Natasha Robinson

Natasha Robinson is The Australian’s health editor and writes across medicine, science, health policy, research, and lifestyle. Natasha has been a journalist for more than 20 years in newspapers and broadcasting, has been recognised as the National Press Club’s health journalist of the year and is a Walkley awards finalist and a Kennedy Awards winner. She is a former Northern Territory correspondent for The Australian with a special interest in Indigenous health. Natasha is also a graduate of the NSW Legal Profession Admission Board’s Diploma of Law and has been accepted as a doctoral candidate at QUT’s Australian Centre for Health Law Research, researching involuntary mental health treatment and patient autonomy.

Natasha Robinson

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exclusiveHealth

Rare diseases receive huge genomics boost

Australian research institutes are poised to lead the world in the quest to rapidly identify rare genetic conditions and pave the way for potential intervention to prevent their devastating effects.

Natasha Robinson

failed approachPolitics

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: In this photo illustration, a selection of disposable vapes with bright and colourful packaging are seen, on January 29, 2024 in London, England. Rishi Sunak announces a ban on disposable vapes in the UK as part of government plans to tackle the rise in youth vaping and protect children's health. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Vaping tax revenue claim debunked as ‘smoke and mirrors’

Arguments that slapping an excise tax on vapes raises billions in revenue and reduces nicotine use have been debunked by overseas analysis as Australia prepares to pass world-first vaping ban laws.

Natasha Robinson

MAGAZINEWeekend Australian Magazine

EMBARGO FOR TWAM 22 JUNE 2024. FEE MAY APPLY. Press cuttings and photographs relating to the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918-1920, quarantine issues, and other health-related matters - compiled by Dr Cumpston - black and white negative - [Woman in medical personal protective wear] - originally from p 85 of the volumeMUST CREDIT: Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia) 2023

Unlocking the secrets of a pandemic that killed 50 million

When an 18-year-old soldier tragically died in 1918, a sample of his lung tissue locked away for over a century, forgotten. A team of Brisbane-based scientists scoured the globe to find it and are now using it to supercharge the quest for a cure – before the next worldwide pandemic hits.

Natasha Robinson

INQUIRERCaring

12/6/24: Melissa Reader and her children, Leio(Curly dark hair), Orlando and Mya at their property in the Southern Highlands.Her first husband, the father of her three children, died ten years ago, and the process was difficult and distressing. She has now launched the Violet Foundation to campaign for better conversations around death and dying, and better palliative care. John Feder/The Australian.

The conversation you need to have with a dying loved one

Should we let people in the last stage of life make the most of the time left, instead of facing constant medical treatments? One family’s experience shows what might be gained if we do.

Natasha Robinson

EXCLUSIVENation

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos JULY 27, 2021: Generic photo of Medibank in Bourke Street, Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Paul Jeffers

Private health sector on life support

The health insurance industry is facing the growing prospect of unprecedented government intervention in its contracting with hospitals.

Natasha Robinson

MEDIADiet

Dr Nick Coatsworth will host Do you want to Live Forever?. Picture: Nine

Health doco antidote to Swan’s way

Nick Coatsworth rose to public prominence doling out government health advice during Covid-19 and now as a TV doctor is about to debut a docu-series that aims to show us how we can live forever.

Natasha Robinson

ExclusiveNation

05/07/2009 BUSINESS: Eli Lilly and Co. antidepressant Cymbalta is arranged for display at C O Bigelow Pharmacy in New York, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008. Eli Lilly and Co., the world's biggest maker of psychiatric drugs, said fourth-quarter profit rose more than six-fold on increased sales of the antidepressant Cymbalta and impotency pill Cialis. Photographer: Photographer: JB Reed/Bloomberg News Pic. Bloomberg Supplied /

Doctors in dark on helping cut medicines use

Clinical guidelines in medicine are failing to provide doctors with adequate information on how to stop or reduce the dosage of medicines that may be harmful or unnecessary.

Natasha Robinson

EXCLUSIVEPolitics

2024, Sydney, NSW. Reverend Bill Crews speaks to the major gap in Australia's mental health support at the Bill Crews Foundation in Ashfield. Photo: Bianca Farmakis

Mental illness ‘crisis of neglect’

Australia’s mental health policies support those suffering mild to moderate mental health distress while critically neglecting those with the most severe needs who are living lives of abject disadvantage | WATCH

Natasha Robinson

HEALTHMedical

APRIL 20, 2024: People pictured outside St Vincent's Hospital Emergency department in Darlinghurst.Picture: Damian Shaw

Antibiotics shift could save thousands

A simple change to the way antibiotics are given to patients with sepsis and could save thousands of lives, new research has found, promising a ‘game-changing’ approach to a common hospital killer.

ELIZABETH PIKE and Natasha Robinson

exclusiveMedical

In the Hospital Sick Male Patient Sleeps on the Bed. Heart Rate Monitor Equipment is on His Finger.

Serious diseases costing sufferers $190,000

A report on the exploding costs to patients and taxpayers of 30 medical conditions has found those who develop some diseases face a massive financial burden.

Clareese Packer and Natasha Robinson

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/natasha-robinson/page/7