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Friday 3 September 2021

 

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)

3 September

Greens call on national cabinet to outline vax target vaccine for at-risk groups
The Greens have written to National Cabinet, calling for targets to be set for at risk groups, as the Prime Minister and Australia's two biggest states push to commence reopening at a vaccination rate of 56% of the population. The rates of vaccinations amongst First Nations communities, children and people with disabilities is lagging well behind the wider program, said Greens Leader Adam Bandt.
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2 September

COVID-19 emergency measures extended for a further three months
The human biosecurity emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015 will be extended for a further three months. The emergency period, which has been in place since 18 March 2020 to protect Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic, will continue until 17 December 2021. The extension was informed by specialist medical and epidemiological advice provided by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
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ACT: COVID-19 Update - 2 September 2021
There have been 12 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT. Of these cases, six (6) are linked to known cases or ongoing clusters, with four (4) in quarantine during their infectious period, and eight (8) in the community for part of their infectious period. There are now 51 cases that have recovered, which means there are now 258 active cases associated with this outbreak. ACT Health continues to work with over 1,100 people who have self-identified as close contacts of ACT outbreaks.
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WA: COVID-19 vaccination to become mandatory for Western Australian health care workers
It will soon be mandatory for Western Australian health workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access health facilities for work purposes. The Chief Health Officer has approved new Health Worker (Restrictions on Access) Directions, which apply to health care and support workers across health care facilities. This includes public and private hospitals and public health service facilities. Mandatory vaccination for the health workforce will be introduced in a staged approach, with workers in the highest risk settings needing to be vaccinated first, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook.
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1 September

Extra Pfizer doses will assist rural vax rollout
The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) has welcomed an announcement from the Federal Government that it will roll out an additional 500,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine across Australia in the coming weeks, following a vaccine swap with Singapore. 'The fact that the doses are being distributed across Australia on a per capita basis will mean more rural general practices should be able to provide Pfizer jabs going forward' RDAA President, Dr John Hall, said.
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Statement on ongoing First Nations COVID crisis
'Once again, the Government is keen to pat itself on the back for a job not done. The reality from the ground and from media reports is that vaccination rates in First Nations communities are patchy and inconsistent. If the Government was so confident in its rollout it would publish localised data and identify areas of risk and priority,' said Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney and Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler.
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Vaccine targets needed for at-risk groups
The Greens have pressed the Prime Minister to set vaccination targets for at risk communities, including children, First Nations peoples and people with disabilities, asking him about the matter in Question Time and writing to him in advance of the National Cabinet meeting. The current 80% vaccination target in the National Plan is for adults (16+) only, meaning restrictions could be lifted even when at-risk communities are still not properly vaccinated. 'Lifting restrictions while at-risk communities are still unvaccinated is a recipe for disaster,' said Greens Leader Mr Bandt.
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ACT: COVID-19 vaccine bookings open for 16-29 year old Canberrans
Canberrans between the ages of 16 and 29 can now book in for a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination at an ACT COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic. '16-29 is an critical age group in our vaccination roll out. Our success in reaching vaccine targets over 80% by the end of the year hinges on getting as many Canberrans in this age group vaccinated as quickly as possible,' ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said. 'Of the roughly 85,000 people in the 16-29 cohort, nearly 25,000 have already been vaccinated, and more than 30,000 have registered for MyDHR in anticipation of making a vaccination booking.'
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VIC: New Monash hubs to boost COVID Vaccine manufacturing
A new purpose-built facility at Monash University will increase Victoria's medicine manufacturing capability, including COVID-19 vaccines, thanks to a funding boost from the Victorian Government. Victorian Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney announced the $21.65 million trio of projects at the Clayton campus, including the $13.8 million expansion of the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC), which will produce Australia's first mRNA vaccine for clinical trials. The new facilities include more office space and laboratories to strengthen collaboration between scientists and medicine manufacturers, said Victorian Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford.
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31 August

Vaccine passports: More freedom, but at what cost
UNSW legal and software engineering experts look at the implications of vaccine passports and the impact on people's liberty and safety. Australia might soon be issuing vaccine passports in a bid to restore the economy to some form of pre-pandemic normalcy. Fully vaccinated people will be granted greater freedom of movement such as entry to restaurants, bars, sports, concerts, and the opportunity to travel. This follows the steps of many European countries and the UK who have introduced vaccine passports to enable vaccinated people to travel freely.
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ACT: Lockdown extended
ACT Chief Minister Barr and ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said that the ACT's lockdown measures will be extended until midnight on Friday 17 September due to the ongoing public health risk in the Territory. Canberrans were asked to continue staying at home and minimise close contact with others to reduce the transmission potential of the virus. The Chief Health Officer has advised that the ACT has reduced what is known as 'the effective reproduction rate' to below one.
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ACT: COVID-19 Update
ACT Health said that there have been 13 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT. Of these cases, seven (7) are linked to known cases or ongoing clusters, with four (4) in quarantine during their infectious period, eight (8) in the community for part of their infectious period and one (1) still being assessed. There are now 32 cases that have recovered, which means there are now 242 active cases associated with this outbreak. There are currently 13 patients in ACT hospitals, including three (3) in intensive care with one (1) requiring ventilation.
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TAS: Massive weekend for COVID-19 vaccinations
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said: 'More than 2,400 Tasmanians received a vaccination at the MAC01 Super Clinic over the weekend, bringing the total rate as at August 29 to 59.1 per cent of eligible Tasmanians having received a first dose, and 41.5 per cent now fully vaccinated. This means we remain on target to achieve more than 63 per cent of the population getting their first dose of the vaccine by September 12 off the back of our six-week vaccination blitz. Twenty nurses and 12 administrative staff worked at the MAC01 clinic, delivering 2,416 first doses, with support from security staff and Rotary Tasmania Hobart-based clubs.'
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30 August

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded 1,290 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19. Three new cases were acquired overseas, and 21 previously reported cases have been excluded following further investigation, said NSW Health. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is 25,668. Sadly, NSW Health has been notified of the deaths of four people who had COVID-19. A man in his 50s from Dubbo died at Dubbo Hospital. A man in his 70s from western Sydney died at Westmead Hospital. A man in his 70s from Sydney's inner west died at Concord Hospital. He acquired his infection at the Meredith House Aged Care facility.
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29 August

NSW: 'Let's do this' campaign launched to encourage NSW to get vaccinated
The NSW Government has launched the next phase of its statewide COVID-19 advertising campaign aimed at encouraging people across NSW to get vaccinated. NSW Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the 'Let's Do This' campaign is designed to encourage people to get their COVID-19 vaccinations. 'NSW has done it tough over the last 18 months but we can't lose sight of what we're all aiming for, which is to open the state back up again,' Mr Dominello said. 'This ad hopes to capture what we're working towards and the importance vaccinations play in that recovery.'
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28 August

No Fault COVID-19 Indemnity Scheme
The Government has finalised the details of the no fault COVID-19 Vaccine Claim Scheme following extensive consultation with the peak medical, healthcare, business and insurance sectors to ensure a comprehensive National Scheme. The Scheme will provide Australians with quick access to compensation for COVID-19 claims related to the administration of a Therapeutic Goods Administration approved COVID-19 vaccine delivered through a Commonwealth Government approved program. Minister Hunt, said the COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme offers protection to Australians receiving a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine, irrespective of where that vaccination occurs.
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Support for Shepparton's senior residents in lockdown
The Government is acting to ensure older and isolated residents of Greater Shepparton have access to support services as the impact from the latest COVID-19 outbreak continues. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck and Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum, have acknowledged the situation facing Shepparton residents, particularly for seniors who may be isolated and unable to get their essentials easily or safely. Staff are on standby on the Government's My Aged Care hotline (1800 200 422) for any locals aged 65 or over and Indigenous residents over 50 who are worried about shopping for groceries or having trouble preparing meals.
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27 August

