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)
23 September
ATAGI statement about the need for additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines
At this point in the National COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) strongly recommends maximising first and second dose vaccine uptake across the community without delay in line with current prioritisation and outbreak response strategies. Two doses of any of the vaccines available in Australia have been shown to protect an individual from COVID-19 and its complications, as well as protecting the community.
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Rural Doctors say mandatory vaccination for Primary Care health workers could save lives
The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) has joined the growing voice of peak health bodies, such as the AMA and RACGP, in calling for health workers in primary care to be vaccinated against COVID-19. RDAA President, Dr John Hall, said that ensuring GPs, nurses and other staff working in a primary care setting were vaccinated would protect both their colleagues, and their patients. 'We are hopeful that it will not take long for all staff working in any health care setting to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19,' Dr Hall said.
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More than half of First Nations Australian adults at risk of severe illness from COVID if unvaccinated
A majority (59 per cent) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are at an elevated risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19 due to ongoing health inequities, a major study led by the Australian National University (ANU) has found. The study examined the prevalence of health factors like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, which all increase the risk of severe illness if an unvaccinated person gets COVID-19.
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Prime Minister's vaccine sharing commitment welcome, but more must be done
End COVID For All has commended the Australian Government's pledge to share an additional 40 million COVID-19 vaccines with developing countries, but is calling on the Government to commit to further action to fight the pandemic in poor countries. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced he will share 20 million doses and procure another 20 million to share in future, which will be distributed to neighbouring countries in the Indo-Pacific by the end of next year.
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ACT: Rapid Antigen Testing needed to keep ACT pharmacy doors open
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) ACT Branch welcomes Chief Minister Andrew Barr's commitment to introduce rapid antigen testing in the ACT, and calls on the ACT Government to fund rapid antigen testing for ACT pharmacies as a matter of priority. Since the ACT entered lockdown on 12th August, there have been 82 COVID-19 exposures in 37 of the ACT's 82 pharmacies. This often means pharmacies need to close for a period of time whilst employees get tested, impacting the community's access to medicines.
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SA: Pharmacies ready to roll with Moderna
Anyone aged 12 years and over can now access the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine through community pharmacies, with the Government announcing the vaccine will be made available for those over 60 in South Australia. SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said around 300 pharmacies across the state will deliver the Moderna vaccine, with the first first tranche of approximately 140 pharmacies. 'South Australian pharmacists have played an important role in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, with community pharmacies providing more than 17,500 doses of vaccine since they joined the rollout in July,' said Minister Wade.
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22 September
ACT: Student nurses and midwives to join ACT's COVID-19 response
The ACT's COVID-19 response workforce will soon be enhanced with qualified student health practitioners now permitted to give COVID-19 vaccinations. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government has been working to rapidly expand the ACT's vaccination and testing workforce ahead of expected increases in vaccine supply. 'We have been working closely with the ACT health care sector, unions, professional peak bodies and universities to bring student health practitioners on board to assist in the ACT's COVID-19 pandemic response,' Minister Stephen-Smith said.
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NT: No new NT community COVID-19 cases, two positive international cases
Two people who arrived in the Northern Territory on international repatriation flights have tested positive to COVID-19 in the past 24 hours while in quarantine at the Centre for National Resilience. A 51-year-old male who arrived on the repatriation flight from Denpasar on 18 September 2021 tested positive for COVID-19. He has mild symptoms and is under the care of NT Health at the NT Centre for National Resilience. A two-year-old female child who arrived on the repatriation flight from Pakistan on 17 September 2021 has tested positive for COVID-19. She is asymptomatic and is under the care of NT Health at the NT Centre for National Resilience, said NT Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet.
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21 September
Make or break time for nation's health
Australian Medical Association (AMA) President Dr Omar Khorshid said if Australia is to get its health system working for the benefit of all Australians and get through the COVID-19 crisis, governments must urgently invest in the sector and implement structural funding reform. Dr Khorshid said a blame game had dominated previous discussions of health funding and reform. Appearing before the Senate Select Committee on COVID-19, Dr Khorshid said COVID-19 had compounded a crisis in health care.
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20 September
Businesses unite to bring Australia one shot closer
Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA) said that the Business Council said it is bringing together employers of all sizes from across the economy to boost vaccination rates. Supported by Facebook, the campaign aims to reach at least 80 per cent of Australians and give every business in the country access to a toolkit of messages and assets to let them speak with a united voice. 'Every person we get vaccinated brings us one shot closer to bringing Australians back together and letting us all get on with our lives,' Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.
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Commonwealth hotspot extended for Greater Melbourne and declared for Greater Geelong, Surf Coast and Mitchell Shire
The Department of Health said that Australian Government Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Paul Kelly has extended the current Hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support for Greater Melbourne, until 11:59 pm on 7 October 2021, with review on or before this date. Increasing daily case numbers, with a high proportion of cases infectious whilst in the community, has led to an increasing number of exposure sites listed on the Victorian Government's website, posing ongoing risk to the community.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded 935 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19. One case was acquired overseas, and 28 previously reported cases have been excluded following further investigation. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is 52,705. Sadly, NSW Health is reporting the deaths of four people with COVID-19. Two men in their 60s from south western Sydney died at Liverpool Hospital.
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NSW: Public health alert - Stay-at-home Order for Cowra LGA
NSW Health said that stay-at-home orders will be introduced for the Cowra Local Government Area (LGA) for seven days due to an increased COVID-19 public health risk. These stay-at-home orders also apply to anyone who has been in the Cowra LGA since 13 September. Everyone in the Cowra LGA must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason, which includes shopping for food, medical care, getting vaccinated, compassionate needs, exercise and work or tertiary education if you can't work or study at home.
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NT: Moderna vaccine to arrive in the Territory
Northern Territory Minister for Health Natasha Fyles said that the Territory Labor Government is on track to have another tool added to the vaccine rollout with the first supplies of the Moderna vaccine to arrive soon. Moderna is the third COVID-19 vaccine to be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Association and is available to everyone aged 12 and above from pharmacies across the Territory. The Territory Government has worked closely with the Commonwealth to secure an allocation of the Moderna vaccine in line with population demographics.
