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)

18 November

Extension of biosecurity measures to help fight NT COVID-19 outbreak
The Australian Government is extending the measures it has introduced to protect remote communities in the Northern Territory facing the COVID-19 outbreak in line with the local requirements in the territory. The determination under section 477 of the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act 2015 will extend until 6pm, 22 November, preventing people from entering and/or exiting the Robinson River and surrounding homelands, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg.
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Hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support extended for Robinson River and surrounding homelands
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Sonya Bennett has extended the Hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support for Robinson River and surrounding homelands, until 11:59pm on 22 November 2021. This timeframe aligns with the timeframes for targeted health response in place from the Northern Territory Government, said the Department of Health.
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VIC: More freedoms to come as Victoria hits 90 per cent vax rate
Victoria is on its way to becoming one of the most vaccinated places in the world, with nearly all remaining restrictions to be lifted statewide for fully vaccinated people. With Victoria set to hit the 90 per cent double dose milestone for eligible people in the coming days, the Acting Chief Health Officer has determined that almost all remaining restrictions in Victoria will ease - reaching Phase D of the National Plan, said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley.
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17 November

COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests that are approved in Australia
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the following COVID-19 self-tests (home use tests) for supply in Australia from 1 November 2021. The TGA's performance requirements for COVID rapid antigen self-tests are internationally aligned with technical specifications published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Commission. This includes a minimum clinical sensitivity of at least 80% (for specimens collected within 7 days of symptom onset) and a minimum clinical specificity of at least 98%.
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Government's failed Indigenous vaccination 'surge' leaves communities at risk
The First Nations vaccination gap has widened again, leading to new COVID outbreaks in remote parts of the Northern Territory and Moree. The Government's failure to deliver vaccines to communities has left them exposed as more border controls ease in the coming days and weeks. Health experts, Labor and First Nations leaders have consistently warned the Government of the consequences of COVID outbreaks in remote communities for almost two years, said Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney and Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler.
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QLD: Sports stars join Super Schools Vaccination blitz
There is an extra incentive to get vaccinated at the Super Schools Weekend - the chance to meet your favourite sport stars. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced sporting greats from rugby league, soccer, netball, Australian football, rugby union and many more will be on hand to congratulate those being vaccinated at select schools during the pop-up clinics. 'Sport has the ability to unite and inspire us,' the Premier said. 'That includes spreading the 'get vaccinated' message and I want to thank all the clubs, players and athletes who are taking part.'
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TAS: Schools key to stopping the spread
Rapid antigen testing needs to be seriously considered for use in schools before the next school year starts. Tasmanian Minister for Shadow Education Josh Willie said Tasmania's schools will be key to stopping the spread of COVID-19 once borders reopen. 'We know COVID will enter the state and we know that children will be at a high risk due to being unvaccinated,' Mr Willie said.
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WA: Mixed messages cause vaccination confusion for emergency services volunteers
WA Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Martin Aldridge called on the Government to provide clarity around vaccination requirements for emergency services volunteers. 'The Opposition is concerned at how the vaccine mandate for fire and emergency services volunteers has been communicated, especially after the Premier and Chief Health Officer specifically excluded volunteers from the vaccine mandate just last month,' Mr Aldridge said. Mr Aldridge accused the Government of delivering mixed messages relating to the vaccination mandate at a time when it was vital for all West Australians to be encouraged to roll up their sleeve.
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15 November

