The rising cost of fuel has failed to deter thousands of music-loving campers hitting the road to travel to outback NSW for the Mundi Mundi Bash.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has defended a cut to private health insurance rebates for over-65s as he faces a revolt among states opposed to the change.

One regional patient had to spend more than $20,000 on prostate cancer surgery, as a new health plan aims to address the higher mortality rate in rural areas.

The number of dwellings granted approval has hit a five-year high, but national housing levels still lag behind federal targets.

'Cynical' local councils are being taken to task as NSW demands a long-term feasible plan for housing development in its capital city.

Australia faces around $2.6 billion in avoidable costs as tens of thousands unknowingly live with hepatitis C despite a cure being available.