Editors Picks
01 October 2025
RURAL DOCTORS FINALY RECOGNISED
RURAL Generalists (RGs) have been formally recognised as a distinct medical specialty in Australia, marking a milestone for rural healthcare. This recognition, announced by Minister Mark Butler, follows decades of advocacy by ACRRM, RACGP, and the RG Recognition Taskforce. RGs provide comprehensive care across clinics, hospitals, and emergency settings, particularly in rural, remote, and First Nations communities. The move boosts visibility, remuneration, and training opportunities, ensuring equitable, high-quality healthcare for all Australians regardless of location.
01 October 2025
GOVT SEEKS EOI FOR HOUSING PROGRAM
THE NSW Government has opened Expressions of Interest for its Pre-sale Finance Guarantee (PFG) program to accelerate housing construction in NSW. The five-year initiative will commit up to $1B billion in pre-sales by purchasing up to 50% of off-the-plan homes in eligible projects, valued at up to $2M each. Designed to address finance hurdles and delays, the program reduces risk for lenders and developers, boosts housing supply, and ensures quality through NSW Building Commissioner oversight. Developers ready to build within six months are encouraged to apply.
01 October 2025
TIPS TO DETECT A POSSIBLE STROKE EVENT
MORE than 110 Australians suffer a stroke daily, with one in four linked to atrial fibrillation (AF). AF affects over 500,000 Australians, often undiagnosed, and doubles stroke risk and mortality. During Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week (22–28 September), Hearts4heart director Dr Geoff Lester, himself a heart surgery survivor, has urged Australians of all ages to learn simple pulse checks to detect AF early. Cardiologists stress early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can prevent debilitating AF-related strokes, reducing costs and saving lives.
01 October 2025
MONEY TO RESEARCH BRAIN CANCERS
A NEWCASTLE-led research team, led by Professor Matt Dun, has secured an $18.7M Australian Government grant to develop next-generation therapies for high grade gliomas (HGG), the deadliest brain cancers. Backed by global experts, the team is creating brain-penetrant drugs to overcome the blood-brain barrier and improve survival when combined with radiotherapy. With clinical trials targeted within five years, the research offers new hope for patients and families facing DIPG and glioblastoma, cancers that currently have no effective treatment.
01 October 2025
WHY A HAPPY LIFE DRIVES WORKER SATISFACTION
AN international study of 160,000 people reveals life satisfaction is the strongest driver of job satisfaction, not the reverse. Published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, it shows happier individuals are 32% more likely to experience increased work satisfaction over time. Researchers stress that workplace wellbeing must focus on holistic strategies - flexible work, mental health support, personal growth, and valuing life outside work - if employers want engaged, fulfilled staff. The study urges a people-first approach for lasting workplace satisfaction.
01 October 2025
ACCESS FOR MOBILE RELATED DISABILITY
MORE than two million Australians with mobility-related disabilities can now access over 1,000 safe and secure public toilets and Changing Places facilities with the Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK). Developed 30 years ago, the MLAK offers lifelong, subsidisable access through the NDIS. Advocates highlight its importance for independence, safety, and inclusion, while councils are urged to expand installations. The MLAK also works at Liberty Swings and other facilities, ensuring dignity and reliable access for those who need it most.
01 October 2025
ADMITTING TO DRIVING WHILE DISTRACTED
NEW AAMI research reveals nine in 10 Australians admit to driving distracted, with 38% involved in an accident or near miss. Key distractions include smartphones (25%), adjusting music or GPS (60%), people-watching (40%), crash scenes (40%), and eating (65%). Over a third cite cognitive distractions, while a quarter won’t change until facing direct consequences. To improve road safety, AAMI has launched the AAMI Driving Test (ADT), helping drivers assess and strengthen their skills.