AHPPC statement on the role of face masks to protect individuals and the community from COVID-19
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on the role of face masks to protect individuals and the community from COVID-19. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) acknowledges that as Australia moves through the National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID-19 Response, case numbers will rise. Community transmission will also increase. Vaccination against COVID-19 is an important measure to prevent infection. Global evidence indicates a 'breakthrough infection' of COVID-19 may occur in vaccinated individuals, although at a lower frequency than in unvaccinated individuals. Vaccinated people are less likely to become severely unwell, or need hospitalisation. However, vaccinated individuals with breakthrough infections can still transmit COVID-19 to others.
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QLD: Border rules relaxed as vax target hit earlier than planned
Queensland has eased some border restrictions after reaching a vaccination milestone days ahead of deadline, thanks partly to a strong turnout at school pop-up clinics. Queensland Premier Palaszczuk announced that 70 per cent of the state's population aged 16 and over were now fully vaccinated. 'Congratulations and thank you, Queensland,' the Premier said. 'We've now clicked over the 70 per cent double-dose mark, well ahead of the date we set ourselves. There are now more than 3 million Queenslanders fully vaccinated. This means we can relax some of our border restrictions for people travelling from hotspots.'
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VIC: Helping more Victorians access Covid-19 vaccinations
The Government is ensuring nobody is left behind by addressing the barriers to getting vaccinated for vulnerable Victorians. Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence, Victorian Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers James Merlino and Victorian Minister Foley announced $2.5 million for community programs that remove practical barriers to vaccination and support increased vaccine uptake as the State moves past 90 per cent of Victorians with a second dose. It will fund practical support such as help to book a vaccination appointment or arranging childcare to enable parents to attend their appointments. The program assists Victorians from vulnerable groups, such as people living with disability, young people, seniors, multicultural communities, social housing residents and victim survivors of family violence.
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14 November

Reopening of retail outlets at Australia's international airports
Minister Hunt said that Australia's high levels of vaccination has allowed the removal of the remaining restrictions on retail outlets at Australia's international airports. These restrictions on certain retail outlets have operated to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading by people mingling at international airports. The decision to repeal the Emergency Determination is based on advice from the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer. The repeal is largely supported by the rising vaccination rates in Australia - as at 12 November 2021, 81.9% of Australians over the age of 16 have had 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
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13 November

NT: Covid-19 Update: Katherine mask mandate extended
The NT Department of Health said that the mask mandate in Katherine will be extended for 48 hours until 5pm on Monday, 15 November, 2021. The Katherine mask mandate has been extended while further wastewater testing is undertaken due to recent positive testing results. All COVID-19 tests from Katherine close contacts continue to be negative. It is important that anyone showing even mi Id symptoms of COVID-19, especially those people who live in, or have visited Katherine,get tested immediately.COVID-19 testing numbers in Katherine on Thursday and Friday have been low. COVI D-19 testing is the key to identifying COVI D in the community and locating any positive cases.
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VIC: Seventy school vaccine pop-ups finish top of the class
Victorian Minister Foley said that the Government's school pop-up vaccination program has helped thousands of Victorians get vaccinated, with pop-ups at Alkira Secondary College, Cranbourne North and Brookside College P- 9, Caroline Springs marking the completion of the highly successful program. In September, the Government announced a state-wide community pop-up vaccination program, including 70 metropolitan and regional school pop-ups - bringing vaccines to areas that needed them most. The program has delivered more than 34,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses, including 15,000 first doses and 19,000 second doses. The Government continues to make it easier for Victorians to get vaccinated by focusing on areas and community groups that need support to get this life-saving vaccine.
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12 November

2 million COVID-19 vaccinations administered by pharmacists
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) said that yet another milestone has been achieved by Australian pharmacists, who have now administered more than 2 million COVID-19 vaccines to patients. 90 percent of the population aged over 16 years has received their first dose of the vaccine, with more than 37 million doses administered nationally. PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, thanked pharmacists for going above and beyond to protect their communities and discussed the transition into the National Booster Program. 'In the space of one month, pharmacists have doubled the number of vaccinations they have administered, with more than 2 million now recorded - and I thank you for the part you have played in delivering the national vaccination strategy.
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Aged Care