Children aged 12 to 15 years now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine
Children aged between 12 and 15 years will be able to book a COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine from September 13 following the Government's decision to implement expert medical advice. Bookings will be available through GPs, Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. Each state and territory will advise when their state vaccination clinics will open to this group. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) reviewed detailed medical evidence and recommended Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccination in all children and adolescents 12 years of age and above, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister Hunt and Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge.
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AIS Arena to speed up ACT vaccine program
More Canberrans will be able to access a COVID-19 vaccination with the AIS Arena set to open as a mass vaccination clinic on Friday, 3 September, said Minister Colbeck. The AIS Arena COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Clinic will replace the mass vaccination clinic currently located at the Garran Surge Centre. 'This move to the AIS means more Canberrans will be able to access a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination faster,' ACT Chief Minister Barr said. ACT Minister Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government was putting the infrastructure and staffing capacity in place to administer as many vaccines as the ACT is receiving from the Commonwealth.
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Aged Care

2 September

Census showcases increase in direct care and skills
The Government releases the 2020 Aged Care Workforce Census Report. It points to a significant increase in the number of direct carers working across the industry since 2016, efforts by providers to secure more nursing staff and a workforce that is increasingly better skilled. The census also reveals the age care sector is succeeding in its efforts to attract younger employees. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck said the 2020 workforce data provides a benchmark for the Government as it continues to drive generational reform.
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1 September

EnCOMPASS community connectors to help CALD older people navigate aged care
The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Council of Australia (FECCA), Australia's peak multicultural organisation, and partnership of 22 organisations, launched the EnCOMPASS Multicultural Aged Care Connector Program to improve access to culturally appropriate aged care services. FECCA Chief Executive Officer, Mohammad Al-Khafaji congratulated the selected EnCOMPASS partners on their strong commitment to serving the community and thanked them for partnering to deliver this program.
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30 August

Increased workforce support for aged care
Skilled workforce for aged care will be strengthened with the Morrison Government extending the ability for student visa holders to work longer hours across the sector in the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary extension of the removal of working hour restrictions applies to all student visa holders working in the aged care sector, regardless of when they commenced that work. Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt, said the Government understands the increase in staffing pressures across aged care. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said it was an important mechanism that offered reassurance to providers.
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What it's like living with dementia - how medicines are taking away the chance to express feelings and needs
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety revealed stories of the use of 'chemical restraints' in residential aged care and highlighted the need for reform across the sector. Understanding dementia 'from the inside' can help improve care for dementia patients and minimise the use of unnecessary medicines. NPS MedicineWise has released a video with a personal story of what it is like living with dementia, and is encouraging people with dementia and their loved ones to take an active role in decisions about their care, including decisions around the use of medicines.
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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

27 August

Children aged 12 to 15 years now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine
Children aged between 12 and 15 years will be able to book a COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine from September 13 following the Government's decision to implement expert medical advice. Bookings will be available through GPs, Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. Each state and territory will advise when their state vaccination clinics will open to this group. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) reviewed detailed medical evidence and recommended Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccination in all children and adolescents 12 years of age and above, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt and Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge.
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Clinical Governance

None this edition.

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Construction and Health Infrastructure

27 August

Contract awarded to deliver purpose-built quarantine facility at Pinkenba
Progress continues to be made on the Government's purpose-built quarantine facility at Pinkenba, with global construction company Multiplex selected to deliver the project. The site at Pinkenba is approximately 7km to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and 3km from Brisbane International Airport. Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said the Centre at Pinkenba would support ongoing efforts to fight COVID-19 and will give Queensland extra capacity to manage potential future health crises or natural disasters. 'We're getting on with the job of delivering this quarantine facility for Queenslanders,' Minister Birmingham said.
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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

1 September

More support for people with disability and COVID-19 vaccinations
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Linda Reynolds announced an expansion of financial payments available to providers supporting NDIS participants to attend COVID-19 vaccination appointments. The initiative, which commenced in May for supported independent living (SIL) providers, has now been extended to include additional providers, to ensure that more NDIS participants are supported to receive their vaccinations.
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31 August

SA: CCTV trial expands to further safeguard people with disability
In a bid to further safeguard people living with disability, the South Australia Government is expanding its CCTV pilot in state-run disability homes following a successful South Australian-first three-month trial. An additional $120,000 will be invested to trial cameras in at least five additional homes. No significant incidents were captured during the initial three-month trial involving two southern suburbs supported accommodation homes - home to 10 clients. The expanded trial will enable more data to be collected and this may include video capture of critical incidents. South Australia Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the decision to expand the CCTV pilot was one of many safeguarding measures the Marshall Liberal Government had implemented.
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30 August

New monthly data shows continued NDIS growth
New data shows that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to grow, with the world-first reform now providing disability support to more than 472,000 Australians. The NDIA will now be releasing key data monthly to provide more regular updates on NDIS performance measures. This is in addition to the comprehensive Quarterly Reports. Minister Reynolds said the Morrison Government was committed to ensuring that the scheme was the best it could be - so that Australians could continue to rely upon it.
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NSW Travel Permit System now live and stay at home orders extended to 10 September for regional NSW
Applications can be made through Service NSW. To register, workers will need to include the addresses that they are attending for work. Permits are issued for a 14 day period. National Disability Services (NDS) has confirmed with NSW Health that providing addresses of participants would not be breaching confidentiality as workers are complying with a Public Health Order. Participant names are not required as part of the permit application process.
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VIC: 'Dehumanising': call to overhaul the Disability Support Pension
Thousands of people with disability and chronic health conditions are being denied the support they need due to a welfare system that is unfair, dehumanising and overwhelmingly complex. In a new submission to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee, Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is urging significant reform of the Disability Support Pension (DSP), which is designed to act as a safety net for those who cannot work due to permanent disability.
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28 August

NSW: More Jobs More Care for people with disability
People with disability will benefit from a more robust care sector as part of a NSW Government initiative which aims to accelerate worker recruitment and enhance on-the-job training and support. NSW Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said up to 2,500 new workers will be upskilled through the first phase of More Jobs More Care. 'The success of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has driven immense growth in the disability care sector across our state, resulting in enormous demand for workers,' Mr Henskens said.
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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

None this edition.

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Funding

2 September

TAS: Delivering a strong plan for health
The Tasmanian Government is delivering unprecedented investment in health, with the 2021-22 Tasmanian Budget including a record $10.7 billion over four years. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Tasmania has the second highest rate of public hospital beds per population in the country. And since April 2018, the number of available beds in Tasmania's public hospitals has increased to 1,583 as at the end of June 2021, an increase of 223 beds or 16.4 per cent, said Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
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31 August

WA: New paramedics boost ambulance services in the Wheatbelt and Pilbara
Western Australia Minister for Health Roger Cook said that eight additional paid paramedics are being introduced to towns in the Wheatbelt and Pilbara to further strengthen country ambulance services and support volunteers. This fulfils the WA Government's $10 million announcement in May to recruit 25 more paid paramedics to regional Western Australia. Additional investment in the paramedic workforce provides greater support to country volunteers and paramedics which, in turn, improves health outcomes for patients. These locations were carefully selected following research and analysis on ambulance activity and performance.
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Health Professionals

1 September

Immunity of doctors and nurses wearing off, not for profit health sector calls for booster shot to be approved urgently
Catholic Health Australia is calling for the urgent approval of a COVID vaccine booster shot to avoid an October 2021 vaccination immunity 'cliff' currently looming on the horizon for Australia's hospitals and aged care facilities. COVID-immunity will begin to wear off for the first cohort of people who got vaccinated in February this year - a group that includes hospital doctors and nurses, along with aged care workers and aged care residents. Catholic Health Australia is deeply concerned that people in this group cannot currently get access to a booster shot, because ATAGI has yet to approve it.
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WA: 170 graduate nurses employed in COVID-response roles
Western Australia Minister for Health Roger Cook said that an additional 170 graduate nurses will be employed in public health to help the State Government's COVID-19 response. The job opportunities in the COVID-19 response team will include 130 graduate nurses to be employed in State-run vaccination clinics. A further 40 graduate nurses will be employed in the contact tracing team which recently has been heavily focused on assisting the New South Wales outbreak response. The WA team has traced 1,600 close and casual contacts in NSW in recent weeks.
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31 August

AMA calls for mandatory vaccination across entire health care system
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) called for mandatory vaccinations for the workforce of the entire health care system including support staff like cleaners, receptionists and contractors as soon as practical. The AMA says public health orders to mandate vaccinations should begin in hospitals, then the wider health system. With worrying numbers of COVID-19-infected frontline workers furloughed and unable to work, as well as several clusters being linked to hospitals, AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said mandatory vaccines for healthcare workers are needed to sustain the health system into the future.
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30 August

$8 million committed to Fitzroy Community Hospice
The Government has committed $8 million in funding to the Fitzroy Community Hospice which will provide access to comprehensive community-based palliative care to Central Queensland. Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the 12-bed facility based in Rockhampton will be the first regional Hospice in the state and will provide dedicated, holistic end-of-life care in the community and support families and carers. 'Adequate access to palliative care in Central Queensland has been a concern raised with me for some time,' Ms Landry said.
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Hospitals

2 September

New hospital modelling needed before opening up
The AMA said that hospitals are ill prepared for plans to open up and has called for new modelling based on hospital and staffing capacity to guide opening-up plans for Australia. In a dire warning to leaders, the AMA has written to the Prime Minister, state premiers and chief ministers telling them that hospitals, and the people who need them and work in them, are in danger of being locked into a permanent cycle of crisis.
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Insurance

None this edition.