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19 September
NSW: Restrictions to ease in LGAs of concern
Restrictions in local government areas of concern will start to align with other lockdown areas, as vaccination rates continue to rise in Sydney's West and South-West, said NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard. Nearly all restrictions in the LGAs of concern are now aligned with other lockdown areas, with the main differences being authorised worker conditions and travel permit requirements which remain in place in the LGAs of concern. From 12.01am Monday, 27 September outdoor pools across NSW will be able to open, provided councils have a stringent COVID safety plan approved by NSW Health. Natural pools are already permitted to be open.
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ACT: COVID-19 Update - 19 September 2021
ACT Health said that there have been 17 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT. Of these cases, 11 are linked to known cases or ongoing clusters and six (6) remain under early investigation. Five (5) were in quarantine during their infectious period and 12 were in the community for part of their infectious period. There are now 376 cases who have recovered with 12 in the past 24 hours. This means there are now 242 active cases associated with this outbreak.
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18 September
First million doses of Moderna arrive from Europe
The first consignment of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine doses has arrived in Australia and will be administered by community pharmacies around the country. Almost 350,000 doses arrived as part of Australia's original contracted supply, with a further 700,000 from the additional million doses secured from European Union member states. Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt welcomed the arrival of the doses and said they were the first of two million to be supplied by Moderna in September from their Belgium plant.
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17 September
NSW: Vaccination blitz launched to keep your mob safe
NSW Health is holding a state-wide COVID-19 vaccination blitz (18 - 19 September 2021) to increase vaccinations among Aboriginal people. Local health districts across NSW will have Aboriginal staff at 18 vaccination sites to provide a culturally safe place for Aboriginal people to get vaccinated. It's been very pleasing to see services working together to rollout vaccinations, especially during the challenges of the current outbreaks', said Ms Geri Wilson-Matenga, Executive Director Centre for Aboriginal Health. 'Working with our Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector is critical in enabling access to culturally safe vaccination options.'
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Aged Care
20 September
$38.5 million to support senior Australians in Dementia Action Week
Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said that a new National Centre for Monitoring Dementia is to be established to improve the care for those suffering from the condition along with $25.5 million for new research. Marking Dementia Australia week, the Government is providing $13 million in funding to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to establish the National Centre, to routinely monitor dementia care in Australia. This will help address critical gaps to support national dementia policy and service provision.
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A little support can make a big difference this Dementia Action Week
The Department of Health said that dementia describes a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain, including Alzheimer's disease. It is not one specific disease. Up to 472,000 Australians are living with dementia. While ageing is the biggest risk factor for dementia, it is not a normal part of ageing. People living with dementia often experience discrimination. This campaign encourages all Australians to see the person behind the diagnosis. People living with dementia can live active and fulfilling lives many years after diagnosis.
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Dementia in Australia report
The Department of Health said that the Dementia in Australia 2021 report is the first of its kind in almost 10 years. Prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, it shows how the impact of dementia is growing in Australia. To coincide with Dementia Action Week (20 - 26 September), a new report into dementia is now available. The Dementia in Australia 2021 report provides a comprehensive picture of dementia and its impacts on Australia's health and aged care systems, as well as recent developments in dementia research and policy. The report also includes personal insights from people living with dementia and those who support them in their daily lives.
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LASA supports making a big difference in dementia
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) said it is supporting Dementia Australia during Dementia Action Week 2021. Over 470,000 Australians are living with dementia with a further 1.6 million people caring for them. Around 70 per cent of people with dementia live in the community and more than two-thirds of aged care residents have moderate or severe cognitive impairment. Dementia care is a major issue with dementia being the second leading cause of death in Australia and the leading cause of death in women. 'LASA and our valued Members care deeply about providing high quality and safe care for people living with dementia,' said LASA CEO Sean Rooney.
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QLD: Keeping Hervey Bay seniors connected
Cost of living rebates, the COVID health response and the vaccine rollout and staying safe from scams were key topics discussed at the latest Government's Seniors Expo held in Hervey Bay. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk who attended as part of her government's Regional Cabinet program in Hervey Bay said it was wonderful to see so many seniors come together to take part in this expo. 'The Hervey Bay electorate has the highest number of seniors in Queensland,' the Premier said. Queensland Minister for Seniors Craig Crawford said the Government is hosting a series of Seniors Expos across the state designed to connect seniors with local services and support.
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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
23 September
Childhood immunisation module now available
Whilst many of the procedures remain the same, vaccinating children and adolescents requires additional skills such as considering consent in a minor, distraction, and communication with parents. To help pharmacists increase their confidence in this area, Guild Learning and Development has opened up access to the Childhood Immunisation Module for all pharmacists across the nation. Guild members can access the module at no charge, while non-members can access it for $75. This module is a component of the Pharmacy Guild Immunisation Course and has been included in the immunisation training courses for several states and territories.
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Clinical Governance
23 September
Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative to provide national voice for CALD health
The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA), the peak national body representing multicultural and ethnic communities, is facilitating the establishment of the 'Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative', a national voice to provide leadership and advice on policy, research, and practice to improve access and equity and achieve better health outcomes for Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Following engagement with key stakeholders, FECCA is now inviting feedback from healthcare providers, consumers, and researchers to inform the further development of the proposed Collaborative.
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22 September
ACCC proposes to re-authorise collective negotiations between AMA NSW and Private Hospital Operators
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission ACCC has released a draft determination proposing to grant re- authorisation to the AMA NSW for itself and participating Visiting Medical Officers (VMOs) to collectively negotiate with Private Hospital Operators regarding the terms and conditions (including remuneration) for VMOs engaged to provide medical services to public patients in the New South Wales (NSW) private hospital system as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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20 September
Improving diagnosis for hepatitis C patients
To help improve the treatment times of those with hepatitis C, the Morrison Government will fund a new national point-of-care testing (POCT) program that can confirm active hepatitis C infections within an hour and allow treatment to begin immediately. The Kirby Institute at the University of NSW and the International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing at Flinders University will be provided with $6.5 million combined to establish the program. Being able to provide the testing and treatment all in one visit is a real game-changer for people who would normally have to wait several weeks for a test result, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
None this edition.
