News archive
An archive of news items from the home page.
08 January 2009
$3 Million Funding Support for Homeless Older Australians
The Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot today (January 8) announced a $3 million grant to a Melbourne-based organisation providing affordable housing and support services to frail, elderly homeless people.
08 January 2009
Commitment to Northern Territory Aged and Community Care
The Rudd Labor Government is committed to the long-term viability of the Northern Territory’s aged care sector and the protection of the Territory’s frail and elderly.
03 January 2009
Aged Care Applications -- 2008-2009: “Healthy and Competitive”
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot, has described the 2008-2009 Aged Care Approvals Round applications as “healthy” and “competitive”, with more than three times as many places sought in Victoria than places available.
01 January 2009
PBS listing to help prevent invasive fungal infections
Thousands of patients suffering from invasive fungal infections will benefit from a new listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 January 2009.
01 January 2009
Talk, tell, transform lives - Australians urged to make a new kind of New Year’s resolution in 2009
Families across Australia are being encouraged to use get-togethers at the start of a new year to share their intentions about organ donation in a bid to raise our nation’s unacceptable transplantation rates.
30 December 2008
More than 250,000 benefit from teen dental plan
The Acting Minister for Health and Ageing, Justine Elliot, announced today that 258,203 teenagers have received a dental check up under the Rudd Government’s Medicare Teen Dental Plan.
29 December 2008
New quality measures for Australian aged care
Tough new measures will come into effect on 1 January as part of the Government’s push to improve the quality of care for the frail and aged in Australia’s 2,830 aged care facilities, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, announced today.
23 December 2008
Medicare Rebate for Breast MRI
A Medicare rebate for an MRI breast scan will be available to women under 50 at high risk of breast cancer and with no symptoms from 1 February 2009.
22 December 2008
Quality Guidelines for Indigenous Aged Care
The Australian Government is now at its next stage in developing the first set of quality standards for flexible Indigenous aged care services
22 December 2008
Unannounced Visits to Nursing Homes and Hostels
The Australian Government released a report card on the unannounced visits conducted by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency for the last six months.
20 December 2008
Docker River Flexible Aboriginal Aged Care Service Report
The Australian Government is implementing recommendations made by the Aged Care Commissioner into a remote Northern Territory Indigenous flexible aged care service.
19 December 2008
$14.5 Million Boost For Home and Community Care Services in WA
The Australian Government Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, and the Western Australian Government Minister for Health, Dr Kim Hames, announced a $14.5 million funding package for Home and Community Care (HACC) services in Western Australia in 2008-09.
19 December 2008
Mareeba Garden Settlement Hostel – Queensland Nursing Home
The Australian Government imposed sanctions on Mareeba Garden Settlement Hostel, a Queensland nursing home – citing serious risks to the health of residents at the facility. This was the result of an unannounced visit.
18 December 2008
Health technology assessment processes
Procedures for approving the use of new health technology in Australia will be examined to make it easier for new devices and services to be adopted, while maintaining patient safety.
16 December 2008
Benefits of Fresh Food Demonstrated in Schools
Primary school children in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales and the ACT will soon enjoy the benefits of growing, preparing and sharing fresh food, with a demonstration school in these states and territory to be established as part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.
16 December 2008
Towards a New National Women’s Health Policy
The development of a new National Women’s Health Policy moved a step closer with the Australian Government’s release of a paper outlining the aims of the policy.
15 December 2008
$8.2 million for frail aged in South Australia
An $8.2 million boost to recurrent funding in the Home and Community Care program will improve services in South Australia for the frail aged.
15 December 2008
Minister's Awards for Excellence in Aged Care
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot announced the official calling for nominations for the 2009 Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Aged Care.
15 December 2008
Raffin Place – Queensland Nursing Home
On December 13, the Australian Government imposed sanctions on Raffin Place, a Queensland nursing home – citing serious risks to the health of residents at the facility.
12 December 2008
Grants Help to Market Medical Discoveries
A miniature, remote-controlled microcatheter to be used in operations on stroke victims, a mask that allows samples to be collected from people with lung infections and a wound dressing that promotes faster healing and reduced scarring are among 23 National Health and Medical Research Council development grants announced today by the Rudd Government.
12 December 2008
Refshauge and Carnell among new Appointments to Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency
Former NSW Deputy Premier Dr Andrew Refshauge and former ACT Chief Minister Ms Kate Carnell are two of the five new appointees to the Board of Directors of the independent Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.
12 December 2008
Supporting youth mental health - new funding and new chair for headspace
The Rudd Government will provide $35.6 million funding to headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, to continue its vital work on youth mental health.
11 December 2008
Urgent need for a Commonwealth Dental Health Program
Public dental patients are far more likely to have fewer teeth, more decay and serious gum disease than the broader Australian population.
10 December 2008
$14 million for Cancer Research – New Grants
Forty-two projects will receive funding totalling over $14 million to help in the fight against cancer. By bringing together cancer charities and Government, research funding is maximized to directly benefit cancer research. This innovative approach to funding research is an Australian first in the field of cancer.
10 December 2008
Helping Older Queenslanders get out of Hospital and Regain their Independence -- Transition Care
The Australian and Queensland Governments – working in partnership – has announced 20 newly operational transitional care places for the State.
10 December 2008
New Indigenous Campaign to focus on Healthy Living
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon today launched the national Tomorrow People Starts Today campaign to tackle obesity and chronic disease amongst Indigenous Australians. Tomorrow People Starts Today aims to empower individuals to take action in relation to their health and make changes to ensure they can lead a longer and healthier life.
09 December 2008
Charles Young Residential Care (Adelaide) - Sanctions Imposed
Last night (December 8), the Australian Government imposed sanctions on an Adelaide nursing home - Charles Young Residential Care Centre.
09 December 2008
Expansion of Indigenous Child and Maternal Health Services
The Rudd Government has announced $43 million in grants to expand Indigenous child and maternal health services in 32 locations around Australia.
09 December 2008
Maternity Services Review Update
Over 900 submissions to the Rudd Government’s Maternity Services Review have been received.
09 December 2008
Medicare-Eligible MRI Unit for Bundaburg
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon announced that a Medicare-eligible magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) service will be provided in Bundaberg, Queensland.
09 December 2008
Medicare – Slashing Red Tape and Boosting Prevention
Prevention will be given a boost, and red tape for doctors will be slashed in a review of Medicare items due to be finalised by March 2009.
08 December 2008
Australian First Solely Dedicated Care Farm to Assist People with Dementia
Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot has officially opened Australia’s first solely dedicated care farm to assist older Australians living with dementia.
05 December 2008
Review Into Conditional Adjustment Payment – 2009-2010
Almost 70 submissions were received by the Australian Government’s Review of the Conditional Adjustment Payment (CAP) in residential aged care.
05 December 2008
2007 National Aged Care Workforce Census and Survey
The Australian Government today released an independent report on Australia’s aged care workforce. The data was taken during the last month of the previous Government in November 2007. Overall, the data shows an increase in the overall workforce size and an ageing workforce.
05 December 2008
A Mature Approach to Ageing – Healthy and Positive Ageing
Staying active, eating well, removing hazards from around the home and staying in contact with family and friends are the key ingredients to a mature approach to ageing.
