This eNewsletter 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

Aged Care

12 March

New residential aged care facility marks new era for Wamuran
The opening of a state-of-the-art facility at Wamuran has marked a new era for senior Australians entering residential care in Queensland's southeast. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said the Government investment of $4 million - and the provision of 80 aged care places - would ensure the new development, Beaumont Care, would offer support to the community for years to come. Member for Longman Terry Young, said Beaumont Care offered a home of the highest standards for residents with high needs and people from financially and socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
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6 March

Morrison Government and the aged care sector working together to tackle COVID-19 challenges
The Government is ensuring age care providers across Australia are ready to implement infection control plans as safeguards to stop the spread of coronavirus. Minister Colbeck, said a forum in Canberra offered reassurance and practical advice to providers nationwide. It follows a steady increase in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and wider concerns for the wellbeing of vulnerable Australians in aged care. More than 70 representatives attended the forum including providers, peak bodies, workforce, consumers, state and territory governments and professional bodies.
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LASA commends COVID-19 meeting with health authorities and Government funding for virus fight
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) has commended a COVID-19 summit in Canberra aimed at protecting residents and staff in aged care. LASA CEO Sean Rooney attended the meeting - hosted by Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck and including health authorities, care providers and unions - and applauded the cooperative approach to tackling the virus threat. 'We are unified in fighting this challenge,' he said. 'The aged care sector is already working extremely hard to protect our most vulnerable Australians and stands ready to continue the fight, for as long as it takes.'
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

None this edition.

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Allied Health

None this edition.

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Children's Health

None this edition.

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Clinical Governance

10 March

WA: Board chairs announced for newly established PathWest and Health Support Services Boards
The WA State Government has approved the appointment of inaugural Chairs to head up the boards of PathWest and Health Support Services (HSS) when they are formally established on July 1, 2020, said Western Australian Minister for Health Roger Cook. Professor Christobel Saunders will chair the PathWest Board and Mr Michael Walsh will chair the HSS Board. Professor Saunders is recognised internationally and is one of Australia's most respected research-orientated cancer surgeons. She has made substantial contributions to many clinical aspects of cancer research, most particularly on breast cancer.
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9 March

'Living' guidelines on the way for diabetes care
There are no up-to-date Australian guidelines for clinicians caring for people with diabetes, potentially resulting in suboptimal management and significant variation in care, but help is on the way according to the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). 'In Australia, guidelines approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) are valid for 5 years from publication before they are considered outdated, following which they must be either updated or developed anew,' wrote the authors, led by Heath White, Senior Research Officer with Cochrane Australia. 'Currently, all but one of the NHMRC-approved diabetes clinical guidelines are outdated and have been rescinded.'
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

None this edition.

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Coronavirus

13 March

Wise Budget set up stimulus
Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann said COVID-19 presents Australia, and the world, with a significant, new and unexpected challenge. 'We continue to focus on slowing down the spread of the coronavirus here in Australia. However, we also know that eventually, the rate of infections will accelerate and it will spread to a large proportion of our population' said Mr Cormann. 'That is why we are working with State and Territory governments to boost the capacity of our health system to respond to the inevitable increases in demand it will face'.
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12 March

ACT: COVID-19 case confirmed in the ACT
The ACT Health Directorate is advising the Canberra community that the first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the ACT. The individual is a male in his 30's. The ACT Health Directorate is following up close contacts of the confirmed case and is taking appropriate public health action in line with national guidelines. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said 'it is pleasing to know that this person did everything right and our processes worked as they are supposed to. I can assure Canberrans that our Chief Health Officer, public and private hospitals and primary healthcare sector have been working for weeks to ensure we have plans in place to respond to this situation as it evolves'.
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NSW: Coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
NSW Health said as at 1pm on Thursday 12 March , an additional 13 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed since the last update at 1pm, March 11, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in NSW to 78. The new cases include:
- 66: 44 year old male, no overseas travel
- 67: 19 year old female, health care worker at Ryde hospital close contact of confirmed case
- 68: 62 year old male, arrived 10/03, returned traveller from Italy
- 69: 86 year old male, no history of overseas travel.
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TAS: Third coronavirus case confirmed - 12 March 2020
The Tasmanian Department of Health said a woman in her 30s has tested positive for coronavirus in Tasmania. 'She is currently in a stable condition in the Royal Hobart Hospital. It is Tasmania's third confirmed case of coronavirus. The other two cases remain in medical care and are stable. This latest case is not related to either of the previous cases and is not due to local transmission in Tasmania' said the Department. The woman travelled to Australia from South America via New Zealand and arrived in Hobart on Sunday 8 March from Sydney aboard Jetstar flight JQ727 which landed about 10.20pm.
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11 March