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Dental
22 September
Medicare needs teeth
Independent Member for Clark Andrew Wilkie said an ABC report of generations in Hobart's northern suburbs having all their teeth removed illustrates why basic dental care needed to be rolled into Medicare. 'That some children think it's the norm to have dentures is distressing,' Mr Wilkie said. 'Poor oral health leads to all sorts of other health problems and sets these kids up for a lifetime of pain. 'Constituents regularly raise dental care concerns and it's clear that some people are waiting far too long to access the public dental care system, and many people are going without. This is obviously not only bad for their dental health, but associated with other serious health conditions like heart disease.'
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TAS: Oral health crisis must be addressed
Tasmania's oral health crisis must be addressed urgently with dedicated long term not one-off increases to funding and a comprehensive recruitment and workforce development plan. Tasmanian Shadow Minister for Health Anita Dow said it was clear that Tasmanians experiencing poor oral health were continuing to suffer under the current oral health system and associated waiting lists. 'The dire situation in Tasmania when it comes to accessing public oral health services is simply shocking,' Ms Dow said.
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Disabilities
21 September
NSW COVID Update: Support for worker and participant vaccinations
National Disability Services (NDS) said that the Minister for the NDIS Linda Reynolds announced new temporary support for eligible registered providers to meet the additional costs of mandatory worker vaccination. All disability workers living, or working in, a local government areas of concern who provide disability support, in person, to people with disability are required to have their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by 19 September. To be eligible, providers must deliver support in one of Sydney's LGAs of concern and be in one of the following registration groups:
- 0104 High Intensity Daily Personal Activities
- 0107 Daily Personal Activities
- 0115 Assistance with Daily Life Tasks in a Group or Shared Living Arrangement
- 0125 Participation in Community, Social and Civic Activities
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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
22 September
ACT: Student nurses and midwives to join ACT's COVID-19 response
The ACT's COVID-19 response workforce will soon be enhanced with qualified student health practitioners now permitted to give COVID-19 vaccinations. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government has been working to rapidly expand the ACT's vaccination and testing workforce ahead of expected increases in vaccine supply. 'We have been working closely with the ACT health care sector, unions, professional peak bodies and universities to bring student health practitioners on board to assist in the ACT's COVID-19 pandemic response,' Minister Stephen-Smith said.
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VIC: Expanded free TAFE turbocharges post-COVID Victoria
The Government's signature Free TAFE initiative will grow to more than 60 courses in 2022 - giving more Victorians training for more jobs as the state moves through and beyond the coronavirus pandemic. Victorian Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney announced seven new courses for next year, headlined by the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing - giving jobseekers access to world-class training and boosting the veterinary industry by alleviating workforce demands in metropolitan and regional Victoria. The new additions are part of a regular review of the Free TAFE list, ensuring training meets key government priority areas and skills demands while also boosting the Victorian economy.
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Funding
21 September
New strategy and research centre to support Australians with eating disorders
For the first time, Australia has a 10-year strategy which will guide critical research and transform how the health system treats and cares for nearly one million Australians who suffer from bulimia, anorexia and other eating disorders said Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman. The Government is launching the Australian Eating Disorder Research and Translation Strategy 2021-2031. The Strategy, which has been developed under a $4 million federal grant by the InsideOut Institute, identifies the top 10 priority areas in greatest need of additional research.
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Health Professionals
22 September
ACT: Government to recruit more nurses and midwives
The ACT Government will hire more than 90 additional nurses and midwives across health services as part of its commitment to provide better healthcare, where and when Canberrans need it. The upcoming ACT Budget will include a commitment of $50.1 million over four years to recruit additional nurses and midwives across Canberra Health Services and Calvary Public Hospital Bruce. The investment marks the first phase of nursing and midwifery ratios across the public health system - delivering on an ACT Labor commitment from the 2020 election, said Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith.
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ACT: Student nurses and midwives to join ACT's COVID-19 response
The ACT's COVID-19 response workforce will soon be enhanced with qualified student health practitioners now permitted to give COVID-19 vaccinations. ACT Minister Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government has been working to rapidly expand the ACT's vaccination and testing workforce ahead of expected increases in vaccine supply. 'We have been working closely with the ACT health care sector, unions, professional peak bodies and universities to bring student health practitioners on board to assist in the ACT's COVID-19 pandemic response,' Minister Stephen-Smith said.
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ACT: Greens applaud minimum staffing ratios
The ACT Greens are proud to be delivering on the commitment both governing parties took to last year's election, to develop minimum staffing ratios between nurses or midwives and their patients. 'We stand with our city's nurses, who want to be supported to provide the best possible care to our community,' said ACT Greens health spokesperson Johnathan Davis MLA. 'Our Greens in Cabinet and on the crossbench fully support today's budget announcement, which will hire more nurses and midwives, support health workers already on the front lines, and provide more care to patients.'
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Hospitals
24 September
VIC: Helping ambulances respond to the most critical cases
The Victorian Government is boosting the number of Ambulance Victoria services on the road, ensuring Victorians get the best care. A new Medium Acuity Transport Service hit the road helping Victorians and providing critical care when they need it most. The new service is providing world class care for Code 2 and 3 patients with 22 vehicles and 165 dedicated staff, freeing valuable resources up to respond to the most urgent and time-critical emergency cases, said Victorian Minister for Ambulance Services Martin Foley.
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Insurance
22 September
Reserve Bank Health Society able to continue to outsource services to Peoplecare
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a final determination granting authorisation to enable the Reserve Bank Health Society (RBHS) to continue to engage another health insurer, Peoplecare Health Limited (Peoplecare), to provide a range of administrative, operational and management services. Authorisation is granted for 10 years, until 15 October 2031. The ACCC considers that the Conduct is likely to result in public benefit by capturing efficiencies through economies of scale.
