February 2026 marks the twentieth anniversary of the overturning of the Harradine Amendment by the Federal Parliament in 2006. Thanks to the efforts of many people across the country, this parliamentary action opened the way for a cascade of reforms in abortion care for Australian women.
The launch of the National Cancer Data Framework marks a significant milestone in Australian cancer care, setting a new standard for how health data is integrated and used across the sector. By ensuring cancer data is collected and reported in a nationally consistent manner, the sector will be able to answer key questions about cancer control, measure adherence to optimal care pathways and identify disparities in cancer care.
New national data suggest that the “average” dose of Medicare-subsidised mental health services provided by psychologists is around five sessions per year — raising uncomfortable questions about whether publicly funded care is adequately dosed, relationally safe, and fit for purpose.
Complex trauma is common, pervasive, and frequently invisible in primary care settings. Many patients present repeatedly with chronic, unexplained symptoms, dysregulated nervous systems, or fragmented help-seeking patterns without ever naming their trauma experiences. Recognising the patterns and responding sensitively can position medical practitioners as pivotal figures in a patient’s recovery journey.
The current health status of Australian adolescents is concerning. Over 80% are not meeting national dietary or physical activity guidelines. Rates of mental ill-health are also rising, with around three quarters of Australian adolescents experiencing depression or anxiety symptoms. Yet as a nation adolescent health is not invested in enough.
2026 marks an inflection point for the MJA in a number of ways. During 2025 we spent time considering how best to position the journal for the future.
Vaping has shown promise as an effective quit smoking aid in the general population, but prior to this clinical trial vaping’s role in helping those experiencing socio-economic hardship to quit was unknown.
As a medical practitioner, you pride yourself on being meticulous, analytical, and aware of risks vs outcomes. Qualities that define your profession. Yet without an estate plan, everything you’ve built remains vulnerable. Your business, your assets, and your legacy deserve the same level of diligence as being a clinician.
As climate change drives increased aeroallergen prevalence and more extreme weather, incidence of thunderstorm asthma could become more frequent and unpredictable.
