Editors Picks
08 September 2025
OVERDUE SURGERIES HAVE BEEN CUT
NSW has cut overdue surgeries by more than 6,000 since March and nearly 12,000 since March 2023, thanks to $186M in funding and a further $23M announced in the 2025-26 Budget. By June, overdue surgeries dropped to around 2,500, down from 8,500 in March. NSW now leads Australia with 85.3% of patients admitted within recommended timeframes. Same-day surgeries and governance reforms are improving access, sustainability, and patient experiences across the public health system.
08 September 2025
TEACHERS ARE FEELING THE PRESSURE
UNSW Sydney research reveals 90% of Australian teachers suffer severe stress, and nearly 70% say their workload is unmanageable. Surveying 5,000 teachers, the study found depression, anxiety and stress rates three times the national norm, driven by excessive administrative tasks. Poor mental health strongly links to intentions to leave, worsening teacher shortages. Researchers urge urgent reforms to cut non-essential workload, improve wellbeing monitoring, and invest in mental health support to retain educators and protect student outcomes.
08 September 2025
FEEDBACK ON YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
AIHW data reveals 13,300 unaccompanied children aged 12–17 sought homelessness services in 2023–24, with 77% remaining homeless after support. Most are fleeing violence, abandonment or neglect, and 63% are girls. Disturbingly, 520 children known to services died over the past decade, with suicide the leading cause. Advocates say services lack resources and child-specific housing, urging urgent national action to protect vulnerable children from homelessness, trauma and preventable deaths.
08 September 2025
GROWING TREND IN FUNERAL SERVICES
NEW research shows 63% of Australians are surprised funeral services remain unregulated, prompting the Australian Funeral Directors Association to rebrand as Funerals Australia and call for uniform standards. Australians prioritise ethics (88%), professional training (85%) and regulation (73%), but confidence in organising funerals is low (31%). Modern funerals are shifting from religious traditions to personalised celebrations, with trends including green burials, VR memorials and living funerals. The rebrand marks AFDA’s 90th year, reflecting evolving values and expectations
08 September 2025
SPECIAL PARAMEDICS FINISH THEIR TRAINING
THIRTY-one doctors in training and four trainee critical care paramedics have completed intensive training at NSW’s Aeromedical Crewing Excellence Centre. The program prepares teams for high-stakes missions, including helicopter rescues, water recovery, and complex trauma care. NSW Ambulance aeromedical teams, supported by 71 consultants and 38 registrars, respond to over 10,000 incidents annually. The training ensures world-class care across NSW, with many trainees seeking permanent positions in these highly specialised and life-saving roles.
08 September 2025
WHY MANY ARE CUTTING BACK ON TRAVEL
AUSTRALIANS are rethinking travel. An Insure&Go survey of 1,009 people found 66% will cut back or seek cheaper options, with 47% locking in airfare sales, 30% chasing bundled deals and 20% booking last-minute. While two-thirds prioritise price, many also value flexibility and inclusions like meals or tours. Domestic costs are rising too, with airfares up 13.7% and accommodation 5.3%. Insure&Go advises travellers not to compromise on insurance despite tighter budgets.
08 September 2025
STOPPING THE RESIDENTIAL ABUSE
THE Australian Resident Accommodation Managers Association (ARAMA) has launched a campaign to address rising abuse within residential complexes. CEO Trevor Rawnsley said incidents of intimidation, verbal tirades, and even physical assaults are escalating in strata communities, affecting residents, committees, and managers. The campaign aims to create psychologically safe communities through education, policies, and a statement of intent promoting respect at meetings. Many managers support the initiative, noting abuse comes from a minority but change is overdue.