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20 September
No-gap endoscopy now available to Sydney customers
Eligible Medibank customers in Sydney can now access commonly claimed endoscopy procedures like colonoscopies and gastroscopies with no gap. Medibank data shows the average out-of-pocket cost customers currently pay is $296 for colonoscopies and $253 for gastroscopies. Extending support for the no-gap program to endoscopy procedures means eligible Sydney patients with Medibank now have the option to reduce their out-of-pocket costs. Chief Medical Officer Dr Linda Swan said Medibank customers who have participated in the existing no-gap joint replacement program have saved more than $1,500 on average in out-of- pocket costs.
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Medicare
18 September
Medicare bulk billing rates at all time high
More Australians than ever are receiving their medical care at no cost to themselves, with the latest Medicare data showing that almost nine out of 10 visits to the GP in 2020-21 were bulk billed, with no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. In the last 12 months to June 2021, the GP bulk billing rate was at an all-time high of 88.8 per cent. This is 1.2 percentage points higher than the previous year and 6.5 percentage points higher than in 2012-13. Across all Medicare services, the bulk billing rate reached 81 per cent, an increase of 4.5 percentage points since 2012-13, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
24 September
COVID-19 taking bigger toll on kids' mental health
The mental health of Australian children has deteriorated significantly over the last year due to COVID-19, new analysis from the Australian National University (ANU) shows. The findings come from a major national survey that asked parents and carers about their views on a range of outcomes for their children. According to the study, parents and carers think COVID-19 has had a large negative impact on mental health for children aged five to 18 years. There were fewer concerns for children aged two to four.
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21 September
South Wales made by the Australian Government. COVID-19 mental health boost for the ACT
The Government is providing an additional $2.5 million to ensure people in the ACT can access urgent mental health support during the current COVID-19 lockdown. This funding complements the additional mental health and wellbeing support that will be announced by the ACT Government. Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt, said the COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of Australians. Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman, said this funding aligns with similar investments for the people of Victoria and New
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COVID-19 mental health boost for the ACT
The Government provided an additional $2.5 million to ensure people in the ACT can access urgent mental health support during the current COVID-19 lockdown. This funding complements the additional mental health and wellbeing support that will be announced by the ACT Government. Taken together, this package will significantly boost mental health and wellbeing services and, importantly, provide additional vital support for children and young people. Minister Hunt, said the COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of Australians.
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A little support makes a big difference this Dementia Action Week
Carers Australia called for greater support for people living with dementia and their carers during this year's Dementia Action Week. Carers Australia CEO, Liz Callaghan said, 'We applaud Dementia Australia for their tireless support of people living with dementia, and for using this important week to recognise and celebrate the incredible work of the family and friend carers providing care to their loved ones.' Caring for a person living dementia can have a significant impact on the carer, including their physical and mental health and sense of wellbeing.
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ACT: $14m mental health and community health care support package for Canberrans
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Mental Health Emma Davidson and ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said that the ACT Government is boosting funding for mental health, alcohol and other drug services and primary health care across the city, to support the wellbeing needs of Canberrans during lockdown. This is one of the toughest periods in the city's history and it is okay to reach out for help. Support is available.
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20 September
Australia Post invests in mental health with community grants of up to $10,000 each
Australia Post announced the recipients of its 2021 Community Grants, with 76 organisations awarded a total of more than $500,000 in funding in support of mental health projects. Local initiatives were awarded up to $10,000 each to help fund programs that improve connection and mental wellbeing in communities, with successful applicants including community groups from every state and territory, and half located in regional and remote locations. It is the second year the grants have had an emphasis on supporting mental health, and works alongside the partnership Australia Post has with Beyond Blue to support the mental wellbeing of Australians.
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Dementia Action Week/World Alzheimer's Day
Swinburne University of Technology said that Swinburne researchers are working on technology-based projects to improve the health and wellbeing of ageing populations with a focus on people living with dementia. This aligns with their vision of bringing people and technology together to build a better world. Using technology to support independent living Swinburne's Future Self Living Lab, working with Dementia Australia, developed technology applications to support the independence of people living with mild to moderate dementia and help them remain in their homes.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
20 September
World Pharmacists Day is fast approaching
In the lead up to World Pharmacist Day, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) will be shining a spotlight on a variety of different practice areas and highlighting the many varied roles that pharmacists are trusted to fulfil, to demonstrate the significance of pharmacists on the frontline of Australia's healthcare system. PSA National Vice President, Renae Beardmore, said: 'Australian pharmacists are our most accessible frontline health workers, leading by example through the current global health crisis, and throughout the 2019 bushfires.'
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Updates to the Prescribing Medicines in Pregnancy database
The Therapeutic Goods Administration said that:
-cabotegravir - pregnancy category B1
-chlormethine - pregnancy category B3
-Covid-19 Vaccine Ad26.COV2.S - pregnancy category B1
-eptinezumab - pregnancy category B1
-eslicarbazepine acetate - pregnancy category D
-febuxostat - pregnancy category B1
-fostemsavir - pregnancy category B3
-glycopyrronium bromide / formoterol fumarate - pregnancy category B3
-ivacaftor / tezacaftor / elexacaftor - pregnancy category B3
-nabiximols - pregnancy category B2
-lemborexant - pregnancy category B3
-risdiplam - pregnancy category D
-trabectedin - pregnancy category D
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Research
23 September
Improving the lives of Australians through health and medical research
Through the Medical Research Future Fund, the Government is providing $9.2 million across two programs - $5.2 million to develop new approaches that tackle diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and $4 million to develop new medical technologies to treat a range of conditions. The funding is provided through two programs - the Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) and BioMedTech Horizons (BMTH) - which aim to support the development of novel preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and products for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and translation and commercialisation of world-leading health and medical research projects, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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22 September
ACT: CHARM health research conference opens online to public and professionals
The Canberra region's top health research has conference opened, providing free online access to internationally renowned keynote speakers and local cutting-edge research. The Canberra Health Annual Research Meeting (CHARM) has a program of expert presentations from clinicians and scientists, panel discussions and workshops. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said CHARM facilitates collaboration between health researchers, students, policy makers, carers, consumers and clinicians from a diverse range of health disciplines.
