19 May 2026

Diphtheria outbreak spreads across multiple states, GPs urged to stay alert

Health authorities are warning of Australia’s largest diphtheria outbreak in decades, with cases continuing to rise across multiple states and territories.

19 May 2026

Newcastle woman convicted for pretending to be a registered psychologist online

A Newcastle woman has been convicted after falsely presenting herself online as a registered psychologist and offering psychology services without any qualifications or registration.

18 May 2026

GPs call for better understanding of alcohol and drug stigma

GPs and other health professionals are speaking up about the impact of stigma linked to alcohol and other drug (AOD) use, saying it can prevent patients from getting timely and appropriate care.

18 May 2026

Tasmania introduces IVF rebate to make fertility treatment more affordable

The Tasmanian Government has announced a new support program to help reduce the cost of fertility treatment, offering eligible residents a rebate of up to $2,000 for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other fertility services.

18 May 2026

Free green whistles introduced for IUD procedures across Victoria

Women accessing IUD insertions or removals at Victorian Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs can now receive free pain relief using Penthrox inhalers, commonly known as green whistles.

18 May 2026

New obesity guideline highlights growing role of GLP-1 medicines in heart health

Australia’s first clinical consensus statement on obesity and cardiovascular disease says medicines such as GLP-1s could play an important role in reducing heart disease risk through better obesity management.

16 May 2026

Australians join national conversations on end-of-life care during awareness week

National Palliative Care Week 2026 has concluded after reaching millions of Australians and encouraging widespread discussion about death, dying, and end-of-life care.

15 May 2026

Australia seeing rising demand for palliative care, AIHW reports show

New national reports released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) show that demand for palliative care in Australia is rising quickly, alongside steady improvements in the quality of care being delivered.

15 May 2026

Hantavirus travellers return: what GPs need to know

Six passengers linked to a hantavirus-related cruise ship have been repatriated to Australia and are currently in quarantine, raising questions for general practice about potential risk and response.

15 May 2026

RSV immunisation program cuts newborn hospital admissions across Australia

Australia’s RSV immunisation program has led to a major drop in hospital admissions among newborns, with early research showing hospitalisations in babies under three months fell by almost 44% in the program’s first year.