05 December 2008
Australian Health Ministers’ Conference JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ 5th December 2008.
Australian Health Ministers today reported that every state and territory had already met or exceeded its target for a blitz on elective surgery – with 35,000 extra procedures already delivered.
05 December 2008
Bundaberg Residents Encouraged To Help Shape Their Super Clinic
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, encouraged local residents in Bundaberg to attend the upcoming GP Super Clinic community consultation session she is hosting on Tuesday December 9.
05 December 2008
Mt Isa Residents Encouraged To Help Shape Their Super Clinic
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, encouraged local residents in Mt Isa to attend the upcoming GP Super Clinic community consultation session she is hosting on Wednesday December 10.
05 December 2008
Redland Hospital Emergency Department set for $7 million boost
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon and Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson have announced the first Queensland project to proceed under the new Australian Health Care Agreement negotiated between the Prime Minister and the Premiers last weekend.
05 December 2008
Rudd Government Expands Nurse Workforce Initiative
The Australian Government is expanding its Bringing Nurses Back into the Workforce Program to include community settings, community-based aged care and day surgery hospitals.
04 December 2008
Sweeping New Aged Care Laws Passed By Federal Parliament: Police Checks and Bond and Prudential Regulation
New laws passed by Federal Parliament will offer increased protection for aged care residents – and provide stricter prudential regulation.
04 December 2008
Australian first to help older Australians stay connected with their loved ones
Virtual Visiting - an initiative linking older Australians living in rural aged care accommodation with their loved ones via video conferencing - was launched on 4 December.
04 December 2008
Dental and Oral Health in Nursing Homes
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot said the Australian Government takes the concerns about the oral and dental health of nursing home residents seriously.
04 December 2008
Helping older Australians get out of hospital and regain their independence -- transition care: stage two of election commitment
The Australian Government has begun allocating the second stage – 400 transition care places for 2009-2010 – of its four-year $293.2 million plan.
02 December 2008
Australia’s Oldest Salvo Celebrates 104th Birthday
Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot congratulated Australia’s oldest Salvation Army officer, Mrs Hazel Woodbury on her 104th birthday.
02 December 2008
Boost for rural health workforce
The Australian Government will boost the rural health workforce with $2.7 million in grants to help support, train and educate health professionals.
01 December 2008
Government Boosts Chronic Illness Prescriptions
From 1 December 2008, more medicines for chronic illnesses will be subsidised by the Australian Government through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for up to 12 months.
01 December 2008
20th anniversary of World Aids Day
1 December 2008 is the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day – one of the world’s most recognised commemorative days.
01 December 2008
Achievements in Aged Care - First Anniversary Report Card
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today released a Report Card of Achievements in Aged and Community Care – marking the first anniversary of the Rudd Labor Government.
01 December 2008
Medicare-Eligible MRI Unit for Sutherland Shire
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon today announced that an additional Medicare-eligible magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) service will be provided in the Sutherland Shire, New South Wales, by PB Imaging Pty Ltd as an agent for Southern Radiology.
01 December 2008
Reimbursements now available for breast prostheses
Australian women who have had a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer will welcome the news that the Rudd Government has fulfilled its election and Budget commitment to reimburse the cost of breast prostheses up to $400.
30 November 2008
$1.6 billion COAG investment in Closing the Gap
Australian Governments will invest $1.6 billion in Indigenous health to help close the appalling gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people within a generation.
30 November 2008
A stronger health workforce - more doctors and nurses
The Rudd Government will invest $1.1 billion in training more doctors, nurses and other health professionals.
28 November 2008
Gastro Outbreak Coordinators - Australia’s Nursing Homes
Australia’s nursing homes and hostels will be asked to nominate a designated outbreak coordinator in charge of the protection of residents – in the event of an outbreak.
26 November 2008
AIHW Report backs Rudd Government’s commitment to Transition Care
A new report released on 26 November 2008 on the movement of patients from hospitals to nursing homes gives further weight to the Rudd Labor Government’s national transition care plan.
26 November 2008
Medicare-Eligible MRI Unit for Clayton-Oakleigh
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, Member for Chisholm, Anna Burke, and Member for Hotham, Simon Crean, today announced that an additional Medicare-eligible magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) service will be provided at the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton.
26 November 2008
Working Together to Protect Older Australians – annual Report
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot said she was committed to working in partnership with the aged care industry, unions and staff to improve the protection of older Australians living in Australia’s aged care homes.
25 November 2008
Aussie Men Urged to Speak Up About Their Health
The Australian Government wants Aussie men to start talking – to help it develop Australia’s first ever National Men’s Health Policy.
25 November 2008
Improved prevention and support for perinatal depression
The Australian Government will provide $5 million to beyondblue to raise community awareness about perinatal depression, and develop information and training materials for health professionals who screen and treat new and expecting mothers for perinatal depression.
25 November 2008
Release of annual report – Operation of Aged Care Act 2007-2008
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot has released the Report on the Operation of the Aged Care Act 2007-2008. It showed 300,000 Australians received care through the record support for the aged and community care sector provided by the Australian Government.
24 November 2008
Glenwood Gardens
The Australian Government has offered support for a financial-business adviser to Glenwood Gardens – in the NSW New England Highlands – to assess the long term viability of the facility, the Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot has announced today.
24 November 2008
Medication Management Website Set to Benefit Australians Living in Nursing Homes
The Australian Government will next month announce the successful applicants in the upcoming $8.7 million funding round to improve evidence- based clinical care in nursing homes and hostels.
21 November 2008
Young Drinkers Targeted In Ad Campaign
The Australian Government launches a series of “in your face” advertisements aimed at tackling the binge-drinking epidemic among young Australians.
21 November 2008
Asthma pilot program in community pharmacies
Community pharmacists will be able to offer ongoing assistance to asthma patients who are struggling to manage their condition, under an Australian Government program now under way.
20 November 2008
Queensland Transition Care Places- Out of Hospital and Back Into Their Homes
Australian Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, today announced a further 16 transition care places have become operational in Queensland – helping hundreds of older people out of hospital and back to their homes.
19 November 2008
Minister launches best practice publications for care workers
More than 1000 copies of a new publication focusing on care workers for older people in the community and how to improve their skills base is ready for distribution.
18 November 2008
Chair of Health and Hospitals Fund Advisory Board
Mr Bill Ferris AC appointed as Chairman of the new Health and Hospitals Fund Advisory Board.
17 November 2008
National Binge Drinking Strategy
Nineteen community projects across Australia will receive a total of $3.6 million in the first round of grants for grassroots, community work targeted at combating the impact of excessive alcohol consumption on individuals, their families and the wider community.
17 November 2008
Nurse Practitioner Scholarship Round Open
Applications for the 2009 Nurse Practitioner Scholarships are now open. The scholarships will provide up to $15,000 a year for two years to nurses to upgrade their skills to become nurse practitioners.
14 November 2008
Australian Council of Local Government
Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot will attend the inaugural meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government in Canberra on Tuesday (Nov 18) and participate in a special session entitled: Improving wellbeing in our communities.
14 November 2008
Improving patient transport services in Tasmania
Patient transport and accommodation will receive a $10 million boost to improve access to health services across Tasmania.
