The Australian government has promised $10.7 million (US$7.5 million) in funding for eight projects across six universities to progress in new fields of neurological research. The commitment comes under the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), and Health Minister Greg Hunt said in a release on Tuesday that the projects could revolutionise how medical…

A new study conducted by Curtin University will examine the link between long-term use of common blood pressure pills and the risks of getting breast cancer. The lead researcher of the study Prof. Rachael Moorin said there were global concerns that the drugs could be causing an increase in breast cancer for women. “The use of calcium…

A new voting option will be available to Australians subjecting to COVID-19 isolation as a confirmed case or close contact on election day. The Australian Electoral Commission has said it would introduce a telephone voting system for those who could not go to polling places on May 21. “We are working on a telephone voting option,…

As restrictions are further eased in a bid to reboot Australia’s pandemic-ravaged travel sector, international visitors are being wooed Down Under. Nearly two years of COVID-19 border restrictions have crippled the once thriving industry. Budget carrier Virgin Australia has announced discounts on up to 1.5 million flights, including short-haul international destinations. The Back to Holidays…

The Australian government has finalised a 10-year partnership agreement with Moderna and the state government of Victoria to manufacture mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and other mRNA vaccines in the state. “This is an Australian made shot in the arm that will protect Australians from future pandemics and secure a new manufacturing capability right here on our…

Support for mental health will be one the key planks of the federal budget in just over a week’s time, Health Minister Greg Hunt says. Hunt says mental health is one of the four pillars of Australia’s long-term national health plan. The other areas are primary care with a strong focus on access to new…

Support for mental health will be one the key planks of the federal budget in just over a week’s time, Health Minister Greg Hunt says. Hunt says mental health is one of the four pillars of Australia’s long-term national health plan. The other areas are primary care with a strong focus on access to new…

The Novavax COVID-19 protein vaccine has been approved by the ATAGI as a booster alternative to mRNA vaccines for Australians aged 18 and over. The ATAGI stated (pdf) that the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine currently has “limited evidence” on its safety and immunogenicity as a booster, but is acceptable as a third shot if “no other COVID-19…

Victoria has been encouraged by the federal Health Minister Greg Hunt to launch a mass COVID-19 vaccination program in schools to boost vaccination rates so mask mandates can be removed for students. The state has maintained masks for students in grades three to six despite being the state with the highest vaccination rates for children…

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has now been approved as the primary course for children aged 6 to 11 in Australia. Speaking at the press conference on Feb. 23, Health Minister Greg Hunt said Moderna gives “more choice and flexibility” for parents along with the Pfizer vaccine which is approved for children aged 5 and older….