$2.4 Billion health plan to fight COVID-19
The Government has unveiled a comprehensive $2.4 billion health package to protect all Australians, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with chronic conditions and Indigenous communities, from the coronavirus, said Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck. The package provides unprecedented support across primary care, aged care, hospitals, research and the national medical stockpile. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government was ensuring Australia's health system was well-prepared and had the resources it needed to fight coronavirus and protect the community. Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Government was boosting the capacity of the health system to effectively assess, diagnose and treat people with COVID-19 in a way that minimises spread of the disease in the community.
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United front in defence against COVID-19
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the safety of all Australians is the number one priority for all levels of government as they work together to address the impact of COVID- 19 on education. The first National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) meeting was convened to coordinate planning across all levels of government, and identify what events will activate a response from the sector. The NCM is part of the Government's response under the Communicable Disease Plan and COVID-19 Pandemic Plan. The NCM will bring together the work produced by other groups, such as the Education Sector Pandemic Preparedness Committee and the Global Reputation Taskforce.
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Funding boost for aged care set to strengthen defence against COVID-19
Senior Australians in aged care and at home remain the focus of a plan of action from the Government aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19. Minister Colbeck, outlined the measures in place to protect residents, staff and their families at facilities across the country. 'Our objective is to ensure Australia's aged care sector is ready and able to protect our most vulnerable. It remains our highest priority,' Minister Colbeck said. 'While those aged over 70 are at greater risk from the virus, it's important to understand Australia has a robust health system.'
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COVID-19 home medicines package welcomed
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia welcomes the Government's announcement of additional funding to maximise the effectiveness of Australia's health system in the face of the COVID- 19 crisis. The Government's $2.4 billion package includes facilities to ensure provision of medicines to patients by enabling them to have their PBS prescriptions filled online or remotely, and have the medicines delivered to their home. Under the package, this service will be available for people in home isolation and for vulnerable patient groups.
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Physicians welcome Government health response package COVID 19
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians has welcomed the Federal Government's $2.4 billion health response package to manage the impacts of COVID 19 in the population and on the health system. In particular we welcome the $100 million to fund a new Medicare service for people in home isolation or quarantine as a result of coronavirus, so that these patients can receive health consultations via phone or video. Supporting telehealth as a form of communication as it has an important role to play in the national response to COVID 19 not only in hospitals but also in community settings.
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Coronavirus health package welcome but much more to do
Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Tony Bartone, said that the AMA welcomes the Government's Covid-19 health package - especially the roll-out of new Medicare telehealth items and respiratory clinics. Dr Bartone said this is a really good start but there is much more to do to reduce the movement and spread of the virus. Dr Bartone said the AMA has been calling for the telehealth items since the bushfire crisis to help doctors and patients in emergency situations. 'The new telehealth items will help doctors to safely assess patients who may have contracted coronavirus,' Dr Bartone said.
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LASA welcomes COVID-19 aged care funding and will work with authorities for more support as needed
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), the voice of aged care, welcomes the Government's $101.2 million commitment specifically for aged care to tackle COVID-19 but will work closely with authorities for more support as needed. Part of a $2.4 billion COVID-19 health package, the funding will provide extra training for aged care workers and support providers to hire more nurses and staff, for both residential and home care. It will also fund extra 'surge' staff for emergency deployment to facilities as needed.
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COVID-19 preparation must include people with disability
People with disability must be included in all plans to manage the current COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. 'People with disability need to be included at every stage of this public health crisis, so that we can manage our risk of catching the virus, and make sure we can keep getting the supports we need,' said Jeff Smith, CEO, People with Disability Australia. 'We call on the Federal Government to urgently update the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 to include the needs of people with disability. In addition, people with disability must have a place at the table when talking about how we respond to this emergency.'
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COVID-19 Plan a strong response to counter pandemic threat
The Federal Government's $2.4 billion health plan to fight COVID-19 is an impressive and wide-ranging response that prepares Australians and health services well to counter the threat of a pandemic, the Consumers Health Forum said. 'The provision of bulk-billed telehealth medical services, home medicine deliveries, support for additional aged care staff and increased service capacity for First Nations People in remote locations are all welcome and much-needed initiatives,' the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells, said.
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Labor's response to the Government's coronavirus health package
Labor welcomes the COVID-19 health package, but believes in key areas it does not go far enough and is too slow to be rolled out. The first Australian case of COVID-19 was reported on the 25th of January The Government needs to address the gaps in their COVID-19 response urgently, said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen. Labor will continue to provide bipartisan support for the handling of COVID- 19 wherever possible.
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QLD: Queensland Coronavirus Update
The QLD Department of Health said two new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed in Queensland. Details of the cases are:
1. A 32 year old female from the Gold Coast region with confirmed COVID-19 is in isolation in the Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition. She had recently travelled to the United States of America.
2. A 31-year-old male from the Gold Coast region with confirmed COVID]19 is in isolation in the Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition. He is a close contact of the 32-year-old female.
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VIC: State control centre activated to oversee COVID-19 response
11 MAR: The State Control Centre (SCC) has been activated to oversee and coordinate Victoria's response to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), as another Victorian tests positive for the virus. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews joined Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos, Victoria's Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton and Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp to announce the State Control Centre has increased its readiness in recognition that a more coordinated approach is needed to fight this virus. The likely COVID-19 pandemic will have significant impacts across the economy and across the state, including schools, businesses, and places of mass gatherings, such as sporting and cultural events.
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WA: Updated WA Government Pandemic Plan released in response to COVID-19
The Western Australian Government Pandemic Plan has been updated to respond directly to the potential impacts of COVID-19. The Pandemic Plan, which was last updated in 2014, sets out arrangements for protecting the community and minimising potential impacts of the coronavirus, and recovery afterwards. Sustained community transmission of the virus will signal an imminent pandemic and the State Government will continue to take the best advice from health authorities in assessing the situation here in WA, said Western Australian Premier Michael McGowan.
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WA: COVID-19 precaution postpones works at Peel Health Campus
The Peel Health Campus emergency department (ED) upgrade has been delayed in order to accommodate potential COVID-19 patients. Western Australian Minister for Health Roger Cook said the Department of Health had decided to put off construction work at Peel as part of the State's pandemic preparation. Work on the hospital's emergency department and short stay ward was due to start. However, the department was concerned that building work would temporarily halve the ED waiting room capacity - preventing isolation of ED patients from those attending with suspected COVID-19.
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10 March

