First National Action Plan for rare diseases

The Morrison Government will provide up to $3.3 million for activities to implement the first National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Diseases, which was launched today.   The Action Plan will increase awareness and promote earlier, more accurate diagnosis and treatment for around two million Australians suffering from rare diseases.   Rare diseases are having…

$2 million for vital coronavirus research

Applications have opened for the Australian Government’s $2 million grant opportunity to support research into development of a vaccine to protect against novel coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 represents a significant and urgent threat to global health, with the overwhelming majority of cases in Wuhan City in China, and increasing numbers in other countries, including Australia. The…

New hope for lung cancer patients with ground-breaking treatment option to be listed on the PBS

Australians with non-small cell and small cell lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will benefit from new and expanded treatment options on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 March 2020.   The Morrison Government is listing Imfinzi® (durvalumab) for the first time for the treatment of non‑small cell lung cancer for patients who…

Transcript – Doorstop – Darwin

E&OE…                       Topics: Coronavirus; Diamond Princess Evacuation; Howard Springs Temporary Quarantine Facility   NATASHA FYLES: So we presently have AUSMAT staff who are on the ground in Japan and we also have other members of the AUSMAT team that are in the air and will be in Japan later today, preparing to bring these Australian…

Sunrise interview with David Koch

E&OE…                       Topics: Coronavirus; Potential for another evacuation;    DAVID KOCH: Now the Government is still working on a plan to evacuate Aussies on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan.   The infectious disease expert has travelled to Yokohama where the cruise ship is docked to assess the situation.   It’s expected the…

Get the Facts about Immunisation

The Morrison Government will target parents across the country with a powerful message around the need to vaccinate their children, with an enhanced $12 million campaign rolling out this week.   Areas of low vaccination rates in one, two and five year olds will be micro targeted in every state and territory under the fourth…