to see your doctor – Boost for GP After-Hours

After-hours support from local GPs will be boosted in communities around the country following two announcements on 1 December by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon.

01 Dec 2010

Further Steps Taken to Implement Medicare Locals

The Australian Government has taken the next step in reforming Australia’s health system and establishing a network of primary health care organisations – Medicare Locals – by releasing the latest draft of its planned geographic boundaries.

30 Nov 2010

Mobile Phone Applications Could Help Revolutionise Health Care in Australia

Accessing a patient’s record may be as easy as using a mobile phone application as the Government’s investment in e-Health revolutionises health care in Australia.

30 Nov 2010

Next Step for Telehealth Services for Patients

The Australian Government’s investment in better connecting patients to specialist services through technology took a step forward on 30 November, with the release of a discussion paper seeking views on the most effective delivery for the scheme.

25 Nov 2010

Patients to Benefit from New Primary Care Infrastructure Grants

Patients can expect to see big changes at their local GP clinics, thanks to $64.5 million in primary care infrastructure grants announced by the Australian Government on 25 November.

24 Nov 2010

Applications Now Open For Second Wave e-Health Projects

Hundreds of thousands more Australians will join the e-health revolution as a result of up to $55 million from the Australian Government now available for the next round of innovative e-health projects across the nation.

24 Nov 2010

Widespread Support for Health Reform Welcomed

Over three-quarters of all Australians support the Australian Government’s historic health reform agenda according to new statistics released on 24 November.

22 Nov 2010

Anaesthetic training opportunities for rural and remote GPs

Increased funding for maternity training for doctors will enable general practitioners to complete procedural training in obstetrics and anaesthetics.

20 Nov 2010

$23m in Local Grants Available for Healthy Community

The Australian Government is calling on local governments around Australia to apply for more than $23 million worth of Healthy Communities Grants.

18 Nov 2010

Historic Health Prevention Agency a Reality

The fight against preventable diseases has been given a boost after the Parliament passed on 17 November the historic Australian National Preventive Health Agency Bill 2010.

15 Nov 2010

World Diabetes Day: Education and Prevention is the Key

Diabetes education and prevention is the theme of World Diabetes Day, held on 14 November.

01 Nov 2010

MyHospitals to Launch with Public Hospitals from all States

The MyHospitals website will be online in December with information about public hospitals in all states and territories– including Western Australia.

29 Oct 2010

Next Steps Taken to Establish Medicare Locals

The Australian Government has taken an important step in establishing a network of primary health care organisations – Medicare Locals – by releasing a discussion paper on their planned roles, functions and governance.

28 Oct 2010

Process Commences For The Next 28 GP Super Clinics

Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon announced the start of the process of delivering 28 new GP Super Clinics to local communities around Australia, an extra $233m investment in primary healthcare.

28 Oct 2010

e-Health Conference - Revolutionising Australia’s Health Care

The nation’s leading health experts, consumer groups and information technology specialists will come together to discuss the technological revolution in the delivery of health care at an e-health conference later this year.

19 Oct 2010

Funding for Innovative Health Training Facilities in Central Australia

More doctors, nurses and specialists will be supported in and around Alice Springs as part of the Australian Government’s health reforms to deliver better health and hospitals for all Australians.

13 Oct 2010

$5 Million Grant for Medical Training Facility at Geelong

More doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are set to be supported in Geelong as part of the Australian Government’s health reforms to deliver better health and hospitals for all Australians, with the announcement today for up to $5 million for a dedicated education precinct and ward-based training facility within a new Epworth HealthCare private not-for-profit hospital.

13 Sep 2010

Statement from Minister for Health and Ageing

Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon said she was pleased and honoured to continue leading the Government's ambitious health reform agenda to deliver better health services for all Australians.

16 Jul 2010

Rural Health Minister Addresses Rural Health Students at National Conference

Delegates at the 12th National University Rural Health conference in Alice Springs have been told the Australian Government was committed to delivering an ambitious health reform agenda, which will support more health professionals to work and live in rural and regional Australia.