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Medicare

None this edition.

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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

1 September

VIC: Mental health advice locked out of Labor's lockdown decisions
Daniel Andrews confirmed that Victoria's Chief Psychiatrist was again not involved in the Government's decision to keep Victorians in at least three more weeks of hard lockdown, despite the growing evidence that the mental health of many Victorians continues to decline. 'Victoria is in the grip of a shadow pandemic of mental ill-health, with continual lockdowns resulting in social isolation, job losses, and disconnection from mental health supports. The usual outlets that help us keep good mental health, like going to school, playing organised sport, or getting involved in community organisations and the arts, are banned,' said Victorian Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy.
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31 August

ACT: Canberrans in need receive additional mental health support during lockdown
In recognition that lockdown is challenging, the ACT Government is extending a range of existing mental health support services to Canberrans in significant need. ACT Minister for Mental Health Emma Davidson said the last lockdown period revealed six specific groups of Canberrans with particular mental health support needs. 'This support is to ensure more people at-risk have greater access to mental health resources and assistance when they feel most isolated,' Minister Davidson said. 'The ACT Government is acting on evidence from the last lockdown period about particular mental health support needs in the community.'
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VIC: Have your say on Victoria's new mental health system
Victorian Minister for Mental Health James Merlino said that Victorians are being invited to have their say about the local mental health services they want to see as the Government delivers a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System. The development of new Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services is at the heart of the mental health reform allowing Victorians to get the care they need much sooner, and closer to their families and communities.
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30 August

NSW: Government funding delivers mental health support for international students
International students in NSW will have access to a new digital mental health and wellbeing toolkit, as one of a number of programs that will enhance employability, entrepreneurship and research and development skills, thanks to $360,000 in funding from the Government to support the sector. Minister for Trade and Industry John Barilaro said the Partner Project funding from Study NSW will support the future of international education in NSW, an industry that has been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. NSW Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor said the digital mental health and wellbeing toolkit for international students couldn't have come at a better time.
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WA: Mental Health Co-response team expanded to Geraldton
Western Australia Minister for Health Roger Cook said that the first regionally based Mental Health Co-Response Team will commence operation in Geraldton. The Mental Health Co-Response is a joint partnership between the WA Police Force, Mental Health Commission and Health Department as part of the McGowan Government's cross-government response to mental health challenges in the community. It involves police officers and mental health clinicians co-responding to calls seeking assistance, where mental illness is identified as a likely factor. The MHCR aims to divert people experiencing mental health distress away from the criminal justice system and connect them with the mental health support services they require.
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29 August

Breakthrough PBS listings to benefit thousands of Australians
From 1 September 2021, thousands of Australians living with schizophrenia, liver disease, lymphoma and anaphylaxis will have access to new treatments through new and amended listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt. For the first time, Australians with schizophrenia will have access to the antipsychotic Reagila (cariprazine). Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition with a wide range of symptoms and affects about 1 in 100 people. The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, and symptoms usually begin in late adolescence or early adulthood. Generally a long-term illness, schizophrenia cause serious disability if left untreated.
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NSW: $8m to prevent suicides among high risk groups
Older people, the LGBTIQ community and people living in regional NSW are among the at risk groups who will now have improved access to mental health support thanks to the NSW Government's Suicide Prevention Fund. NSW Minister Taylor said that $8 million in funding has been allocated to six organisations committed to engaging with communities known to have higher rates of suicide. 'We know that there are some groups of individuals who are at greater risk of suicide due to issues such as past trauma, stigma or isolation,' Mrs Taylor said.
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27 August

$15 million grant to support Indigenous suicide postvention service to 2024
The Government is providing $15 million over three years to Thirrili Ltd, to provide culturally-appropriate bereavement support and follow-up services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Thirrili was selected as the national provider following a competitive grants process. Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said mental health and suicide prevention is a national priority, including suicide postvention services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Thirrili will help to reduce adverse health outcomes for families and communities who suffer a suicide and assist in addressing further suicidal behaviours, particularly through their 24- hour help line.
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Final hearing focussed on women's mental health
The House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention will hold its final public hearing via videoconference on Friday, 27 August 2021, with a focus on the mental health concerns and systems that impact women. From 6-10 September 2021 is Women's Health Week - a nation-wide campaign of events and online activities dedicated to all women across Australia to make good health a priority. Chair Dr Fiona Martin, said: 'The Committee commends the work of Jean Hailes in continuing Women's Health Week. When we support women in accessing mental health care, as and when they need it, we improve women's overall health, boost women's participation in the workforce, and support Australian families.'
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

1 September

PHI 57/21 - Notification of Stakeholder Briefing Webinar
Prostheses List stakeholders are invited to participate in a webinar where the Department of Health will present a summary of the consultation paper and a panel of experts will answer any question you may have regarding its content. The webinar discussion assumes that participants understand the background of the Prostheses List reforms and are familiar with the consultation paper to be discussed.
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31 August

Provision of industry data to the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority
This circular is to advise that the Department of Health (the department) has issued requests for device level data from the medical technology industry to enable the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority (IHPA) to provide advice to the department on the benchmark price for prostheses in the public sector as a part of the Prostheses List (PL) reforms announced in the 2021-22 Federal Budget. Requests were sent in August 2021 through industry bodies (AusBiotech and Medical Technology Association of Australia) as well as directly to companies via email.
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30 August

He Absolute King sachets
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) tested a product labelled He Absolute King and found that:
- The sachets contain the undeclared substance Tadalafil.
Consumers are advised that Tadalafil are prescription-only substances in Australia. The supply of He Absolute King sachets containing undisclosed Tadalafil is illegal. He Absolute King sachets have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation, and the place of manufacture is not approved by the TGA.
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PHI 55/21 Hospital and Second-tier Updates
The Department of Health said that hospital update and second-tier benefits eligibility announcement. The following hospitals' names and/or addresses have been updated following confirmation from the state authority:
Previous Hospital Name: Northern Cancer Institute
New Hospital name: GenesisCare North Shore
Previous address: Level 1, 38 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065
Updated address: 7 Westbourne Street, St Leonards NSW 2065
Provider number: 0027320F
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Advice on the use of tocilizumab (Actemra) intravenous vials post expiry date during the COVID-19 pandemic
Due to the current shortages of tocilizumab (Actemra) and the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) advised that they have assessed that tocilizumab vials continue to be stable for a further six months past their labelled expiry date. Roche Products Pty Limited (Roche), the sponsor of tocilizumab (Actemra), has notified the TGA that the shortage of tocilizumab intravenous vials will continue until January 2022.
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Minocycline and agranulocytosis
The Department of Health said that Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that may be used to treat acne that is resistant to other antibiotics, as well as various other susceptible infections. It is marketed in Australia under the tradename Minomycin and the generic brand Akamin. Cases of agranulocytosis have been reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) following treatment with minocycline. As at 25 August 2021, the TGA had recorded reports of 4 cases for minocycline involving agranulocytosis.
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29 August

Breakthrough PBS listings to benefit thousands of Australians
From 1 September 2021, thousands of Australians living with schizophrenia, liver disease, lymphoma and anaphylaxis will have access to new treatments through new and amended listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt. For the first time, Australians with schizophrenia will have access to the antipsychotic Reagila (cariprazine). Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition with a wide range of symptoms and affects about 1 in 100 people.
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Research

