Increasing access to GP services in Queensland flood-affected areas

As an emergency response, the Liberal National Government is providing greater access to GP services for Australians living in flood-affected communities throughout Queensland.   The Government will introduce eight new, time-limited Medicare items to allow GPs and non-specialist medical practitioners provide services via videoconference, until 30 June 2019.   People living in these communities already…

ABC interview with David Bevan and Ali Clarke

E&OE…                       Topics: New Emergency Department for Mount Barker Hospital; New SA Statewide brain and spinal rehab unit – REPAT; Ambulance ramping;   ALI CLARKE: It’s good morning federal Health Minister Greg Hunt.   GREG HUNT: Good morning.   DAVID BEVAN: You come bearing gifts, Minister.   GREG HUNT: I do indeed. I’ve got a…

$160 million for Indigenous health research

The Liberal National Government will provide $160 million for a national research initiative to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.   The Indigenous Health Research Fund will be a 10-year research program funded from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).   It will support practical, innovative research into the best approaches…

$268 million to continue the battle against alcohol and drug misuse

The Liberal National Government will provide $268 million to continue support for Australians battling alcohol and drug issues. The funding over three years from 2019-20 to 2021-22 will be provided to Primary Health Networks (PHNs), providers of residential and non-residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation programs, alcohol and peak drug organisations and other national activities already…

$220 million for research to tackle heart disease and stroke

The Liberal National Government is launching a comprehensive research effort to tackle the nation’s two biggest killers – heart disease and stroke – with an unprecedented $220 million for a 10-year Mission for Cardiovascular Health.   The funding, awarded under the Government’s landmark Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), will support Australian researchers to make game-changing discoveries,…

Doorstop – Melbourne

E&OE…                       Topics: $200 million for cancer medicines on the PBS; New dedicated Medicare item for heart health checks   DOUG HILTON: My name is Doug Hilton, I’m Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and I’d like to welcome you all today to a wonderful set of announcements.   I’d like to begin…

Today interview with Allison Langdon

E&OE…                       Topics: $200 million to list new cancer treatments on the PBS; the creation of a Medicare item for heart health checks from April 1; Julie Bishop   ALLISON LANGDON: Well, the Federal Government will today announce $200 million to list breakthrough new cancer medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. And for more we’re…

New dedicated Medicare item for heart health checks

The Liberal National Government will ensure that Australians at risk of heart disease receive timely and appropriate medical advice with the creation of a new Medicare item for heart health checks. From April 1 this year a new dedicated MBS item for heart health checks will support General Practitioners and patients in assessing cardiovascular risk.…