Editorial: Vape crackdown is just a smokescreen
Australia's new vape ban may be a distraction from the government's failure to tackle the real tobacco industry. Is this policy missing the mark? Read our analysis.
Category : Search result: public health policy
Canberra's active travel funding gap: $20M vs $131M for light rail
A Canberra advocate argues the ACT government must invest more in walking and cycling, which deliver $600M in health benefits annually, compared to current funding priorities.
John Hunter Hospital outpatient waitlists soar past 51,000
Exclusive data reveals outpatient clinic waitlists at Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital have surged 71% to over 51,500, with patients facing decade-long delays for specialist care. Experts demand urgent federal funding.
WA Health Audit Reveals 'Embarrassing' Hospital Disrepair
A damning audit reveals Western Australia's public hospitals are plagued by thousands of maintenance failures. Discover the shocking findings and the government's delayed response.
Rock Attacks on Yarrabah Health Workers Prompt Safety Crisis
Health workers in Yarrabah are under siege from rock-throwing youths, forcing clinic closures and threatening vital services. Community leaders demand immediate intervention to protect staff and patients.
Audit Calls for More Diversity Targets in ACT Public Service
A new audit recommends the ACT public service set more employment targets and introduce mandatory training to improve workforce diversity, particularly for First Nations and disabled staff.
Public servant loses unfair dismissal case over absences
A Canberra public servant fired after months of unauthorised leave has failed in an unfair dismissal claim. The Fair Work Commission upheld the termination.
$80k Bureaucrat Payday for Hospital Audit Fuels Secrecy Calls
A top WA health official was paid $80,000 for a snap hospital audit, prompting calls to end government secrecy. Read why transparency advocates are demanding answers.
Young Aussies oppose optional Australia Day holiday
New polling reveals young Australians are most opposed to making the Australia Day public holiday optional for staff. Discover the data and the debate.
WA Premier Sets Deadline for Vape and Tobacco Laws
WA Premier Roger Cook has set a deadline for new vape and tobacco laws, but a full crackdown could be months away. Get the latest on the state's public health push.
Forgotten diseases surge in North Queensland
Health experts warn of a dangerous rise in measles and melioidosis cases in North Queensland. Learn the symptoms and how to protect your family.
Labor's tobacco tax claims labelled a 'puff piece'
The Albanese government faces criticism over claims its tobacco tax will fund health measures. Experts call it a misleading 'puff piece' that ignores the true cost of smoking. Read the full analysis.
Dental health crisis in Hunter as half of adults skip check-ups
Shocking data reveals only 52% of Hunter New England adults saw a dentist last year. Experts warn preventable dental diseases are worsening due to systemic gaps and underfunding. Read more.
Public Alerts for Forensic Patients in Far North QLD
Queensland authorities are exploring a public alert system for forensic patients in the Far North. Could this improve community safety? Read the latest.
Calls for Alcohol Education, Not Crackdown, in Cairns
Cairns community leaders argue for better alcohol education and support services instead of a public drunkenness crackdown. Learn why they say the current approach fails.
US Cuts Child Vaccines, Health Experts Alarmed
The US has dramatically reduced its recommended childhood vaccinations from 17 to 11, a move health officials warn will endanger children and fuel outbreaks. Read the full story.
Mater Hospital Mould Crisis: A Governance Failure
A cancer ward at Newcastle's Calvary Mater Hospital was kept open for over a year with dangerous mould, prompting calls for an independent public inquiry. Read the full investigation.
No Excuse for Delay on Vape Laws, Says Expert
Public health expert Jessica Page slams the government's lag in implementing vape laws, calling it a failure that puts young Australians at risk. Urgent action is needed now.
Townsville home flooded with sewage after heavy rain
A Townsville man's property was inundated with raw sewage following heavy rain, causing a health hazard. He demands action from the council. Read the full story.
PBS Medicine Prices Slashed for Australians in 2025
Millions of Australians will save on prescription costs as PBS co-payments drop to $31.60 from New Year's Day. Find out how the federal government's policy affects you.
Key issues in public toilet overhaul: soap and accessibility
As Newcastle reviews its public toilets, locals highlight the lack of soap and inadequate facilities for the ageing and disabled. Read why these basic amenities are a public health necessity.
Petition for Rural Health Travel Scheme Reform Gains Thousands
A petition with over 8,000 signatures calls for urgent reform of the Queensland Health Travel Scheme, citing unfair costs for regional and rural health workers. Advocates demand change.
Defence public servants lodge record psych claims
Civilian staff at the Department of Defence have lodged a record number of workers' compensation claims, with over half linked to psychological stress. Read the full analysis of the APS mental health crisis.
NSW Health bosses contradict over deadly hospital mould
Conflicting statements from top NSW Health officials over deadly Aspergillus mould in a Newcastle cancer ward. Patients call it a 'disgrace' as a class action is prepared. Read the full investigation.
Public servant fired for malicious complaints loses unfair dismissal case
A Canberra public servant sacked for making frequent, unsubstantiated complaints has lost his unfair dismissal claim. The Fair Work Commission found his behaviour was 'vexatious and malicious'.
Townsville Christmas food safety warning issued
Townsville Public Health Unit warns residents about dangerous bacteria in festive foods. Learn how to protect your family from Listeria and Salmonella this holiday season.
Albanese govt appoints director-general for Australian CDC
Health Minister Mark Butler announces Professor Zoe Wainer as the inaugural director-general of the Australian Centre for Disease Control, set to launch on January 1. Learn about her background and the centre's mission.
US Sacks Climate Scientists, Dismantles Research Institutes
The Trump administration is firing over 1,100 scientists and dismantling a premier climate research institute, removing references to human-caused climate change from official websites. This analysis explores the political motives behind the attack on sci
Myki Fare Hikes to Cost Commuters Extra $104 a Year
Victorian public transport fares will increase from 2026, with regular commuters facing up to $104 in extra annual costs. Learn the new Myki prices and the government's weekend travel relief.
Measles alert for Hillarys, Claremont after infected visit
WA Health issues a public health alert after a measles case visited sites in Hillarys and Claremont. Check exposure times and monitor for symptoms for 7-18 days.
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