This Newsletter covers Federal and State policy and legislative developments in the area of health. Copies of documents referred to can be obtained by clicking on the reference in this Newsletter or through Capital Monitor's collection at www.capitalmonitor.com.au or from the source quoted.

Major Announcements

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

1 July

COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report
The Department of Health reported that Vaccination against COVID-19 is the single most effective way to reduce severe illness and death from infection. Two COVID-19 vaccines are currently in use in Australia - the AstraZeneca vaccine and the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine. Like all medicines, the vaccines have side effects (also known as adverse events). The overwhelming majority of these are mild and resolve within a few days. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) closely monitors suspected side effects. Importantly, adverse events reported to the TGA are often not caused by the vaccine itself. Learn more about causality.
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National app maps COVID alerts across Australia
Researchers have developed a new contact tracing web app for COVID-19 that pulls together current contact tracing alert locations from across the country, and presents the information in an interactive mobile-friendly map. The experts say the project - led by The Australian National University (ANU) and The University of Queensland - aims to make pandemic data and information more easily accessible to the public. The web app is part of the COVID-19 Real-time Information System for Preparedness and Epidemic Response (CRISPER) project, funded by the APPRISE NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence.
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New funding to fast track Covid-19 treatments
CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, will spearhead a $1.7 million project to identify new treatments for COVID-19, including 'long-COVID'. Scientists will develop a faster, smarter way of rapidly screening existing drugs and advancing those that can be used to treat COVID-19 and aim to have identified thee suitable TGA- or FDA-approved drug candidates to progress to phase 2-3 human clinical trials within a year. Led by researchers at CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong, the project received $1 million in funding from the Australian Government's Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), with the remaining contributed by CSIRO.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health recorded 24 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, of which 17 are linked to previously confirmed cases. Four new overseas-acquired cases were recorded in the same period, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,665. There have been 195 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case of the Bondi cluster, a driver who transported international flight crew, was reported. Of these, 175 are now linked to the Bondi cluster. There were 59,941 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day's total of 68,220.
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NSW: Public health alert
NSW Health has been notified of a number of new venues of concern associated with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Following further investigations there is also updated health advice for a venue of concern in Bossley Park. Anyone who attended any of the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a casual contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received.
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NSW: Public health alert
NSW Health has been notified of a number of new venues of concern associated with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Following further investigations there is also updated health advice for a venue of concern in Bossley Park. Anyone who attended any of the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health.
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QLD: Public Health Alert - new exposure sites Brisbane
The Department of Health said that a public health alert is being issued for more contact tracing locations in North Lakes and Windsor. We are asking all Queenslanders to regularly monitor the list of exposure venues on the Queensland Health website and follow the public health advice. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms at any time, no matter how mild, you should immediately get tested for COVID-19. Anyone who has recently travelled to Queensland from interstate is urged to monitor the contact tracing list for new and updated exposure venues, now containing locations in South Australia.
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30 June

Urgent clarity needed on AstraZeneca eligibility changes
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) called on the federal Government to urgently clarify details concerning changes to AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and provide greater support for the nation's GPs. It comes following the announcement that patients aged under 60 can receive the vaccine as the Government looks to speed up the vaccine rollout amid a potential national outbreak. Whilst the news is welcome, RACGP President Dr Karen Price said that general practice needs notice when changes are made that impact on the ability of GPs to provide patients with up-to-date information.
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QLD: Declared Hotspots Direction
The Queensland Department of Health said that: 'I, Dr Jeannette Young, Chief Health Officer, reasonably believe it is necessary to publish the following list of COVID-19 hotspots pursuant to the powers under s362B of the Public Health Act 2005 to assist in containing, or to respond to, the spread of COVID-19 within the community. The direction applies from 1:00am AEST on 30 June 2021 until the end of the declared public health emergency, unless it is revoked or replaced. The 34 LGAs and 1 unincorporated area of New South Wales remain as COVID-19 hotspots. A full list of declared COVID-19 hotspots is provided.'
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QLD: Queenslanders at additional risk due to COVID-19 inaction - more vaccine access points needed
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch's Acting President, Chris Owen, has said that the Federal Government's failure to activate ALL Community Pharmacy locations already pre-approved through the Commonwealth's Expression of Interest (EOI) process as local COVID-19 vaccination hubs is putting Queenslanders at increased risk. 'More needs to be done to protect Queenslanders from the spread of COVID-19 and increase local vaccine access points. Over 800 more Community Pharmacies in Queensland are waiting to join the COVID-19 vaccine rollout to protect Queenslanders and stop these revolving lockdowns.'
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health recorded 22 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, all of which are linked to previously confirmed cases. Six new overseas-acquired cases were recorded in the same period, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,637. There have been 171 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case of the Bondi cluster, a driver who transported international flight crew, was reported. Of these, 160 are now linked to the Bondi cluster.
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COVID-19 update
WA Health has reported one locally acquired case in addition to three new cases of COVID-19, which are related to overseas travel overnight in WA. Case 1025 is a woman in her 50s; Case 1026 is a female in her teens and Case 1027 is a man in his 50s. All have arrived from overseas and are in hotel quarantine. Case 1028 is a man in his 30s who was previously exposed to Cases 1022 and 1023. He has been in quarantine since Sunday, 27 June and initially tested negative on that day. The man then returned a positive test.
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NSW: Public health alert - further venues and bus routes
NSW Health has been notified of a number of new venues (LISTED) of concern and bus routes associated with confirmed cases of COVID-19.
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SA: COVID-19 Update
SA Health said that there have been 11 new cases of COVID-19, with six reported from medi-hotels. There have been a total of 807 cases notified in South Australia. Five of the cases are linked to the Northern Territory's Tanami mine case. A man and woman in their 30s and three of their children have tested positive. All have been transferred to the dedicated COVID-19 medi-hotel. The remaining cases are international arrivals, and include a teenager, a woman in her 20s, two women in their 30s, a woman in her 40s, and a man in his 20s.
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NT: Public and Environmental Health Act 2011 - COVID-19 Directions (No. 22) 2021: Directions to close places, activities and services in Alice Springs
The Department of Health
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29 June