TGA response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
As part of the Department of Health, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is providing active support for monitoring a number of issues relating to therapeutic goods including medicines and medical devices in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As of 6 March 2020, the TGA has not received any notifications of medicine shortages in Australia that are a direct result of COVID-19. Therefore, while it may be appropriate for individuals to ensure that they have at least two weeks supply of prescription medicines in the unlikely event they are quarantined, any stockpiling of medicines is unnecessary. Stockpiling by individuals could result in other consumers being unable to access particular medicines (e.g. from their local pharmacy).
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Government must step up on support for GPS and public coronavirus information campaign
Labor has supported the steps that the Government has taken in response to the COVID- 19 outbreak to date, said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen. They believe they have been necessary - but it is increasingly clear that they are not sufficient. Labor flagged that it was critical for preparations to incorporate the needs of primary care providers who have a critical role in responding to COVID-19 in Australia, including close consultation with the AMA and RACGP.
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QLD: International travel ban for state school teachers and staff
All official overseas travel by state school students and staff has been halted until further notice due to the ongoing threat of Coronavirus. Queensland Minister for Education Grace Grace said the Director-General of the Department of Education issued the directive for all international destinations other than New Zealand. 'The decision was made with the health, safety and wellbeing of students and staff in mind,' Minister Grace said. 'In consultation with the Chief Health Officer and Queensland Health it was decided that further protective action to contain COVID-19 was needed to minimise risk to Queensland students and staff.'
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SA: Australia's First Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Clinic
The nation's first drive-through COVID-19 test collection centre will open at the reactivated Repat site, supporting GPs and easing pressure on hospital emergency departments. South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said the clinic was part of the SA State Government's comprehensive plan to prepare, and protect, South Australians from the potential impacts of coronavirus. South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the new collection centre, established by SA Pathology, will support the COVID-19 clinics at the RAH, Lyell McEwin Hospital and the Flinders Medical Centre.
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VIC: Victoria's health system preparing for COVID-19 pandemic
The state's health system is preparing itself for an emerging COVID-19 pandemic with a new plan to manage more cases and the growing risk of an outbreak in Victoria. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos joined Victoria's Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton to release the COVID-19 Pandemic Plan for the Victorian Health Sector. Victoria has a world-class health system that is well-prepared to deal with an outbreak. But with successful measures reducing the impact of COVID-19 in other parts of the world, Victoria must learn from these lessons and act early and decisively in limiting the disease's spread.
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9 March