14 Jul 2010

Wanneroo GP Super Clinic a Step Closer

The establishment of the Wanneroo GP Super Clinic moved closer with the review of concept plans by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon.

14 Jul 2010

New Facility to Train Nurses in Wound Management

Clinical training for doctors, nurses and other health professionals in Western Australia will be boosted with the development of a high technology education centre dedicated to wound management.

14 Jul 2010

Next Generation of Health Professionals for South Australia Get a New Home in Playford North

More doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are set to be supported in Adelaide’s northern suburbs as part of the Australian Governments health reforms to deliver better health and hospitals for Australians.

13 Jul 2010

Building SA’s Health And Medical Research Institute

The Australian Government’s health and hospital reform took another step forward today with the turning of the first sod of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.

12 Jul 2010

Diabetes Week – More Funding, Better Care

The Australian Government’s ambitious health and hospital reforms have been boosted with more funding dedicated to researching diabetes, particularly finding a cure.

12 Jul 2010

More Nurses in Aged Care – Up to 395 Nursing Scholarships

Applications have opened for up to 395 undergraduate aged care nursing scholarships worth up to $30,000 each as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to boost training for aged care workers.

09 Jul 2010

Federal Rural Health Minister Holds Health Roundtable in Colac

Minister for Rural and Regional Health Warren Snowdon has held a health roundtable in Colac and toured a number of the region’s health facilities to talk about health reform and health issues of importance to the area.

07 Jul 2010

Wallan and Mt Isa GP Super Clinics to Receive Financial Boost

Communities in Wallan and Mt Isa have received a boost as part of the Australian Government’s better health and hospitals plan, with the Government to an additional $2.5 million for the Wallan GP Super Clinic, making a total of $3.5 million and a further $2.5 million for the Mt Isa GP Super Clinic, making a total of $5 million.

07 Jul 2010

Release of Roadmap to Reform

The timeline for the further delivery of better health and hospital services has been released by the Minister for Health and Ageing.

07 Jul 2010

New Beds For Prince Of Wales Hospital

Australia’s historic health and hospital reform is set to deliver an additional 12 beds to Prince of Wales Hospital.

07 Jul 2010

Minister Elliot Visits Hawthorn Village - Hobart

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has visited Hawthorn Village, an aged care facility in Blackmans Bay in Hobart’s south, where a 13-bed dementia wing was constructed with the assistance of a $1 million capital grant from the Australian Government.

07 Jul 2010

Ipswich GP Super Clinic Progressing Well

Progress at the Ipswich GP Super Clinic is advancing well, with the first stage of the clinic expected to be operational by the end of August.

06 Jul 2010

More Aged Care Beds for North Western Tasmania

Support from the Australian Government’s Zero Real Interest Loans initiative has helped deliver more aged care services in Deloraine.

01 Jul 2010

Draft Boundaries for Your Medicare Local

The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) have provided to Government an independent report they have commissioned suggesting potential geographic boundaries for primary health care organisations.

01 Jul 2010

New Incentives will Bring Doctors to Rural and Regional Areas

Rural and regional families are set to benefit from more doctors in their communities as the Australian Government increases the rewards and incentives for doctors to move to these areas.

30 Jun 2010

Hospitals Busier Than Ever

The 2010 State of Our Public Hospitals report shows that our hospitals are busier than ever.

30 Jun 2010

New Beds for Campbelltown Hospital

Australia’s health and hospital reform is set to deliver an additional 20 beds to Campbelltown Hospital.

24 Jun 2010

Healthcare Identifiers: Passed by Parliament

Legislation to set up the Healthcare Identifiers Service has been passed by Parliament.

23 Jun 2010

Boost for GPs to Train the Next Generation

Boosting GP services forms part of the Australian Government’s agenda to build a better health and better hospital system for Australian families.

23 Jun 2010

Australia’s Health 2010

The 2010 edition of Australia’s Health has been released by Australian Institue of Health and Welfare.

21 Jun 2010

Comprehensive Support for Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Just a Phone Call Away

The Australian Government is providing more support for Australian women and their families with a new expanded national 24 hour Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline commencing on 1 July 2010.