Emergency leave extension for aged care residents
The Government is extending emergency leave arrangements for people living permanently in residential aged care who want to temporarily relocate with family to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19. The 12-month extension means the emergency leave provisions are now in place until 30 June 2022. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the extension allows aged care residents to continue to take emergency leave during unpredictable COVID- 19 outbreaks, rather than using their limited social leave entitlements. 'We want to provide certainty and reassurance to residents who wish to temporarily relocate and stay with family at times when COVID-19 is a risk in their aged care residence,' Minister Colbeck said.
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AMA proposal for vaccine indemnity adopted by national cabinet
The introduction of a no-fault indemnity scheme for GPs and vaccine providers, proposed by the Australian Medical Association (AMA), was welcomed news and will give GPs more confidence providing vaccines, and peace of mind to patients, the AMA said. This and other decisions made by National Cabinet last night, including mandatory vaccination for quarantine and aged care health workers and a day-16 COVID test, will help to combat the threat of COVID-19. AMA president, Dr Omar Khorshid said the new indemnity scheme gives patients and doctors alike yet another reason to continue to support the COVID-19 vaccine roll out. 'Nearly all patients and doctors will never need to use the indemnity scheme, but having it in place will give peace of mind to patients and doctors alike,' Dr Khorshid said.
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ACT: Updated travel advice for WA, QLD and NT
With the situation evolving in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland, ACT Health will be updating and introducing new travel directions for these jurisdictions. These directions will align with the stay-at-home requirements being put in place in each of these jurisdictions. This is a stark reminder for all Canberrans to reconsider interstate travel at this time. All Canberrans should be avoiding any COVID-19 affected areas. If you must travel for essential reasons, you must abide by all public health directions in place in the jurisdiction you travel to and the ACT. This includes changing travel plans and adhering to public health instructions upon your return.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded 19 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, said NSW Health. Seventeen of these cases are linked to previously confirmed cases and the source of infection for two cases is under investigation. One new overseas-acquired case was recorded in the same period, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,609. There have been 149 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case of the Bondi cluster, a driver who transported international flight crew, was reported. Of these, 141 are now linked to the Bondi cluster.
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NSW: High time to vaccinate teachers and support staff
The recent spate of COVID-19 cases in schools across Sydney's eastern suburbs indicates yet again that teachers and support staff should be prioritised for vaccination. 'The IEU has been calling for teachers to be included in priority groups for vaccination since January this year,' said Acting Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews. The IEU represents teachers and support staff in the non-government education sector. 'Our position has stayed the same since January - it is not only in the interests of teachers and support staff to get vaccinated, but also the entire community.'
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NT: New Darwin Vaccination Centre to Open
The Northern Territory Minister for Health Natasha Fyles said that: ' The Territory Government's nation-leading vaccine rollout is taking another step forward with the Darwin COVID-19 Vaccination Centre (DCVC) to open next week. The DCVC will administer the Pfizer vaccine, and will operate out of the Italian Club at 131 Abala Road, Marrara from the week of July 5, with online bookings now open. The DCVC will be open extended hours and on the weekends, and it will vaccinate people based on Pfizer vaccine supply.'
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NT: COVID-19 Directions (No. 16) and (No. 20) 2021: Directions to lock down Darwin and surrounding areas of the Territory
The Department of Health
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28 June

