February
PM tops up hospital funding, but states still lag on NDIS reform
The states will receive an extra $1.7 billion in hospital funding next year under a deal that is supposed to relieve the financial burden of the NDIS.
January
Mediscare ‘he said, she said’ insults voters’ intelligence
A Labor-Coalition electoral clash over bulk billing is not only foolish, but masks the fact that so much more needs to be done to keep our healthcare system fit for purpose.
December 2024
Stephen Conroy goes spluttering and unhinged against the BCA
The former Labor senator went troppo at the Business Council, whose members include his own lobby clients.
September 2024
‘At tipping point’: Inside one of Australia’s busiest hospitals
Doctors and nurses in Australia’s busiest emergency ward say the system is under unprecedented pressure amid a surge in mental illness and geriatric patients with nowhere else to go.
Aged care concessions cost $5b in revenue
The Albanese government sacrificed about $5 billion in budget savings in return for securing the Coalition’s support for the aged care reforms.
Finally, politicians reach a reform deal worthy of the title
Bipartisanship and reform, two rarities these days, have combined in the shape of the age care funding changes.
August 2024
Aged care deal delayed amid backbench anxiety
Peter Dutton wants the approval of his MPs before confirming support for the aged care deal negotiated with the government.
This week showed politics can still work in the national interest
The NDIS breakthrough, the CFMEU deal, and in-principle agreement on aged care reform shows it’s not all about the antics of crossbench issue poseurs or the confected conflict of question time.
Aged care wait list exemption granted as parties close in on deal
The major parties have agreed in-principle to a new aged care funding model.
Government lowers contribution caps to secure aged care deal
The Albanese government is set to lower its proposed lifetime caps in an effort seal a deal with the Coalition to secure more sustainable funding for the aged care sector.
Labor’s agenda trapped in Senate as foes sniff blood
There is a logjam of legislation currently before the parliament, and it is clear not all of it is going to make the cut before the election.
Impatience grows over aged care reforms
The government is expected to release soon its long-overdue aged care reform proposals.
June 2024
Labor, Coalition making progress towards higher aged care fees
The Albanese government hopes for a deal as early as next week on higher aged care fees for those who can pay.
May 2024
Replica Ozempic ban could deny thousands ‘life-changing medication’
Healthcare start-ups say the ban is a step too far and risks leaving tens of thousands of Australians without the medications they need.
March 2024
SA byelection could help Albanese avoid minority government
Anthony Albanese will redouble efforts to win the SA seat of Sturt to ward off replicating the unfolding mess in Tasmania.
Include family home in aged care means testing: think tank
Industry providers and the federal opposition are supporting moves to make wealthier retirees pay more for their care.
February 2024
Family home to be spared from aged care funding revamp: PM
The Albanese government has balked at increasing the mean-test threshold on the family home that helps determine aged care fees.
Delayed review tests bipartisan support for aged care reform
The opposition has accused the government of ‘hiding a secret tax on older Australians’ and sitting on a review until after the Dunkley byelection.
Labor goes quiet on aged-care review ahead of byelection
The Albanese government will no longer say when it plans to release contentious reform recommendations.
December 2023
Appetite for user pays in aged care, says government
The government is softening up voters for increased aged care fees, citing polling that claims people are willing to pay up to 40 per cent of the cost.