Commonwealth Games anti-doping funding arrangements finalised

The Turnbull Government will provide $1.8 million to ensure the highest quality anti-doping testing and arrangements are in place for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. This is a win for athletes and fans alike and locks in a clean and fair Commonwealth Games. Under the arrangements, the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA)…

Major new measures to help combat rare cancers

The Turnbull Government is supporting major new initiatives that will improve access to clinical trials, particularly for people with rare cancers including children. AIM BRAIN is new genetic testing that aims to transform brain tumour classification, treatment and ultimately the survival of children with brain cancer. I am delighted to announce that Australian kids will…

Transcript – Melbourne press conference

E&OE… Topics: Children’s brain cancer announcements; anti-vaccination doctors; Fiona Richardson GREG HUNT: I’m really delighted and honoured to be here today at the Royal Children’s Hospital, undoubtedly one of the world’s great children’s hospitals on so many fronts, but in particular, a leader in paediatric oncology. In that respect, I’m joined by Dr Jordan Hansford,…

Lifeline Australia CEO Peter Shmigel

I want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to Pete Shmigel for his work, dedication and stewardship of Lifeline Australia for the last two years. For more than 50 years Lifeline has helped many thousands of Australians struggling with life’s challenges through its counselling services over the telephone, web and face to face counselling…

Retirement of Mr Martin Bowles PSM from public service

I would like to join the Prime Minister in thanking Mr Martin Bowles PSM for his distinguished career of public service which has spanned almost forty years. Mr Bowles will retire as Secretary of the Department of Health, effective 1 September 2017. Before being appointed as Secretary of the Department of Health in October 2014,…

Record number of Australians receiving Medicare benefits

More Australian patients are seeing their doctor without having to reach for their wallet with GP bulk billing rates for the 2016-17 financial year increasing to 85.7% compared to 85.1% in 2015-16. This is the highest bulk billing rate for any financial year since the inception of Medicare. It is also significantly higher than Labor’s…

20 Million Trees Boost For Bass Coast Region

The Turnbull Government has awarded $50,000 to the Bass Coast Landcare Network to continue their work protecting the Powlett River Catchment and threatened species such as the growling grass frog. The Bass Coast Biolinks project, funded under the 20 Million Trees Program, will establish 25,000 trees and 5,500 understorey plants – creating two large-scale biolinks…

Appointment of new ASADA CEO

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Mr David Sharpe as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA). Prior to accepting this position Mr Sharpe’s career background includes 10 years with the Australian Federal Police leading its National Protection Operations; Serious and Organised Crime Group; Counter Terrorism Unit; and…

Local Sporting Champions grants help young athletes reach their goals

Young athletes are urged to apply for grants of $500 to help with the costs of competing in state and national events. The Local Sporting Champions grants program is an Australian Government initiative designed to support young people participating in state, national and international sporting championships as an athlete, coach or official. The grants contribute…

Local veterans supported through BEST grants

I am pleased to announce that the Southern Peninsula Veterans Centre has received a Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grant of $56,440.15. This grant will enable the centre to continue its day-to-day operations, providing veterans and returned services members with practical and emotional support. The team at the Southern Peninsula Veterans Centre does…