National Cabinet Statement
The National Cabinet met to discuss Australia's COVID-19 response, recent outbreaks of COVID-19 and the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy. National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions for the health and economic consequences of COVID-19. Across Australia a number of new community outbreaks have appeared in Greater Sydney, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Darwin region and the Perth-Peel region. Concerningly a number of these outbreaks are linked to the delta variant which has significantly higher transmissibility. Health measures put in place by National Cabinet throughout the pandemic have been effective in bringing outbreaks under control and reducing the severity of the health impacts, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
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PM pushes mandatory vaccines to distract from failed vaccine rollout
The ACTU understands the Prime Minister will pressure state and territory leaders to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for aged care workers. This decision should be made by public health experts, based on the best scientific and medical advice and not by politicians seeking to distract from the ongoing cost of a failed vaccine rollout. Aged care workers want to get vaccinated but have faced broken promises, poor communication and significant financial obstacles to getting access to the vaccine. The Government should be focusing on getting more vaccines and providing in-workplace vaccinations to ensure that no worker has to give up shifts or pay to get the jab.
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ACT: Canberra Airport precinct COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic ready for take-off
The ACT Government's third COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic at the Canberra Airport precinct will open its doors, providing more Pfizer vaccinations to eligible Canberrans. The airport clinic at 30 Nomad Drive, Pialligo will initially operate seven days a week from 8am to 3.30pm, delivering around 1500 vaccinations. Appointments will increase to 3000 per week and opening hours will be extended as more supply becomes available and more Canberrans are due for their second dose. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said Capital Airport Group had generously offered Canberra Health Services use of the site as a vaccination clinic.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded 18 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19. Fifteen of these cases are linked to the Bondi cluster, two are close contacts of a previously reported unlinked case. Investigations are ongoing into the unlinked case, a possible Westfield Bondi Junction exposure, said NSW Health. Three new overseas-acquired cases and one interstate acquired case were recorded in the same period, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,589. There have been 130 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case of the Bondi cluster, a driver who transported international flight crew, was reported.
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QLD: Mask up to stop the spread
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has called on Queenslanders to once again mask up to stop the spread of COVID-19. The discovery of additional cases of community transfer in Queensland and the risk of the highly infectious Delta strain has prompted a return to increased restrictions including the use of masks. As of 1am:
- Masks are required whenever you leave home including on public transport, in taxis and rideshare, and in shopping centres and supermarkets, hospitals and aged care facilities, restaurants and cafes, churches and indoor workplaces (where social distancing isn't possible).
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QLD: Queenslanders urged to get tested, more vaccine hubs to open
Queenslanders are strongly encouraged to register their interest in getting vaccinated and come forward for testing if they experience any COVID-19 symptoms. Queensland Acting Minister for Health Stirling Hinchliffe said with the Delta variant circulating in Australia, it was vital to detect any positive cases in the community as quickly as possible. 'Please come forward for testing immediately if you've been to any of the potential exposure sites at the relevant times, or if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms,' Minister Hinchliffe said.
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VIC: Strong border enforcement to keep Victoria COVIDsafe
As the coronavirus outbreak in New South Wales continues to evolve, the Government is increasing its enforcement efforts along the NSW border to keep our state safe and protect Victorians' hard work stopping the spread of the virus. With border zones changing quickly across Australia, anyone travelling into Victoria must hold a valid Victorian Travel Permit to enter Victoria. Victorian residents entering from a red zone must apply for a Red Zone permit to return home, must isolate for 14 days and return a negative test, while interstate residents will be turned back at the border and sent home, said Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley.
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NT: COVID-19 Update
The Department of Health said that a number of new COVID-19 public exposure sites have been identified across Darwin as our health teams work to undertake contact tracing. People who have visited NT public exposure sites are defined as close contacts, causal contacts or low risk contacts and are required to follow a number of health directions including undertaking quarantine and getting tested. It is important that all people in the Northern Territory check the COVID-19 website and review the list of public exposure sites to make sure you are complying with the health directions.
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QLD: Travel Declaration Direction (No. 3)
The Department of Health
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QLD: Movement and Gathering Direction (No. 11)
The Department of Health
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QLD: Border Restrictions Direction (No. 26)
The Department of Health
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QLD: Restrictions for Impacted Areas Direction No. 5
The Department of Health
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QLD: Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 21)
The Department of Health
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27 June

QLD: COVID-19 cases identified in south-east
Queensland has recorded two new cases of COVID-19 in the community, with contact tracing and testing underway after two people tested positive. A Public Health Alert has been issued for parts of the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. We are asking all Queenslanders to regularly monitor the list of exposure venues on the Queensland Health website and follow the public health advice. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms at any time, no matter how mild, you should immediately get tested for COVID, said the Queensland Department of Health.
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26 June

NSW: COVID-19 restrictions extended in NSW
Following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant about the growing risk to the community, the stay-at-home orders will apply to all people in the Greater Sydney area including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong, said NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard. Everyone in Greater Sydney must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason. The reasons you may leave your home include:
- Shopping for food or other essential goods and services;
- Medical care or compassionate needs (people can leave home to have a COVID-19 vaccination unless you have been identified as a close contact).
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25 June

