Improving Australia’s health system beyond the election

While Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, the major political parties are failing to address its long term sustainability at a time of demographic and technological change.

Housing is a health issue for Australians with disability

Housing affordability and security for all Australians is a fundamental issue missing from the federal election campaign – particularly for those with disabilities.

How do the parties shape up on health?

The major parties’ manifestos for the 2019 federal election present voters with starkly contrasting health policies. These policies are shaped and constrained by the overall themes presented by the party leaders, but have some unique elements.

Setting the record straight on home births

More women are choosing to give birth at home, and Victoria has become the first state to issue guidelines on the trend to clinicians and health professionals.

Whole-genome sequencing is changing cancer care

Whole-genome sequencing is changing the treatment of cancer in Australia but we have to understand the scope of its usefulness in the real-world to support a more sustainable, affordable health system.

Making space for re-learning life skills after a stroke

The design of rehabilitation facilities for people recovering from a stroke need to be ‘learning spaces’ that support re-acquiring lost skills.

Why you’re (probably) not allergic to penicillin

Are you allergic to penicillin? Perhaps you have a friend or relative who is? With about one in ten people reporting a penicillin allergy, that’s not altogether surprising, but in reality only 1 person in 50 actually is intolerant of this life saving drug.

A little exercise goes a long way

People who spend much of their day sitting may need to move around less than previously thought to counteract their sedentary lifestyle, according to new research.

Policing on the front line of mental health emergencies

Police and mental health professionals must work together and ‘mind the gap’ when called to deal with people suffering mental health issues.

10% of Aussies consume half the nation’s alcohol

La Trobe University researchers have found the heaviest drinking 10 per cent of Australians drink over half the alcohol consumed in Australia, downing an average of six standard drinks per day.

Surgery can pave the way to opioid addiction

New research from the University of South Australia has found more than 13,000 Australians each year may be at risk of developing a persistent opioid habit following elective surgery.

Bringing the power of genomics to patients

Associate Professor Clara Gaff explains her life long interest in genetics and the potential for genomic testing to unlock exciting new treatments in the future.