17 November

Alignment of regulations across care and support sectors
Work to align regulation across the aged care, disability and veterans' care sectors will significantly improve quality and safety for participants and consumers. The Government is committed to improving protections for Australians living in residential aged care or receiving aged care services at home, those receiving veterans' in-home care and assistance, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, and those who receive other disability services, said Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Linda Reynolds and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Andrew Gee.
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RACGP releases new home-care guidelines for COVID- 19-positive patients
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has released new guidelines to help GPs care for patients with COVID-19 in their home. The updated Home-care guidelines for patients with COVID-19 includes advice and information on:
- supporting patients through a COVID-19 diagnosis
- determining medical and social risk factors and disease severity
- determining home-care suitability and the appropriate monitoring protocol
- escalating care where necessary.
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Aged care home and community care staff encouraged to get vaccinated
Aged care staff who work in home care and community services are encouraged to get their COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible so they can increase protection for the vulnerable older Australians they care for, said LASA. There has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations for the 156,000 workers in the Home Care and Commonwealth Home Support programs with more than 84% having received a first dose and 73% their second dose nationwide already. '
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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

16 November

VIC: Broadmeadows TAFE Health Centre architect appointed
A leading architecture firm will design the Government's world-class Health and Community Centre of Excellence at Kangan TAFE in Broadmeadows, providing vital training for the local health sector. Victorian Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney announced Architectus has been appointed to design the $60 million health and community centre as part of the first stage of the campus's revitalisation. The new facility will feature flexible learning spaces, laboratories and outdoor recreation spaces and will house students in aged care, mental health, disability, nursing, pathology, allied health and health care education services.
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15 November

Statement on COVID- 19, schools and early childhood education and care
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on COVID-19, schools and early childhood education and care. The position of AHPPC is that schools are an essential service and should open and remain open whenever possible. The committee recognises the wide-ranging benefits for students and the community when schools are open and face-to-face learning occurs. Evidence to date indicates that the Delta variant does not cause more severe disease in children than previous variants of COVID-19. In recent outbreaks, 98% of infected children have not developed severe disease.
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Clinical Governance

17 November

SA GPs urgently need more guidance
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is urgently calling on the South Australian Government to provide GPs with far greater detail on how to care for patients once COVID-19 case numbers spike. It comes following RACGP SA&NT Chair Dr Danny Byrne and Deputy Chair Dr Sian Goodson writing to Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier on 11 November expressing strong concerns about the lack of clarity for general practice.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

None this edition.

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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

17 November

Alignment of regulations across care and support sectors
Work to align regulation across the aged care, disability and veterans' care sectors will significantly improve quality and safety for participants and consumers. The Government is committed to improving protections for Australians living in residential aged care or receiving aged care services at home, those receiving veterans' in-home care and assistance, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, and those who receive other disability services, said Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Linda Reynolds and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Andrew Gee.
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Deluge of NDIS appeals against Government decisions
An explosion of NDIS appeals against the Government has been revealed in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) annual report, said Shadow Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten. The 2020-21 AAT annual report revealed the NDIS division has seen:
- a 21% increase in appeals lodged since the last financial year;
- a 77% increase in the number of cases that were not finalised by the end of the financial year, with 1,631 outstanding decisions; and
- the median time to finalise cases has blown out by 5 weeks to 23 weeks.
Download

15 November

More than $10 million in provider non-compliance redirected back to NDIS participants plans
More than $10 million of incorrect or non-compliant payments from National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers has been identified. The Government is focused on ensuring people receiving funding for essential support are able to use every dollar allocated to them, Minister Reynolds said. The specialist National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Compliance Response Team (CRT) was established earlier this year, with its focus on detecting abnormal payments being submitted from registered NDIS providers - including potentially fraudulent claims.
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$1.27m to improve disability support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Minister Reynolds said that a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations across Australia are receiving a total of $1.27 million in grants to improve the delivery of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support services. The $22,000 Indigenous Business Support Funding grants have been awarded to 57 organisations. Awarded for the first time this year, the scheme was administered by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), which represents 143 community health organisations. The grants are being provided as part of the Federal Government's NDIS Ready project.
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12 November