NDIS COVID-19 vaccine rollout update
More than 42 per cent of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants in residential settings have now received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Linda Reynolds said her priority as Minister for the NDIS is improved vaccine access for NDIS participants and those who support them. 'NDIS vaccination rates are continuing to rise as more dedicated vaccination hubs are established, and with all participants over 16 years now eligible,' Minister Reynolds said. 'Over the past month, we have seen an increase of more than 20 per cent in vaccinations for Phase 1a participants and a 10 per cent increase for all NDIS participants accessing the vaccine.'
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Notification of decision on application DIR 184 from Avance Clinical Pty Ltd for a clinical trial with a genetically modified human adenovirus COVID-19 vaccine
The Regulator has issued licence DIR 184 to Avance Clinical Pty Ltd, authorising a clinical trial with a genetically modified human adenovirus COVID-19 vaccine. The Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) and the licence were finalised taking into account input received during consultation with the public, State and Territory governments, Australian Government agencies, the Minister for the Environment, the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee and local councils. The Regulator thanks submitters for their contributions, said the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR).
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AMA calls for immediate lockdown of all Metropolitan Sydney to tackle new COVID strain
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has called on the New South Wales Government to immediately lockdown all of Metropolitan Sydney to give it a better chance of tackling the outbreak of the new dangerous COVID-19 Delta strain. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said that while the AMA is pleased the NSW Government has gone further than before announcing a lockdown in four local government areas, this was 'just not enough.' 'What we really need are clear rules for all Sydneysiders that say stay home so that we can get ahead of the virus and stop further transmission,' said Dr Khorshid.
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COVIDSafe report is now a year overdue
The Government has failed to produce a report on the effectiveness of its COVIDSafe contact tracing app during the winter sitting of Parliament, despite promising to do so and it now being nearly a year overdue. As part of legislation introduced to underpin privacy safeguards around COVIDSafe, the Health Minister is required to produce a report on the operation and effectiveness of the app and the national database every six months, and to table it in Parliament within 15 sitting days of its completion. These reports must be prepared 'as soon as practicable after the end of each six-month period', said InnovationAus.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded 11 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm, six of which were announced previously. NSW Health has also been notified of an additional 17 locally acquired cases. These cases will be included in 26 June's numbers. There are now 65 cases linked to the Bondi cluster. NSW Health can now announce a man in his 40s from Sydney's north-west first reported on Friday 18 June, has now been officially ruled out following further testing at a new expert panel convened by NSW Health.
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Aged Care

1 July

Significant step forward in aged care reform
The allocation of 80,000 new home care packages worth $6.5 billion and a basic daily fee increase for residential providers are the centrepiece of a raft of aged care reforms. In a continued response to the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the latest measures from the Morrison Government put the health and wellbeing of senior Australians first. Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said it was another step in the Government's implementation of generational reform.
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WA: Carnarvon residential care facility named
Western Australia Minister for Health Roger Cook said that: Care, which means 'our home' in the local Inggarda language. As part of its commitment to developing health services that are culturally welcoming, WA Country Health Service consulted with the Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre and senior Inggarda elders on an inclusive Inggarda name for the facility. The name 'Gnullingoo Mia' (pronounced Null-ing-oo My-ah) comes from the Inggarda words 'Gnulli'; which means all of us, and 'Mia'; which is home, so the translation into English is; 'our home'. Gnullingoo Mia Residential Care will be co-located at Carnarvon Hospital to enable integration with other health services.'
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30 June

Restrictive practices must only be used as a last resort and in the least restrictive form.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission said that: 'From 1 July 2021,approved providers have updated and specific responsibilities under the Aged Care Act 1997 and the Quality of Care Principles 2014 relating to the use of any restrictive practice in residential aged care and short-term restorative care in a residential care setting. The Commission's focus continues to be on ensuring that risks to consumers' safety, health and well-being through the use of restrictive practices are minimised, and consumers are treated with dignity and respect.'
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Residential Aged Care Quality Indicators - January to March 2021
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) said that quality indicators measure aspects of service provision that contribute to the quality of care given by residential aged care services. Since 1 July 2019, the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program requires residential aged care services to collect and report on 3 quality indicators:
- Pressure injuries
- Use of physical restraint
- Unplanned weight loss.
Information on these indicators was submitted by 2,585 residential aged care services in the quarter 1 January to 31 March 2021. This represented 95% of all residential aged care services that received Australian Government subsidies for delivering care, services and accommodation (decreasing from 96% in the previous quarter).
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'Rightfully anxious': Decision on mandatory vax for aged care workers must extend to disability
The decision taken by National Cabinet to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for people working within residential aged care is a responsible step in Australia's fight against COVID- 19, National Disability Services Senior State and Territory Manager Karen Stace said. National Disability Services (NDS) called for that same step to be introduced to protect Australia's vulnerable people with disability, supply of the Pfizer vaccine permitting. 'The vulnerability of people with disability was recognised by the Federal Government when people with disability were included in phases 1a and 1b of the vaccine rollout,' Ms Stace said.
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29 June

