Report finds excessive medical fees prohibit patients accessing specialist care
Published 16 June 2025, 8:21 am
Cost barriers are preventing millions of Australians from receiving specialist care. That is based on a Grattan institute report shining a light-on the extreme fees being charged. While the public system provides the majority of care in some specialties, it accounts for only a fraction in others.
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ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
Queensland hospital given permission by Supreme Court to perform abortion on 12yo girl
A Queensland court has granted permission for a pregnant 12-year-old girl to have a surgical abortion. An unnamed hospital applied to the Supreme Court for orders after being asked to perform a surgical termination for the child, referred to as "E", who was about nine weeks pregnant. In a decision from mid-June, published online on Wednesday, Justice Catherine Muir said the girl wanted to terminate her pregnancy, and her mother was supportive, but under the law, "a parent cannot consent to the termination on behalf" of her. "The hospital seeks orders from the court in its parens patriae jurisdiction to authorise the termination," Justice Muir said. "These orders were sought because hospital staff are concerned the girl lacks capacity to consent to the termination herself. Justice Muir said the pregnancy was "a result of consensual intercourse between E and her 13-year-old boyfriend, who is aware of the pregnancy, and of the desire for the termination". The girl was starting to experience the symptoms of pregnancy and "missing out on school," the judgement said. "She wants to obtain the termination before she begins to show signs of pregnancy, so that her father and her sister are not alerted to her pregnancy," she said. Justice Muir said the "real question" for the court was whether E had reached a "sufficient understanding and intelligence to enable her to understand fully what is proposed". She said the girl gave evidence to the court and "did very well in answering questions". "Although court was closed and these proceedings, ultimately, will be suppressed, it is a daunting thing for adults to come to court and give evidence, let alone for a child to do so. I am satisfied that E did this bravely," Justice Muir said. She noted the girl was able to explain to her what she understood she was doing by choosing to terminate the baby, and also that there were risks with this procedure, including bleeding, risks for future pregnancy, cramping and infection. She said the hospital had "excellent" facilities and support systems in place to support young people such as E. A psychologist assessed E and was satisfied that she was clear that she wanted a termination and that she knew that having a baby would impact her life. An obstetrician and gynaecologist also met with E on two occasions and considered she had a "rudimentary view" of what it meant to terminate a pregnancy "consistent with that of a 12-year-old," the judgement said. The court also heard from a midwife, who gave evidence that the girl required assistance to understand some of the questions put to her about the termination, and believed she did not demonstrate sufficient insight into the operation's risks and benefits. "But this evidence needs to be seen, now, in light of the evidence that E gave before me, where she clearly articulated the risks associated with the surgical intervention," Justice Muir said. The judgement also said that the girl's mother believed her daughter shows "maturity beyond her years" and that she is very aware of her body and how it functions. Justice Muir said the application seemed to "distil down to the concern of the hospital staff about E's understanding of the risks associated with this surgery". "That, I accept, is an understandable concern," Justice Muir said. "But having heard from E in court, I am satisfied that she does sufficiently understand not only what is proposed, that is the surgical termination, but also the risks of having that termination." She said she was satisfied that the child in this case was "competent". "That is, she is competent to consent to undergo the termination of her pregnancy, and she may give valid and lawful consent for such treatment," she said. "I am prepared to make a declaration in those terms". Queensland decriminalised abortion in 2018.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Online clinic to help people battling eating disorders