Coronavirus update: Rapid sharing of data vital
The Australian laboratory which was the first to isolate the COVID-19 virus outside China has shared its methods in a research letter published by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) as part of the Journal's rapid review policy for coronavirus data. Professor Mike Catton, Deputy Director of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, described the case of a 58-year-old man who arrived in Melbourne from China on 19 January 2020 and was admitted to hospital on 24 January with 'symptoms of fever, cough, and progressive shortness of breath. A nasopharyngeal swab and sputum taken on presentation tested positive for SARS-CoV-2,' Catton and colleagues wrote.
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NT: Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Territory Update
The most important thing for everyone to remember with COVID-19 is to maintain strict hygiene by:
- Washing your hands
- Avoid shaking hands with people who may be unwell
- Stay at a distance of 1.5 m away from someone who is unwell
- Coughing or sneezing into your elbow
- Don't go to crowded places if you're unwell including staying home from school or work.
There is 1 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Territory, this person is located in Darwin, said the NT Department of the Chief Minister.
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WA: WA COVID clinics to help combat coronavirus community spread
Three COVID clinics will open at major metropolitan public hospitals to test and support people at risk of coronavirus and to help prevent community-based transmission of the disease, said Western Australian Minister for Health Roger Cook. The clinics will operate from 8am-8pm, seven days a week and will be staffed by doctors, nurses and administrative staff who will follow strict infection prevention protocols. Located in existing buildings at each hospital campus, the clinics have been established to provide testing and support for people that may be infected.
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8 March

Morrison Government secures additional 54 million face masks to contain Coronavirus outbreak
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Government has secured an additional 54 million face masks to help protect medical professionals working to stop the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. A combination of surgical masks, P2 and N95 respirators have been secured for the National Medical Stockpile, which will be available for medical and aged care professionals to care for patients with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. The Government has been working closely with the medical profession, who have highlighted the importance of securing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) to support the response to the global COVID-19 outbreak.
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Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) coronavirus (COVID- 19) statement
As of 8th March 2020, the Department of Health and Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) advises that the risk to the general Australian population from COVID-19 is low, with the majority of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australia in returned travellers. At this time the AHPPC consider that public events should proceed, but strongly recommend that people that are unwell with cough or fever or other respiratory symptoms should not attend public events or gatherings. This is particularly so for people who have recently travelled from overseas.
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ACT: COVID-19 Update
The ACT Health Directorate has been notified by the NSW Government that an Australian Defence Force person with COVID-19 may have been infectious when the person travelled on two flights between Sydney and Canberra on February 28. The flight details are:
- FLIGHT 1: 6.45am QF1509 Sydney to Canberra; and
- FLIGHT 2: 2.35pm VA651 Canberra to Sydney.
ACT Health Directorate is asking anyone seated in rows 2-6 on the first flight, or rows 3-7 on the second flight, to self-quarantine and call the Communicable Diseases Control information line on 5124 9213.
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6 March

Coronavirus public health partnership with the states commonwealth to meet 50 per cent of state costs
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Government has committed to a 50-50 shared health funding deal with the states and territories to ensure a rapid health response to the evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. The Government will pay 50 per cent of the additional costs incurred by state and territory health services as a result of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with COVID-19, those suspected of having the virus or activities to prevent the spread of it.
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COVID-19: Impact on China's science policy
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, global science and policy communities are in flux, said InnovationAus. What does this mean for China's science policy and funding? Or its international research partnerships? One organisation that has been closely monitoring and reporting on Beijing's policy trajectory for the last decade is now a go-to resource in the current uncertainty. Beijing-based China Policy services governments, multilateral agencies, research organisations, universities and multinational corporations, tracking and mapping China's policy trajectory across major sectors.
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LASA commends COVID-19 meeting with health authorities and Government funding for virus fight
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) has commended a COVID-19 summit in Canberra aimed at protecting residents and staff in aged care. LASA CEO Sean Rooney attended the meeting - hosted by Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck and including health authorities, care providers and unions - and applauded the cooperative approach to tackling the virus threat. 'We are unified in fighting this challenge,' he said. 'The aged care sector is already working extremely hard to protect our most vulnerable Australians and stands ready to continue the fight, for as long as it takes.'
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TAS: Coronavirus response update
On advice from the health system leaders, the Tasmanian State Government will implement a Level 2 Response to COVID-19, as they continue to take a highly precautionary and proactive approach, said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney. The decision follows Tasmania's first positive case of coronavirus, additional cases in other states and territories and the first instance of person-to-person transmission to occur in Australia. This increased response includes the establishment of an Emergency Co-ordination Centre within the Department of Health, led by a dedicated Senior Executive and supported by the Department's Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit, with policy, planning and administrative support.
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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