Emergency leave extension for aged care residents
The Government is extending emergency leave arrangements for people living permanently in residential aged care who want to temporarily relocate with family to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19. The 12-month extension means the emergency leave provisions are now in place until 30 June 2022. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck, said the extension allows aged care residents to continue to take emergency leave during unpredictable COVID- 19 outbreaks, rather than using their limited social leave entitlements. 'We want to provide certainty and reassurance to residents who wish to temporarily relocate and stay with family at times when COVID-19 is a risk in their aged care residence,' Minister Colbeck said.
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Access and support are priorities for aged care workers following mandatory vaccination decision
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), the voice of aged care, said that the decision to make vaccination of aged care workers mandatory reinforces the need to ensure doses are readily available and staff are supported to be vaccinated. 'We must do all we can to keep older Australians in care safe,' said LASA CEO Sean Rooney. 'Like all things regarding the pandemic, the protections we put in place must be informed by the medical experts. Mandatory vaccination of aged care staff will enhance protections for them and the people they care for.'
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Take time to say #Thanksforcaring for dedicated aged care employees
Aged & Community Services Australia, Anglicare Australia, Baptist Care Australia and Catholic Health Australia said that all Australians are being asked to take time to think about the dedicated individuals who provide care and support for our treasured older Australians and say #Thanksforcaring for their work in the lead up to and on Aged Care Employee Day (ACED) on Saturday, 7 August, 2021 (#ACED2021). Australians are encouraged to show their appreciation through a national social media campaign #ACED2021 and #ThanksforCaring which will include videos, stories and photographs to acknowledge and honour aged care workers who have helped keep frail and vulnerable older people safe during the pandemic.
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28 June

Supporting and improving aged care in rural and remote Australia
The Government is providing $40 million over two years for multi-purpose residential aged care providers to carry out minor capital works. In response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the capital grant opportunity is another vital step in reinforcing multi-purpose services (MPS) which play an important part in providing care in regional and remote areas. Minister Colbeck said the investment will ensure the care of residents, particularly those in regional and remote areas, remained a priority.
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PM pushes mandatory vaccines to distract from failed vaccine rollout
The ACTU understands the Prime Minister will pressure state and territory leaders to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for aged care workers. This decision should be made by public health experts, based on the best scientific and medical advice and not by politicians seeking to distract from the ongoing cost of a failed vaccine rollout. Aged care workers want to get vaccinated but have faced broken promises, poor communication and significant financial obstacles to getting access to the vaccine. The Government should be focusing on getting more vaccines and providing in-workplace vaccinations to ensure that no worker has to give up shifts or pay to get the jab.
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27 June

GP access to strengthen health and wellbeing in aged care
The Government is investing $42.8 million to strengthen the health and well-being of senior Australians living in residential aged care by increasing face-to-face contact with their GP. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said Australians living in residential aged care will now better health care with increased access to their GPs. 'This funding boost provides an additional 120,000 GP services to senior Australians living in aged care facilities,' Minister Hunt said. Minister Colbeck, said the Government is improving residential aged care services by increasing the quality, timeliness and amount of frontline care.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

None this edition.

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Allied Health

None this edition.

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Children's Health

None this edition.

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Clinical Governance

29 June

Better health for the next generation
The doubling in Australia's per person health spending over the next 40 years projected in the Intergenerational Report reinforces the need to act now to counter big drivers in health costs like chronic disease and avoidable hospital admissions, the Consumers Health Forum (CHF) said. The huge health expenditures that loom in the future should convince governments of the value of introducing right now the long-term health measures that will deliver better health outcomes as the population ages, CEO Leanne Wells, said.
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25 June

New CEO to lead health and welfare data agency
The Government welcomes the appointment of Mr Robert Heferen to lead the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). With more than 30 years' experience in the public service, Mr Heferen will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer from early July, 2021. Mr Heferen brings a deep knowledge of policy and programs as a former Deputy Secretary in the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, the Department of the Environment and Energy, and the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

None this edition.

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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

1 July

Learning about participants with sensory disability and neurodegenerative conditions in the NDIS
Two new reports are available about participants with a sensory disability in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and participants with neurodegenerative conditions in the NDIS. These reports provide detailed information about the experiences of these groups of participants to help the NDIA, sector, providers and other interested people to understand how to work best with these participants to achieve their goals. The report on sensory disability is about NDIS participants with hearing, visual, or other sensory/speech impairments.
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30 June

COVID-19 supports and vaccine rollout
NDS said that with outbreaks of COVID-19 occurring in most states and territories, members are reminded of supports and resources available to you. costs for PPE where these are higher than normal due to COVID-19. Supported Independent Living Providers have access to support measures such as accessing vaccinations, deep cleaning, higher intensity staffing requirements and laundering. Disability residential providers can also access emergency Clinical First Responder capability where there is an outbreak or positive infection.
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'Rightfully anxious': Decision on mandatory vax for aged care workers must extend to disability
The decision taken by National Cabinet to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for people working within residential aged care is a responsible step in Australia's fight against COVID- 19, National Disability Services Senior State and Territory Manager Karen Stace said. NDS called for that same step to be introduced to protect Australia's vulnerable people with disability, supply of the Pfizer vaccine permitting. 'The vulnerability of people with disability was recognised by the Federal Government when people with disability were included in phases 1a and 1b of the vaccine rollout,' Ms Stace said.
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Liberals must take responsibility for mismanagement of NDIS
Australian Greens Disability spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said projections in the 2021 Intergenerational Report (IGR) did not support the Government's claims the NDIS was growing unsustainability nor justify cuts to the scheme. Senator Steele-John said the Morrison government were not being transparent with the community about claimed 'cost blowouts' in the NDIS. 'Both the methodology and assumptions used to inform the projections in the 2021 IGR have changed significantly from last the IGR back in 2015,' Steele- John said.
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29 June

