Sugar tax will cut jobs, not kilos
23 NOVEMBER 2016: A TAX on sugar will cut jobs but it won't obesity - and it will hurt people on low incomes the most. The Nanny State today launched a report from left-wing think tank, the Grattan Institute, called: Taxing Sugary Drinks: Recovering the Community Cost of Obesity.
Free shingles vaccine for over 70s
2 NOVEMBER 2016: Good news today that 70-year-old Australians can get the shingles vaccine for free. The vaccine will be free to eligible people, with a catch-up program available for adults aged 71 to 79 years.
NDIS rolling out in Mackay
31 OCTOBER 2016: The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will roll out to Mackay residents from tomorrow, improving the lives of more North Queenslanders with disability and generating hundreds of jobs in the region.
Week highlights suicide prevention
10 OCTOBER 2016: Mental Health week, which starts today, is an opportunity to highlight the important suicide prevention work undertaken by individuals and organisations in North Queensland.
Million dollar boost to aged care facility
It was a pleasure to represent the Prime Minister today at the opening of a new specialist care wing which will provide a million dollar boost to Townsville’s aged care facilities.The Good Shepherd Home at Annandale was successful in gaining further funding under the second round of the National Stronger Regions programme last year, and today we celebrated the opening of a new wing for the facility which features 90 new rooms with private ensuites, a premium accommodation floor, a high care accommodation floor and an entire level dedicated to the care of dementia patients.This project has been completed over two stages and features three levels, and it provides a premium care facility for Townsville’s aged community.
Three little words can save a life
8 SEPTEMBER 2016: R U OK? Sometimes it’s the simplest words that are the hardest to say, but today we are being encouraged to start a conversation with someone if we notice they are struggling to cope. Today is R U OK? Day, a day to take the first step, check in and reconnect with those around us - after all, we are stronger together.