3 September

New resource to advance genomics-driven precision medicine
By analysing genomic data from more than 30,000 people, an international team has revealed thousands of new regulatory regions that control disease-linked genes - a resource that is now available to researchers worldwide. The findings, co-led by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and published in Nature Genetics, are a significant step forward for genomics-driven precision medicine and could help identify markers that reveal which patients will benefit most from which treatment.
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1 September

Prof Shane Grey to lead gene therapy for type 1 diabetes
To continue his pioneering work in finding new approaches to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D), Professor Shane Grey has been awarded a significant grant by JDRF, the leading global funder of type 1 diabetes research. He will lead a collaborative team to develop viral vectors aimed at protecting insulin producing cells in the pancreas from immune destruction and thereby restoring production of insulin - a hormone that is central to controlling blood sugar regulation. If successful, the approach could reduce T1D patients' reliance on daily injections and help prevent some of the significant disease side effects, said Garvan Institute of Medical Research.
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30 August

Gut instinct could see you fall for COVID misinformation
People who think based on their first instincts are more likely to believe and share COVID-19 misinformation, according to new research from the Australian National University (ANU). The study compared intuitive thinkers, those who tend to make decisions on immediate instinct, with reflective thinkers, or those who stop and reflect on the accuracy of information presented to them. As part of the study, 742 Australians were shown a mix of five already debunked COVID-19 claims and five accurate statements from public health authorities.
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Over half of Australians support ending retail sales of cigarettes within 10 years
Support for phasing out the sale of cigarettes is common among Victorian adults, according to a study published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Almost two-thirds think the retail sale of cigarettes should be phased out within 10 years. 'A total of 1466 respondents (52.8%) - including 145 of 457 current smokers (31.7%), 367 of 682 adults under 30 years of age (53.8%) and 599 of 1122 adults aged 50 or more (53.4%) - thought it would be good were selling cigarettes in retail outlets phased out; 533 (19.2%), including 181 smokers (39.6%), thought it would be bad.
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Monthly data
The Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW) said it receives and aggregates data from around 1,600 specialist homelessness services agencies across Australia on a monthly basis. This site presents monthly data on the number of clients supported throughout each month since July 2017, by state, age and sex. Additional breakdowns by specific target groups, the reasons clients sought assistance, homelessness status, clients receiving financial support for short-term accommodation and nights in short-term accommodation are also included.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health

2 September

Distribution Priority Areas exceptional circumstances review for GPs
A new exceptional circumstance review for the Department of Health's Distribution Priority Area (DPA) classification will help regional and rural areas respond to unforeseen workforce and population changes which may be impacting access to local GP services. Federal Minister for Regional Health David Gillespie said the DPA classification allows government to identify regions where locals face an increased challenge to access a GP. The DPA system assesses regions annually, using the most up to date available data to support approvals for priority access to internationally-trained doctors and bonded doctors.
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1 September

Extra Pfizer doses will assist rural vax rollout
The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) has welcomed an announcement from the Federal Government that it will roll out an additional 500,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine across Australia in the coming weeks, following a vaccine swap with Singapore. 'The fact that the doses are being distributed across Australia on a per capita basis will mean more rural general practices should be able to provide Pfizer jabs going forward' RDAA President, Dr John Hall, said.
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Women's Health

30 August

National surgical abortion rate drops by 5.1% Per year
The rate of surgical abortions nationally has declined by 5.1% per year since the listing of mifepristone/misoprostol (medical abortion) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in 2013, according to research published by the Medical Journal of Australia. 'It is difficult to estimate the abortion rate in Australia, as most states do not routinely report abortion data and published national data have been incomplete,' wrote the authors, led by Dr Louise Keogh, a health sociologist at the University of Melbourne's Centre for Health Equity. 'Consequently, some clinicians and academics have been accused of inflating reported rates for political reasons.'
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10 years between colonoscopies reduces surveillance benefits by 60%
Extending the recommended time between surveillance colonoscopies from 5 years to 10 years for people who have had precursor lesions, such as polyps, removed may increase the risk of advanced neoplasia by 60%, according to research by the Medical Journal of Australia. 'Until recently, the Australian guidelines recommended surveillance colonoscopy 5 years after a finding of non advanced adenoma, but follow-up at 10 years is now recommended for most patients,' wrote the researchers, led by Dr Zaki Hamarneh, from Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide, and colleagues. 'The evidence supporting the change in timing is limited.'
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27 August

Final hearing focussed on women's mental health
The House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention will hold its final public hearing via videoconference on Friday, 27 August 2021, with a focus on the mental health concerns and systems that impact women. From 6-10 September 2021 is Women's Health Week - a nation-wide campaign of events and online activities dedicated to all women across Australia to make good health a priority. Chair, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said 'The Committee commends the work of Jean Hailes in continuing Women's Health Week. When we support women in accessing mental health care, as and when they need it, we improve women's overall health, boost women's participation in the workforce, and support Australian families.'
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Transcripts

Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham and Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party Richard Marles
03 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Karl Stefanovic, The Today Show
Subjects: Queensland Premier, National plan, Delta variant, Vaccine targets, AMA, Health system, Vaccine rollout

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
02 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Neil Mitchell, 3AW
Subjects: Lockdowns, Vaccine rollout, Economy, Victoria, Vaccination rate, Open up, Small business, Mental health, Western Australia

Minister for Health Greg Hunt
02 SEP: Transcript of Press Conference, Canberra
Subjects: Vaccination rollout, National plan, COVID response, Under 12s, Over 60s, Queensland, Delta variant, Mandatory vaccination, Aged care workers

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert
02 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News
Subjects: QLD Premier, National Plan, COVID-19, Children, Melbourne lockdown, Vaccines, AstraZeneca

Department of Health
02 SEP: Transcript of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Professor Alison McMillan, Interview with Ray Hadley, 2GB
Subjects: COVID-19, Lockdown, Vaccines, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer

Australian Medical Association (AMA)
02 SEP: Transcript of Doorstop Interview with President, Dr Omar Khorshid
Subjects: Preparing hospitals, Opening up, Vaccinating children aged under 12, Mandatory vaccination, Healthcare workers, Over 60s

Leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese
02 SEP: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: COVID-19, Pandemic, Lockdowns, Outbreaks, Border closures, Vaccine rollout, Immunisation, Doherty modelling, Vaccinating young children

Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers
02 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Fran Kelly, RN Breakfast
Subjects: National Accounts, Australia's economy slowing, Prime Minister, Quarantine, Vaccine rollout, National plan, Borders and vaccinations, Queensland Premier

Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler
02 SEP: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Adelaide
Subjects: COVID cases and deaths, Hospital capacity, State Premiers, National plan to reopen, Teenage vaccines, Mandatory vaccines for hospital workers, Under 12 vaccines

Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Tony Burke
02 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Laura Jayes, Sky News
Subjects: Vaccination rollout, National Cabinet plan, State border closures, Queensland Premier, Vaccination rate, Hospital system

Shadow Cabinet Secretary Jenny McAllister
02 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News First Edition
Subjects: Lockdown, COVID-19, Pandemic, Public health, Vaccination, Immunisation, Respect at Work, Women, Border closures, Economy

Deputy Chair, Joint Standing Committee Of Public Accounts And Audit Julian Hill
02 SEP: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Parliament House
Subjects: Prime Minister, Vaccine rollout, Quarantine facilities, JobKeeper, State border closures, Economic management, Mental health in young people

Attorney-General Michaelia Cash
01 SEP: Transcript of Interview with David Lipson and Sabra Lane, ABC AM Program
Subjects: State border closures, Western Australia, National plan, Vaccine rollout, High Court, Vaccine targets

Leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese
01 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Stav Davidson, Abby Coleman & Matty Acton, B105 Brisbane
Subjects: COVID outbreaks and restrictions around Australia, Lockdowns, Food during lockdown, NRL, Vaccine rollout, Vaccination rates

Leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese
01 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Tanya Wilks, Triple M
Subjects: $300 COVID-19 vaccination incentive, COVID outbreaks, Vaccine rollout, Fitness regimes, Anti-lockdown protests, NSW, VIC

Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party Richard Marles
01 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Marcus Paul, 2SM
Subjects: AFL Grand final, Vaccine rollout, National plan, Paralympics, Vaccination rates