NDIS offices temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) said that in response to COVID-19 restrictions, there are a number of offices in New South Wales (NSW) and
the Northern Territory (NT) temporarily closed.
- NSW: Bankstown, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Chatswood, Gosford, Hurstville, Katoomba, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith, Surry Hills, Windsor and Wollongong.
- NT: Darwin
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Consultation on the new Vic Mental Health and Wellbeing Act
The Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System recommended the Government replace the current Mental Health Act 2014 with a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act to support the aspiration of rebuilding the mental health system, said the National Disability Services (NDS). The new legislation will establish the foundation for the new mental health and wellbeing system in Victoria. NDS will be making a submission and invites members to give feedback to help inform this submission.
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28 June

Another tragic death by neglect in the NDIS
NDIS Minister Linda Reynolds and the Government must explain how a West Australian man was left to die after his family raised the alarm for months that his life was at risk. Augusta man Jeffery (Jeff) Barker died on 2 May this year. His family had told the NDIA arranged support coordinator that Jeff was in crisis and needed daily check-ups or he could die. Despite raising the alarm on April 20, Jeff, who was aged 50 when he died and had uncontrolled diabetes and severe bipolar, was found unconscious by a carer on May 2, said Shadow Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten.
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25 June

NDIS COVID-19 vaccine rollout update
More than 42 per cent of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants in residential settings have now received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Linda Reynolds said her priority as Minister for the NDIS is improved vaccine access for NDIS participants and those who support them. 'NDIS vaccination rates are continuing to rise as more dedicated vaccination hubs are established, and with all participants over 16 years now eligible,' Minister Reynolds said. 'Over the past month, we have seen an increase of more than 20 per cent in vaccinations for Phase 1a participants and a 10 per cent increase for all NDIS participants accessing the vaccine.'
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VIC: Supporting Victorian students with disability
More Victorian students with disability will get the support they need to learn, contribute and participate in their schools and classrooms, thanks to the Victorian Government. Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino announced that all government schools across the Barwon, Loddon Campaspe and Bayside Peninsula areas, and the five supported inclusion schools across Victoria, will receive further funding support to make their school more inclusive for all students, as part of the Disability Inclusion package.
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

None this edition.

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E-Health

None this edition.

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Education and Training

30 June

ACU receives $8.7m funding to boost nursing wards, health research and IT
Australian Catholic University (ACU) received $8.7 million from the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund for five new projects that will spearhead health research projects, deliver new nursing labs and improve student experience. Headlining the funding package is the new $1.9 million nurse training ward in Ballarat - which will double ACU's capacity for pre-clinical training of nurses - and the refurbishment of existing facilities to cater for students with special needs at the regional campus. Victorian Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney announced the funding package during a visit to the Ballarat campus.
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Funding

30 June

$180 million in medical research to improve the lives of Australians
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that the Government is investing $180 million in ground-breaking medical research projects around Australia to improve the lives of Australians and their loved ones. Funded through the Government's $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund, 105 medical research projects will receive funding to improve health outcomes, including for Australians with cancer, dementia, brain injuries, heart problems, neurofibromatosis and many others. $18.7 million will be provided through the Stem Cell Mission for 10 projects that will address illnesses facing many Australians and their families, including heart disease, COVID-19, epilepsy and childhood cancer.
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New Sport Australia program helping sports boost capability
Sport Australia supported the growth of small-to-medium Australian sports through its new $600,000 Capability Building Grant Program. Funding of up to $30,000 has been awarded to 24 National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (NSODs) to support them in areas of need. Organisations will use the funding to deliver projects and initiatives that support participation, help them recruit and retain volunteers, improve their governance, or develop online educational and learning resources.
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Health Professionals

