Featured Articles

• Health alert after thieves steal 'toxic' poppy plants 23-02-2026

  Thieves have stolen hundreds of "toxic" poppy heads from a rural farm, prompting a public health alert over the potentially life-threatening products. Police are investigating after intruders looted about 1700 dried poppy plants from a f

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• Big trucks and buses drive a heavy healthcare burden 23-02-2026

  Pollution from heavy vehicles is costing Australia more than $6.2 billion a year in premature deaths and serious medical conditions such as childhood asthma and strokes. Researchers from the University of Melbourne issued the warning on Monday in

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• Australia's problem drinkers not who we think they are 22-02-2026

  Women are increasingly seeking support for alcohol dependence as health professionals, advocates and people with lived experience note the changing face of alcoholism.  The typical member of Alcoholics Anonymous in 2026 is female, university

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• Security review after deadly mental health escapes 20-02-2026

  Major changes are being demanded to better protect mental health patients and the community after two men fled psychiatric care before allegedly killing three people in separate incidents. NSW officials have promised a security review after confir

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• Playing Tetris can help tackle trauma memories: study 20-02-2026

  Playing Tetris could help reduce distressing memories of trauma, researchers have found. Health workers who played the classic computer game as part of their treatment experienced fewer flashbacks, according to a trial carried out by researchers i

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• 'Simple' tax solution dismissed as illegal tobacco cure 20-02-2026

  Australia's tobacco commissioner has faced scrutiny over claims that changes to the cigarette excise would not curb the illegal tobacco trade. Tensions have been rising over the excise as states and economists pressure the federal government t

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• William calls for more male mental health role models 19-02-2026

  The Prince of Wales has said there is a need for more "male role models" to talk about and normalise understanding of men's mental health. Prince William appeared on an episode of BBC Radio 1's Life Hacks and opened up about how

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• Insurer's 'failing' health system warning as costs soar 19-02-2026

  Australians continue to switch up their private health insurance cover as rising living costs bite ahead of one of the biggest government-approved premium increases in almost 10 years. At the same time, the nation's healthcare system remains u

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• Mass strike hangs over $1.5b hospital's grand opening 18-02-2026

  A statewide health workers strike is threatening to overshadow the grand opening of a $1.5 billion public hospital. The new Footscray Hospital in Melbourne's inner-west will open on Wednesday morning after it was announced in 2018 and original

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• Measles curb at risk amid vaccine fear, cost and travel 18-02-2026

  Australia's stellar reputation for eliminating measles more than a decade ago is far from being compromised but with stagnating rates of vaccination, experts warn vigilance is key. Victoria and NSW have most recently issued notices about an on

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