The Greens are calling on the Federal Government to support personal importation of an HIV 'wonder drug' that has just been denied listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, to protect those who are most at risk.

"We simply cannot leave Australians at unnecessary risk, when this drug gives us the chance to end HIV transmission in Australia," said Greens Leader Dr Richard Di Natale, a former public health specialist who has worked on HIV prevention in India.

Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale has announced a new tax on sugary sweetened beverages to help tackle Australia's obesity epidemic.

"We have a major health crisis on our hands with over a quarter of Australian adults and children overweight or obese," said Senator Di Natale who was a general practitioner and public health specialist before he entered politics.

30% of the added sugar kids consume comes from sweetened drinks, contributing to weight gain and a risk of diabetes, in particular for kids.

“Conversations about dying can be difficult, but it’s something we will all have to face. Good palliative care can ensure we receive the care we want. The Greens will work to improve the palliative care system, so that individuals, carers and their families have the right support.

In light of the AMA's latest public hospital report card, the Greens are calling on the Turnbull Government to undo Tony Abbott's damage to our healthcare system, and not by lifting the GST.

"Tony Abbott's first budget ripped $50 billion dollars from hospitals over a decade and restarted the blame game between the federal and state governments. It was a ruse to pressure the states into supporting a higher GST," said Greens Leader Dr Richard Di Natale.

The Australian Greens have welcomed a report in The Lancet medical journal, which highlights the huge opportunity to improve public health through action on global warming.

"Cutting pollution won't just maintain the status quo - it will make our entire population more healthy, which means more productive and more prosperous," said Greens Leader Dr Richard Di Natale.

"People get overwhelmed by the climate change doomsday scenarios, but we need pay more attention to all the ways we can make life better if we do cut pollution.

Australian Greens Leader and Victorian Senator Richard Di Natale has congratulated the community groups that have been campaigning to shut down the Anglesea coal mine and power station, on their big win today.

“The closure of this polluting operation is a big win for the local community and for the safe climate we all rely on,” said Senator Di Natale.

Australian Greens health spokesperson and former GP, Dr Richard Di Natale, said that the government’s objective is still to make patients pay more to see a doctor.

OVERVIEW OF ABBOTT GOVERNMENT’S HEALTH CHARGE CHANGES

1.      

$20 cut for consultations under 10 minutes