12 March

Welcoming Disability: Tackling Australia's discrimination against migrants with disabilities
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) and Down Syndrome Australia have launched a new national campaign, Welcoming Disability, to address the discrimination faced by people with a disability applying to migrate to Australia. People are being refused Australian visas simply because they have a disability or health issue, even though they meet all other requirements. This can happen even when they are not eligible to access any Australian health or community services. The Campaign will call for an immediate review of the recommendations of the Enabling Australia Inquiry.
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11 March

Delivering the NDIS: New $85 million grant round opens to help Australians with disability
Australians living with a disability will benefit from new funding after the opening of a grant round which will offer up to $85 million to organisations across the country. Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert announced applications are open for a new grant round under the National Disability Insurance Agency's (NDIA) Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program. 'ILC programs are designed to complement each other to ensure people with disability are getting the best opportunity to participate in their communities,' Minister Robert said.
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Individual Capacity Building grant round now open for applications
Minister Robert announced that the Individual Capacity Building (ICB) grant round 2020-2021 is now open for applications. $85m (GST excl.) in grants will be available to support projects that will go for up to two years. These projects will enable systematic, nationwide access to peer support, mentoring and other skills-building for people with disability, carers and families. This grant opportunity forms part of the National Disability Insurance Agency's (NDIA) Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program, which provides grants to organisations to deliver activities in the community that benefit all Australians with disability, their carers and families.
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New facilities for students at New Hope School
Students with disability will benefit from new facilities at New Hope School in Dural paid for by the Government. Member for Berowra Julian Leeser announced the Government would provide $800,000 to build new special needs classrooms, a breakout space and amenities for students. New Hope School is operated by Pacific Hills Christian School with the express intent of it providing quality Christian education to students with special and specific learning needs in the context of a mainstream school setting. Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the Government was providing record funding for all schools.
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10 March

Housing projects and Newstart increase needed to boost the economy
Anglicare Australia has called on cabinet to include action on Newstart and social housing in its stimulus package. 'For months, experts and economists have been telling the government that the best way to boost the economy is to raise the rate of Newstart. Now is the time to act,' said Anglicare Australia Executive Director Kasy Chambers. 'A Newstart increase of $95 a week would boost the economy by $4 billion - and create thousands of jobs. The benefits would go straight to the areas that need them most. Whole communities would benefit, including those recovering from this summer's devastating fires. The flow-on effects would be profound.'
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QLD: $21m to upgrade wheelchair accessible taxis
More than 50 taxi operators will receive funding to make their taxis accessible for people with disability under a $21 million grants program. Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the Government's four-year grant scheme will support taxi operators to modernise Queensland's wheelchair accessible taxi fleet. Queensland Minister for Disability Services Coralee O'Rourke said successful applicants would receive 50 per cent funding for the cost to purchase and modify a new wheelchair accessible taxi, up to a maximum grant of $45,000.
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

10 March

Royal Commission hearing to continue investigating education
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability will continue its investigation into education at a public hearing in Brisbane. The hearing will take place in a specially designed and purpose built hearing room from Tuesday 24 March - Friday 27 March. The Chair Ronald Sackville AO QC said the public hearing will explore the barriers in the education system to students with disability in accessing and obtaining a quality education. This will be the Royal Commission's fifth hearing, and the second with a focus on education.
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E-Health

11 March

New resource to teach school children about Digital Health Records
Schools are being given the opportunity to teach students about their rights in managing their digital health records, using a new resource designed by the National Children's Commissioner, Megan Mitchell. Under the My Health Record system, children aged 14 years and over can manage their own records. The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) designed the resources in partnership with the Australian Digital Health Agency, System Operator of the My Health Record system. There are now 22.65 million Australians with a My Health Record.
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Education and Training

None this edition.