Increased COVID-19 support for NDIS workers in South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania
Eligible NDIS providers in Queensland (Qld), South Australia (SA) and Tasmania will be able to claim a one-off payment from the NDIA for support workers to receive their COVID- 19 vaccination. The availability of the payment across the three final states marks the one-off payment becoming a national approach to enable support workers to access the vaccine and to protect participants, with the payment already available in all other states. Minister Reynolds said the measure was being introduced in line with recent state and territory government mandates, following National Cabinet's endorsement of the Australian Health Principal Protection Committee's (AHPPC) statement on vaccinations for disability support workers on 5 November 2021.
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NDS welcomed new WA State Manager
NDS announced that Coralie Flatters will join as the new WA State Manager. Coralie comes to NDS with significant experience across the disability and mental health sectors. Having recently held roles in member-based organisations, including most recently as Senior Policy Advisor with the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the WA Primary Health Alliance, and WA Association for Mental Health, Coralie brings skills and expertise in working closely with and supporting members. Coralie will commence with NDS on 22 November 2021 and will also attend the WA CEO Roundtable Connect event on Tuesday, 16 November 2021.
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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

15 November

WA: Expert stroke advice through Statewide Telestroke Service expansion
The Western Australia Department of Health said that more than 30 stroke patients across Western Australia have been provided with life-saving care through specialist stroke consultant advice in the first month of the Statewide Telestroke Service expansion. Phase 1 of the $9.7 million service expansion enables WA health system clinicians in rural, remote and outer metropolitan areas to seek expert advice on quick diagnosis and appropriate treatment pathways for their patients. Department of Health's WA State Stroke Director Dr Andrew Wesseldine said the service expansion was a critical move towards providing equitable care to Western Australian communities regardless of location.
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Education and Training

None this edition.

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Funding

17 November

Australia backs commitment to lead world in eliminating cervical cancer
Marking one year since the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global commitment to eliminate cervical cancer, the Australian Government is investing $5.8 million to back its pledge to be the first nation in the world to achieve this goal. The National Cervical Screening Program encourages a simple five-yearly test (changed from every two years in 2017) that checks for HPV - a common infection that causes almost all cervical cancers - before any cancerous cells develop, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Women Marise Payne.
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16 November

ACT: Spotlight on LGBTIQ+ health services
The ACT Government is now better informed about the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ Canberrans with the launch of a new Scoping Study during Transgender Awareness Week. ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the LGBTIQ+ Scoping Study investigated the barriers, gaps and opportunities for LGBTIQ+ health services in the ACT. 'The study is part of the action our Capital of Equality Strategy set out as essential for making Canberra the most LGBTIQ+ inclusive and welcoming city in Australia,' Chief Minister Andrew Barr said. 'It includes key recommendations to build on the ACT Government's progress in making health services more LGBTIQ+ friendly and inclusive.'
Download

15 November

$1.27M to improve disability support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Minister for the NDIS Linda Reynolds said that a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations across Australia are receiving a total of $1.27 million in grants to improve the delivery of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support services. The $22,000 Indigenous Business Support Funding grants have been awarded to 57 organisations. Awarded for the first time this year, the scheme was administered by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), which represents 143 community health organisations. The grants are being provided as part of the Federal Government's NDIS Ready project.
Download

$85 Million to Strengthen Families in the NT and APY Lands
The Australian and Northern Territory governments are delivering a joint initiative to better support families in the NT and Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, South Australia, to make positive and sustained life changes to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of their children. Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston and NT Minister for Territory Families and Urban Housing Kate Worden announced the Australian Government was investing $45 million and the NT Government $40 mil lion to deliver early intervention parenting support programs over the next five years.
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More than $10 million in provider non-compliance redirected back to NDIS participants plans
More than $10 million of incorrect or non-compliant payments from National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers has been identified. The Government is focused on ensuring people receiving funding for essential support are able to use every dollar allocated to them, Minister Reynolds said. The specialist National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Compliance Response Team (CRT) was established earlier this year, with its focus on detecting abnormal payments being submitted from registered NDIS providers - including potentially fraudulent claims.
Download

