Thursday, 13 August 2026
PBS access update for GLP-1s, RACGP calls for climate action, Low bird flu threat confirmed
- 01
Health Minister updates on PBS access for GLP-1 medications
Australia’s Health Minister provided an update on negotiations for PBS listing of GLP-1 medications, crucial for obesity management. The government is working with manufacturers to establish a price, which remains the main barrier to access. Currently, around half a million Australians use GLP-1 RAs, with many facing significant out-of-pocket costs. Minister Butler emphasised the importance of making these medications available to all Australians, particularly those in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
via RACGP newsGP
- 02
RACGP urges immediate government action on climate change
The RACGP has released an updated position statement calling for stronger environmental action to mitigate health risks associated with climate change. The statement highlights the interconnected issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, which threaten both environmental and human health. It notes the increasing prevalence of mental health issues linked to climate change and the impact of air pollution, which is responsible for over 3200 deaths annually in Australia. The RACGP urges governments to prioritise climate change in political agendas and aims for a net zero healthcare system by 2040.
via RACGP newsGP
- 03
CSIRO assesses bird flu threat to humans as very low
Experts from the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) have stated that the threat of H5N1 bird flu spreading to humans remains ‘very low’, following a recent mass bird mortality event in Australia. The Federal Government is vaccinating native birds in captivity, including around 5000 little penguins in Victoria, to prevent further mortalities. ACDP Director Dr Debbie Eagles noted that guidance for GPs will primarily come from epidemiological information regarding flu-like symptoms in individuals exposed to sick wild birds. Dr Frank Wong confirmed there have been no recorded human cases related to this outbreak, emphasising the low risk of transmission between birds and humans.
via RACGP newsGP
- 04
Roundtable identifies systemic failures in addressing congenital syphilis
A roundtable of health leaders has highlighted recurrent shortages of benzathine benzylpenicillin-G, the only recommended treatment for syphilis in pregnancy, as a major barrier to addressing Australia’s growing congenital syphilis outbreak. The meeting proposed over 25 short-term actions for the federal government’s 2026 response plan, focusing on governance, antenatal care, and workforce capacity. The report noted that syphilis cases have more than doubled over the past decade, with 91 congenital cases reported between 2020 and 2025, resulting in 33 infant deaths. Key barriers to care include geographic remoteness and systemic issues, necessitating a collective approach to improve antenatal care models, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.
- 05
ADHA mandates interoperability standards for My Health Record
The Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) will mandate national interoperability standards for software connecting to My Health Record using Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR). This initiative includes retiring legacy technologies and implementing AU Core and AU CDI standards, which define essential clinical information exchange. The ADHA plans a staged transition, with final FHIR conformance profiles expected by mid-2027 and the complete retirement of existing Clinical Document Architecture connections by the end of 2029. The reforms aim to enhance data sharing and address concerns over clinical safety, privacy, and cybersecurity.
- 06
Medical Board increases registration fee to $1102 for 2026
The Medical Board of Australia has raised the annual registration fee to $1102 for 2026, marking a $44 increase from the previous year. This fee represents a 4.2% rise from 2025's fee of $1058, exceeding both the Consumer Price Index and this year's Medicare indexation rate. GPs must renew their general, specialist, or non-practising registration by 30 September. The Board noted that registration fees support its regulatory work and reflect the complexities of the medical profession.
via RACGP newsGP
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.