Ahpra issues new guidance about unsafe prescribing
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has issued new guidance warning registered health practitioners against the unsafe prescribing of off-label or unapproved medicines, including peptides, medicinal cannabis and GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Ahpra says it has been investigating unsafe prescribing practices, particularly in high-volume and single-treatment business models, and is concerned over growing consumer demand […]
WA nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios delayed
Western Australian nurses and midwives have been left waiting for promised nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios after the state government announced its decision to delay the next major stage of the rollout without setting a new start date. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (WA Branch) said it was extremely disappointed by the decision as it […]
‘Forced, tricked or trapped’: How nurses and midwives can help uncover modern slavery
At St Vincent’s Health Australia (SVHA), a pioneering project is equipping nurses, midwives and other frontline clinicians with the tools to identify and respond to the often-hidden signs of modern slavery. Funded through the Federal Attorney-General’s Department, The Anti-Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Project developed a practical screening tool and online education modules, co-created with […]
Free COVID-19 access to change from October
From 1 October 2026, the way COVID-19 vaccines are funded in Australia will change, with vaccines moving to the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The NIP will replace the stand-alone National COVID-19 Vaccine Program, which was established during the pandemic to provide broad access to free COVID-19 vaccination. Under the new arrangements, free COVID-19 vaccines will […]
‘Aged care is not fixed’: ANMF calls for further reform
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has launched a major national aged care campaign calling on the federal government to address the country’s deepening aged care crisis. Unveiled at Parliament House in Canberra this morning, the ‘Australia needs care you can count on’ campaign is calling on the federal government to deliver urgent reforms, […]
Common super myths busted
Superannuation can be confusing, but it doesn’t need to be. The team at HESTA has put together some common super myths – and the facts – to help make your retirement planning clearer. Myth: It’s better to spread super across different funds Fact: Your super is like a savings account: the more that’s in it, […]
A nurse’s role in endometriosis and pelvic pain care
For many women living with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, simply having their experiences heard and taken seriously can mark an important turning point in their care. At Bendigo Community Health Services’ (BCHS) Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, Sexual Health Nurse Mary-Anne McCluskey says women frequently arrive after years of pain, delayed diagnosis and feeling […]
Aged care investigations recover $5.3 million for underpaid nurses and care workers
More than $5.3 million in unpaid wages has been recovered for almost 3,600 aged care workers following investigations by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO). The average underpayment of direct care workers, including personal care workers, enrolled nurses, registered nurses and assistants in nursing, was $1,478. Of the 22 aged care businesses providing residential and home […]
Historic vote completes Australia’s VAD journey, but NT law falls short
The NT Parliament has passed VAD laws, bringing the Territory into line with every other Australian jurisdiction.
Unions win vehicle allowance increase for aged care and community workers
Aged care and community sector workers who use their own vehicles for work will receive a temporary increase in their vehicle allowance from 1 September. Australian Unions have secured an increase in the vehicle allowance paid to community and aged care workers following an application to the Fair Work Commission. The Commission has agreed to […]