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VIC: National first centre to drive heart health research
Victorian Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said that the Government will lead the establishment of the first ever Australian cardiovascular research accelerator, which will operate alongside the Victorian Heart Hospital to fast-track heart health therapies. The $17.7 million Health Innovation Centre will be located at the Monash Technology Precinct in Clayton and will be a key developer of clinical products and therapies, cardiac technology and models of care. The centre will feature research spaces, flexible office areas, collaboration spaces for industry and manufacturers and cutting-edge equipment including audio visual technology to help develop and commercialise products.
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VIC: To receive $17.5 million to establish Victoria's Health Innovation Centre
Monash University will establish Victoria's Health Innovation Centre, including a flagship cardiovascular disease-focused research accelerator, HeartLabs, and a new focal point for clinical trials, to create high-value jobs, intellectual property, start-ups, and attract and nurture new clinical trials. Enabled by $17.5 million in funding through the state government's Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF), the Centre will be housed in the Monash Technology Precinct and networked across the state through its clinical trials. HeartLabs will translate and commercialise clinical research, cardiac technology, models of care, drug discovery, and biomedical engineering.
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21 September
Advanced imaging reveals breast cancer's Achilles' heel
For breast cancer patients, standard-of care therapies become drastically less effective if their tumour has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lung. But a new treatment approach, investigated by a team at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in experimental models, may help stop breast cancer cells right as they begin to spread. 'Using live imaging techniques, we were able to pinpoint a narrow window of vulnerability for metastasising breast cancers,' said Professor Paul Timpson, Cancer Research Theme Leader at the Garvan Institute and co-senior author of the findings published in Cell Reports.
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Statement of support for the Therapeutic Goods Administration
The Sax Institute said it is among the nearly 100 evidence-based health and medical organisations that have united in support of Australia's medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and its vital work in helping guide Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with the other organisations, the Sax Institute agrees that Australians can have confidence in the assessments and recommendations of the TGA, and its ongoing role in improving the health of all Australians.
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20 September
Improving diagnosis for hepatitis C patients
Minister Hunt said that to help improve the treatment times of those with hepatitis C, the Morrison Government will fund a new national point-of-care testing (POCT) program that can confirm active hepatitis C infections within an hour and allow treatment to begin immediately. The Kirby Institute at the University of NSW and the International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing at Flinders University will be provided with $6.5 million combined to establish the program. Being able to provide the testing and treatment all in one visit is a real game-changer for people who would normally have to wait several weeks for a test result.
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The power of placebo is a myth
The Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) said that people have accepted the idea that taking a placebo - for example, a pill with no active medicine in it - can have powerful effects on the body. The reality is quite different, according to the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia. A placebo is designed to look, taste, smell and feel like a real treatment; but it does not contain the active ingredient. Professor Christopher Maher, Director of the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health at the University of Sydney, and colleagues wrote that recent commentaries in major medical journals advocating for placebos in clinical care are based on deeply flawed studies.
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Women disadvantaged when it comes to cardiac care
Women with some cardiac conditions receive less evidence-based treatment than their male counterparts, research published by the MJA confirmed. Researchers from the University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital and Concord Repatriation General Hospital, assessed differences in the evidence-based treatment received by men and women with non- ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS) and in their outcomes, both in-hospital and at 6- month follow-up. They also separately assessed these differences in patients with documented coronary artery disease (CAD).
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17 September
$4 million for traumatic brain injury research
To help support Australians living with and recovering from a traumatic brain injury, the Government is launching the latest round of the traumatic brain injury grants. Medical research is the best hope of discovering better diagnosis and treatments to help Australians with brain injuries and this $4 million grant opportunity will boost research in this field. The funding will support research projects to improve care for people with a traumatic brain injury as well as prevent and treat sports-related concussion. More than 700,000 Australians have a brain injury, which can limit and restrict participation in daily life, said Minister Hunt.
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New Board to guide research funding
The Government has announced the new membership of the expert advisory board that will chart the nation's research strategy for the next five years to support the best and brightest medical researchers and innovators. The Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB) advises the Government on research and innovation priorities under the landmark $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). The priorities guide MRFF research investments to reduce the burden of disease, provide practical benefits, or deliver greatest value for all Australians. Australia has a strong track record in medical research and discoveries, said Minister Hunt.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
21 September
Historic day for state-of-the-art Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo
Life-saving services are much closer to home for people in regional and remote areas of Western NSW, with the opening to patients of the Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo. Construction of the $35 million project is now complete, and services have begun moving into the state-of-the-art facility at Dubbo Hospital. Federal Nationals Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the completion of the Western Cancer Centre marks an historic milestone for the Dubbo community and the entire western region. 'This is one of my proudest days as the Member for Parkes,' Mr Coulton said.
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Women's Health
None this edition.
