Australia in 2030: what is our path to health for all?

CHAPTER 1: HOW AUSTRALIA IMPROVED HEALTH EQUITY THROUGH ACTION ON THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: Do not think that the social determinants of health equity are old hat. In reality, Australia is very far away from addressing the societal level drivers of health inequity. There is little progressive policy that touches on the conditions of daily life that matter for health, and action to redress inequities in power, money and resources is almost non-existent.

Is it time to stop using desflurane?

Desflurane has a carbon equivalence 20 times greater than sevoflurane. This article discusses alternative anaesthetic techniques, including sevoflurane, xenon, total intravenous anaesthesia and regional techniques, and methods of reducing venting of gases, which might lower the environmental impact of anaesthesia.

From Extraction to Renewal: A Global Campaign for Healthy Energy.

A global movement is emerging in the health sector to engage in discourse and advocacy on the health impacts and health costs of energy choices--specifically the health harms of extractive, climate-disrupting energy sources such as coal and gas. Individuals and organizations in the health sector have begun to address climate and energy issues at multiple levels of engagement, including with others in the health sector, with pollution-affected communities, with policy makers, and with the media. We present recent examples of health sector advocacy and leadership on the health impacts of energy choices and opportunities for broadening and deepening the movement.

Worrying times for Medicare.

The Federal Government's recent proposed reforms to primary health care and bulk billing have been presented as a measure to strengthen Australia's public health system. While the Federal Government maintains the proposed package will produce a 'fairer' Medicare, many in the industry see the move as the beginning of the end of Australia's universal access to health, based on need rather than capacity to pay.

A busy year promoting nursing and health.

The recent federal election has been a central and consuming focus of the ANF and the professional team this year. Advocating for professional nursing and midwifery issues at a national level has involved collaboration with nursing colleagues, other health professionals and consumers.