Lucinda Price faced long wait times when she tried to get urgent help for her eating disorder. The author and comedian had been battling with anorexia, bulimia and a binge-eating disorder for four years, which began to emerge in early adulthood. After feeling disheartened by the difficulty in seeking support, she was eventually recommended to take part in an online trial. The program offered a flexible, self-paced treatment for binge eating and related issues. Ms Price became one of the first participants and never looked back. "It was a stepping stone for me in experiencing full recovery," she told AAP. The 30-year-old, known online as "Froomes", is an ambassador for a world-first, free eClinic that is opening the door for Australians to access life-saving eating disorder treatment. Launched on Thursday, InsideOut Institute's eClinic offers evidence-based, self-paced programs for Australians living with eating disorders, as well as their carers and healthcare professionals. Ms Price said the clinic was a major step forward in the field. "It's huge," she said. "Getting treatment for any kind of medical issue is expensive, especially with the cost of living crisis, people are choosing not to seek treatment for things that they don't think are severe enough. "The more access Australians have to treatment, the better." More than 1.1 million Australians have an eating disorder, according to a 2023/24 report by the Butterfly Foundation. InsideOut Institute director and clinical psychologist Sarah Maguire said the eClinic was designed by clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience to break down barriers to accessing high-quality, flexible care. "The eClinic acts as a front door to the health system, delivering free, evidence-based treatment at scale," Professor Maguire said. "It makes expert support accessible to everyone, especially those living in rural and under-served communities." People experiencing eating difficulties, shape, weight, or body image concerns, or those who are diagnosed with symptoms of an eating disorder or disordered eating, can access the eClinic without a referral. The platform features self-help programs that include psycho-education, interactive activities and skill-building exercises. Online tools are also available to help people monitor their food intake, thoughts, and behaviours, while practising evidence-based strategies for recovery. Lifeline 13 11 14 Butterfly Foundation 1800 334 673 Lucinda Price faced long wait times when she tried to get urgent help for her eating disorder. The author and comedian had been battling with anorexia, bulimia and a binge-eating disorder for four years, which began to emerge in early adulthood. After feeling disheartened by the difficulty in seeking support, she was eventually recommended to take part in an online trial. The program offered a flexible, self-paced treatment for binge eating and related issues. Ms Price became one of the first participants and never looked back. "It was a stepping stone for me in experiencing full recovery," she told AAP. The 30-year-old, known online as "Froomes", is an ambassador for a world-first, free eClinic that is opening the door for Australians to access life-saving eating disorder treatment. Launched on Thursday, InsideOut Institute's eClinic offers evidence-based, self-paced programs for Australians living with eating disorders, as well as their carers and healthcare professionals. Ms Price said the clinic was a major step forward in the field. "It's huge," she said. "Getting treatment for any kind of medical issue is expensive, especially with the cost of living crisis, people are choosing not to seek treatment for things that they don't think are severe enough. "The more access Australians have to treatment, the better." More than 1.1 million Australians have an eating disorder, according to a 2023/24 report by the Butterfly Foundation. InsideOut Institute director and clinical psychologist Sarah Maguire said the eClinic was designed by clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience to break down barriers to accessing high-quality, flexible care. "The eClinic acts as a front door to the health system, delivering free, evidence-based treatment at scale," Professor Maguire said. "It makes expert support accessible to everyone, especially those living in rural and under-served communities." People experiencing eating difficulties, shape, weight, or body image concerns, or those who are diagnosed with symptoms of an eating disorder or disordered eating, can access the eClinic without a referral. The platform features self-help programs that include psycho-education, interactive activities and skill-building exercises. Online tools are also available to help people monitor their food intake, thoughts, and behaviours, while practising evidence-based strategies for recovery. Lifeline 13 11 14 Butterfly Foundation 1800 334 673 Lucinda Price faced long wait times when she tried to get urgent help for her eating disorder. The author and comedian had been battling with anorexia, bulimia and a binge-eating disorder for four years, which began to emerge in early adulthood. After feeling disheartened by the difficulty in seeking support, she was eventually recommended to take part in an online trial. The program offered a flexible, self-paced treatment for binge eating and related issues. Ms Price became one of the first participants and never looked back. "It was a stepping stone for me in experiencing full recovery," she told AAP. The 30-year-old, known online as "Froomes", is an ambassador for a world-first, free eClinic that is opening the door for Australians to access life-saving eating disorder treatment. Launched on Thursday, InsideOut Institute's eClinic offers evidence-based, self-paced programs for Australians living with eating disorders, as well as their carers and healthcare professionals. Ms Price said the clinic was a major step forward in the field. "It's