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Transcripts
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
23 SEP: Transcript of Press Conference, Melbourne
Subjects: Vaccination rollout, Use of sotrovimab, Home quarantine, Moderna, Young Australians, Pharmacies, Grand Final weekend, Medical Research Future Fund
Minister for Regional Health David Gillespie
23 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Fi Poole, ABC Mid-North Coast
Subjects: COVID-19, Retired health care worker, New South Wales health network, Delta variant, ICU, Vaccination, Vaccine boosters
Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General Amanda Stoker
23 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News First Edition
Subjects: Protests in Melbourne, Construction industry shutdown, Queensland border restrictions, Vaccine rollout, Lockdown, Immunisation, COVID-19, Health
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
23 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Leith Forrest, FiveAA Mornings
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, Quarantine, COVID-19 restrictions, Member for Pearce's resignation from the Cabinet, Relationship with France, PM's trip to Washington
Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party Richard Marles
23 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Marcus Paul, 2SM
Subjects: Earthquake, Deputy PM, Melbourne protests, Vaccine rollout, Health, Lockdown, COVID-19, AUKUS, Australia's damaged relationship with France
Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler
23 SEP: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Adelaide
Subjects: Disastrous third wave, Teenage vaccinations, Booster shots, Melbourne protests, Vaccine supply, The Ashes, Member for Dawson
Shadow Minister for Education Tanya Plibersek
23 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Lee Dixon, Radio 7AD Devonport
Subjects: Dental care, Fire crackers, Melbourne protests, PM's vaccine rollout, Lockdown, Health, Social media, Immunisation, COVID-19
Senator for the Northern Territory Malarndirri McCarthy
23 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Adam Steer, ABC Darwin
Subjects: Far right extremism, Proud Boys recruiting in Darwin, Mandatory vaccination for workers, Immunisation, Industry, Employment, CFMEU, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, COVID-19
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews
22 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Neil Breen, 4BC
Subjects: AUKUS, Migration program, Illicit drug seizures, Moderna COVID-19 vaccine rollout through community pharmacies
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews
22 SEP: Transcript of Press Conference, Brisbane
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, Moderna COVID vaccine, National plan, ABF, Vaccine supply, Vaccination rates, Pharmacies in vaccine rollout, Senator for QLD
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart Robert
22 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News
Subjects: Protests, QLD businesses, The National Plan for reopening, COVID disaster payments, Vaccines, Hotspots
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
22 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Josh Szeps, ABC Radio Sydney Breakfast
Subjects: AUKUS alliance, Nuclear-powered submarines, Melbourne protests, COVID restrictions, Mandating of vaccinations, Purpose-built quarantine facilities
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
22 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Michael Rowland, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Melbourne protests, COVID restrictions across Australia, Need for a public information campaign around COVID, Mandating of vaccinations
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
22 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Allan Aldworth & Michelle Anderson, Mix 94.5 Perth
Subjects: AFL Grand Final, Former Minister for Industry's resignation from Cabinet, Ministerial conduct, COVID restrictions across Australia
Shadow Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten
22 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Ali Moore, ABC Radio Melbourne
Subjects: Melbourne protests, Vaccination mandates, Construction industry, Lockdowns, Vaccine rollout, Vaccine hesitancy, CFMEU
Shadow Minister for Youth Amanda Rishworth
22 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News First Edition
Subjects: Melbourne protests, Vaccination misinformation
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
21 SEP: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Sydney
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, Deputy PM, Restrictions across Australia, State borders, Federal Minister for Industry, Innovation & Trade, Climate change, PM, US, AUKUS, France
Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler
21 SEP: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Adelaide
Subjects: Pfizer vaccine on 5- to 11-year-olds, Vaccine rollout, Burnet Institute modelling, Deputy PM, Former Minister for Industry, Ministerial conduct, Climate change
Minister for Regional Health David Gillespie
20 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC Afternoon Briefing
Subjects: COVID-19, Delta variant, Vaccination rates, Regional NSW, WA, AstraZeneca, Community pharmacies
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart Robert
20 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Karl Stefanovic, Channel 9
Subjects: Victoria's roadmap, Vaccination rollout, Queensland, Bondi Beach crowds, National Plan for reopening, Byron Bay vaccination rates, Member for Pearce
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
20 SEP: Transcript of Press Conference, Melbourne
Subjects: COVID-19, Vaccine Rollout, Moderna, Health, Immunisation, Medicare, Lockdown, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Indigenous communities
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
20 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Michael Bailey, 4RO
Subjects: Member for Pearce resignation, Blind trust, Vaccine rollout, National quarantine facilities, Fed Govt, Accountability, COVID-19 pandemic, State borders, Federal election
Labor Senator For Tasmania Helen Polley
20 SEP: Opinion Piece, first published in The Examiner - 'Dementia action week: Dementia sufferers, carers hit by pandemic'
Subjects: COVID-19, Dementia, Communities, Mental health, Discrimination
New South Wales Minister for Regional Health David Gillespie
20 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC Afternoon Briefing
Subjects: COVID-19, Delta variant, Vaccination rates, Regional NSW, WA, AstraZeneca, Community pharmacies
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
17 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Neil Mitchell, 3AW
Subjects: COVID-19, Public health, Victoria, NSW, Immunisation, Vaccination, National plan, Indo-Pacific, Chinese Foreign Affairs
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt
17 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Clinton Maynard, 2GB Drive
Subjects: COVID-19, Pandemic, Vaccination rollout, Immunisation, Home Quarantine, Hotel Quarantine, NSW, Moderna, Pfizer
Shadow Minister for Education Tanya Plibersek
15 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Scott Emerson, Radio 4BC Drive
Subjects: COVID vaccinations, Australia's relationship with the US, Zero net emissions, QLD, Transparency in political donations, Climate change, Electricity
Senator for NSW Deborah O'Neill
15 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Rod Corfe, 2WEB Outback Radio
Subjects Payroll job losses, COVID-19 crisis, Western NSW, Senate, Pfizer, Vaccines, Hot spots, NSW State Premier, Indigenous health
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Reports
Reclassification of spinal implantable medical devices - Guidance on the transitional arrangements and obligations of sponsors and manufacturers
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Spinal implantable medical devices are used in different parts of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar and pelvic) to address a number of health problems including arthritis of the spine, deformities of the spine (including scoliosis - abnormal curvature of the spine), spondylolisthesis, herniated discus, trauma, spinal tumours, etc. Spinal implantable medical devices include the following:
- motion-preserving devices for the spine
- implantable devices that come into contact with the spinal column.
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COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report - 23- 09-2021
Department of Health, TGA
The protective benefits of vaccination against COVID-19 far outweigh the potential risks of vaccination. To 19 September 2021, approximately 24.8 million vaccine doses have been given in Australia - 15.1 million first doses and 9.7 million second doses. The most frequently reported side effects suspected to be associated with the vaccines reflect what was seen in the clinical trials. They include injection-site reactions such as a sore arm, and more general symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, fever and chills.