21 Jun 2010

Thousands More Receive Their Elective Surgery Under Australian Government Reforms

More than 35,000 extra people received elective surgery in 2009, compared with the same period in 2007.

17 Jun 2010

More Elective Surgeries, Doctors and Nurses – AIHW Report

The latest report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that hospitals have benefited from the extra funding provided by the Australian Government as part of its work to deliver better health and better hospitals for Australian families.

15 Jun 2010

Construction Beginning on Shellharbour GP Super Clinic

The Australian Government’s better health and hospitals plan was enhanced today as the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and the Member for Throsby, Jennie George, kick-started work at the Shellharbour GP Super Clinic.

15 Jun 2010

Government Supports Next Generation of Health Professionals- New Training Facilities For Wollongong Hospital

More doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are set to be supported in Wollongong.

15 Jun 2010

New Beds for Wollongong Hospital

Australia’s historic health and hospital reform is to deliver an additional 21 beds to Wollongong Hospital.

09 Jun 2010

New Publication on Rural Health

Potential innovations for rural health delivery in Australia have been presented in a new publication by the Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN).

11 May 2010

Closing the Gap – Strengthening Indigenous Communities

The Budget continues the Government’s commitment to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians – health reforms will mean real, on-the-ground improvements in health and hospital care for Indigenous Australians.

11 May 2010

Building the Foundations for Better Mental Health Care

The Australian Government will invest $175.8 million to improve mental health services – through more youth-friendly mental health services, more funding for mental health nurses, and funding for packages of care for people with mental illness.

11 May 2010

World First Action on Preventative Health

The Rudd Government will boost its efforts in preventative health with world leading new action on smoking and other chronic disease risks.

11 May 2010

Quicker Access to High Quality Hospital Care

The Government will invest more than $3.4 billion over four years to deliver better public hospital services for all Australians.

11 May 2010

Agreements Ensure Sustainable Access to Medicines

The Australian Government will ensure all Australians continue to have access to essential medicines, and will deliver better value for money for the Australian taxpayer through agreements that save $2.5 billion over five years.

11 May 2010

Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records for All Australians

Australians will be able to check their medical history online through the introduction of personally controlled electronic health records, which will boost patient safety, improve health care delivery, and cut waste and duplication.

11 May 2010

More Doctors and More Nurses in National Health and Hospitals Network

The Government will invest $1.2 billion in training and supporting more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, as part of building a National Health and Hospitals Network.

11 May 2010

More GP Super Clinics and Extra GP Infrastructure

The Government will invest $355.2 million to build around 450 GP Super Clinic type facilities.

11 May 2010

More Comprehensive and Convenient GP and Primary Care

The Budget will deliver a massive $1.2 billion boost to GP and primary health care, to deliver real improvements in frontline health services for patients across Australia.

11 May 2010

Building a Health and Hospitals Network for Australia’s future

The Government will put in place the most significant reforms to Australia’s health and hospitals system since the introduction of Medicare – to create a National Health and Hospitals Network that is funded nationally and run locally.

07 May 2010

Boost to Improve the Mental Health of Australia’s Youth

Youth-specific mental health programs will be expanded and more young people will receive vital care as part of the Australian Government’s $174 million package to improve the nation’s mental health.

21 Apr 2010

Australian Government to Invest $1.6B in 1300 Sub-Acute Care Beds

The Australian Government will invest $1.6 billion to deliver a guaranteed 1300 new sub-acute care beds by 2013-14.

21 Apr 2010

Expanding Elective Surgery Capacity in Our Public Hospitals

As part of its drive to reduce elective surgery waiting times, the Australiand Government will invest $800 million to improve timely access to elective surgery across the country.

21 Apr 2010

Taking Pressure off Public Hospital Emergency Departments

The Australian Government will invest $750 million in expanding the capacity of public hospital emergency departments to deliver faster treatment for patients.

20 Apr 2010

Historic Health Reform

An historic agreement was reached today to deliver better health and better hospitals for Australian working families. This will deliver the most significant reforms to our health and hospitals system since the introduction of Medicare. From July 1 this year the Australian Government will start delivering $5.3 billion in additional funding over the next four years.

13 Apr 2010