06 Jul 2026
Evidence Questions Pharmacy Prescribing Expansion in Australia
A new report commissioned by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has found there is limited evidence to support the rapid expansion of pharmacy prescribing in Australia. The review raises concerns about patient safety and says more high-quality research is needed before the model is expanded further.
06 Jul 2026
Trained Registered Nurses to Prescribe PBS Medicines Under New Laws
Specially trained registered nurses (RNs) will soon be able to prescribe selected medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) after new laws were passed by the Australian Parliament.
03 Jul 2026
New Funding Round to Support Aged Care Services in Regional and Specialised Communities
The Australian Government will soon open applications for Round 3 of the Support at Home Thin Markets Grants, providing more than $311 million in funding during 2026–27.
03 Jul 2026
Grattan Institute Calls for New Approach to GP Funding
Australia's general practice funding system should be updated to better support modern healthcare, according to a new policy brief from the Grattan Institute.
03 Jul 2026
Study Highlights Decline in Asthma Control Across Australia
A new Australian study has found that asthma control has worsened over the past decade, with more people experiencing uncontrolled symptoms and needing urgent medical care.
03 Jul 2026
GPs Advised to Watch for Bird Flu as H5N1 Reaches Australia
Australian GPs are being urged to stay alert following the detection of the H5N1 bird flu strain in wild birds for the first time in the country. While health authorities say the risk to the public remains low, doctors are being advised to consider the virus when treating patients who may have been exposed to infected birds.
03 Jul 2026
AMA President Highlights Pharmacy Prescribing and Healthcare Reform Priorities
The Australian Medical Association has reaffirmed its concerns about expanding pharmacist prescribing, saying any changes must prioritise patient safety, strong clinical governance and collaboration between healthcare professionals.
02 Jul 2026
Workers Still Diagnosed with Silicosis Two Years After Engineered Stone Ban
Two years after Australia's engineered stone ban came into effect, Lung Foundation Australia says workers are still being diagnosed with silicosis and other preventable occupational lung diseases, highlighting the need for continued action to protect those in high-risk industries.
02 Jul 2026
RACGP Raises Concerns Over Pharmacist Prescribing Proposal
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has raised concerns about a proposal that would allow endorsed pharmacists to prescribe certain restricted medicines, saying the plan may put patient safety at risk without stronger clinical safeguards.
02 Jul 2026
Tasmania Expands Free Meningococcal B Vaccination for Infants
Families in Tasmania can now access free meningococcal B vaccinations for eligible infants, with the program officially starting on 1 July.