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Funding

12 March

A new action plan to tackle kidney disease
Minister for Health Greg Hunt announced the Government has launched the National Strategic Action Plan for Kidney Disease and awarded $3.5 million in funding to organisations to take immediate action. '1.7 million Australian adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease, however less than 10 per cent are aware they have the condition. In 2017, 17,000 Australians lost their lives to kidney disease and 1.8 million hospitalisations occurred' said Mr Hunt. 'Three per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over live with the condition, triple the rate of the non-Indigenous population'.
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6 March

$4.9 Million for collaborative health and medical research for all Australians
Minister Hunt announced the Government is providing more than $4.8 million for research initiatives that will lead to improved health outcomes and preventative measures for conditions such as suicide prevention, gestational weight gain and low back pain. The latest round of funding through the Government's National Health and Medical Research Council's (NHMRC) Partnership Projects scheme will fund six projects. The Government's investment is matched by Partner Organisations, demonstrating a joint commitment to bringing the best and most up-to-date research discoveries to the Australian community.
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Health Professionals

8 March

Action needed to achieve gender equity in medical leadership and the medical profession
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) called on Governments, medical administrators, medical schools and Colleges, and the profession as a whole to take urgent action to address barriers to gender equity in medicine, and progress record numbers of female doctors and medical students into leadership roles throughout the profession. AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of women to medicine, and to call for action to achieve equity within the profession. 'More women than ever before are joining the medical profession,' Dr Bartone said.
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06 March

COVID-19: Where Is the Support for General Practice?
'We have an emerging threat. We have a worried population. General practices are at the forefront of the response,' said Dr Tim Woodruff, President, Doctors Reform Society (DRS). 'But we hear little to support them, either from the Federal or State Governments. The WA Health Minister was reported as saying that it was inappropriate that GPs were rejecting patients who were concerned about COVID-19 and directing them to an Emergency Department', said Dr Woodruff. The Minister's words sadly reflect a complete misunderstanding of first response carers in emergencies. Every surf life saver, paramedic, and emergency service worker knows that in an emergency, safety of the emergency responder is the first priority.
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Hospitals

12 March

Case against Ramsay Health Care dismissed
The Federal Court has dismissed the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC)'s case against Ramsay Health Care Australia Pty Ltd (Ramsay) for alleged misuse of market power and exclusive dealing. Ramsay operates Baringa Private Hospital, the only private hospital in Coffs Harbour. In 2015, Ramsay also operated Coffs Harbour Day Surgery, the only private day surgery in Coffs Harbour at that time. The ACCC alleged that senior Ramsay executives told a group of surgeons planning to establish a competing private day surgery facility in Coffs Harbour that their access to operating theatre time at Baringa Private Hospital would be substantially reduced or withdrawn if they proceeded with their plans.
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11 March

ACT: Same old tired thinking will set hospital back
This tired old government's failure to plan for the health needs of the rapidly growing population is exposing the Canberra community to risk. The latest site plan for the troubled SPIRE project will create transport chaos, expose young school children to risk and limit the future functionality of the ACT's health services. Once SPIRE is operational, ambulance will be required to access the busy emergency department via Gilmore Crescent and depart via Palmer Street. The Barr Government has ignored families who are fearful for the safety of their young children who go to school on the proposed ambulance route to the new emergency department, said the Canberra Liberals.
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9 March

WA: Privatised services at Fiona Stanley Hospital back in public hands
Three patient facing services at Fiona Stanley Hospital will no longer be privatised and come back into public hands. The agreement means up to 650 staff, or an estimated 65 per cent of the Serco staff currently working at Fiona Stanley Hospital, will be offered jobs in the public sector, employed by the South Metropolitan Health Service, said Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan. Current estimates put the cost of these jobs coming into the public sector at an additional $8 million a year, on top of a one-off transition cost of $12.9 million, which is affordable now that the Budget is under control and in surplus, said Western Australian Minister for Health Roger Cook.
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WA: WA hospital workers win fight against privatisation
Thousands of health workers in Western Australia have won a decade-long fight against healthcare privatisation, with the WA State Government announcing key Fiona Stanley Hospital services would be brought back into public hands. United Workers Union welcomed the winding back of Serco's $4.3 billion hospital contract, which would deliver better jobs for more than 600 workers and better care for the community. Health worker and union member Phyllis de Gois was among thousands who stood together and spoke out against the privatisation of health services in WA. 'I am thrilled about what our campaign has achieved - it's better for the patients, better for the public, and better all round,' she said.
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Insurance

10 March

Time running out to avoid health insurance rip-offs
Private health insurance tops CHOICE Consumer Pulse cost concerns again. Consumer advocate CHOICE is warning Australians they only have three weeks to avoid being ripped off by their private health insurance, as health insurance tops household cost worries in the 23rd CHOICE Consumer Pulse survey. Of their household costs, survey respondents identified private health insurance as their most pressing cost concern (80%), beating fuel (78%) and electricity (74%). 'With premiums set to rise again on April 1, time is running out to avoid health insurance rip-offs. You only have a couple of weeks to take action on your health insurance,' says CHOICE consumer advocate Jonathan Brown.
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Medicare

