Amplieo

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Channel • 2 Shows

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News

Updated Biweekly
News

News

Updated Biweekly

6d ago

Why specialist out-of-pockets dwarf the official data

A new federal inquiry into the affordability of specialist care opens with a data problem: reported average in-hospital out-of-pockets sit around $270, while patients in the breast cancer community routinely pay $30,000 to $50,000. Chapters (00:00) - Intro (02:18) - Cracks at the edges of our world-class system (05:51) - Gap shock: when the bill arrives after diagnosis (14:13) - The $270 versus $30,000 out-of-pocket data gap (22:11) - Why workforce shortages never quite get solved (27:34) - Diagnosis day and the case for a navigator role (31:50) - Why a regular GP is the missing piece of care (37:38) - Why your submission to the inquiry matters most -- Subscribe to Amplieo+ to unlock members-only content for theshow: https://amplieo.substack.com/s/health-matters -- Stay across Health Matters: Instagram - www.instagram.com/healthmattersaus YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthmattersaus Health Matters is an Amplieo Original podcast produced byAmplieo Media Group and presented by Catholic Health Australia. Learn more about Amplieo ➡️ https://www.amplieo.com

6d ago

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42 min
12/19/2025

What the Opposition’s Health Policy Agenda Means for Medicare and Care Reform

Health policy sits at the centre of Australia’s most pressing political and economic debates, spanning Medicare sustainability, bulk billing, aged care reform, and the future of the NDIS. As cost-of-living pressures intensify and scrutiny of government policy increases, the Opposition is positioning health as a defining issue for voters and the system alike. In this conversation, Dr Katharine Bassett is joined by Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Disability and the NDIS, to outline the Opposition’s approach to healthcare reform. The discussion explores policy priorities, system pressures, and how alternative frameworks could reshape access, affordability, and sustainability across care sectors. Topics covered - Medicare and bulk billing reform pressures - Aged care policy priorities and system capacity - Long-term sustainability of the NDIS - Health policy and cost-of-living pressures - Political accountability and policy alternatives 📥 JOIN Amplieo+ on Substack for early access to episodes, exclusive videos, and bonus content: https://amplieo.substack.com LEARN more about Amplieo: https://www.amplieo.com 📲 FOLLOW Amplieo on socials LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/amplieo Instagram: https://instagram.com/amplieo YouTube: https://youtube.com/@amplieo Get full access to Amplieo at amplieo.substack.com/subscribe

12/19/2025

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14 min
12/18/2025

Shaping the Future of Health for Older Australians | Patricia Sparrow

How do we build a system that meets their unique needs and ensures dignity, care, and inclusion as we age? In this episode of Health in Focus, Patricia Sparrow, CEO of COTA Australia, joins us to discuss how the organisation is driving change in aged care, health, and social inclusion. From gender-responsive care to aged care reform and election priorities, we explore what’s needed to shape a system that supports ageing with dignity. Get full access to Amplieo at amplieo.substack.com/subscribe

12/18/2025

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5 min
12/19/2025

Why Retirement Living Is Becoming a Core Health Policy Lever

Australia’s ageing population is forcing governments to rethink how health, housing, and ageing policy intersect. Retirement living is increasingly viewed not just as a lifestyle option, but as a preventative health lever that can support healthy ageing, reduce pressure on hospitals and aged care, and improve system efficiency. The challenge is whether policy settings recognise its role. In this conversation, Dr Katharine Bassett is joined by Shane Martin, Director at Nexus Public Affairs, to unpack what retirement living actually means in the Australian context. The discussion clarifies how retirement living differs from aged care, and why governments should consider it as part of a broader healthy ageing strategy. Topics covered - Retirement living versus aged care: key distinctions - Healthy ageing and preventative health outcomes - Reducing pressure on hospitals and residential aged care - Retirement living’s role in housing and planning policy - Why policy frameworks lag emerging ageing models SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: 🎧 Watch the Health in Focus podcast on Spotify STAY CONNECTED: 🤝 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/amplieo 📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@amplieo 📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/amplieo Get full access to Amplieo at amplieo.substack.com/subscribe

12/19/2025

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11 min
12/18/2025

Why Australia must treat health spending as an investment, not a cost

Australia’s health system delivers world-class care, yet its long-term sustainability is under strain from chronic disease, workforce shortages, and rising costs. Professor Steve Robson argues that without a decisive shift towards prevention and a whole-of-government approach to health, policy settings will continue to reward treatment over long-term wellbeing, undermining equity, productivity, and economic resilience. Chapters (00:00) - Intro(01:16) - Why prevention must become the system’s central priority(02:26) - Health as an economic investment, not a budgetary cost(04:36) - Funding models, incentives, and the limits of health portfolios(06:26) - Social determinants, silos, and whole-of-government reform(06:52) - What Australia can learn from international health systems(08:04) - The real role of AI and technology in healthcare delivery(12:08) - Election-year priorities and the politics of prevention 📥 JOIN Amplieo+ on Substack for early access to episodes, exclusive videos, and bonus content: https://amplieo.substack.com LEARN more about Amplieo: https://www.amplieo.com 📲 FOLLOW Amplieo on socialsLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/amplieoInstagram: https://instagram.com/amplieoYouTube: https://youtube.com/@amplieo Get full access to Amplieo at amplieo.substack.com/subscribe

