Pfizer vaccine emergency approval in the UK

We welcome the emergency approval given to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in the UK. This is particularly so given the over 1.6 million cases and tragic loss of over 59,000 lives in the UK. I have again spoken to the Australian CEO of Pfizer, they remain on track for vaccine delivery once it is approved…

South Australia switches on electronic prescriptions

South Australians will now have access to electronic prescriptions through the Morrison Government’s ongoing investment in digital health.   Since May, electronic prescriptions have been introduced across the country, with South Australia joining Victoria, the ACT and metropolitan Sydney.   So far, more than one million electronic prescriptions have been issued. This includes over 800,000…

Additional $132.2 million for Aged Care Covid response

The Morrison Government will invest a further $132.2 million in its response to the Aged Care Royal Commission’s recommendations on COVID-19. The Government accepted and is acting on all six recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety as previously announced in October 2020. The $132.2 million package includes $63.3 million for…

Now more than ever, the fight against HIV must continue

To mark World AIDS Day 2020 and support the ‘now more than ever’ theme, the Morrison Government will provide almost $6.2 million towards the ongoing battle against HIV, and has expanded access to Dovato® on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).   Today, more than 28,000 Australians are living with HIV and it is very pleasing…

Disability Royal Commission Public Hearing COVID-19 Report

The Australian Government welcomes the COVID-19 report of the Disability Royal Commission. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has seen significant challenges in the way all Australians live our lives, however, the Government recognises the unique factors that need to be considered when managing the health care needs of people with disability. One of our…

PBS support for Australians living with leukaemia

Patients living with one of Australia’s most common forms of leukaemia are set to benefit from expanded access to a breakthrough medicine through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). From 1 December, access to Venclexta® (venetoclax) will be extended in combination with obinutuzumab for the first-line treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia who have co-existing…

$4 million for new COVID-19 research

The Morrison Government is supporting six new COVID-19 research projects across four institutions, allowing researchers continue to examine the virus and our response to the pandemic. More than $4 million will be distributed from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) through two grant rounds to institutions including Monash University, Deakin University and Macquarie University. These…