15 Jun 2026

Insurer warns expanded pharmacy prescribing could increase patient risk

Australia’s largest medical indemnity insurer, Avant, has raised serious concerns about proposals to expand what pharmacists are allowed to prescribe, warning there is a “very real risk” of patient harm if changes go ahead.

14 Jun 2026

New Board Chair focuses on equity and improving access to healthcare

South Western Sydney PHN has appointed Karen Edwards as its new Board Chair, with a strong focus on improving healthcare access, equity, and service delivery across the region.

12 Jun 2026

New Sterilisation Rules for General Practices to Begin by 2028

General practices across Australia have until early 2028 to meet updated infection prevention and control (IPC) requirements for sterilising medical instruments. The changes follow new Standards Australia guidance and aim to improve safety in clinical settings.

12 Jun 2026

Opposition Accuses Government of “Bullying” GPs Over Bulk Billing Push

Debate has intensified in the Australian Parliament over the Federal Government’s push to increase bulk billing, with the Opposition accusing some Labor MPs of using “coercive tactics” against general practitioners.

12 Jun 2026

Patient Speaks Out as Low-Dose Zoladex Treatment Set to Be Discontinued

A patient has described the upcoming discontinuation of low-dose goserelin (Zoladex) as “traumatic” and “really poor”, following confirmation that the treatment will no longer be available in Australia from 1 November.

12 Jun 2026

AMA President Highlights Key Health Issues in Weekly Update

The Australian Medical Association President has released a weekly update covering several major health issues, including national honours, respiratory illness, aged care reform, and changes affecting bulk billing systems.

11 Jun 2026

Telehealth Services Set for New My Health Record Rules by 2027

The Federal Government is moving ahead with plans that will require telehealth-only prescribing services to automatically share patients’ medicine information with My Health Record by 2027, as part of wider changes aimed at improving medication safety.

11 Jun 2026

Coroner Calls for Medical Checks in Gun Licensing Debate

A suggestion for general practitioners to play a greater role in assessing whether patients are fit to own firearms has raised concerns from the RACGP, which says the idea contains “multiple flaws”.

11 Jun 2026

Sustainability Concerns Raised During RACGP Visit to Remote WA Town

A visit to the remote Western Australian town of Karratha has highlighted ongoing concerns about red tape, funding pressures and the long-term sustainability of general practice in rural areas.

11 Jun 2026

GPs Urge Australians Not to Ignore RSV Risks This Winter

Australians are being reminded to take respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seriously this winter, with GPs encouraging people to speak with their doctor about vaccination during RSV Awareness Week.