14 November

New 10 year plan to support Australians with diabetes
Minister Hunt said that the Government has marked World Diabetes Day by releasing a new 10 year plan to better support Australians living with all forms of diabetes. The Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2021-2030 will drive real improvements in the prevention, early detection, management, and care of people with diabetes. With approximately one in 20 Australians affected by diabetes, the new strategy will bring together the latest research and evidence to ensure the health response continues to adapt to the changing health environment. The Strategy is aimed at all Australians living with diabetes, and includes information relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic and living in a COVID safe manner and diabetes self- management.
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13 November

Australia's Tokyo showcase leaves a lasting legacy for health
Minister Colbeck said that the performances of Australia's Olympic and Paralympic teams in Tokyo look set to leave a lasting legacy and improve the health and wellbeing of Australians. Findings from Sport Australia's Community Perceptions Monitor survey reveal more than half of all Australians were inspired by the performance of athletes - with one in five saying they were now more motivated to get active. The survey, which captures public attitudes towards sport, found 55 per cent of Australians who watched the Olympics and 58 per cent who watched the Paralympics said they felt proud to be an Australian. Mr Colbeck said it underlined the positive impact the performance of Olympic and Paralympic athletes had on the nation.
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12 November

Additional support for Australians with rare skin conditions
The Government is providing additional support, reducing the out of pocket costs for hundreds of Australians living with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic disorder which requires specialised wound dressings. Epidermolysis bullosa, which mainly affects children can be a painful and debilitating condition, resulting in extremely fragile and blister prone skin. Around 260 Australians require specialised dressings and for those living with the most severe form of the disease, the dressings can cost them around $5,000 a month. Minister Hunt said the Government has approved 46 new products to be listed on the National Epidermolysis Bullosa Dressing Scheme (NEBDS) Product Schedule.
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Health Professionals

18 November

Life changing opportunities for multicultural Australians in the care and support sector
Multicultural Australians are being encouraged to consider a career in care and support, including disability, aged care and veterans' support. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people offer unique skills, experience and cultural understanding, enabling high quality care, particularly where there is shared language or cultural backgrounds. The national advertising campaign, entitled A Life Changing Life, highlights the rewarding, varied and long term job opportunities available across the sector, said Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Linda Reynolds, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck.
Download

16 November

Community and disability professionals proud of their sector, but at risk of leaving unless career development improves, new HESTA research shows
Professionals providing vital care and support to those living with disability and disadvantage were proud to work in their sector but are likely to leave unless there are more opportunities to progress and develop new skills, according to new HESTA research. The State of the Sector 2021: Community and Disability Workforce Insights report found around one in six community services professionals surveyed were planning to leave the sector in the next two years. Almost a third of young professionals aged between 18 and 39 said they were planning to exit in the short term. HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said the risk of losing skilled staff could jeopardise the ability of the already strained health and community services workforce to meet expected future demand.
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NSW: Mr Patrick McNally - Life coach/ Therapist / Counsellor - Permanent prohibition order
The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission investigated the conduct of Patrick McNally, an unregistered health practitioner who describes himself as a Life Coach, Therapist and Counsellor. Based on a recommendation from a friend, the complainant made an appointment to see Mr McNally in relation to their mental health issues including anxiety stemming from previous sexual abuse. The complainant understood at the time that Mr McNally was a psychologist. To treat the complainant's anxiety Mr McNally used a technique which he calls 'spinning'. This involves rubbing someone's throat, chest or stomach in the opposite direction to where the feelings of anxiety are being felt in the body.
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Hospitals

17 November

QLD: Shocking 48 hours at Mackay Hospital exposed
Whistleblowers have revealed three critical incidents involving at least one death, permanent patient harm and doctors leaving the hospital. Shockingly these events happened in departments that aren't covered by a review currently being conducted at Mackay Base Hospital. The events happened on the 6th and 7th of September 2019, said Queensland Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli, Queensland Shadow Minister for Health Ros Bates and Queensland Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm.
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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

18 November

TAS: Valuing mental health staff's wellbeing
'Management of Statewide Mental Health Services has taken a very important step towards improving staff wellbeing by conducting the organisation's first resilience scan. As a Government, we are committed to improving the mental health of all Tasmanians and it is vital that those who work on the frontline of this critical area are well supported themselves. We recognise that the work undertaken by the staff of Statewide Mental Health Services is often very demanding and it is greatly valued by the Government and the wider community,' said Tasmanian Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Jeremy Rockliff.
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17 November

