Sector news

The VCCC Alliance is undertaking the Care Plus Extend study, which is exploring the benefits of introducing palliative care earlier for people with advanced cancer. Available to patients with sarcoma, lung and colon cancer across regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne, the program integrates palliative care alongside active treatment, including via telehealth, to support symptom management, care coordination and quality of life. To learn more about the study and participating sites, visit the VCCC Alliance website.

The HESTA Excellence Awards recognise exceptional achievements in a range of settings across aged care, allied health, community services, and disability services. There are many individuals, groups and services supporting people with palliative care needs or those who are coming to the end of their life whose work could be recognised through a nomination. Nominations close 12 April 2026.

The Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) has announced that from 1 January 2026, the my health app will be renamed the 1800MEDICARE app. Consumers will continue to use the app to access their My Health Record as usual. The renaming supports ADHA’s broader work to streamline access to digital health tools. 1800MEDICARE app frequently asked questions.

As the national agency responsible for leading improvements in the safety and quality of health care, the Commission is developing the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards (third edition) and is seeking input for the second consultation. This focuses on feedback on the draft NSQHS Standards (3rd ed.) To be learn more or be involved, visit the NSQHS Standards (third edition) Engagement Hub.

The following grant opportunities from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing have been posted:

GO ID: GO8184
GO Title: National Palliative Care Projects
Close Date and Time: 02-Mar-2026 2:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
 

GO ID: GO8183
GO Title: Palliative Care Capability in Aged Care
Close Date and Time: 02-Mar-2026 2:00 pm (ACT Local Time)

The maximum Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment for prescription medicines has been reduced by 20% for everyone with a Medicare card.

From 1 January, patients now pay no more than $25 per PBS prescription, previously $31.60.  For concession cardholders, the maximum co-payment remains $7.70 until 2030. These changes build on other recent measures to make medicines cheaper, including 60-day prescriptions which allow patients to get twice the medicine on a single prescription.