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Reclassification of medical devices in direct contact with the heart, central circulatory and central nervous systems - Guidance on the transitional arrangements and obligations
Department of Health, TGA
In early 2019 the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) conducted a public consultation seeking feedback on a proposal to reclassify medical devices intended to be used in direct contact with the heart, central circulatory system (CCS) or the central nervous system (CNS). The proposed regulatory changes supported the commitment made in the Australian Government Response to the Review of Medicines and Medical Devices Regulation to align Australian medical device regulations, where possible and appropriate, with the European Union framework.
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Software for use with COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests
Department of Health
The purpose of this document is to provide manufacturers and sponsors with guidance on the Therapeutic Goods Administration's expectations concerning software or apps for use with COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests that are intended to analyse and enable the interpretation of the test result. This document does not deal with any requirements for software systems to identify, or confirm the identity, of individuals taking tests, transmission of patient records or reporting of results to public health authorities.
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PHI 68/21 Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 5) 2021
Department of Health
This circular provides an update on the amendment rules which were registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 17 September 2021 and commence on 20 September 2021. The Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No.5) 2021 (the Amendment Rules) amend the Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011 (the Benefit Requirements Rules) and the Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Rules 2015 (the Complying Product Rules).
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Testing of paediatric medicinal cannabis products being supplied via SAS in Australia
Department of Health
The survey described in this report was conducted to assess compliance with TGO93 for medicinal cannabis products used in the paediatric population being supplied via SAS in Australia. A total of 9 medicinal cannabis products were requested by the TGA. The samples were targeted based on being in an oral dosage form and intended for use in the paediatric population.
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Chlormethine hydrochloride
TGA
This AusPAR describes the application by Recordati Rare Diseases Australia Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Ledaga (chlormethine hydrochloride) 160 µg/g, gel for the following proposed indication: Ledaga is indicated for the topical treatment of mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous Tcell lymphoma (MF-type CTCL) in adult patients.
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir
TGA
This AusPAR describes the application by Gilead Sciences Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) fixed dose combination oral tablets, with each tablet containing 400 mg sofosbuvir and 100 mg velpatasvir for the following proposed extension of indications: Epclusa is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6) in adults and paediatric patients . 12 years of age or weighing . 35 kg.
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National Disability Services (NDS): Western Australia Digital Annual Report 2020/21
National Disability Services (NDS)
National Disability Services is Australia's peak body for non-government disability service organisations, representing service organisations in their work to deliver high quality services including accommodation, home support, respite, therapy, community participation and employment for people with disability.
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Improving Immunisation Coverage - Dept of Health - Auditor-General Report No. 5 2021-22
Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)
Immunisation is an effective way to protect individuals from harmful infections and to prevent the spread of disease in the community. The Australian and state and territory health ministers agreed in 2008 that a new national immunisation strategy be developed. The Department of Health and its National Immunisation Committee oversaw the development of the strategy, which was endorsed by the state and territory governments and published in 2013. An updated version was published in 2019. Both versions of the strategy focus on the governance and implementation of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and include the strategic priority 'improve immunisation coverage'.
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Dementia in Australia 2021: Summary report
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
This Summary report presents some of the key findings and concepts from the Dementia in Australia online compendium. Additional findings, interactive data and information about dementia, support services and aged care programs can be found in the online report. Important information about data sources and methodologies to derive statistics are also explained in the online report.
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Volume 215, No 6 - Liver injury - Wood heaters - SARS-CoV-2 PCR detection
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
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Hansards
Northern Territory
23 SEP 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - Royal Darwin Hospital - Capacity
23 SEP 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Mandatory Vaccination Policy
23 SEP 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - Royal Darwin Hospital - Ambulance Wait Times
23 SEP 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - Remote Healthcare
23 SEP 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - Check-in App - Vaccination Status
23 SEP 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - Royal Darwin Hospital - Elective Surgery Cancellations
22 SEP 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - COVID-19 - Vaccinations for Teachers
22 SEP 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - Palmerston Regional Hospital - Emergency Department Closure
22 SEP 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - COVID-19 - Protection of Unvaccinated Territorians
22 SEP 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - COVD-19 - Vaccine Rollout Changes
22 SEP 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Royal Darwin Hospital - Elective Surgery Cancellation
22 SEP 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Royal Darwin Hospital - Code Yellow
Western Australia
23 SEP 2021: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates Committee A - Division 22: WA Health, $5 975 582 000
23 SEP 2021: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates Committee A - Division 24: Health and Disability Services Complaints Office, $2 977 000
23 SEP 2021: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates Committee A - Division 23: Mental Health Commission, $838 732 000
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code) Instrument (No. 5) 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01317
The purpose of the Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code) Instrument (No. 5) 2021 ('the Amendment Instrument') is to include a reference to the New Permission in the Code, and so incorporate the New Permission as in force or existing on 24 September 2021. The reference to the New Permission in the Code has the effect that the Code does not apply to an advertisement that is made in accordance with the New Permission.
Explanatory Statement
Social Security (Special Disability Trust) Guidelines 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01311
The purpose of the Guidelines is threefold:
- First, to provide guidelines about what are the reasonable care and accommodation needs of a principal beneficiary of a special disability trust;
- Second, to provide guidelines about whether or not to provide a waiver notice to the trustees of a trust, the conditions to include in the notice and the period during which the waiver is to have effect;
- Third, it nominates agreements between the Commonwealth and the States and the Territories under which funding (wholly or partly) is provided to institutions, hostels or group homes to allow residents of such homes to meet the beneficiary requirements for a special disability trust.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (COVID-19 Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment (Further Extension) Special Arrangement 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01304
The National Health (COVID-19 Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment (Further Extension) Special Arrangement 2021 (the Amendment Instrument) amends the National Health (COVID-19 Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Special Arrangement 2020 (the Special Arrangement). The Amendment Instrument extends the date of repeal of the Special Arrangement by three months so it is repealed at the start of 1 January 2022.