huge," she said. "Getting treatment for any kind of medical issue is expensive, especially with the cost of living crisis, people are choosing not to seek treatment for things that they don't think are severe enough. "The more access Australians have to treatment, the better." More than 1.1 million Australians have an eating disorder, according to a 2023/24 report by the Butterfly Foundation. InsideOut Institute director and clinical psychologist Sarah Maguire said the eClinic was designed by clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience to break down barriers to accessing high-quality, flexible care. "The eClinic acts as a front door to the health system, delivering free, evidence-based treatment at scale," Professor Maguire said. "It makes expert support accessible to everyone, especially those living in rural and under-served communities." People experiencing eating difficulties, shape, weight, or body image concerns, or those who are diagnosed with symptoms of an eating disorder or disordered eating, can access the eClinic without a referral. The platform features self-help programs that include psycho-education, interactive activities and skill-building exercises. Online tools are also available to help people monitor their food intake, thoughts, and behaviours, while practising evidence-based strategies for recovery. Lifeline 13 11 14 Butterfly Foundation 1800 334 673 Lucinda Price faced long wait times when she tried to get urgent help for her eating disorder. The author and comedian had been battling with anorexia, bulimia and a binge-eating disorder for four years, which began to emerge in early adulthood. After feeling disheartened by the difficulty in seeking support, she was eventually recommended to take part in an online trial. The program offered a flexible, self-paced treatment for binge eating and related issues. Ms Price became one of the first participants and never looked back. "It was a stepping stone for me in experiencing full recovery," she told AAP. The 30-year-old, known online as "Froomes", is an ambassador for a world-first, free eClinic that is opening the door for Australians to access life-saving eating disorder treatment. Launched on Thursday, InsideOut Institute's eClinic offers evidence-based, self-paced programs for Australians living with eating disorders, as well as their carers and healthcare professionals. Ms Price said the clinic was a major step forward in the field. "It's huge," she said. "Getting treatment for any kind of medical issue is expensive, especially with the cost of living crisis, people are choosing not to seek treatment for things that they don't think are severe enough. "The more access Australians have to treatment, the better." More than 1.1 million Australians have an eating disorder, according to a 2023/24 report by the Butterfly Foundation. InsideOut Institute director and clinical psychologist Sarah Maguire said the eClinic was designed by clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience to break down barriers to accessing high-quality, flexible care. "The eClinic acts as a front door to the health system, delivering free, evidence-based treatment at scale," Professor Maguire said. "It makes expert support accessible to everyone, especially those living in rural and under-served communities." People experiencing eating difficulties, shape, weight, or body image concerns, or those who are diagnosed with symptoms of an eating disorder or disordered eating, can access the eClinic without a referral. The platform features self-help programs that include psycho-education, interactive activities and skill-building exercises. Online tools are also available to help people monitor their food intake, thoughts, and behaviours, while practising evidence-based strategies for recovery. Lifeline 13 11 14 Butterfly Foundation 1800 334 673
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘A sign of trust, not weakness': One thing you need to talk to your partner about today
It's one of the most important relationships — if not the most important — we have in our lives. But one major barrier is holding Australians back from having an equally important conversation with their partner — and it could to be their detriment. Though almost one in two (49 per cent) people speak to their loved one about their mental health at least once a week — and one in five (19 per cent) do so every day, research by News Corp's Growth Distillery with Medibank found that one in three Australians across all generations don't talk about it at all, out of fear of becoming a burden to their significant other. A further one in four said they were afraid of being misunderstood, dismissed or perceived as weak. Georgia Grace is a certified sex and relationship practitioner, somatic therapist and author based in Sydney. 'We need to get better at treating mental health disclosures as a sign of trust, not weakness,' she said. 