14 November 2008
Medicare bulk billing: September quarter 2008
In the 2008 September quarter, Medicare Australia processed 73.4 million services – involving the payment of benefits totalling $3.5 billion. This represented about 3.4 services and about $166 in benefits for every Australian.
14 November 2008
World Diabetes Day
The theme of 2008’s World Diabetes Day is ‘Diabetes in Children and Adolescents’.
13 November 2008
Organ donation legislation passes Senate
The passage through the Senate today of the legislation setting up the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority marks a new era of hope for people needing organ transplants.
13 November 2008
Independent review of workforce issues in NT Indigenous aged care
As part of the Australian Government’s commitment to Indigenous aged care, Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot announced an independent review of three Government aged care workforce initiatives in the Northern Territory.
12 November 2008
Senator McLucas launches food safety advertisements
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, has launched two new TV community service advertisements to ensure that consumers are aware of the food poisoning risks when preparing food at home.
11 November 2008
Rudd Government: Improving Indigenous Aged Care
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot has detailed the next stage of the Australian Government’s $46 million Indigenous Aged Care Plan.
10 November 2008
1800 kids to get grants under Local Sporting Champions program
Over 1800 individual young sportspeople and over 200 teams across Australia will be awarded grants each year under the Government's new Local Sporting Champions program.
10 November 2008
All research great and small
Many of Australia’s leading health and medical researchers have reason to celebrate with the announcement of $132 million in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Program Grants and Fellowships, as well as the NHMRC European Union Collaborative Health Research Grants.
10 November 2008
Medicare-Eligible MRI Unit for Armadale
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and Member for Hasluck Sharryn Jackson announced on 10 November 2008 a Medicare-eligible magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) service funded by the Australian Government will be located in Armadale, Western Australia, by SKG Radiology Pty Ltd.
10 November 2008
Medicare-Eligible MRI Unit for Joondalup
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon announced on 10 November 2008 that the Rudd Government will fund a Medicare-eligible magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) service will be provided in Joondalup, Western Australia, by SKG Radiology Pty Ltd.
07 November 2008
Ministerial Conference on Ageing Communiqué
Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers responsible for the care of older Australians together with the Australian Local Government Association have met in Melbourne at the second Ministerial Conference on Ageing.
07 November 2008
Transition Care Places: Helping Older People Recover and Return to Their Homes
The Australian Government has allocated 228 new transition care places under its $293.2 million plan to help older Australians recover from a hospital stay and return to their own homes.
07 November 2008
Zaidee’s rainbow hair net day
Zaidee’s Rainbow Hair Net Day – a day to raise awareness of organ donation among schoolchildren and their families.
06 November 2008
Better Blood Management Advancing Well In Australia
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, today congratulated the blood sector on its efforts to develop better management practices in its use of blood.
06 November 2008
Clearer Guidelines for the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme Designed to Help Families
The Australian Government has simplified the application form for the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme – a program that helps people with the cost of pads and other personal continence products.
05 November 2008
Boosting Australia’s Vital GP Workforce
The Rudd Government will invest $148 million to immediately establish new GP training places, allowing 175 additional new doctors to begin training to become GPs over the next two years.
05 November 2008
More Than 37,000 New Aged Care Places – Over Next Three Years
Over the next three years, the Rudd Labor Government will create more than 37,000 new aged care places.
05 November 2008
Queensland offered largest single allocation in 2008-2009 aged care approvals round
Queensland to receive its largest single offer of nursing home and hostel beds and community places.
03 November 2008
Sanctions Imposed: Latrobe Private Nursing Home
The Department of Health and Ageing has imposed sanctions on Latrobe Private Nursing Home in Melbourne – citing serious risk to its residents identified by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency
02 November 2008
Gastro kits for Australia’s nursing homes and hostels
This month, Australia’s 2,870 nursing homes with 170,000 residents will receive specially-designed gastroenteritis awareness and prevention kits to help them respond to possible outbreaks and minimise risks.
01 November 2008
Extended Prescriptions and New Medicines
Many patients with chronic illnesses will benefit from the added convenience of some PBS prescriptions now being able to be prescribed by doctors for a 12-month period.
30 October 2008
Statement on Nutrition Study in Queensland Nursing Homes
Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today described independent research by Queensland University of Technology published in the Australasian Journal of Ageing on the nutrition of nursing home residents as "disturbing".
30 October 2008
Central Coast Nursing Home – Notice of Non-Compliance
Last night (October 29), the Department of Health and Ageing issued a formal Notice of Non-Compliance to Peninsula Village Retirement Centre.
30 October 2008
Key Step Towards Better Primary Health Care
Health Minister Nicola Roxon has called for public submissions to respond to the new discussion paper on Australia’s first ever National Primary Health Care Strategy, released today.
29 October 2008
Further NSW transitional care places rolled out: Central Coast
The Australian Government today announced another six new transition places for the Central Coast, bringing the number of fully-funded places in the region to 56. This means up to 420 older people a year living on the NSW Central Coast will get assistance to help them regain their independence after a major hospital stay.
29 October 2008
New plane boosts flying doctors in Central Australia
The Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) in Alice Springs has been boosted with the addition of a new Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, fully funded by the Australian Government. The Government provided $5.1 million for the purchase and medical fit-out of the plane, Beth Stewart Klugh, which the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, formally dedicated to the RFDS in Alice Springs on 29 October 2008.
29 October 2008
Recruiting and deploying doctors in the NT
The Australian Government has established the Remote Area Health Corps (RAHC) to recruit and deploy doctors, nurses and allied health workers in remote Northern Territory Indigenous communities.
29 October 2008
Thursday Island nursing home statement
The independent Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency is conducting a Full Review Audit of Star of the Sea to ensure proper resident welfare and safety at the Thursday Island facility at the tip of Cape York.
29 October 2008
Top Chefs Show Community Groups How To ‘Measure Up’
Ethnic communities are being urged to support the Australian Government’s ‘Measure Up’ campaign.Prominent Sydney restaurateurs and chefs took centre stage at the Sydney Fish Markets today to promote healthy eating as being vital to maintaining good health, demonstrating how to cook simple and nutritious meals across a range of cuisines.
28 October 2008
Building Australia’s Health Workforce – Scholarships for Nurse Practitioners
The Australian Government is investing $2.1 million to help build the nation’s nurse practitioner workforce.
27 October 2008
Pink Ribbon Day
To mark Pink Ribbon Day, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon today announced that the Australian Government will provide $800,000 a year to fund innovative programs to extend early intervention and support for breast cancer.
24 October 2008
Food Ministers Consider Food Labelling Review
The twelfth meeting of the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council (Ministerial Council) was held in Adelaide today, 24 October, chaired by Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Australian Government Minister for Health and Ageing.
24 October 2008
Responsible Children’s Marketing Initiative
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has welcomed the Australian Food and Grocery Council's announcement that they would develop a responsible children's marketing initiative.
23 October 2008
Aged Care Nursing Scholarships
The Australian Government today announced improvements to its $36 million Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme – including $5,000 a semester to cover course costs, travel, lodging, textbooks and other equipment for postgraduate study.
23 October 2008
Peninsula Village Retirement Centre
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today asked the independent Aged Care Commissioner to examine the Department of Health and Ageing’s handling of previous complaints at a Central Coast nursing home facility.
