Editors Picks
19 May 2026
GOVT HALVES MOUNTAINS RAIL TRACK WORK
TRANSPORT for NSW has halved planned Blue Mountains rail trackwork from two weeks to one week to reduce disruption caused by the ongoing Great Western Highway closure at Victoria Pass. Rail services between Mt Victoria and Lithgow will stop from 25 May to 1 June, with weekend closures extending to Blacktown. Essential maintenance includes overhead wire renewal, rail grinding, welding and defect repairs to improve reliability during winter. Replacement buses and additional coach services will operate throughout the shutdown. The NSW Government is investing more than $423M into rail network upgrades and $50M into safer detour routes, while accelerating efforts to reopen Mitchells Causeway on the Great Western Highway.
03 May 2026
ONE IN FIVE AVOID PRESCRIPTIONS
THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia is urging the Federal Government to freeze PBS medicine prices until 2030 to keep prescriptions affordable. While costs were cut to $25 in 2026, saving patients over $50M, prices could rise again without action. The Guild warns higher costs lead to skipped treatments and poorer health, calling for certainty amid cost-of-living pressures. One in five Australians have avoided prescriptions due to cost.
03 May 2026
CRACKDOWN ON SUPER FOR DENTAL WORK
THE Australian Dental Association NSW has backed a joint crackdown by the Australian Taxation Office and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency on unethical schemes encouraging early super access for dental work. With $817.6M withdrawn in 2025, concerns include financial harm and poor treatment quality. Patients are urged to seek independent advice and understand risks.
03 May 2026
MANY AUSSIES WORK WHILE SICK
A SURVEY by people2people Recruitment reveals many Australians still work while sick, driven by workload (30%) and guilt (35%), with 20% fearing judgment. Despite strong support for free workplace flu shots (81%), only 37% were vaccinated in the past year. Many employees feel uncomfortable taking sick leave, highlighting ongoing workplace pressure and a gap between support for health measures and actual behaviour.
03 May 2026
DOCTORS LAUNCH VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
THE Australian Medical Association has launched a national “Have the jab chat” campaign urging Australians to consult doctors about vaccination amid rising misinformation and falling immunisation rates. Coverage for key childhood vaccines has dropped below the 95% target. Dr Danielle McMullen said confusion, not access, is driving delays, with many turning to unreliable online sources.
03 May 2026
SHOWERING IS NOW CLASSIFIED AS CARE
AGEING Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to make showering free under the Support at Home program by classifying it as clinical care. Previously, older Australians paid 5–50% in contributions. CEO Tom Symondson said the change restores dignity and addresses concerns that costs led some to reduce or skip showers. The move ensures better access to essential care and reflects community values around supporting older people.
03 May 2026
PAYMENT SOLUTION FOR PET INSURANCE
RSPCA Pet Insurance has launched Direct2Vet, a free payment solution for clinics that allows claims to be processed in real time, so pet owners only pay the gap instead of full upfront costs. The system streamlines claims, reduces admin, and improves access to care. Research shows many Australians delay treatment due to cost, with one in five unable to afford emergencies. Direct2Vet aims to ease financial pressure, support vets, and improve treatment decisions.