Shadow Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten
01 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Liam Bartlett, 6PR Perth
Subjects: Federal Government overstating NDIS costs, Companies receiving JobKeeper, Federal Opposition leadership, NDIS, Dementia

Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman
01 SEP: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: Youth mental health services, Maari Ma Aboriginal Corporation, Vaccine rollout, Vaccination rates, Headspace, Vaccinations in Aboriginal communities

Prime Minister Morrison
31 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Mike O'Loughlin, Tasmania Talks
Subjects: Lockdowns, Delta strain, Vaccination rates, National Plan, Doherty modelling, Vaccine rollout, State health advice

Shadow Assistant Minister for Health Shadow Assistant Ged Kearney
31 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Jade MacMillan, ABC Capital Hill
Subjects: Singapore vaccine swap, Vaccine rollout, PM, Pfizer, Pharmaceutical companies, Hospitals, Health clinics

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne and Minister for Health Greg Hunt
31 AUG: Transcript of Press Conference, Canberra
Subjects: Vaccines, Vaccination program, Quarantine, Public health, GPs, Poland, Singapore, Pfizer

Australian Medical Association (AMA)
31 AUG: Transcript of President, Dr Omar Khorshid's Doorstop Interview, WA
Subjects: Mandatory vaccinations, Healthcare system, NSW, COVID-19, Health workers, WA, Mining, Indigenous communities, Regional health

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
30 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Karl Stefanovic, The Today Show
Subjects: State lockdowns, Vaccine rollout, Economic support, Small business support, JobKeeper, Recession, State Premiers, National plan for reopening

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
30 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News First Edition
Subjects: State lockdowns, National Accounts, State Premiers, National plan for reopening, Doherty Institute modelling, Mental health in young people

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart Robert
30 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Triple M's Gus Worland and Allison Langdon, The Today Show
Subjects: Truckies protest in Queensland, Australia's vaccination rollout, National Plan for reopening, Vaccinations for children

Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services Luke Howarth
30 AUG: Transcript of speech to National Mental Health Youth Summit August 24-26
Subjects: Young Australians, Employment, Mental health, Housing, School, National Youth Policy Framework

Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General Amanda Stoker
30 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Jade Macmillan, ABC News
Subjects: COVID-19 restrictions, Border closures, Vaccinations, National Women's Summit, Financial support, Easing restrictions, Proof of vaccination

Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
30 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Marcus Paul, 2SM
Subjects: National plan to reopen, COVID outbreaks around Australia, Lockdowns, Vaccine rollout, Quarantine facilities, Doherty modelling, Hospitals, Federal election, Newspoll

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt
29 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News
Subjects: COVID-19, Lockdown, NSW, Victoria, Vaccine rollout, Immunisation, Mental health, Youth, Public health, PM, Epidemiologist

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt and Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge
27 AUG: Transcript of Press Conference with CHO, Professor Paul Kelly, and Head of Operation COVID Shield, Lieutenant General Frewen, Canberra
Subjects: Updated COVID-19 vaccine advice, ATAGI, Young people

Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace and Member for Canberra Alicia Payne
27 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Danica De Giorgio, Sky News Afternoon Agenda
Subjects: Vaccination thresholds, Doherty modelling, Situation in Afghanistan, National Cabinet, ATAGI advice, Delta variant

Senator for NSW Tim Ayres
27 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Chris Dover, 2WEB Outback Radio
Subjects: COVID-19, Lockdown, Vaccination, Immunisation, Western NSW, First Nations people, Pandemic, Closing the Gap, Regional Australia

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Reports

2020 Aged Care Workforce Census Report
Department of Health
This report presents the findings of the 2020 Aged Care Workforce Census (Census) conducted by the Australian Government Department of Health (Department). It follows four previous similar reports on workforce data in 2003, 2007, 2012 and 2016.
Download

COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report
Department of Health
Vaccination against COVID-19 is the most effective way to reduce deaths and severe illness from infection. Two COVID-19 vaccines are currently in use in Australia - Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) and Comirnaty (Pfizer). Recently, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) granted provisional approval for another vaccine called Spikevax (Moderna). To 29 August 2021, over 19 million vaccine doses have been given in Australia - approximately 12 million first doses and 7 million second doses.
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COVID-19 restriction tracker: As of announcements at 1600 hours 2 September 2021
Department of Health
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Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) Meeting Agenda - November 2021 PBAC Meeting
Department of Health
Download

What are the rules on using new animal test data
Department of Health
Download

Experimental hospital multifactor productivity estimates
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Productivity measures are useful to assess the performance and efficiency of resource use. The ABS currently compiles multifactor productivity estimates for market sector industries but not for nonmarket sector industries such as health care. Non-market sector industries have a large portion of output provided at prices that are not economically significant; that is, where goods and services are provided to final consumers at prices below the cost of provision, such as public hospital services. Given the importance of non-market industries to the Australian economy, the ABS has a research agenda to address this gap in productivity statistics. This paper presents experimental estimates of multifactor productivity for hospitals, a sub-division of the health and social assistance industry.
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Fourth Progress Report
Royal Commission Into Violence, Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation of People With Disability
This is the Fourth progress report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. It covers the six months from 1 January to 30 June 2021. The Royal Commission carried out a full program of activities during the reporting period. The Commission held public hearings and private sessions, and again expanded community engagement.
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Hearing health outreach services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the Northern Territory - July 2012 to December 2020
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
Ear and hearing health is vital for overall health and quality of life. Ear disease and associated hearing loss can have long-lasting impacts on education, wellbeing and employment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more likely than non-Indigenous children to experience ear and hearing problems. A number of factors contribute to the poorer ear and hearing health of Indigenous children, including lack of access to health services, household overcrowding and second-hand smoke exposure.
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Indigenous eye health measures 2021
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
This publication and the accompanying web report are part of a series of annual reports that update the Indigenous eye health measures. This report includes comprehensive eye health data at the national, state and regional levels. The report covers the prevalence of vision impairment and blindness; diagnosis and screening; treatment; workforce; and outreach programs. The report provides an evidence base for monitoring changes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health over time, access to and use of eye health services, and for identifying gaps in service delivery.
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Practice Incentives Program Quality Improvement Measures: National report on the first year of data 2020-21 - Report
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
This is the first annual report on the 10 PIPQI measures. This report aims to provide nationally consistent, comparable data against specified measures that contribute to the assessment of needs, and to the improvement of regional and national health outcomes. The data, shared at the community level, and collected through the PIPQI Incentive, has the potential to inform primary health providers how to improve care and services to clients and within a population.
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Geographical analysis of hospitalised injury and injury deaths data, 2017-18
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
This report presents interactive maps and data visualisations based on counts and rates of hospitalised injury and injury deaths by remoteness of usual residence for Australian jurisdictions in 2017-18. Overall, rates of injury hospitalisations and deaths rise with increasing remoteness. Transport accidents and assaults/homicide show the strongest relationship between increasing remoteness and increasing rates of deaths and hospitalisations.
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Pedal cyclist hospitalisations: estimating on-road cases: Technical report 2000-01 to 2017-18
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
This technical report examines the effects of using the Traffic and Place approaches to specify pedal cyclist road injury cases when using data from the National Hospital Morbidity Database (NHMD), which have been coded according to the Australian clinical modification of the 10th revision of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-AM) (ACCD 2017).
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TAS: Public Health Act 1997 - Direction under Section 16 - Mandatory Vaccination of Certain Workers - No. 1
Tasmanian Department of Health
On and after 17 September 2021, the following persons are not permitted to enter, or remain on, the premises of a residential aged care facility unless the person is sufficiently vaccinated.
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Hansards

Federal

02 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19

02 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Schools

02 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Hospitals

02 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: National Plan

02 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Quarantine

02 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Statements By Members - COVID-19: Victoria

02 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Adjournment - COVID-19: Vaccination

02 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Statements By Members - COVID-19

02 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Lockdowns

02 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Statements By Members - Veterans: Mental Health

02 SEP 2021: SENATE NOTICE PAPER: Questions on Notice - 4080 Senator Keneally: Minister for Health and Aged Care - Question regarding vaccine information sessions/vaccine education seminars

01 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Statements By Members - COVID-19: Testing and Detection

01 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Statements By Members - COVID-19: Vaccination

