21 May 2026
Psychiatry Inpatient Telehealth Items Made Permanent on MBS
The Australian Government has confirmed that psychiatry inpatient telehealth items will be made permanent on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), in a move welcomed by the Federal AMA.
21 May 2026
AMA Gains Greater Clinical Involvement in Cost Transparency Reforms
The Australian Medical Association has secured a stronger role for clinicians in the development of the Federal Government’s healthcare cost transparency reforms.
20 May 2026
Meningococcal Case Reported in Adelaide
A man in his 80s from metropolitan Adelaide is in a stable condition in hospital after being diagnosed with invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B.
20 May 2026
New 10-Year Child Health Study Targets Obesity and Heart Disease
A new 10-year research plan led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute aims to reduce rising obesity and improve long-term heart health in children through early prevention programs in schools and families.
20 May 2026
Growing Evidence GLP-1 Medicines May Help Asthma Outcomes
New research presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Turkey suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide may help reduce asthma flare-ups in people who are overweight or living with obesity.
20 May 2026
Queensland Expands Free Needle-Free Flu Vaccine for Teenagers
Queensland has expanded its free nasal spray flu vaccine program, allowing children and teenagers aged 6 to 17 who are afraid of needles to access the FluMist vaccine at no cost.
20 May 2026
Tasmania Extends Public Consultation on New Mental Health Strategy
The Tasmanian Department of Health has extended the public consultation period for its next Mental Health Strategy, called Rethink and Beyond, giving more time for community feedback.
20 May 2026
"A very difficult beast to cover”: TGA warns GPs on peptide imports and compliance
Australia’s medicines regulator has warned that illegal and unapproved therapeutic goods are increasingly entering the country, including products linked to the growing “peptide” trend.
20 May 2026
New Bulk Billing Calculator and Aged Care Pricing Changes Announced
A new government calculator has been introduced to help GP clinics and practice managers understand the financial benefits of switching to a fully bulk billing model, while also allowing them to show interest in a new incentive program.
19 May 2026
Government-backed bulk-billing clinics spark strong backlash in NSW
A new $25.3 million Federal Government plan to establish fully bulk-billing GP clinics in regional New South Wales has triggered strong criticism from general practitioners, who say the move could undermine existing practices.