1 July

National app maps COVID alerts across Australia
Researchers have developed a new contact tracing web app for COVID-19 that pulls together current contact tracing alert locations from across the country, and presents the information in an interactive mobile-friendly map. The experts say the project - led by The Australian National University (ANU) and The University of Queensland - aims to make pandemic data and information more easily accessible to the public. The web app is part of the COVID-19 Real-time Information System for Preparedness and Epidemic Response (CRISPER) project, funded by the APPRISE NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence.
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MJA impact factor tops 7 for first time: 17Th in the world
In its fifth successive rise, the Medical Journal of Australia has reached its highest ever Journal Impact Factor (JIF) of 7.738, according to the 2020 Clarivate Analytics Journal Citation Report. The MJA's JIF has climbed from 3.369 in 2015, 3.675 in 2016, 4.227 in 2017, 5.332 in 2018, and 6.112 in the 2019 report, placing it firmly in the top 20 titles in Clarivate's General and Internal Medicine category, ranked 17th in the world. Laureate Professor Nicholas Talley, AC, editor-in-chief of the MJA, said that the result was further reward for the recommitment of the Journal to publishing high quality content.
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NSW: School Wellbeing Nurses rolling out across state
The new School Wellbeing Nurses are on duty across Regional NSW following a successful pilot program which received overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, students, schools, and health workers. The School Wellbeing Nurses support students and their families on a wide range of health and wellbeing issues, with mental health concerns and social and behavioural support the most common issues. The nurses become important members of the school community and together with school-based wellbeing teams, help identify and support students and families. NSW Minister Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the new registered nurses are easy to access, welcoming, non-stigmatising, confidential and helpful in understanding the health system.
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30 June

National scan and analysis of cross-sector services that support people with a health condition or disability participate in good work
The Comcare led Collaborative Partnership to improve work participation has engaged Swinburne University of Technology's Centre for Social Impact to deliver a national scan and analysis of cross-sector services that support people with a health condition or disability participate in good work. This research will enable an understanding of the use and practices of cross-sector services. It will help identify areas of duplication and provide insights into the best opportunities for alignment across services, sectors and systems. It will also provide the best ways to support people with a health condition or disability to stay at work, return to work and be job ready and their employers.
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TAS: More nurses for our health system
Tasmanian Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff said that recruiting and retaining nurses into our health system is a major focus of the Tasmanian Government. 'A big part of that is our successful Transition to Practice program, which provides opportunities for graduate nurses as they embark on their careers to become the next generation of our health workforce. The Transition to Practice program provides valuable experience in real-world nursing clinical settings, and many of the current graduates have accepted jobs within our health system, including in difficult to recruit to areas such as mental health and intensive care,' said Minister Rockliff.
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29 June

Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on vaccinating and testing quarantine workers
Managed quarantine for international arrivals continues to play a vital role in Australia's public health response to COVID-19. Through the Continuous Improvement Framework, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) regularly consider lessons learned in managed quarantine including the outcomes of evaluations, audits and reviews. This supports a process of continuous quality improvement in line with the National Principles for Managed Quarantine (the Principles). Protecting quarantine workers is an essential part of reducing the risk of transmission and incursion into the community.
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Still many questions over mandatory aged care vaccinations
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) continued to strongly encourage aged care nurses and carers to receive COVID-19 vaccines, but is concerned that mandating vaccinations for the aged care workforce could be a 'political decision, not a health decision'. According to the ANMF, there is still ongoing confusion and very little detail on how mandatory vaccinations would be implemented. There is still no guarantee of special paid leave to assist aged care staff get their vaccinations and the $11 million pledged for workers, is just a mere $30.00 allocated for each worker still unvaccinated. 'The Morrison Government's promises for aged care just keep coming, but at this stage, there are more questions than answers,' ANMF Federal Secretary, Annie Butler, said.
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27 June

GP access to strengthen health and wellbeing in aged care
The Government is investing $42.8 million to strengthen the health and well-being of senior Australians living in residential aged care by increasing face-to-face contact with their GP. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said Australians living in residential aged care will now better health care with increased access to their GPs. 'This funding boost provides an additional 120,000 GP services to senior Australians living in aged care facilities,' Minister Hunt said. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the Government is improving residential aged care services by increasing the quality, timeliness and amount of frontline care.
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Hospitals

1 July

WA: Boddington, Dalwallinu and Wongan Hills ED upgrades have begun
Western Australia Minister for Health Roger Cook said that the $3.2 million emergency department upgrade works for Boddington, Dalwallinu and Wongan Hills Health Services have begun, bringing these Wheatbelt communities closer to enhanced emergency care services. Cooper and Oxley Pty Ltd is the successful tenderer for the Dalwallinu and Boddington sites and Devlyn Australia Pty Ltd for the Wongan Hills works. Once complete, the refurbished and fit-for-purpose emergency departments will include a resuscitation bay, acute treatment bay, procedure room as well as a single point of access for visitors and patients, and a separate entry for ambulances.
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29 June

PHI 39/21 hospital and second tier updates
The Department of Health reported that the following public hospital has had their provider number updated on the Commonwealth Declared Hospitals List:
Name: Monash Medical Centre - Moorabbin Campus
Updated Provider Number: 0030970K
Previous Provider Number: 0031630A
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Insurance

30 June

PHI 40/21 Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 4) 2021
The Department of Health released the Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 4) 2021 (the Amendment Rules) make consequential changes to the Private Health Insurance Rules to reflect changes to Medical Benefit Schedule (MBS) commencing 1 July 2021. The Amendment Rules were registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 30 June 2021 and commence on 1 July 2021. The amendments include re-classification of new and amended MBS items and removal of deleted items where appropriate.
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29 June