01 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Vaccination

01 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: National Plan

01 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Statements By Members - COVID-19

01 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Regional Australia

01 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Quarantine

01 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Bills - Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response No. 2) Bill 2021 - First Reading, Second Reading, Debate Adjourned

01 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Statements By Members - COVID-19: Quarantine

01 SEP 2021: REPS HANSARD: Bills - National Health Amendment (Decisions under the Continence Aids Payment Scheme) Bill 2021 - Second Reading, Third Reading

01 SEP 2021: SENATE HANSARD: Documents - COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates, COVID-19: Vaccination - Order for the Production of Documents

01 SEP 2021: SENATE HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Western Australia: COVID-19

01 SEP 2021: SENATE HANSARD: Adjournment - Women's Health Week, National Summit on Women's Safety

01 SEP 2021: SENATE HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Indigenous Health

01 SEP 2021: SENATE HANSARD: Bills - Aged Care Amendment (Registered Nurses Ensuring Quality Care) Bill 2021 - First Reading, Second Reading, Debate Adjourned

01 SEP 2021: SENATE HANSARD: Statements - COVID-19

01 SEP 2021: SENATE HANSARD: Statements - Human Immunodeficiency Virus

01 SEP 2021: SENATE HANSARD: Bills - National Health Amendment (COVID-19) Bill 2021 - First Reading, Second Reading, Debate Adjourned

01 SEP 2021: SENATE NOTICE PAPER: Questions on Notice - 4072 Senator Kitching: Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme - With reference to recent comments, how is obesity defined and quantified by the National Disability Insurance Scheme

30 AUG 2021: REPS HANSARD: Petitions - Responses - Private Health Insurance

30 AUG 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Mental Health

30 AUG 2021: REPS HANSARD: Statements By Members - Broadcasting Regulations - Afghanistan - COVID-19: Vaccination

30 AUG 2021: REPS HANSARD: Statements By Members - Curtin Electorate: Aged-Care and Disability Services

30 AUG 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Lockdowns

30 AUG 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice: Additional Answers - COVID-19: Lockdowns

30 AUG 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Mental Health

Queensland

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus, Update - Coronavirus, Vaccination

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus, Health Advice

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Caboolture Hospital, Surgery

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Committees - Health and Environment Committee - Report

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus, Child Vaccination

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Bills - Public Health and Other Legislation (Further Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 2021 - Debate Resumed, Second Reading, Consideration in Detail, Message from Deputy Governor, Third Reading, Long Title

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus, Economy

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus, Update

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Newborn Screening

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus, Vaccination

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus, Queensland Border Restrictions

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Moreton Bay Islands, Ambulance Services

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus, Economic Recovery

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Private Members' Statements - Coronavirus, Queensland Border Restrictions

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Toowoomba, Quarantine Facility

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Coronavirus, Vaccination Hubs

02 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Private Members' Statements - Coronavirus

01 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Sexual Health Education

01 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Gympie - Health Services

01 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus - Vaccination

01 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Vaccination

01 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - First Nations People - Coronavirus Vaccination

01 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Bills - Public Health and Other Legislation (Further Extension Of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 2021 - Second Reading, Debate Adjourned

01 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Caboolture Hospital - Patient Safety

01 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus - Update

01 SEP 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Satellite Hospitals

Western Australia

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Vaccination Plan - Regions

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Mental Health Co-Response Team - Geraldton

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Medical Cannabis - Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Police - Cannabis Offences

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health - 2021-22 State Budget

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Motion - Cannabis - Research

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - First Responders - Mental Health Support

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Interstate Border Restrictions - Victoria

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Statement - Women and Infants Research Foundation

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Statement - Medical Cannabis

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women - Midwives

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Question Without Notice 606 - Answer Advice - Healthcare Worker Immunisation Policy

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Hospitals - Maternity Bypasses

02 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Statement - Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

01 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - School Health Nurses

01 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Leading Causes of Death Statistics

01 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Police - Mental Health Support Services

01 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Health - Dongara Health Centre Redevelopment

01 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Healthcare Worker Immunisation Policy

01 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Statement - Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

01 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Vaccinations - Mining and Pastoral Region

01 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Albany Health Campus - Bed Capacity

01 SEP 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Medical Cannabis - MGC Pharmaceuticals

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Court Cases

None this edition.

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New Regulations

Federal

Health Insurance (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Amendment (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Capping) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01230
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Amendment (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Capping) Determination 2021 (the EMSN Amendment Determination) is to amend the Health Insurance (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Determination 2017 (the Principal Determination) to apply an EMSN benefit cap to the rTMS items from 1 November 2021.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Electronic National Residential Medication Chart Trial) Amendment (Approved Residential Care Services) Special Arrangement 2 of 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01227
The Principal Instrument allows electronic medication management software vendors to trial their electronic medication order chart systems for the purposes of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) within a number of approved residential care services (as identified in the Schedule to the Principal Instrument). These systems provide a fully electronic version of the paper based residential medication chart currently available in all Australian approved residential care services.
Explanatory Statement

Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Variation (Extension No. 3) Instrument 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L0123
The purpose of the Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Variation (Extension No.3) Instrument 2021 (the Instrument) is to vary the Declaration to extend the human biosecurity emergency period for a further three months until 17 December 2021.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme- Exempt items - Section 84AH) Amendment Determination 2021 (No. 3)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01222
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under section 84AH of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act), is to amend the legislative instrument titled National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme-Exempt items - Section 84 AH) Determination 2017 (PB 81 of 2017) to make changes to the pharmaceutical items that are determined to be exempt items.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (September Update) Instrument 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01221
This is the National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (September Update) Instrument 2021 (PB 91 of 2021) (this Instrument). The purpose of this Instrument, made under subsection 100(2) of the Act, is to amend the National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement 2021 (PB 27 of 2021) (the Special Arrangement), to make changes to the Special Arrangement relating to the Highly Specialised Drugs Program.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits - early supply) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No. 8)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01219
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under subsection 84AAA(2) of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act) is to amend the National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits-early supply) Instrument 2015 (PB 120 of 2015) (the Principal Instrument). PB 120 of 2015 specifies the pharmaceutical items that are in pharmaceutical benefits for which Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) safety net entitlements will not apply for early supplies, and to specify the period following previous supply. The amendments made by this Instrument reflect amendments to the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012 (PB 71 of 2012), which commence on the same day. The National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012 (PB 71 of 2012) is made under sections 84AF, 84AK, 85, 85A, 88 and 101 of the Act.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No. 8)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01218
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under sections 84AF, 84AK, 85, 85A, 88 and 101 of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act), is to amend the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012 (PB 71 of 2012) to make changes to the pharmaceutical benefits listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and related matters. PB 71 of 2012 determines the pharmaceutical benefits that are on the PBS through declarations of drugs and medicinal preparations, and determinations of forms, manners of administration and brands. It also provides for related matters (equivalent brands, responsible persons, prescribing circumstances, maximum quantities, number of repeats, determined quantity and pack quantity, section 100 only status and prescriber bag only status).
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Listed Drugs on F1 or F2) Amendment Determination 2021 (No. 6)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01217
This instrument makes amendments to the Principal Determination. The Act provides that PBS listed drugs may be assigned to formularies identified as F1 and F2. F1 is intended for single branded drugs and F2 for drugs that have multiple brands, or are in a therapeutic group with other drugs with multiple brands. Drugs on F2 are subject to the provisions of the Act relating to price disclosure and guarantee of supply. Section 84AC of the Act provides that a drug is on F1 or F2 if there is a determination in force under section 85AB that the drug is on F1 or F2.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2021 (No. 8)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01215
The purpose of this Instrument, made under subsection 100(2) of the Act, is to amend the National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement 2011 (PB 79 of 2011) (the Special Arrangement) to make changes relating to the Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy. The Special Arrangement achieves greater efficiency in payment for the supply of injected or infused chemotherapy medicines ('chemotherapy pharmaceutical benefits') to eligible patients being treated for cancer, to reflect the 2010 Budget measure titled 'Revised arrangements for the efficient funding of chemotherapy drugs'. The Special Arrangement also relates to the supply of medicines associated with the side-effects of cancer and cancer treatment ('related pharmaceutical benefits') at certain public hospitals.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Amendment Determination 2021 (No. 8)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01214
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under subsection 89A(3) of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act), is to amend the National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Determination 2020 to make changes to the pharmaceutical benefits eligible to be provided as a Continued Dispensing supply. The National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Determination 2020 (the Principal Instrument) expands the list of pharmaceutical benefits that can be supplied by an approved pharmacist under Part VII of the Act without a prescription, and provides the conditions for such a supply (a 'Continued Dispensing' supply).
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Weighted average disclosed price - October 2021 reduction day) Amendment Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01195
This legislative instrument amends the National Health (Weighted average disclosed price - October 2021 reduction day) Determination 2021 (PB 72 of 2021) (the Principal Instrument) by:
- removing from Schedule 1 and inserting in Schedule 2 WADPs for brands of pharmaceutical items containing:
- pegfilgrastim, injection 6 mg in 0.6 mL single use pre-filled syringe, injection;
- clonidine, tablet containing clonidine hydrochloride 100 micrograms, oral and;
- clonidine, tablet containing clonidine hydrochloride 150 micrograms, oral.
Explanatory Statement

