Health policy

Australia’s public hospitals are the backbone of our health system — the places Australians turn to in moments of crisis, vulnerability, and profound need. Yet the findings of the Australian Medical Association’s 2026 Public Hospital Report Card make one thing abundantly clear: our public hospitals remain under severe and sustained strain. Despite the extraordinary efforts of doctors, nurses, and other health workers, the system is struggling to keep pace with rising demand, and patients are feeling the consequences.

Danielle McMullin

Last week the Federal government agreed to $25 billion in new funding for hospitals and foundational supports.

Becca Whitehead

A rise in B6 toxicity cases led to the TGA review, with changes being brought in from June 2027

Nance Haxton

Not all GPs are convinced the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Scheme will benefit their practice

Nance Haxton

Access to healthcare in Australia isn’t equal for everyone. Young adults, people with chronic diseases, people from lower socio-economic areas and people without private health insurance report significant challenges in being able to access the care they need.

Elizabeth Deveny

Australia is a step closer to having its own national agency to inform and co-ordinate public health responses – a permanent Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

Allen Cheng

Australia’s health workforce is under pressure. Wait times are growing. Burnout is rising. Yet the country is awash in policy – just not the kind that solves these problems at the root.

Stephanie M. Topp, Lana Elliott, Thu Nguyen

GPs and their patients face systemic issues with workers’ compensation schemes. The NSW Government’s proposed reforms to workers compensation legislation are a welcome sign that policy makers are listening.

Rebekah Hoffman

Five stories of excellence from across Australia reveal how health services are using the Clinical Care Standards to drive meaningful improvements in safety, consistency and outcomes for patients.

Carolyn Hullick, Alice Bhasale