Explanatory Statement
Queensland
23 SEP 2021: QLD, DEPT OF HEALTH: Border Restrictions Direction (No. 45) - S 362B - Public Health Act 2005 (QLD)
22 SEP 2021: QLD, DEPT OF HEALTH: Declared Interstate Places of Concern Direction (No. 2) - S362B - Public Health Act 2005
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
Victoria
19 SEP 2021: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 516: Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 200 - Directions from Acting Chief Health Officer in Accordance with Emergency Powers Arising from Declared State of Emergency
18 SEP 2021: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 515: Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 200 - Directions from Acting Chief Health Officer in Accordance with Emergency Powers Arising from Declared State of Emergency
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Consolidated Legislation
Federal
National Health (Listed Drugs on F1 or F2) Determination 2021
Consolidated Legislative Instrument - F2021C00960
PB 33 of 2021 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Listed Drugs on F1 or F2) Amendment Determination 2021 (No. 6).
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New Bills
NSW
A Bill for an Act to amend the Notifiable Diseases Act 1981 and the Transplantation and Anatomy Act 1979.
The purpose of this Bill is to streamline and modernise regularly used administratively heavy and costly approval processes written over 40 years ago. These proposed changes will save time, save costs and increase productivity by re-aligning the approvals into a more proportionate and contemporary format.
Notice of Motion 05/05/21
Intro 06/05/21, 2R 06/05/21, 23/09/21, Passed (with amendments) 23/09/21
Awaiting assent
Assent TBA, Act No. TBA
Commencement: This Act commences on the day after the day on which the Administrator's assent to this Act is declared.
South Australia
A Bill for An Act to reduce the incidence of deaths by suicide in this state, to establish the Suicide Prevention Council, to provide for the preparation and implementation of suicide prevention plans, to encourage the training of persons and organisations in suicide prevention and postvention, and for other purposes.
The objects of the bill are:
- to reduce the incidence of suicide in the state;
- to promote best practice suicide prevention policies across the state;
- to articulate the role of the state in implementing suicide prevention strategies;
- to provide for training and education in relation to suicide prevention;
- to provide for the identification of priority population groups and implementing suitable initiatives to prevent suicide within such groups; and
- to provide a framework to ensure that suicide prevention response is a priority across all levels of government and community.
LC: 1R 08/09/21, 2R 08/09/21, 21/09/21, Passed TBA
LA: 1R TBA, 2R TBA, Passed TBA
LC: Final Stages TBA
Assent TBA, Act No. TBA
Commencement: This Act comes into operation on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
Tasmania
A Bill for An Act to amend the Guardianship and Administration Act 1995.
The Bill inserts provisions into the Guardianship and Administration Act 1995 (the Principal Act) to provide for the making and implementation of advance care directives in Tasmania.
The Bill provides that a person with decision-making ability may make decisions and give directions about their future health care by giving an advance care directive. The advance care directive may be given in writing or by any other means.
Witnessing requirements are prescribed in the Bill and witnesses are required to attest that the person giving the advance care directive is not acting under any form of duress or coercion.
The advance care directive may contain both binding and non-binding directives. Refusals or instructions to withdraw health care that are clear and unambiguous are binding. All other directives are non-binding. Non-binding directives must be complied with to the extent that it is reasonably practicable to do so.
LA: Intro 24/06/21, 2R 01/07/21, Passed 01/07/21
LC: Intro 01/07/21, 2R 25/08/21, 26/08/21, 02/09/21, Passed (with amendments) 21/09/21
LA: Awaiting consideration of amendments
Assent TBA, Act No. TBA
Commencement: This Act commences on a day to be proclaimed.
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New Acts
ACT
An Act to amend the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020.
The Act will have the effect of exclusively reserving personal information collected through the ACT Government's Check In CBR app for contact tracing purposes and compliance with its provisions. This will displace several uses and disclosures of such information which would ordinarily be permitted under the Territory Privacy Principles (TPPs) set out in the ACT's Information Privacy Act 2014. In this regard, the effect of the amendments is analogous to those made by the Federal government to the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988 when introducing the Federal government's COVIDSafe app. Those amendments, made through the Privacy Amendment (Public Health Contact Information) Act 2020, effectively prohibit the use of information obtained directly from the COVIDSafe app for any purpose other than contact tracing.
Intro 04/08/21, 2R 04/08/21, 16/09/21, Passed (with amendments) 16/09/21
Notified 21/09/21, Act No. 20 of 2021
Commencement:
(1) Section 5, so far as it inserts the following provisions, commences 30 days after this Act's notification day:
• section 2D
• section 2E (1) to (3)
• section 2G (1) and (2).
Note The naming and commencement provisions automatically commence on the notification day (see Legislation Act, s 75 (1)).
(2) Section 5 remainder and the remaining provisions of this Act commence on the day after this Act's notification day.
Queensland
An Act about access to voluntary assisted dying and related matters, and to amend this Act, the Coroners Act 2003, the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000, the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 and the Powers of Attorney Act 1998 for particular purposes.
The objective of the Act is to establish a legal framework for voluntary assisted dying in Queensland, allowing eligible people who are suffering and dying to choose the timing and circumstances of their death. The Act establishes a voluntary assisted dying scheme in Queensland based on the recommendations of the Queensland Law Reform Commission's (QLRC's) report: A legal framework for voluntary assisted dying (Report No. 79) and draft QLRC legislation. The QLRC aimed to develop a draft law for Queensland that is compassionate, safe and practical.
Legalising voluntary assisted dying in Queensland will introduce significant changes to the current law in defined circumstances, providing people, in certain circumstances, with access to more options at the end of life and affording them dignity by empowering them to exercise greater choice in the timing and manner of their death. Criminal Code offences relating to homicide and other laws will continue to apply to conduct falling outside the scheme in addition to the creation of specific offences under the voluntary assisted dying legislative scheme.
Intro 25/05/21, Referred to Health and Environment Committee 25/05/21, Report tabled 20/08/21, 2R 14/09/21, 15/09/21, 16/09/21, Passed 16/09/21
Assent 23/09/21, Act No. 17 of 2021
Commencement:
(1) Part 8 and section 153 commence 6 months after the date of assent.
(2) The remaining provisions of this Act commence on 1 January 2023.
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