New South Wales

27 AUG 2021: NSW, CONSTANCE: Legislation - Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments - Passenger Transport (General) Amendment (Drug and Alcohol Testing) Regulation 2021 - Passenger Transport Act 1990 - 2021-483

Tasmania

02 SEP 2021: TAS, ROCKLIFF: Ambulance Service (Fees) Regulations 2021 - Statutory Rules 2021, No. 69

Victoria

31 AUG 2021: VIC, STITT: Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Major Hazard Facilities) Regulations 2021 - S.R. No. 112/2021

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Proclamations

None this edition.

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Gazette Notices

New South Wales

01 SEP 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 425: Government Notices - Health and Education

31 AUG 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 423: Government Notices - Health and Education

27 AUG 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 419: Government Notices - Health and Education

27 AUG 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 414: Government Notices - Health and Education

26 AUG 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 411: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Public Health (COVID-19 Vaccination of Health Care Workers) Order 2021

25 AUG 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 409 - Government Notices - Health and Education

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Consolidated Legislation

Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical - Expansion of GP and Allied Health Mental Health Services) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00877
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Section 3C General Medical Services - Cease GP Mental Health Treatment Plan Phone Services) Determination 2021.
Download

Subsidy Principles 2014
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00873
Principles as amended, taking into account amendments up to Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Improved Home Care Payment Administration) Instrument 2021.
Download

National Health (Medication Program for Homeless People) Special Arrangement 2021
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00872
PB 73 of 2021 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Medication Program for Homeless People) Amendment Special Arrangement 2021.
Download

National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits) (Pharmacist Substitution of Medicines without Prescription during Shortages) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00868
PB 84 of 2021 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits) (Pharmacist Substitution of Medicines without Prescription during Shortages) Amendment (No. 1) Determination 2021.
Download

National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00866
PB 71 of 2012 Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No. 7).
Download

User Rights Principles 2014
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00861
Principles as amended, taking into account amendments up to Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Improved Home Care Payment Administration) Instrument 2021.
Download

Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices) Regulations 2002
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00856
SR 2002 No. 236 Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No. 2) Regulations 2021
Download

Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - COVID-19 Telehealth and Telephone Attendances) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00849
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Section 3C General Medical Services - GP Mental Health Treatment Plan Review) Determination (No. 2) 2021.
Download

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New Bills

Federal

A Private Member's Bill (Patrick) for an Act to amend the Aged Care Act 1997, and for related purposes.

The Bill amends the Aged Care Act 1997 to require all approved aged care facilities to have at least one registered nurse on duty at all times within an aged care facility. The registered nurse will be required to provide care and supervise the provision of care to residents of an approved aged care facility.

Currently in Australia, there is no nationwide requirement that nursing homes must have at least one registered nurse on duty at all times as confirmed by the recent Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. This inconsistent approach leads to variations on the level of care and quality afforded to residents and negatively impacts the working lives of staff providing that care within Australia.

Senate: Intro 01/09/21, 2R 01/09/21, Passed TBA
Reps: Intro TBA, 2R TBA, Passed TBA

Assent TBA, Act No. TBA

Commencement: The whole of this Act: The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

 

A Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to aged care, health and aged care pricing, and information sharing in relation to veterans and military rehabilitation and compensation, and for related purposes

Schedule 1 amends the Aged Care Act 1997 (Aged Care Act) and the Aged Care (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 (Transitional Act) to enable the introduction of a new residential aged care basic subsidy calculation model, the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC). This model will replace the Aged Care Funding Instrument from 1 October 2022. The new funding model will link calculation of a variable amount of residential aged care subsidy to each care recipient's AN-ACC level. It will also link calculation of a fixed amount of subsidy to the characteristics of residential aged care services. This fixed component will be the same for all residents at a service and will be higher for services in remote locations and certain specialist services, in recognition of higher fixed operating costs.

Schedule 2 of the Bill amends the Aged Care Act and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018 (Quality and Safety Commission Act) to establish the legislative authority for nationally consistent pre-employment screening for aged care workers of approved providers to replace existing police checking obligations.

Schedule 3 of the Bill amends the Aged Care Act and the Quality and Safety Commission Act to allow the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner (Commissioner) to make and enforce a Code of Conduct (Code) that will apply to approved providers and their workers, including governing persons. It will give the Commissioner powers to deal with information received about alleged breaches of the Code, and take enforcement actions for substantiated breaches.

Schedule 4 of the Bill amends the Aged Care Act to extend the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) from residential care to home care and flexible care delivered in a home or community setting from 1 July 2022. This Schedule introduces new responsibilities for approved providers of home care, and flexible care delivered in a home or community setting to manage incidents, including through implementing and maintaining an incident management system that complies with requirements set out in the Quality of Care Principles 2014.

The definition of a reportable incident will also be extended to home and community care settings, so that home care and flexible care providers operating in these settings will be required to notify the Commissioner of these incidents. Protections against retribution or vilification for individuals reporting such incidents will also extend to reportable incidents in these settings.

Schedule 4 of the Bill will also amend the Quality and Safety Commission Act to expand the Commissioner's powers to deal with incidents that are reported by Commonwealth grant funded aged care service providers, and authorise these providers to collect, use and disclose information relevant to their obligations in relation to the SIRS for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988.

Schedule 5 of the Bill amends the Aged Care Act and the Quality and Safety Commission Act to improve the governance of approved providers of aged care. From 1 March 2022, the amendments will introduce new governance responsibilities for approved providers in relation to the membership of their governing bodies and the establishment of new advisory bodies, as well as measures to improve leadership and culture. These measures are aimed at improving transparency and accountability, and ensuring the focus of approved providers, from the top down, is on the best interests of care recipients.

Schedule 5 also introduces new reporting responsibilities for approved providers, including to provide an annual statement on their operations that will be made publicly available. This will help care recipients and their families understand key details of providers, including information about financial circumstances, staffing levels and complaints. The amendments will also require approved providers to notify the Commission of changes to key personnel and will replace the current disqualified individual arrangements with a suitability test for key personnel, consistent with the arrangements under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Schedule 6 of the Bill amends the Aged Care Act, the Quality and Safety Commission Act, Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 to facilitate greater information sharing between Commonwealth bodies across the aged care, disability and veterans' affairs sectors in relation to noncompliance of providers and their workers.

Schedule 7 of the Bill amends the Aged Care Act to enable the Secretary or Commissioner to request information or documents from a provider or borrower of a loan made using a refundable accommodation deposit or bond. The amendments create an offence for a borrower who does not comply with a request. Further, the period of liability for the existing offences for the misuse of refundable accommodation deposits prior to an insolvency event for both providers and key personnel of providers will be extended from 2 years to 5 years.

Schedule 7 also amends the Quality and Safety Commission Act to enable the Commissioner to issue an infringement notice for a borrower who commits an offence for failing to comply with a request under these amendments. The reforms implemented under Schedule 7 of the Bill will form part of the second phase of a three phase plan to implement a new financial and prudential monitoring, compliance and intervention framework for the aged care sector.

