Australia’s Labor party has promised a free medical advice line and expanded Medicare funding as cost-of-living pressures dominate the election campaign.
Australia’s Labor government has pledged to strengthen the country’s universal healthcare system with a free medical advice line and telehealth service if it wins the May 3 general election, where cost-of-living pressures are a key issue.
Centre-left Labor traditionally champions the protection of Australia’s Medicare system, setting itself apart from the conservative Liberal-National opposition, which emphasizes economic management and border protection.
The government has made Medicare a core election issue, pledging an extra $5.43 billion for the program in February amid concerns about declining bulk billing — a system where doctors bill Medicare directly, leaving patients with no out-of-pocket costs.
Health Minister Mark Butler said the new hotline would provide 24-hour access to medical staff for urgent care needs. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to formally announce the policy on Sunday in Sydney, a critical election battleground.
Peter Dutton, leader of the Liberal-National coalition and Albanese’s main rival, has pledged $5.76 billion in Medicare funding if his coalition wins on May 3.
Early voting began Tuesday, with polls showing Labor holding a narrow lead. The campaign has been dominated by cost-of-living promises and competing plans to boost housing affordability.
Australia’s top political leaders doubled down on plans to ban social media access for children under 16, showing rare unity on the issue ahead of the May 3 election even as pressure from tech giants is expected to mount.
Early voting has begun in Australia ahead of the May 3 federal election, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s center-left Labor Party maintaining a narrow lead over the conservative opposition coalition led by Peter Dutton.
Rough seas have killed five and left two missing along Australia’s southeastern coast.
Indonesia has assured Australia that no Russian military aircraft will be stationed at an airbase in its Papua province, dismissing recent reports as false, according to Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles.
As Australia heads toward a tight 3 May election, housing dominates the debate, with both major parties unveiling bold plans to help first-time buyers amid a growing affordability crisis and rising living costs.
Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally, announced he would run for president in 2027 if Marine Le Pen is barred due to a recent conviction. While Le Pen plans to appeal, Bardella, loyal to her, confirmed his readiness to lead if needed.
Japan and the U.S. are facing tough trade talks as Tokyo resists quick concessions under tariff pressure from President Trump, preferring a balanced deal over a rushed agreement ahead of elections and amid broader tensions with China.
A deadly explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port has left at least 25 dead and 800 injured, halting operations at one of the country’s most vital trade hubs.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 27th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A driver has been arrested after ramming into a crowd at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, leaving several people dead and injured.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
A deadly attack targeting tourists in India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory has left at least 20 feared dead, marking the deadliest incident against civilians in the region for years, according to security sources.
After weeks of no new infections, Uganda has officially brought its latest battle against the deadly ebola virus to a close, authorities announced on Saturday.
Afghanistan is facing a sharp increase in measles and other diseases, with over 12,500 new measles cases reported in March alone, as its strained health system struggles to respond amid declining international aid.
A highly accurate blood test that uses artificial intelligence to detect multiple cancers from just a few drops of blood is now entering clinical trials across the UK’s National Health Service.
Bulgaria has seen a sharp rise in diseases transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes, including Lyme disease and West Nile fever, with health authorities warning of an urgent need for stricter pest control measures.
Israeli and British scientists have developed a breakthrough blood test capable of detecting Parkinson’s disease in its earliest stages—before symptoms even begin—potentially revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment.
Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally, announced he would run for president in 2027 if Marine Le Pen is barred due to a recent conviction. While Le Pen plans to appeal, Bardella, loyal to her, confirmed his readiness to lead if needed.
Japan and the U.S. are facing tough trade talks as Tokyo resists quick concessions under tariff pressure from President Trump, preferring a balanced deal over a rushed agreement ahead of elections and amid broader tensions with China.
A deadly explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port has left at least 25 dead and 800 injured, halting operations at one of the country’s most vital trade hubs.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 27th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A driver has been arrested after ramming into a crowd at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, leaving several people dead and injured.
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