HISTORICAL FACTS: Megan belot | History Defined

Rural mums forced to travel 500km for miscarriage care

Women in remote areas are 1.6 times more likely to suffer perinatal loss, prompting calls for national standards in care to overcome the tyranny of distance.

AAP · Oct 12, 2025

COVID royal commission backer says things have changed

The Albanese government has been forced to defend its decision not to set up a royal commission but rather a three-expert inquiry into the pandemic.

AAP · Sep 22, 2023

Melbourne GP says Medicare incentives unlikely to make it easier to see bulk-bulling doctor

It is a move the federal government hopes will help put a stop to the rapid decline of bulk-billing rates, but GPs say the changes still mean most people seeing a doctor will have to pay for it.

ABC News · May 11, 2023

Bush doctors need carrots as dire warnings of drain are raised

Rural medical clinics say doctors are leaving to work in urban areas or asking for more money to stay in the bush.

Newcastle Herald · Aug 17, 2022

Doctors 'need a carrot' to stay rural

The Rural Doctors Association of Australia says Labor's health policies are making it hard to attract and retain medical staff in the bush.

AAP · Aug 17, 2022

More than half of regional Australians are not seeking medical help for chronic pain due to isolation, survey finds

More than half of people suffering chronic pain in regional Australia are not getting the right medical help to deal with it due to where they live, a new survey reveals.

ABC News · Jul 31, 2022

Japanese encephalitis virus threat for southern Australia when mosquitoes return

Mosquitoes cause serious concerns in southern Australia, where a deadly virus was detected for the first time this year.

ABC News · Jul 27, 2022

Health workers paint dire picture of Australia’s hospital systems as more than 8,500 staff isolate

Effects of Covid surge and staff shortages reach regional centres, putting pressure on local clinics

The Guardian - AU · Jul 18, 2022

Country doctor shortages are taking a toll on people's health. Mallee candidates share their healthcare plans

People in western Victoria are being diagnosed with serious illnesses later, and sometimes too late to save their lives, the Rural Doctors Association says. Here is what Mallee candidates say they will do to improve healthcare in the region.

ABC News · May 16, 2022

Rural health at crisis point as towns go without local doctors, fund their own medical practice

Attracting and retaining doctors is an age-old problem for rural areas. Will the election be a game changer?

ABC News · May 14, 2022