12/18/2025

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13 min
12/18/2025

The Power of Medical Software in Healthcare

Behind the scenes, pathology services provide critical information that guides diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. But do we truly understand its role and importance? In this episode of Health in Focus, Liesel Wett OAM, CEO of Australian Pathology, joins us to explore the impact of pathology on patient care. We discuss the lessons learned from COVID-19, the challenges of bulk-billing, and the policy changes needed to strengthen this vital service. 📥 JOIN Amplieo+ on Substack for early access to episodes, exclusive videos, and bonus content: https://amplieo.substack.com LEARN more about Amplieo: https://www.amplieo.com 📲 FOLLOW Amplieo on socials LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/amplieo Instagram: https://instagram.com/amplieo YouTube: https://youtube.com/@amplieo Get full access to Amplieo at amplieo.substack.com/subscribe

12/18/2025

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8 min
12/18/2025

The Case for Preventive Health — Part 2 | Dr Mike Freelander MP

Prevention is better than cure — but why is it so difficult to prioritise prevention? While preventive healthcare can save lives and reduce long-term costs, governments often struggle to invest in strategies where results aren’t immediately visible. In this episode of Health in Focus, Dr Mike Freelander MP — Member for Macarthur, Chair of the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport, and paediatrician — discusses why preventive health matters. We explore key findings from the national diabetes inquiry, the need for equitable healthcare access, and policy changes that could transform Australia’s approach to prevention. 📥 JOIN Amplieo+ on Substack for early access to episodes, exclusive videos, and bonus content: https://amplieo.substack.com LEARN more about Amplieo: https://www.amplieo.com 📲 FOLLOW Amplieo on socials LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/amplieo Instagram: https://instagram.com/amplieo YouTube: https://youtube.com/@amplieo Get full access to Amplieo at amplieo.substack.com/subscribe

12/18/2025

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12 min
12/18/2025

Improving Access to Palliative Care

Palliative Care Australia CEO Camilla Rowland joins Katharine to discuss why quality end-of-life care is so often overlooked and under-prioritised in our health system. They explore the policy reforms needed to improve access, the common misconceptions about palliative care, and the emotional toll on patients, families, and carers alike. 📥 JOIN Amplieo+ on Substack for early access to episodes, exclusive videos, and bonus content: https://amplieo.substack.com LEARN more about Amplieo: https://www.amplieo.com 📲 FOLLOW Amplieo on socials LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/amplieo Instagram: https://instagram.com/amplieo YouTube: https://youtube.com/@amplieo Get full access to Amplieo at amplieo.substack.com/subscribe

12/18/2025

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10 min
12/18/2025

The Vital Role of Pathology in Healthcare

Pathology is one of the most essential yet often overlooked components of our healthcare system. Behind the scenes, pathology services provide critical information that guides diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. But do we truly understand its role and importance? In this episode of Health in Focus, Liesel Wett OAM, CEO of Australian Pathology, joins us to explore the impact of pathology on patient care. We discuss the lessons learned from COVID-19, the challenges of bulk-billing, and the policy changes needed to strengthen this vital service. 📥 JOIN Amplieo+ on Substack for early access to episodes, exclusive videos, and bonus content: https://amplieo.substack.com LEARN more about Amplieo: https://www.amplieo.com 📲 FOLLOW Amplieo on socials LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/amplieo Instagram: https://instagram.com/amplieo YouTube: https://youtube.com/@amplieo Get full access to Amplieo at amplieo.substack.com/subscribe

12/18/2025

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11 min
12/18/2025

Modernising Medicare to Sustain General Practice

General practitioners are the backbone of Australia’s healthcare system, yet the pressures they face are greater than ever. With Medicare remaining largely unchanged for decades and the demands on general practitioners increasing, how can we ensure the future of primary care remains strong? In this episode of Health in Focus, Dr Kerrie Aust, general practitioner and President of the Australian Medical Association ACT, joins us to discuss the urgent reforms needed to modernise Medicare, the evolving role of general practitioners, and the critical importance of mental health training in primary care. 📥 JOIN Amplieo+ on Substack for early access to episodes, exclusive videos, and bonus content: https://amplieo.substack.com LEARN more about Amplieo: https://www.amplieo.com 📲 FOLLOW Amplieo on socials LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/amplieo Instagram: https://instagram.com/amplieo YouTube: https://youtube.com/@amplieo Get full access to Amplieo at amplieo.substack.com/subscribe

12/18/2025

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9 min

Amplieo is home to the conversations moving people and policy. We’re the place to say what you think, and explain why. Discover original podcasts, analysis, and evidence-led insights from industry leaders, policymakers, and advocates shaping reform across health, public policy, and the systems that underpin everyday life.

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Amplieo

Top Shows

Why specialist out-of-pockets dwarf the official data

What the Opposition’s Health Policy Agenda Means for Medicare and Care Reform

Shaping the Future of Health for Older Australians | Patricia Sparrow

Why Retirement Living Is Becoming a Core Health Policy Lever

Why Australia must treat health spending as an investment, not a cost

The Power of Medical Software in Healthcare

The Case for Preventive Health — Part 2 | Dr Mike Freelander MP

Improving Access to Palliative Care

The Vital Role of Pathology in Healthcare

Modernising Medicare to Sustain General Practice

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