Australia’s third centre for innovation in regional health recognises Northern Queensland’s leadership in research based health care

Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre in North Queensland has become the third Centre for Innovation in Regional Health accredited by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).   The Centre has demonstrated research excellence and leadership in research based clinical care and training, in addressing the region’s healthcare needs.   The Minister for Health,…

National Plastics Summit signals change for plastic recycling

The Morrison Government has concluded the first ever National Plastics Summit, reinforcing its commitment to working with industry to increase our recycling capabilities, ensuring markets for recycled products and reducing plastic waste.   Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP said Monday’s National Plastics Summit, attended by more than 200 representatives from local…

Increased restrictions for people who have travelled to Iran

Australia’s chief health protection body, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, is urging anyone who has returned to Australia from Iran since 19 February 2020 to self-isolate at home and closely monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 until 14 days after they left Iran.   Iran reported its first COVID-19 case on 20 February 2020 and this grew…

Update on COVID-19 in Australia – Community Transmission

Australia has seen its first community transmission of COVID-19. Bringing the total of confirmed cases to 33.   This case underlines the fact that Australia is not immune from COVID-19. COVID-19 represents a significant risk to Australia – and we continue to manage that risk based on the best and latest medical advice.   Our…

Update on COVID-19 in Australia

Australia now has a total of 30 confirmed cases of COVID-19, following three additional cases of people with direct links to Iran.   The latest confirmed case is in Tasmania, a 40 year old man who has recently returned from Iran.   This follows the first death of an Australian with COVID-19 infection early yesterday.…

Professor Michael Kidd appointed to advise on Primary Health Reforms

The Morrison Government welcomes the appointment of Professor Michael Kidd AM as Principal Medical Advisor to the Department of Health and Professor of Primary Care Reform at The Australian National University.   This appointment further strengthens the Government’s focus on delivering major primary health care reforms for the benefit of all Australians.   This is…

Western Australian COVID-19 case

It is with great sadness that the Australian Government notes the death of a 78-year-old man in Western Australia with COVID-19 infection.   Our condolences go to his family and friends at this difficult time.   The man was one of the Australian citizens from the Diamond Princess whom the Australian Government assisted to depart…

Press Conference – Melbourne

GREG HUNT: Thank you everybody for joining us, I’m joined by Professor Brendan Murphy, the Chief Medical Officer of Australia this afternoon. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the National Security Council has met and made decisions to lift the travel advisories for Iran and to impose certain restrictions as a consequence of the spread of…

Medicare bulk billing rate of 86 per cent for 2019

Australians continue to visit their GPs without having to pay a cent, with the latest Medicare data showing 86 out of 100 visits to the GP were bulk-billed for the 2019 calendar year. The 86.0 per cent bulk billing rate achieved in 2019, is a 4.3 percentage point increase on the 81.7 per cent Labor…