news

health

immigration May 13, 2017

Scott Morrison budgets on turn-in from the world

Karen Middleton As the treasurer squares up for a fight with the banks over a new levy, his budget finds its unifying theme in making an example of foreign money.

health April 22, 2017

The promise of renowned neurosurgeon Charlie Teo

Martin McKenzie-Murray For some brain cancer patients, Charlie Teo is seen as a final ray of hope who’s willing to tackle so-called inoperable tumours. But to many of his neurosurgeon peers, the myths far outweigh the miracles.

environment March 11, 2017

Cleaning up the Environmental Protection Authority

Chris Woods Sweeping reforms to Victoria’s EPA are set to shift its focus from response to prevention, and restore the faith of communities at risk from contaminants.

indigenous affairs March 18, 2017

Government withholds funding for Indigenous genetic disease foundation

Mike Seccombe Despite a Federal Court win over Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion, a foundation supporting sufferers of a crippling genetic disease across remote Aboriginal communities is still waiting on funding promised under the previous Labor government.

health February 18, 2017

Disability Employment Services causing heartache

Anonymous While the government claims to offer expert employment support to those with a disability or health condition, the flawed system is being abused, much to the detriment of the job seekers’ dignity and self-confidence.

health October 8, 2016

Millions of Australians caught in health records breach

Karen Middleton The government’s negotiations with doctors over the Medicare rebate is not helped by a breach of privacy on apparently anonymised health data.

media September 3, 2016

Inside Swisse and its vexed ABC sponsorship deal

Martin McKenzie-Murray Amid serious concerns about its products’ efficacy, complementary medicine giant Swisse will do anything for credibility.

rural August 27, 2016

Exclusive: Toxic chemical conflict on Defence sites

Chris Ray Consultants paid millions by Defence helped revise chemical safety standards that could shield the department from multiple compensation claims.

defence August 20, 2016

PTSD and the rehabilitation of returned soldiers

Martin McKenzie-Murray As reports emerge that as many veterans have taken their lives this year as have been killed in the 13 years of the war in Afghanistan, a new narrative is emerging around post-traumatic stress disorder.

law & crime June 25, 2016

Victoria’s end-of-life choices inquiry and a tale of 3 deaths

Rodney Syme A Victorian parliamentary inquiry’s recommendation that assisted dying be legalised may also lead to welcome changes in palliative care practices.

health June 4, 2016

Mooball community divided over cancer cluster claims

Susan Chenery While some residents of Mooball in northern NSW believe sandmining tailings have caused a cancer cluster, others think it’s a scare campaign to prevent development.