OriSinal

Monday Health Titbits & a New Ministry

Good Morning,

A step forward for mental health advocates with the appointment of Mark Butler as Minister for Mental Health & Ageing. Experts are pointing to New Zealand success, pinpointing the need for a detailed blue print in mental health reforms and targets.

Scheduled pro-euthanasia ads set to go on air in Brisbane last night was banned last minute by industry regulator Free TV Australia. Lobby group Exit International says the group would push for a different version of the ad, criticising the restriction as a violation of freedom of speech. NT Government is a huge state supporter of euthanasia - Greens leader Bob Brown promised NT politicians that he would push the new Labor minority govt to remove Commonwealth blockage on this issue

Psychologists are calling for the inclusion of Medicare rebate claim for "sick gamers" or computer addicts

Expectant mothers are paying $30 more each week with the new cap on Medicare payment imposed early January. Many women are claiming this move will inevitably force them to rely back on the public health system.

The tobacco industry is under fire over TV ads showing retailers being opposed to plain packaging of cigarettes!

And we end off with speculations of different sectors in QLD Health preparing to go on strikes over pays and better conditions, move over Nurses, the next wave is huge.


Changes in portfolio under the New Ministry:

Mark Butler - Minister for Mental Health & Ageing
Mark Arbib - Minister for Sports
Catherine King - Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing

posted by Celesimone @ 3:57 PM