22 October 2008
Tribute to George Stott Bilbie: Australia’s Oldest Practising Solicitor
Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today paid tribute to George Stott Bilbie, Australia’s oldest practising lawyer – who died this week at the age of 100.
21 October 2008
Aged care police checks – in place as early as January 1
The Australian Government plans to introduce police checks for all nursing home staff – as early as January 1, 2009.
21 October 2008
Australian Government announces 7,700 extra training places for aged care workers: Preparing for our ageing population
Up to 7,700 new training places over four years in aged and community care will be created under a $41 million training plan – as part of the Rudd Government’s response to the challenges of Australia’s ageing population.
20 October 2008
Senator McLucas launches new AIHW Asthma Report Monday 20 October 2008
A new Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report on asthma provides useful up-to-date data to help reduce the incidence of the condition, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, said.
20 October 2008
Carers to benefit from $12 million local grants
The Australian Government has announced a $12 million national grants program to improve respite services for carers in their communities.
20 October 2008
UPDATE: Round Two of Zero Real Interest Loans and Associated Places (2009-2010)
The Department of Health and Ageing has begun working on Round Two (2009-10) of the Australian Government’s $300 million Zero Real Interest Loans and Associated Places.
17 October 2008
Australia Measures Up – national obesity campaign
The Rudd Government today launched the national Measure Up campaign to tackle obesity – a major weapon in the fight against obesity, aimed at saving lives.
16 October 2008
$546 Million to Improve Home and Community Care in NSW
More than 210,000 older Australians and people with disabilities living in NSW will receive more help at home, personal and respite care, home modifications, community transport and social support.
16 October 2008
New Legislation: Further Financial and Bond Protection for Aged Care Residents
This morning (October 16), the Rudd Labor Government will introduce legislation to provide further protection for the 170,000 older Australians in the nation’s nearly 3,000 aged care homes.
16 October 2008
NHMRC funds Australia’s future health
A total of 688 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grants, worth more than $357 million, are being awarded to universities and research institutions across the country to enable Australia’s best and brightest health and medical researchers to continue their research.
16 October 2008
Rudd Government Takes Action on Delays to Assess Older Australians for Aged Services: ACATS and $72.16 Million Injection
Thousands of elderly Australians waiting to receive aged and community care will get faster services under two major measures announced today by the Australian Government.
15 October 2008
Lump Sum Payments Protected – Straight To Nursing Home Residents
Pensioners who live in the nation’s 3,000 nursing homes will keep their entire lump sum payment, the Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot said. Mrs Elliot made the comments to re-assure nursing home residents and their families following speculation this morning that the one-off payments would go to nursing home owners. “This is totally incorrect. The one-off payment goes to all pensioners – including those who live in nursing homes,” Mrs Elliot said. “Nursing home owners will not be allowed to increase their fees – so all of the one-off bonus will go straight into the pensioner’s pockets.
15 October 2008
Study Confirms Insufficient Iodine In Our Food
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, said today Food Standards Australia New Zealand's latest Australian Total Diet Study confirms that many Australians are not getting enough iodine in their food. "Insufficient iodine intake, particularly in groups such as pregnant women, babies, and young children, is of great concern," Senator McLucas said
14 October 2008
Assisting People with Eating Disorders
The Rudd Government will invest $500,000 to help develop a comprehensive, coordinated national approach to eating disorders.
13 October 2008
Aged Care Approvals Round Briefings 2008-09 – The round begins
Information sessions on the 2008-09 Aged Care Approvals Round will be conducted in all capital cities and a number of regional centres across Australia early next month.
13 October 2008
Australia’s Oldest Documented Person Turns 112 Today
Prime Minister, Mr Kevin Rudd and Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today officially congratulated Australia’s oldest person Mrs Emily Beatrice “Bea” Riley on her 112th birthday.
13 October 2008
National site risk visits to all 30 Indigenous aged care services to identify safety risks and emergency works
This week, the Australian Government will begin to conduct national quality site visits to all 30 flexible Indigenous-specific aged care services so it can identify safety risks and the need for emergency works.
13 October 2008
New Breast Cancer Nurses for Regional Australia
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, today announced that specialist breast cancer nurses will be placed in 44 new locations across Australia after a $12 million commitment by the Rudd Government. The Minister for Health and Ageing was joined by Glenn McGrath, former Australian cricketer and co-founder of the McGrath Foundation, in Canberra to outline the communities that will benefit from the investment.
13 October 2008
Support for the Sydney World Masters Games
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, has called on potential competitors and volunteers to sign up for the 2009 World Masters Games in Sydney.
11 October 2008
Aussie team all set for Commonwealth Youth Games
The Minister for Sport and Youth, Kate Ellis, today wished the Australian team good luck for the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games which are in Pune, India.
11 October 2008
More Than $35 Million for More Services for Older South Australians
An additional 14,000 older South Australians and their carers will receive help at home, personal and respite care, home modifications, community transport and social support.
10 October 2008
First Charter of Rights for Older Australians Receiving Home Care
The nearly 56,000 older Australians who receive help at home through community aged care packages will get a greater say in the provision of their services - under the Rudd Labor Government.
10 October 2008
Release of National Preventative Health Taskforce Paper – Australia: The Healthiest Country By 2020
The life expectancy of children in Australia today could be cut by two years if current levels of obesity and overweight continue, the National Preventative Health Taskforce has warned. Facts like this underline the urgency and importance of taking preventative action to ensure a healthy future for all Australians. The National Preventative Health Taskforce today released a discussion paper to kickstart debate, an important step towards developing a National Preventative Health Strategy.
10 October 2008
Serious adverse events identified in Queensland with the use of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC lines)
The Therapeutic Goods Administration is urgently investigating reports from Queensland Health of adverse events associated with the use of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) lines in Queensland. The reports follow an initial investigation of an incident involving a 5 year old child at Townsville Hospital.
10 October 2008
WA Nursing Home Under Sanction
The Department of Health and Ageing has placed John Mercer Lodge – a nursing home in Fremantle WA – under sanction.
10 October 2008
World Mental Health Day
On 10 October, World Mental Health Day, the Australian Government announced several important steps to improve mental health services.
09 October 2008
Australian sporting heroes honoured
The Federal Sports Minister, Kate Ellis, has congratulated the eight athletes and coaches who have been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
05 October 2008
Senator McLucas opens 11th Transplant Games
More than 600 people from Australia and overseas will take part in the 11th Australian Transplant Games, which were opened in Perth today by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas.
04 October 2008
Nursing home under sanction in Glen Innes NSW
The Department of Health and Ageing has placed Glenwood Gardens – a nursing home in the NSW New England Highlands – under sanction.
03 October 2008
Re-location of Rosden Private Nursing Home residents completed
The last resident at Rosden Private Nursing Home was relocated to a different home today.
03 October 2008
Australian Government funding boost to leading experts in ageing
Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot announced $450,000 over three years in funding to the Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) – a not-for-profit professional association for more than 800 aged care experts.
03 October 2008
Australian Government supports Walk to Work Day
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, took part in Walk to Work Day by stretching her legs with CEO of Good Health Solution, Dr John Lang, and staff and Chairperson of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, Harold Scruby, in Sydney.
