HEALTH- Page 2

A major transformation of Australia’s Medicare system came into effect today, with a $7.9 billion bulk billing overhaul designed to expand access to free GP consultations across the country. The federal government’s reform, introduced from November 1, aims to reverse the decline…

Testing in Australia has uncovered the banned pesticide thiometon on fresh berries sold in New South Wales, along with high levels of the legal pesticide dimethoate. While within legal limits, experts warn that both adults and children could exceed the Acceptable Daily…

Queensland health authorities have confirmed a second case of measles in Cairns, urging travellers to Bali to ensure they are vaccinated. The new case involves a close contact of a person diagnosed last week after travelling to Cairns from Bali. Jacqueline Murdoch,…

Dementia has overtaken all other illnesses to become the leading cause of death in Australia, according to a sobering new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). In 2023, nearly 17,400 Australians – 9.5% of all deaths – died…

Australia has approved a groundbreaking vaccine to protect its koala population against chlamydia, marking a world-first initiative. Researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast spent over ten years developing the single-dose vaccine, designed to shield the iconic marsupials from urinary tract…