12 March

NT: Medicare 'Are you being counted?' competition
The Department of Chief Minister encouraged Territorians to update their Medicare details with a $5000 prize now on offer for one lucky resident each month until the end of May. Any Territorian who has a Territory home address listed with Medicare can enter the 'Are you being counted?' competition. Medicare address records are used to estimate population and calculate how GST is distributed by the Australian Government to states and territories.
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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

11 March

VIC: More support for mental health and wellbeing after bushfires
People struggling with their mental health after the state's devastating bushfires will get more immediate and long-term support during the recovery under a $23.4 million investment from the Government. Victorian Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley announced the funding package in Corryong, which will see a host of practical programs delivered to affected communities as well as expanded mental health services. The package includes $8.75 million to expand mental health services, said Victorian Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes.
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10 March

WA: Providing a Safe Haven for people with mental health issues
Two Safe Haven Cafés will open in Western Australia this year, providing an alternative to emergency departments for people with mental health issues experiencing distress, said Western Australian Minister for Health Roger Cook. The Safe Haven Cafés will be located at Royal Perth Hospital and Kununurra District Hospital, and are expected to open by mid-2020. Safe Haven Cafés work alongside emergency departments during after-hours and are for people experiencing mental health issues. They offer peer-based support for those who may otherwise attend emergency departments, but do not need intensive clinical and medical support. The WA State Government has allocated $700,000 in funding to the Mental Health Commission.
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06 March

WA: State Government delivers new South West mental health service
People in the South-West will now have access to a new mental health service with the opening of the community step up/step down service in Glen Iris, Bunbury, said Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan. The 10-bed service will provide short-term, 24/7 residential support and individualised care for people following discharge from hospital, or help people avoid unnecessary hospitalisation in the future, said Western Australian Minister for Mental Health Roger Cook. The WA State Government has invested $12 million to provide this new service for people in the South-West region, said Western Australian Member for Bunbury Don Punch.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals

12 March

2020 Guild Pharmacy of the Year category winner - Excellence in community engagement
Engaging with the community on a professional, social, business and health level is the driving philosophy behind the work of the pharmacists and staff at Wheatbelt Health Centre Pharmacy in Northam WA. And so successful has this approach been that the pharmacy has been announced as the winner of the Excellence in Community Engagement category of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA)'s Pharmacy of the Year competition. The awards, sponsored by Care Pharmaceuticals and QCPP, are a highlight of the pharmacy calendar and recognise pharmacies that are leaders in providing innovative and optimal healthcare for members of their community.
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11 March

TGA to expand quality audits for medicinal cannabis
In the coming months, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will expand the number of quality audits of medicinal cannabis products imported or supplied under the Special Access Scheme (SAS) and other unapproved product access pathways. Most medicinal cannabis products being supplied in Australia are 'unapproved', that is, they are not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), but they must still comply with relevant quality standards Currently, the TGA is approving more than 3,000 SAS applications for medicinal cannabis each month. Unlike other products accessed through the SAS, unapproved medicinal cannabis products are usually not approved or registered overseas.
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NSW, SA pharmacy vax changes
The PGA has welcomed the moves by the NSW Government and the SA Government to lower the age pharmacists can administer flu shots to children from 10 years of age. This extension of pharmacist vaccinations in these two jurisdictions brings them into alignment with most jurisdictions in Australia. They also bring Australia a step closer to national harmonisation of flu vaccination delivery through community pharmacies. It is a positive and timely step ahead of what threatens to be another bad season for influenza.
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10 March

$40 million to develop new medications for chronic diseases
The Government's Biomedical Translation Fund is investing $20 million in Australian biotech start-up George Medicines to develop new medications for the prevention of heart attacks and strokes, as well as treatments for a range of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, hypertension and diabetes. The funding comprises $10 million from the Government and $10 million from venture capital company, Brandon Capital. Minister for Health Greg Hunt, said this announcement was another example of the Government's commitment to medical research. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews, said the project promised to deliver important health and economic benefits to Australia.
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9 March

10% of PCI-stent recipients don't get recommended drug therapy after discharge
Ten percent of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation for the treatment of coronary artery disease did not receive guideline-recommended dual antiplatelet therapy within 30 days of their procedure, according to the authors of a research letter published by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). The authors analysed de-identified, linked Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) data for a 10% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries, provided by the Australian Department of Health, to quantify rates of antiplatelet drug dispensing within 30 days of PCI-S.
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6 March