03 October 2008
Snapshot shows that childhood overweight and obesity are still a concern
The Australian National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey has shown that 72 per cent of 2-16 year old children were of a healthy weight, but 17 per cent were overweight, 6 per cent obese and 5 per cent were underweight. The results of the 2007 survey were released today by: the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas; the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke; and the chief executive of the Australian Food and Grocery Council, Kate Carnell.
02 October 2008
Unannounced visits – 1000th milestone reached today
As of 2 October, the independent Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency has conducted a record 1001 unannounced visits.
02 October 2008
Parliamentary Secretary opens Baptist aged care home
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, opened Baptcare's new Hedley Sutton Community in Melbourne on 2nd October 2008.
01 October 2008
Advances against breast cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Australia has made huge strides in diagnosing and treating the disease. Breast cancer five-year relative survival has increased from 72 per cent in 1982-1986 to 88 per cent in 1998-2004.
01 October 2008
PBS listings benefit hospitals, patients with schizophrenia
Enoxaparin sodium (Clexane®), used to prevent abnormal blood clotting, will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) today in ampoules, and patients with schizophrenia will be offered an additional strength of paliperidone (Invega®).
01 October 2008
Government strengthens protection for older Australians
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot today announced that the Rudd Government will amend the Age Discrimination Act 2004 to remove the 'dominant reason' test. The current test means that a person's age must be the dominant reason for something to constitute discrimination under the Act. This is inconsistent with the other federal unlawful discrimination laws.
29 September 2008
Appointment of receivers and managers for three Victorian nursing homes
Appointment of receivers and managers for three Victorian nursing homes: Rosden Private Nursing Home, Ti Tree Gardens and Lakes Entrance Aged Care Facility.
29 September 2008
Dr Mukesh Haikerwal
The Secretary, Jane Halton, and staff of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing are shocked at the news of the brutal assault on Dr Mukesh Haikerwal which has left him in a very serious condition.
28 September 2008
McLucas Opens New SA Aged Care Facility
Residents and staff at Clayton Church Homes’ new 95-place aged care hostel in Magill, South Australia, celebrated its official opening today with the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas.
28 September 2008
Rudd Government Acts to Ease Food Regulation Burden
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, has referred a review of regulation of the food industry to the COAG Business Regulation and Competition Working Group, which has begun work to reduce the regulatory burden on industry.
26 September 2008
Transparency – independent assessment of standards – Rosden Private Nursing Home report released
The Department of Health and Ageing has released the 38-page Report of Major Findings on the review audit into Rosden Private Nursing Home.
25 September 2008
Update on Rosden Private Nursing Home – Relocation Experts Appointed
The Australian Government has appointed a “relocation expert” – Tender Living Care (Australia) Pty - to help residents and their families identify and select appropriate nursing homes.
24 September 2008
Biggest breast cancer study: 100,000 women
About 100,000 women will be sought to take part in Australia’s biggest in-depth study of breast cancer.
24 September 2008
New measures give public a voice on potential PBS medicines
Sixteen researchers have received grants to conduct research into palliative-care practices.
24 September 2008
Researchers earn grants for palliative care
From today, consumers will be able to comment on medicines being considered for listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
24 September 2008
Sanctions - Statement on Rosden Private Nursing Home
The Australian Government is embarking on a plan to relocate residents from a Melbourne nursing home – due to serious concerns about resident care and safety
23 September 2008
Independent assessment of department’s handling of Docker River flexible aboriginal aged care service begins
Independent assessment of the Department of Health and Ageing's handling of the Docker River Flexible Aboriginal Aged Care Service.
23 September 2008
Australian Government takes action on two Aboriginal nursing homes
The Australian Government has taken action to improve resident care in two far North Queensland Aboriginal nursing homes.
22 September 2008
Junior Doctor GP Training Places Boosted
The Australian Government will boost training for junior doctors in general practice, in an effort to increase the number of GPs across Australia.
22 September 2008
New safety guidelines for children and young people in sport
The Australian Government has moved to make sport safer for young Australians with the launch by the Federal Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, of new national guidelines to promote safety in sport and a national sport injury prevention program.
22 September 2008
Aged Care Commissioner asked to examine – Docker River Flexible Aboriginal Aged Care Service
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot has asked the Aged Care Commissioner, Ms Rhonda Parker to conduct an independent assessment of the Department of Health and Ageing’s handling of the Docker River Flexible Aboriginal Aged Care Service.
22 September 2008
Quality Standards for Aboriginal Aged Care
The Australian Government has detailed a plan to improve the long-term quality of aged care for Indigenous communities.
21 September 2008
World Alzheimer’s Day – carers recognised
Australia will join 50 other countries including the United Kingdom, USA, Switzerland, India, Israel, Greece, Costa Rica, Italy and Japan in marking World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September.
19 September 2008
Sporting heroes making a difference to the community
Australia’s elite Rugby Union players today launched a groundbreaking program to assist organisations tackle the biggest health, environmental and social issues facing our nation. Federal Minister for Sport Kate Ellis and Wallaby Captain Stirling Mortlock jointly launched the Rugby Union Player Association Foundation and Community Code (RUPA Foundation). Minister Ellis said the players would use their status to make a real difference in the community.
19 September 2008
Tough measures against Gippsland nursing home - protecting frail and aged residents
The Department of Health and Ageing has imposed tough sanctions on Lakes Entrance Aged Care Facility in the East Gippsland region of Victoria – following the identification of serious risk to residents involving the provision of care to residents, particularly in medication management.
18 September 2008
Rudd Government introduces Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority legislation
The Rudd Government today introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to set up the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority, which will implement and oversee Australia's new organ donation and transplantation system.
18 September 2008
More Nursing Home Beds on the Way – ACAR Process Begins
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today announced details on the 2008-2009 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) to create more nursing home beds and community care places.
18 September 2008
Dementia Awareness Week – three new resources including one for younger onset dementia
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot launched three new $600,000 dementia training resources – as part of Dementia Awareness Week – including one to assist in supporting the care of those with younger onset dementia on 18 September 2008.
17 September 2008
$150 million – 1,455 nursing home beds and community care packages for older Australians in areas of high need – election commitment
Almost 1,350 new nursing home beds and 107 community care places are set to be allocated in areas of high need – as part of the Australian Government’s Zero Real Interest Loans and Associated Places Round.
16 September 2008
Aged Care Planning Advisory Committees
The Australian Government today announced the membership of its State and Territory Aged Care Planning Advisory Committees (ACPAC) – under the Aged Care Act.
16 September 2008
Independent Analysis of ACFI Confirms Higher Funding
An independent analysis of the new Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) shows that on average, when fully implemented, the new funding arrangement will increase government support to the residential aged care sector by about 2.9 per cent in real terms.
12 September 2008
New Round in $30 million Training Boost for Aged Care Workers in Remote Areas
A further 1,400 aged care workers in rural and regional areas will be offered places to receive further training under a new round of the Australian Government’s four-year $30 million Support for Aged Care Training Program.
12 September 2008
NSW Transition Care Places – helping up to 405 people a year return to their homes
The Australian Government today announced another 40 transition care places for NSW, bringing the number of fully-funded places in the State to 54. This will help up to 405 older people a year in NSW.