'If you want intimacy — emotional, sexual, or otherwise — you have to make space for the imperfect stuff. That's where real connection happens.' Australia is in the grips of a mental health crisis, and people are struggling to know who to turn to, especially our younger generations. Can We Talk? is a News Corp awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank, equipping Aussies with the skills needed to have the most important conversation of their life. Fear of being a burden or misunderstood aren't the only barriers holding Australians back from confiding in their partner about their mental health, Grace said. Another key driver is fear of losing the relationship itself, 'especially if in the past they have tried to ask for help or express they weren't OK and they were ignored or punished'. Indeed, one in four respondents shared that they were afraid of negative repercussions. 'Shame may also be getting in the way — a lot of people still carry the belief that struggling mentally makes them weak, broken or unlovable,' she said. 'So instead of opening up, they hide it, and that can become its own kind of pain. It might also be the fact that they don't know how to talk about their emotions, or they don't have the language to express what they're feeling. Many of us haven't been given the tools, so it can feel easier to let it go unsaid.' 'Hiding often does the most damage' Linda Williams is a senior psychologist and clinical lead at digital youth mental organisation ReachOut. Given your partner 'is one of the closest people to you, in most cases, they'll be able to tell something is wrong', she said. Of Australians' relationships, an overwhelming 81 per cent of respondents said that the one had the most trust in is the one they share with their partner, followed by close friends (75 per cent), parents (73 per cent) and children (71 per cent). 'It can be hard watching someone you love struggle, and not knowing why or how you can help,' Ms Williams said. 'If you don't open up about your experiences, you risk misunderstandings. They might feel like you don't trust them, which can put strain on your relationship.' Grace agreed. 'Hiding often does the most damage. When you're not talking about what's going on, the relationship starts running on assumptions, silence, and second-guessing,' she said. 'Your partner might start thinking you're pulling away, not interested, or emotionally unavailable when really, you're just trying to survive. That disconnect can create tension, resentment, or emotional shutdown. Believing that you always have to be 'the strong one' and that no one ever helps you can become a self-fulfilling prophecy,' Grace warned. 'If you never ask for help or never share what you're feeling … our partners aren't mind-readers.' 'You don't have to tell them everything at once' There is no 'right' time to disclose a mental health problem you might have with your partner — 'no perfect milestone or script'. But, Grace said, 'sooner is usually better, especially if it's starting to affect how you show up in the relationship'. 'It's probably best not to 'unload' on a first date. Being open about your mental health is important, however, be intentional with what you share, as it can feel really overwhelming for your date if they feel like they need to go into 'therapist mode',' she advised. When you do decide to broach the conversation, it can be helpful to 'think of a few key things you want to share'. 'But you don't need to over-rehearse — you're allowed to be clunky,' Grace said. 'You don't have to tell them everything at once. Start small: (you could say) 'I've been dealing with something lately that I want share with you',' she continued. 'Be clear on what you need from them — is it support, space, or just someone to listen? You also may not know just yet and that's OK, but it'll be important to reflect on this and give them information when you're ready. (And) expect that they might not respond perfectly. That's not a sign to shut down, as they also may not have the right tools. It's a starting point for deeper understanding.' Whether you've been together three months or 30 years, time and place is key to an effective chat. 'Choose a moment when you both have time and aren't distracted, not when you're both racing out the door on the way to work,' Grace said. 'In longer-term relationships, it's also important to discuss mental health before you feel like it's about to explode. If you trust the person and want something real with them, it's worth talking about.' 'You can't pour from an empty cup' As for what to do if you're the one being confided in, 'listen more than you speak', Grace said. 'Don't try to fix it, because you probably can't. Also, your partner isn't a problem that needs to be fixed — they are a person in the process of living,' she added. 'Don't minimise it. Don't jump into problem-solving mode unless they ask for it. Say something like, 'Thanks for telling me. I'm here, even if I don't have the perfect words.' 'And check in again later, not just once. That's how you show someone you're in it with them.' As the listener, Ms Williams noted that 'you might feel powerless to help, and that's OK'. 'But you can help them manage their day-to-day experiences, encourage them to get professional support and help them feel less alone,' she said. 'Looking after yourself is an important part of looking after someone else. You can't pour from an empty cup. Talking to someone you can trust can take some of the pressure off and help you navigate this tough time.'