Schedule 8 to the Bill amends the National Health Reform Act 2011 (National Health Reform Act) and the Aged Care Act to expand the functions of a renamed Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (Pricing Authority) to include the provision of advice on health care pricing and costing matters, provision of advice on aged care pricing matters and the performance of certain functions conferred in the Aged Care Act. The amendments also establish new governance arrangements and appointments processes for the Pricing Authority. The new governance and appointment arrangements will reflect the enhanced responsibilities and integrated functions of the Pricing Authority and streamline its administration.

Schedule 8 also amends the National Health Reform Act, the Aged Care Act and the Quality and Safety Commission Act to ensure appropriate use and disclosure of information required for the Pricing Authority to perform its new functions.

Reps: Intro 01/09/21, 2R 01/09/21, Passed TBA
Senate: Intro TBA, 2R TBA, Passed TBA

Assent TBA, Act No. TBA

Commencement:

  1. Sections 1 to 3 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table - The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.
  2. Schedule 1 - 1 October 2022.
  3. Schedule 2 - A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. However, if the provisions do not commence within the period of 12 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the day after the end of that period.
  4. Schedule 3 - 1 July 2022.
  5. Schedule 4, Part 1 - 1 July 2022.
  6. Schedule 4, Part 2 - The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.
  7. Schedule 5 - 1 March 2022.
  8. Schedule 6 - The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.
  9. Schedule 7 - 1 July 2022.
  10. Schedule 8 - The 28th day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

 

A Bill for an Act to amend the Biosecurity Act 2015, and for related purposes

The Bill will amend the Biosecurity Act 2015 (the Biosecurity Act) to enhance the ability to manage the risk of pests and diseases entering, emerging, establishing or spreading in Australian territory and causing harm to animal, plant and human health, the environment and the economy. It will strengthen the operation of the biosecurity framework through improving efficiency and effectiveness of the administration of the Biosecurity Act, increase a range of civil and criminal penalties to deter non-compliance and strengthen the identification and management of biosecurity risks posed by maritime and aviation arrivals.

The Biosecurity Act provides the regulatory framework for the management of risks of pests and diseases entering Australian territory and gives effect to Australia's relevant international rights and obligations.

The Bill amends the Biosecurity Act to:

  • Strengthen pratique and human health requirements by:
    • expanding pre-arrival reporting requirements for aircraft and vessels;
    • strengthening penalties for non-compliance with negative pratique requirements; and
    • creating a mechanism to make a human biosecurity group direction;
  • Increase civil and criminal penalties for contraventions of Chapter 3 of the Biosecurity Act, which deals with managing biosecurity risks in relation to goods;
  • Streamline the process for making certain determinations specifying prohibited, conditionally non-prohibited and suspended goods or granting permits based on risk assessments; and
  • Increase efficiency and ensure transparency of expenditure on biosecurity-related programs and activities by permitting the Agriculture Minister and Health Minister to authorise the expenditure directly through the Biosecurity Act.

On 2 September 2021, the Senate Selection of Bills Committee referred the Bill to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 14 October 2021.

Reps: Intro 01/09/21, 2R 01/09/21, Passed TBA
Senate: Intro TBA, 2R TBA, Passed TBA

Assent TBA, Act No. TBA

Commencement:

  1. Sections 1 to 3 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table - The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.
  2. Schedule 1 - A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. However, if the provisions do not commence within the period of 6 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the day after the end of that period.
  3. Schedules 2 to 4 - The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

 

A Bill for an Act to amend the Dental Benefits Act 2008, and for related purposes

This Bill will amend the Dental Benefits Act 2008 (the Act) to remove the lower eligibility age restriction of 2 years to allow eligible children from 0 years of age to access the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

The CDBS operates under the Act to provide eligible children aged between 2-17 years access to up to $1,013 in benefits for basic dental services, with benefits capped over two consecutive calendar years. The CDBS has provided over $2.3 billion in benefits and delivered more than 38 million services to over 3 million Australian children since it commenced on 1 January 2014 (to 30 June 2021).

The Report on the Fourth Review of the Dental Benefits Act 2008 (the Review) recommended lowering the current eligibility age to one year of age. The feedback received by the Department from the key stakeholders advised their preference of removing the lower eligibility age restriction altogether enabling all children under 18 years of age to access the scheme if they meet the CDBS means test requirements.

By removing the lower eligibility age restriction altogether, it is estimated that each year an additional 300,000 children aged between 0 and 2 will become eligible for the program from 1 January 2022. It is estimated that each year 15% of children in this newly eligible age group (presenting with teeth) will access the scheme.

Reps: Intro 04/08/21, 2R 04/08/21, 11/08/21, 12/08/21, 26/08/21, Passed 26/08/21
Senate: Intro 31/08/21, 2R 31/08/21, Passed TBA

Assent TBA, Act No. TBA

Commencement: The whole of this Act - 1 January 2022.

 

A Bill for an Act to amend the National Health Act 1953, and for related purposes.

The Bill provides the Minister for Health with the power to enter into arrangements and make payments in relation to procuring COVID-19 vaccines, inclusive of boosters, and necessary consumables, and COVID-19 treatments.

Reps: Intro 26/08/21, 2R 26/08/21, 31/08/21, Passed 31/08/21
Senate: Intro 01/09/21, 2R 01/09/21, 02/09/21, Passed 02/09/21

Awaiting assent

Assent TBA, Act No. TBA

Commencement: The whole of this Act - The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.

 

A Bill for an Act to amend the National Health Act 1953, and for related purposes.

The purpose of the Bill is to provide express support for the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) to confer review functions on the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The Bill amends the National Health Act 1953 to provide that a legislative instrument made under section 12 of the Act may provide that applications may be made to the AAT for review of decisions made in exercise of powers conferred by the instrument.

Senate: Intro 16/06/21, 2R 16/06/21, 05/08/21, Passed 05/08/21
Reps: Intro 05/08/21, 2R 01/09/21, Passed 01/09/21

Assent TBA, Act No. TBA

Commencement: The whole of this Act: The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

 

A Private Member's Bill (Kelly) for an Act to implement Article 6 of the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights, and for related purposes

The purpose of the Bill to ensure that Australia complies with provisions of article 6.1 of the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights

Reps: Intro 30/08/21, 2R 30/08/21, Passed TBA
Senate: Intro TBA, 2R TBA, Passed TBA

Assent TBA, Act No. TBA

Commencement: The whole of this Act - The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

Download: 2R Speech | Explanatory Memorandum

 

Queensland

A Bill for An Act to amend the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997, the Corrective Services Act 2006, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020, the Economic Development (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Regulation 2020, the Environmental Protection Act 1994, the Explosives Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Regulation 2020, the Gaming Machine Act 1991, the Health Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Regulation 2020, the Justice and Other Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Amendment Act 2020, the Mental Health Act 2016, the Public Health Act 2005, the Public Health and Other Legislation (Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Act 2021 and the Public Health and Other Legislation (Public Health Emergency) Amendment Act 2020 for particular purposes.

The Bill achieves the policy objectives by extending essential measures supporting Queensland's response to the COVID-19 pandemic until 30 April 2022 and refining some of these measures given the changing nature of the pandemic and knowledge gained from implementation.

Intro 16/06/21, Referred to Health and Environment Committee 16/06/21, Report tabled 06/08/21, 2R 01/09/21, 02/09/21, Passed (with amendments) 02/09/21

Assent TBA, Act No. TBA

Commencement: This Act commences on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, except that -

(1) Part 11, division 3 commences on 1 October 2021.
(2) Part 12, division 3 commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.

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New Acts

Federal

Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority Amendment (Governance and Other Measures) Act 2021

An Act to amend the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority Act 2008, and for related purposes

This Act will amend the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority Act 2008 (OTA Act) to transition the role of the Accountable Authority under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) from the Board to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This change follows recommendations made by Dr Mal Washer, Chair of the Organ and Tissue Authority Board (the Board), to Minister Coulton to enable the Board to have a more strategic and advisory focus. This amendment will repeal the existing Board and create a new Advisory Board.

Reps: Intro 16/06/21, 2R 16/06/21, 11/08/21, Passed 11/08/21
Senate: Intro 12/08/21, 2R 12/08/21, 26/08/21, Passed 26/08/21

Assent 02/09/21, Act No. 89 of 2021

Commencement:

  1. Sections 1 to 3 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table - The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.
  2. Schedules 1 and 2 - A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. However, if the provisions do not commence within the period of 6 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the day after the end of that period.

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