12 September 2008
Statement on extra services in nursing homes
Nursing homes failing to provide or comply with their claimed level of Extra Services will face tough penalties including possible loss of approved provider status and Commonwealth Government subsidies from the Department of Health and Ageing.
10 September 2008
Maternity services discussion paper launched
As part of the Rudd Government’s development of a national action plan for maternity services, Health Minister Nicola Roxon today launched a discussion paper on improving maternity services in Australia.
10 September 2008
Raising Awareness of Gynaecological Cancer
Today is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Day – a day to raise awareness among all Australians about the importance of gynaecological health.
10 September 2008
World Suicide Prevention Day – New Australian Suicide Prevention Advisory Council
The Rudd Government will bring together key community experts in suicide prevention to develop the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, and invest $2.4 million in an innovative suicide-prevention pilot program.
09 September 2008
Review of Conditional Adjustment Payment for Residential Aged Care -- Formal Timetable – Call for Submissions
Nursing home and hostel operators, older Australians, unions and consumer representatives have been invited to lodge formal submissions to the Review of the Conditional Adjustment Payment (CAP) in residential aged care.
09 September 2008
Rudd Government Improves Help for Women with Breast Cancer
The Rudd Government is investing $43 million to support women with breast cancer –delivering new breast cancer nurses to rural and regional areas and providing a subsidy of up to $400 for breast prostheses through Medicare Australia.
07 September 2008
Australians recognised in the Paralympic Hall of Fame
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, congratulates two Australians – an athlete and coach – who were inducted into the Paralympic Hall of Fame.
04 September 2008
Australian Government ready to respond: one in four aged 65 years and older by 2056 – ABS data released
Australian Bureau of Statistics data released on 4 September shows one in four Australians will be aged 65 and over by 2056 is to be welcomed – and the Australian Government has detailed plans to respond to our nation’s record life expectancy rates.
03 September 2008
Economic report card on aged care sector: Building approvals at record levels – 20.8 per cent increase
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot has presented an economic report card on the aged care sector in Australia showing a positive outlook.
03 September 2008
Australian Government acts to protect residents at Melbourne nursing home
The Australian Government has required a Melbourne nursing home to appoint a nurse adviser – for the next six months – to improve clinical care and train staff at the 60-resident facility – as part of a range of tough measures.
02 September 2008
$3 Million Boost to Support Carers of People With Dementia
The Australian Government approved on 2 September 2008 a further $3 million to support the individual needs of the carers of people with dementia.
01 September 2008
National Asthma Week – Australians Urged to Take Control
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, today urged Australians with asthma not to be complacent and to take control of their condition.
01 September 2008
Whooping Cough And Diabetes Targeted By New PBS Listings
From 1 September 2008, the liquid form of clarithromycin will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of pertussis or ‘whooping cough’, and for atypical Mycobacterium infections. An additional brand of blood glucose tests strips for diabetics will also be added to the PBS.
29 August 2008
Life-saving drug to help people with Hunter Syndrome
Eligible patients suffering from the rare, life-threatening Hunter Syndrome will have access to a subsidised medicine to treat their illness, thanks to the Government’s Life Saving Drugs Program.
29 August 2008
Medicare Bulk Billing Reaches Record High
In the June quarter, 73.9 per cent of all Medicare services were bulk billed – a record high. This was a 0.2 percentage point increase on the previous (March) quarter of 2008.
29 August 2008
Record funding and support for ACT aged and community care
Over the next four years, the Australian Government will provide record funding and support of almost $300 million to the ACT’s 16 approved nursing homes and their 1,600 residents.
28 August 2008
Care for Queensland Aged and Disabled to Top $1.2 Billion
The Australian and Queensland governments have reached an historic agreement to provide record funding to support services for vulnerable Queenslanders such as help at home, meals on wheels and community transport.
28 August 2008
Expert Independent Sport Panel Appointed
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, announced the appointment of the independent expert panel that will investigate the reforms required to ensure that Australia’s sporting system remains prepared for the challenges of the future.
28 August 2008
Resignation of Australian Sports Commission CEO, Mark Peters
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, announced that Australian Sports Commission (ASC) chief executive, Mr Mark Peters, has resigned.
27 August 2008
Care at home and in the community boosted by more than $1.4million.
Federal Minister for Ageing Mrs Justine Elliot today announced home and community care services for the elderly and people with disabilities in Western Australia had received an additional $1.4 million.
27 August 2008
Meals on Wheels Day: 15 million meals delivered a year
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot has paid tribute to the 80,000 volunteers and workers who deliver about 15 million meals a year from 750 kitchens to frail aged and people with disabilities across Australia.
27 August 2008
Ministerial Statement on Unannounced Visits by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency
Unannounced visits to nursing homes by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency are important within the aged care sector where frail, elderly residents are cared for 24 hours a day and are often unable to speak out if they have concerns about their care.
27 August 2008
Unannounced visits
Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot detailed the Australian Government’s unannounced visits program for the nation’s nursing homes in Federal Parliament, saying they protected frail and aged Australians.
26 August 2008
CMO To Step Down
Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, Professor John Horvath AO, will step down from his role as CMO at the end of January 2009.
26 August 2008
Statement on Brighton Aged Care
The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency has reduced the accreditation period of Brighton Aged Care in Adelaide as an outcome of a review audit conducted in early August.
26 August 2008
Statement on the centenary of Sir Donald Bradman
Centenary of Sir Donald Bradman - regarded as one of the greatest exponents of any sport, of any era, anywhere in the world.
24 August 2008
$3.6 million for hearing loss prevention research
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, today announced the Australian Government will fund $3.6 million to five separate groups for research into ways to prevent avoidable hearing loss.
22 August 2008
Give Generously for Daffodil Day
Australians living with cancer – including those in remote and regional areas, people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background and women affected by gynaecological cancers – are among those to benefit from new cancer support projects funded by the Australian Government and announced on Daffodil Day, 22 August 2008.
22 August 2008
Rudd Government Mounts Major Attack on Cancer
Australia will play a role in the biggest ever international effort to unlock the genetic secrets of cancer. This enormous research project, spanning 24 countries, is expected to deliver significant benefits in detecting, preventing and treating cancer.
21 August 2008
Schoolkids to Fight Obesity
The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program will teach kids in Government primary schools, in years 3-6, to grow, harvest, cook and share fresh food. From 21 August 2008, interested schools can apply to take part in the initiative.
20 August 2008
Missing residents and infectious outbreaks – topics for discussion at Ageing Consultative Committee meeting
New reporting procedures on residents who inexplicably go missing from nursing homes and new measures on infectious disease outbreaks in facilities are among the topics for discussion at the Ageing Consultative Committee. It is the second meeting of the group which takes place in Canberra on 21 August.
20 August 2008
More transition beds operational – helping older Australians regain their independence
The Australian Government announced on 20 August another 66 transition care places - bringing the national total to 101 fully-funded places. The new places are in Victoria and NSW. The Government has committed to create 228 fully funded places under its $293.2 million transition care plan.
