07 May 2026

AMA Calls for Legal Change to Allow Telehealth Use in Voluntary Assisted Dying Discussions

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has raised concerns that current laws are limiting access to voluntary assisted dying (VAD) services for patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses, particularly in rural and regional areas.

07 May 2026

AMA Calls for Stronger Regulation of Nicotine Pouches

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has made a submission to a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) consultation calling for tighter controls on nicotine pouches.

07 May 2026

Mother’s Day reflection highlights pressures faced by women in medical training

Ahead of Mother’s Day, AMA Victoria Private Practice Subdivision Secretary Associate Professor Vinay Rane has written a reflective column on the challenges women face during medical training and the need for system reform.

07 May 2026

WA Budget boosts mental health and alcohol and drug services

The 2026–27 Western Australia State Budget has been released, with a major focus on mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services across the state.

07 May 2026

Update on Zoladex treatment access for people with breast cancer

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has confirmed it is seeking more information after AstraZeneca announced it will discontinue the Zoladex (goserelin) 3.6mg implant in Australia from 1 November 2026.

07 May 2026

GP Funding Reform Debate Grows After New Grattan Report

A new report from the Grattan Institute says recent bulk-billing changes have highlighted deeper problems in the way general practice is funded across Australia.

07 May 2026

Rural councils push for $200 million GP support plan

A group of rural councils in New South Wales is calling for a $200 million “GP guarantee” to help improve access to doctors in regional and remote communities.

06 May 2026

Victorian Budget 2026–27 boosts healthcare access and hospital services

The Victorian Government’s 2026–27 Budget has announced a major $32 billion investment aimed at improving healthcare access, hospital services, and community care across the state.

06 May 2026

GPs urged to step up asthma care as experts warn of system failure

Australia’s asthma care needs urgent change, with experts warning that too many patients are still not receiving best-practice treatment, leading to avoidable hospital visits and deaths.

06 May 2026

Practice viability at risk as payroll tax pressure continues

General practices in Victoria are under growing financial pressure, with doctors warning that ongoing payroll tax rules are making it harder for clinics to stay open and provide care.