ACT: Progressing Canberra's eating disorder residential treatment centre
A design tender for Canberra's residential treatment centre has opened, taking the ACT closer to more support and services for people with eating disorders. The centre will provide a home-like environment for people with eating disorders to receive specialised support for clients, families, and carers throughout their management and recovery journey. This includes intensive nutritional and psychological treatment in a supportive environment so people can have safe, healthy relationships with food and exercise, said ACT Minister for Mental Health Emma Davidson.
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NSW: New support for people impacted by the suicide of a loved one
The NSW Nationals in the state government have announced a $4.5 million boost to post- suicide support services across the state. NSW Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said post-suicide support was critical for loved ones as well as the wider community. 'We know that around 135 people can be impacted by a single suicide,' Mrs Taylor said. 'For friends and family, the death of a loved one by suicide is not only heart-breaking and shocking, it can also create new challenges as well as making day-to-day tasks incredibly difficult.'
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16 November

ACT: New guidance to improve mental health services for trans and gender diverse Canberrans
The ACT Government has released nation leading guidance to help practitioners provide more supportive mental health services for trans and gender diverse Canberrans. Developed as a collaboration between the ACT Government, A Gender Agenda and Meridian, Guidance to support gender affirming care for mental health is a resource for all practitioners who provide mental health support and services. ACT Minister for Mental Health Emma Davidson said the guidance would help reduce some of the barriers that trans and gender diverse Canberrans face when seeking mental health support.
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WA: Workshop for the development of a Peer Workforce Framework
The WA Mental Health Commission's Peer Workforce Project aims to guide the development of a thriving state-wide consumer, family and carer Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce across the mental health (including suicide prevention) and alcohol and other drug (AOD) sectors. The Project will define, within a Western Australian context, the fundamental values and principles that determine what is required to develop a thriving mental health and alcohol and other drug peer workforce. The Project will develop a practical guide (Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce Framework) for organisations who employ or are looking to employ, retain and benefit from Peer Workers.
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15 November

VIC: Extra mental health support for new parents
Victorian Minister for Mental Health James Merlino said that new parents will soon have better access to the vital mental health support they need, with an investment from the Government to expand and reform community perinatal mental health teams across the state. With lockdowns and restrictions on women having visitors in hospital, the pandemic has placed even more stress on new parents - and an investment of $6.89 million will help meet the extra demand to ensure every new parent who needs support can get it quickly, and close to home. The Royal Commission outlined the critical importance of perinatal mental health for parents with their infants, taking a family-centred approach.
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12 November

TAS: New youth mental health service launched in Circular Head
Tasmanian Minister Rockliff said that a new youth mental health program for young people in Circular Head has been launched, and it was fantastic to join local service providers and the community for the event. Life Without Barriers will deliver the YouthARCH initiative, which will provide early intervention and low to moderate intensity mental health support for people aged 12 to 25 in the region. This was an election commitment, and the Tasmanian Government has allocated $300,000 in the 2021-22 Tasmanian Budget.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

17 November

Pharmacists poised to receive massive respiratory care boost
Australians living with asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions will soon get more coordinated, effective care from their local pharmacist thanks to a new specialist taskforce. The taskforce, chaired by Woolcock Institute of Medical Research respiratory expert Professor Sinthia Bosnic-Anticevich, will ensure community pharmacists are better supported to educate people about respiratory conditions, support correct medication use and identify those high risk patients who need additional medical care, said Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
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SA: South Australian medical company announces US$5.5 million distribution partnership in UAE
The SA Department for Trade & Investment said that the South Australian medical device company, Numedico Technologies, has announced a distribution partnership worth an estimated US$5.5 million over the next two years, with UAE based leading medical device distributor, PBC Medicals, for their innovative smart syringe range of products, ClickZip, retractable safety syringes.
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