20 August 2008
Three of nine nursing homes under sanction identified through Government’s unannounced visits program
In the last seven months, the Australian Government has imposed sanctions on nine nursing homes in Australia – with three identified as a result of unannounced visits. On July 1, the Australian Government increased the number of unannounced visits by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency. In 2008-2009, the agency is expected to conduct at least 7,000 visits to the nearly 3,000 nursing homes; of which at least 3,000 will be unannounced. So far, the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency and the Department of Health and Ageing have conducted 501 and 178 unannounced visits, respectively
20 August 2008
Brighton Aged Care
The Federal Government has taken further action against an Adelaide nursing home.
19 August 2008
Call for proposals to improve aged and community care for Indigenous Australians
The Australian Government this week calls for tenders to develop new workforce training to help Indigenous people working in aged and community care in the Northern Territory (NT).
15 August 2008
$17.6 million to promote healthy lifestyles
The Rudd Government has today announced funding of more than $17.6 million for 190 school and community organisations to run local programs promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
15 August 2008
Elliot: Community Care and Nursing Homes – Providing Choice
Minister for Ageing Mrs Justine Elliot has defended the Federal Government’s support for community care, saying it helped older Australians remain independent and in their homes.
15 August 2008
Funding Boost For Medical Training at Sunshine Hospital
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, today visited the Sunshine Hospital to inspect plans for the hospitals new teaching, training and research facility.
14 August 2008
Community aged care reaching those in need – AIHW report
The Australian Government has welcomed an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report showing that nearly 56,000 people received help at home through community care packages.
12 August 2008
Brighton Aged Care in Adelaide
A senior Australian Government nursing officer was sent to Brighton Aged Care in Adelaide on August 11 to examine and observe the care of residents after a review audit by the independent Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.
11 August 2008
Bridgewater update – Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency report
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, today said the Department of Health and Ageing and the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency will continue to monitor the care of residents in the Bridgewater Aged Care Service in Melbourne.
11 August 2008
Call for nominations: 2009 Senior Australian of the Year
The process to select the 2009 Senior Australian of the Year is underway with nominations closing at the end of this month.
11 August 2008
Grants will deliver more women leaders in sport
The Australian Government is providing around $400,000 in grants to help nearly 2,000 Australian women to become leaders in sport, the Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, and the Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, announced today.
09 August 2008
Australia chairs International Sport Summit
Sport Ministers from the Commonwealth of nations gathered in Beijing at a meeting chaired by Australian Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis.
08 August 2008
Belvedere Park Nursing Home Revocation – AAT decision
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot, welcomed the decision by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) to affirm the Department of Health and Ageing’s revocation of official approved provider status for a Melbourne nursing home operator which failed a record 42 out of 44 care categories.
08 August 2008
Feros Village extension boosts aged care accommodation on NSW Far North Coast.
With about 16 per cent of people in the Far North Coast of NSW aged over 65, the Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot, has welcomed the opening of a major new extension to the Feros Village aged care facility at Bangalow today.
07 August 2008
Australian flag raised at Olympic Village
The Prime Minister and the Minister for Sport attended a flag raising ceremony at the Olympic Village in Beijing on 7 August, officially marking the arrival of the Australian Olympic team.
04 August 2008
Australian Government allocates funding for aged care at Exmouth Multi-Purpose Service.
The Australian Government Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, and the Western Australian Minister for Health, Jim McGinty today announced funding for the Exmouth Multi-Purpose Service.
04 August 2008
Osteoporosis prevention - a new picture emerges
Half of women and a quarter of men over the age of 60 in Australia will suffer a bone fracture with most injuries occurring in the hip, spine or wrist, new research shows.
03 August 2008
Marriage Increases Life Expectancy
Marriage is helping Australians live longer, the Federal Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot said today. New data analysis released by Mrs Elliot showed married male and female Australians live longer than life-long single people.
01 August 2008
Crohn Disease, Cancer Patients Benefit From New PBS Listings
Thousands of Australians will benefit from medicines that will be subsidised from today by the Rudd Government through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
31 July 2008
Health Service Accreditation
This page provides an overview on Health Service Accreditation
31 July 2008
Minister Launches New 'Carebus' Service - Getting Information into the Community
Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today officially launched a new Carebus service in Brisbane
30 July 2008
Aged Care Staff and Staffing Levels
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that older Australians receive quality care and an appropriately skilled workforce is a key part of this. Aged care providers must have in place arrangements for the ongoing development of staff skills to ensure quality of care continues to be delivered.
29 July 2008
Aussie kids walk to Beijing to get fit
Olympic fever has hit the nation with more than 100,000 kids throughout Australia starting to jump, run, hop and skip all the way to Beijing.
29 July 2008
Australian Paralympic Team set for Beijing
The Prime Minister and Minister for Sport have wished the Australian Paralympic Team good luck for the upcoming games in Beijing.
29 July 2008
Update Kirralee Aged Care.
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today provided an update on the Kirralee Aged Care facility in East Ballarat.
28 July 2008
National women’s football league set to shine
The Federal Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, welcomed the establishment of the Westfield W-League – a national football league for women.
28 July 2008
Tough Measures on Kirralee Aged Care in East Ballarat
The Department of Health and Ageing has imposed tough sanctions on Kirralee Residential Aged Care Facility in East Ballarat – following the identification of serious risk to residents.
24 July 2008
Study Reveals Benefit Of Community Care Programs
A new independent study has found that home-based community care packages for older Australians improved their quality of life, kept them healthier and reduced the need to go into a nursing home.
24 July 2008
First 35 Places Operational Under $293.2 Million Transition Care Plan – Helping Older Australians Regain Their Independence
The Australian Government announced the first 35 operational places out of its 228 fully funded places under its $293.2 million transition care plan.
24 July 2008
New Research: By 2060 – Average Aussie Woman Will Reach 90 Years
New research shows that by 2060, Australian women could expect to reach 90 and by mid-century most Australians can expect –on average – to live to their mid-to-late-80s.
24 July 2008
Improving Aged and Community Care for Indigenous Australians
The Federal Government is calling for tenders to develop new workforce training resources to help improve home and community care for frail and older indigenous Australians.
22 July 2008
Australian Health Ministers’ Conference Communique
Australian Health Ministers met in Canberra today, with elective surgery, patient rights and the new Australian Health Care Agreements some of the main areas of discussion.
22 July 2008
Funding to Upgrade Hidden Valley Motorsport Drag Strip
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, visited the Hidden Valley Motorsport Complex outside Darwin on 22 July with the Federal Member for Solomon, Damian Hale, and Northern Territory Senator, Trish Crossin, to view the existing motor racing infrastructure. Upgrades to the drag strip to be funded by the Australian Government will improve track safety and quality for both drivers and spectators.
20 July 2008
Soccer championship helps disadvantaged Australians
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, launched the Community Street Soccer National Championships which is helping homeless and unemployed people transform their lives through the health and social benefits of sport.
20 July 2008
Flying Doctor delivers new health programs to North Queensland
Senator Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, today opened the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s new $5.3-million Cairns base, describing it as a central part of the service’s expansion to meet modern health needs in North Queensland.
19 July 2008
Older Australians urged to take up Free Flu Vaccinations
Presentations of influenza-like illnesses to GPs rose in May and June indicating that winter-related bacterial and viral infections have commenced in Australia.
18 July 2008
Company owned by Adelaide husband and wife doctor team prevented from operating Commonwealth nursing homes
The Australian Government has taken action to prevent an Adelaide company from operating aged care homes.