APRA's role in the private health insurance premium round
The private health insurance ('PHI') premium round is the annual process of all private health insurers applying to the Federal Minister for Health to change the price of premiums they charge customers, said that Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). In order to change their premiums, private health insurers must get approval from the Federal Minister for Health, as required under section 66(10) of the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 ('the Act'). Under the Act, the Minister must approve the proposed change unless it is contrary to the public interest. APRA is the prudential regulator for private health insurance; responsible for making sure that insurers have the ability to pay all policyholder obligations. As such, the Department of Health requests APRA's view on the implications of each private health insurer's application to change premiums.
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Medibank to return around $105 million in COVID-19 savings to customers through premium relief - with total support reaching $300 million so far
Medibank will return around $105 million in COVID-19 permanent net claims savings to customers through premium relief, in what is the next phase of our broader COVID-19 financial support package and give back program. The give back adds to our record $195 million financial support package during COVID-19 - with the total package reaching $300 million so far. This will be available to Australian Medibank and ahm customers holding an active hospital and/or extras policy at any time during the period between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021.
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'Absolutely no excuse now': CHOICE to health insurers
CHOICE response to Medibank to return around $105 million in COVID-19 savings to customers through premium relief. Quotes attributable to CHOICE Insurance Expert Jodi Bird: 'Medibank has announced they are finally returning $105 million of their members' money, over a year since they pocketed those profits. This announcement comes after HBF announced the return of $42 million to its members. The remaining health insurance funds need to stop being laggards and return what they didn't earn. People are hurting right now with lockdowns across the country. If you are experiencing financial hardship you should contact your health fund and talk through what they can do for you.'
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28 June

PHI 38/21 Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 3) 2021
The Department of Health said the Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 3) 2021 (the Amendment Rules) amend the:
- Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011 (the Benefit Requirements Rules)
- Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Rules 2015 (the Complying Product Rules) and
- Private Health Insurance (Health Insurance Business) Rules 2018 (the Business Rules).
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Medicare

1 July

Guaranteeing Medicare
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that the Government is investing record funding in Medicare, providing more support to Australians as we face some of the greatest health challenges in a generation. Our commitment to Medicare is rock solid. We are investing $125.7 billion in Medicare over the forward estimates, an increase of over $6 billion since last year's Budget. This is up 58% from when Labor were last in government. This includes $204.6 million to extend the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) telehealth arrangements until 31 December 2021, bringing the total investment in telehealth to $3.6 billion.
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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

1 July

VIC: New support service announced for LGBTIQ+ community
The Victorian Government is helping LGBTIQ+ Victorians and their families get the support and care they need with a new state-wide counselling service called Qspace. Victorian Minister for Mental Health James Merlino and Victorian Minister for Equality Martin Foley announced Drummond Street Services and its community partners across Victoria will receive $2.5 million government funding to run the new service. Qspace will provide specialist family counselling, assistance, online resources and information for LGBTIQ+ Victorians and their families to help foster support and understanding. The aim of the program is to keep families together and make sure LGBTIQ+ Victorians feel safe and valued.
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VIC: Better health access for Aboriginal children in Bendigo
The Victorian Government is ensuring Aboriginal children in Bendigo get a positive and healthy start in life through better access to health and mental health services. The Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative has received more than $487,000 to help local children access specialist and allied health services. The funding will support children and their families to access local private health services such as psychiatrists, paediatricians, counsellors, speech therapists and occupational therapists - ensuring better outcomes for both physical and mental health, said Victorian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams.
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29 June

NSW: $109.5 Million for child and adolescent mental health
A record government investment in child and adolescent mental health will ensure thousands of children and teenagers across NSW have access to specialised care. NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and NSW Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor announced funding for 25 Safeguards Child and Adolescent Mental Health Response Teams included in the 2021-2022 NSW State Budget. Mr Perrottet said the funding package would enhance specialist child and adolescent mental health services in every Local Health District over the next four years. 'We're committed to improving the health and safety of our young people and this new model of care will be launched with an initial $18 million investment, with a total of $109.5 million allocated over the next four years,' Mr Perrottet said.
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VIC: Mental health funding boosts support for young carers
The Victorian Government is giving young carers the extra support they need through a major funding boost for the Satellite Foundation. The Victorian Government will provide an $11.98 million funding boost to help the Foundation further expand its range of programs and support services. Young people will be engaged throughout the process to help ensure all activities are age appropriate, accessible and effective. The Foundation will also partner with schools to deliver programs and resources that encourage conversations about mental illness and its impact on the mental health of young carers and families, said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Minister Merlino.
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25 June

Funding now available for Veterans' Health Week 2021
Veterans and their families in the Riverina and Central West are being encouraged to increase their physical activity, with $200,000 in funding available nationally to assist community groups and ex-service organisations with planning and hosting Veterans' Health Week events in October. Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the theme for Veterans' Health Week would be Get Moving. 'There are many hundreds of veterans in the Riverina and Central West who can take advantage of this funding opportunity to build up their health and even have a bit of fun,' Mr McCormack said. 'We all know how important physical activity is for our health, including our mental health.'
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

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