15 July 2008
$11 million investment to eliminate disability equipment waiting list
Federal Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot and NSW Minister for Health Reba Meagher today announced a one-off $11 million funding package to support people across NSW living with long-term disabilities.
15 July 2008
National guidelines for nursing homes
In response to recent gastro-outbreaks in nursing homes, the Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today announced a response plan.
11 July 2008
Statement on Endeavour Aged Care facility (NSW - Blue Mountains)
The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing is working closely with the NSW Public Health Unit and the NSW Food Authority on the recent gastroenteritis outbreak at the Endeavour Aged Care Facility in the Blue Mountains.
11 July 2008
Breastfeeding mums to get the help they need
The Rudd Government will provide $5 million to help establish a 24-hour toll-free national helpline to support breastfeeding mothers and their families, and to support research into breastfeeding.
11 July 2008
Funding to Improve Blue Mountains and Central West Region Sports Facilities
The Rudd Government today confirmed a $500,000 funding boost to upgrade local sporting and recreational facilities in the Blue Mountains and Central West region.
10 July 2008
Launch of the National Indigenous Health Equality Council
Establishment of the National Indigenous Health Equality Council was announced today by the Prime Minister, Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin. The Council will advise the Government on the development and monitoring of health-related goals and targets to support the Government’s commitments to closing the appalling life expectancy gap and unacceptably high rates of child mortality in the Indigenous population.
10 July 2008
Maintaining Quality of Care for Bridgewater Residents
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has announced that Uniting Aged Care will temporarily take over the management of the Bridewater Aged Care facility in Melbourne, allowing the Administrators to focus on investigating the financial affairs of the former approved provider of the home and to continue to seek a sale of the facility.
08 July 2008
Responsible Economic Management Residential aged care funding claims – audits
Aged care providers in Australia are receiving record funding to support the vital role their staff play in caring for the nation’s elderly
07 July 2008
New Head for Food Standards Australia New Zealand Board
A former Commonwealth Ombudsman, Philippa Smith AM, has been appointed as Chair of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) board.
07 July 2008
Preventative Health Taskforce - Media Release
The National Preventative Health Taskforce will release a discussion paper this September on the Australian Government’s blueprint for refocussing the health system on prevention.
03 July 2008
Australian Government to Increase Scrutiny of Aged Care Funding Claims
Commonwealth staff have begun a wide-ranging review of funding claims to ensure that Australian Government payments match the levels of care provided in nursing homes.
03 July 2008
Sunshine Coast and WA Country and Perth Women among Longest Life Expectancy in the World
Australian women on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Western Australia’s agriculture belt south east of Perth and Perth have amongst the longest life expectancies in the world.
02 July 2008
$136.4 million national plan to boost organ donation and save lives
The Australian Government has proposed a major new national reform package to establish Australia as a world leader in organ donation for transplantation. Further information about the proposed new national reform package is available here
02 July 2008
Rudd Government funds Penrith sports facilities upgrade
The Australian Government funds the upgrade of sporting facilities in Penrith including a double-sided grandstand connecting the southern end of CUA Stadium and Howell Cricket Oval.
02 July 2008
Australian Government's timely initiative on insulin pump subsidy
The rising incidence of Type 1 diabetes in children underlines the importance of the Australian Government’s decision to subsidise the cost of insulin pumps. According to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the incidence of new cases of Type 1 diabetes in children is rising at around 3 per cent a year.
01 July 2008
Comment On Petrol Prices and Home and Community Care Services
The Australian Government has a range of measures relating to petrol and community care, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot said today.
01 July 2008
Reply to Letter from the Queensland Aged Care Alliance from the Minister for Ageing - July 1
Open letter in response to the Queensland Aged Care Alliance.
01 July 2008
New Health Services From 1 July
From 1 July, families will have access to a whole range of new health services – including a $150 voucher for teen dental care; a free health check for kids about to start school; and a guide to kids’ health and development for parents.
30 June 2008
Annual Indexation Comes Into Effect on July 1 – A Further $163 Million – Invested Into Australian Residential and Home Aged Care
From July 1, the annual indexation for residential care, community care and flexible care comes into effect - adding more than $163 million in extra Commonwealth government funding. Payments to residential aged care subsidies and supplements will increase by $152 million and community care subsidies by $11 million.
30 June 2008
Hard work ahead to fix public hospitals
The State of Our Public Hospitals Report 2008, released 30 June 2008 shows they are under severe strain, with public hospital admissions increasing faster than population growth.
30 June 2008
Pensioners’ Rally statement by Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot
The Australian Government was committed to building a modern Australia capable of tackling the challenges of the 21st century.
30 June 2008
Record number of visits begin on July 1 – nursing homes
From July 1, the Australian Government‘s Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency – the independent watchdog – will undertake a record 7,000 visits to the nation’s 2,870 nursing homes during 2008-2009.
28 June 2008
Funding boost - transition care - helping older Australians retain their independence after a hospital stay
The Australian Government today announced the first stage of its $293.2 million transition care program to help older Australians recover and regain their independence after a major hospital stay.
27 June 2008
Nathan Jawai Drafted To NBA
The Federal Minister for Sport Kate Ellis today congratulated rising indigenous basketball star Nathan Jawai for his selection in the NBA draft.
26 June 2008
‘Apartments For Life’ innovative Dutch model lets 95 per cent of older people stay in their own homes
Minister for Ageing Mrs Justine Elliot met on 26 June with developers of an innovative Dutch housing model which allows 95 per cent of older people to live in their own homes until the end of their lives. This is known as "ageing in place".
25 June 2008
Helping Older Australians Enjoy the Movies: Accessible cinema June 25, 2008 – Federal Parliament – House of Representatives
In a statement to the House of Representatives on 25 June, Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot announced that the Federal Government will commit $350,000 in one-off funding to expand access to the cinema for some of the four million Australians with a hearing impairment under the plan “Helping Older Australians Enjoy the Movies: Accessible Cinema”.
25 June 2008
New Aged Care Advisory Committee Improves Consultation with Sector
Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot announced on 25 June a revamped industry advisory committee to improve consultation with the sector, workforce and consumers representing residents and older Australians. The new Ageing Consultative Committee includes commercial and not-for-profit aged care providers, consumer groups, professional and union bodies.
25 June 2008
Helping Older Australians Enjoy the Movies: Accessible Cinema
The Federal Government today announced a plan to improve smaller independent cinemas for some of the four million people with vision and hearing impairment with special audio description (AD) equipment and captioning.
25 June 2008
Communities invited to seek funding to fight binge drinking
Community groups across Australia can now apply for funding to fight binge drinking in their own towns and cities under the Federal Government’s National Binge Drinking Strategy. The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, said $7.2 million was now available for the Community Level Initiative part of the Strategy.
24 June 2008
Minister for Ageing meets with Sir Moses Montefiore Jewish Home – and presents two Community Service Awards
The Federal Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today meet in Canberra with Sydney Jewish residential aged care providers – the Sir Moses Montefiore Jewish Home congratulating them for delivering 119 years of care to older Jewish-Australians.
22 September 2004
Departmental Records
Links to indexed listings of Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing and other relevant portfolio agency's files, from 2004 onwards.