Maxman Cialis tablets (Plastic bottle inside cardboard carton)
Counterfeit Maxman Cialis tablets may pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken. The TGA has tested a product labelled Maxman Cialis tablets and found that the tablets contain the undeclared substance sildenafil. Consumers are advised that sildenafil is a prescription-only substance. The supply of Maxman Cialis tablets is illegal. Maxman Cialis tablets have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation, and the place of manufacture is not approved by the TGA.
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Reformatting Product Information: Frequently asked questions
A new product information (PI) form was approved on 8 November 2017, with a commencement date of 1 January 2018, said the TGA. From this date, PI documents that must accompany relevant registration applications will need to be prepared in accordance with the format of this new form. The PIs for all marketed products will need to be in the new format by 31 December 2020. A revised version of this form was approved on 8 March 2018 following amendments to the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act).
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Research

12 March

New drug discovery centre to fast-track medicines
The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments are working together to establish a new National Drug Discovery Centre aimed at turning ground-breaking scientific discoveries into new medicines faster. Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos opened the new $75 million NDDC centre at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. The state-of-the-art centre was built with $25 million from the Federal Government, $18 million from the Victorian Government and $32 million from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.
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10 March

Ninth wastewater report reveals Australians spend over $11.3 billion a year on drugs
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) released the ninth report of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program (NWDMP) providing longer-term insights into drug consumption as the program concludes its third year. It is estimated that 11.5 tonnes of methylamphetamine was consumed annually in Australia during the third year of the program, as well as 4.6 tonnes of cocaine, 2.2 tonnes of MDMA, and more than 900 kilograms of heroin. Australians spent an estimated $11.3 billion on methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and heroin from August 2018-August 2019. Of this, $8.63 billion was spent on methylamphetamine.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health

11 March

SA: Narungga Health Assembly Inaugural Meeting
The newly formed Narungga Health Assembly has met for the first time to discuss the health priorities and future health needs of Narungga Nation people living in the Yorke Peninsula. South Australian Department of Health Yorke and Northern Local Health Network Chief Executive Officer, Roger Kirchner, said as part of the State Government's Buthera Agreement, the meeting saw a number of key stakeholders come together to discuss future health service opportunities. 'We are pleased to be working hand-in-hand with the Narungga Nation's people to ensure the delivery of health services in the Yorke and Northern region is tailored to meet the needs of their community, both now and into the future,' Mr Kirchner said.
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6 March

New employment model for GPs undertaking rural training
Trainee rural generalist doctors in the Murrumbidgee region can now work in private practices and local hospitals under a new and innovative employment model that will provide a greater range of care for local patients. Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said the Government was acutely aware of calls from communities to deliver initiatives to attract and retain doctors in rural and remote areas. 'This new local-driven model is an important step in our commitment to delivering better healthcare for rural communities and ensuring rural practice is more appealing for doctors,' Mr Coulton said.
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Australia's third centre for innovation in regional health recognises Northern Queensland's leadership in research based health care
Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre in North Queensland has become the third Centre for Innovation in Regional Health accredited by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The Centre has demonstrated research excellence and leadership in research based clinical care and training, in addressing the region's healthcare needs Minister for Health Greg Hunt announced the accreditation. The centre has a focus on the needs of the region across a wide geographical area. This includes health workforce models, such as tele-oncology, to deliver high-quality health services to people in regional and remote communities.
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Caring for stroke patients harder in the bush: new study
New research from North West Tasmania has shone a light on the difficulties in caring for stroke patients in rural Australia, said National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA). The research, from the University of Tasmania's College of Health and Medicine Dr Sarah Prior, Nicole Reeves and Professor Steven Campbell, and funded by the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation, is featured in the February issue of the Australian Journal of Rural Health. 'Rural Australia faces unique challenges when it comes to health care and stroke services are no exception,' said the paper's lead author Dr Sarah Prior.
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Women's Health

10 March

QLD: Queensland moves to make the pill and UTI medications available over the counter
The Government is moving to make the oral contraceptive pill and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) medications more easily accessible for women over the counter at pharmacies. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will write to Prime Minister Scott Morrison to ask the Federal Government to support the 'down schedule' of the oral contraceptive pill so women can get it more regularly from pharmacies without having to renew their initial prescription. In the meantime, the Premier announced - on International Women's Day - that her government would make changes which would allow women to obtain an interim supply if their prescription had expired.
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Transcripts

Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann
13 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Michael Rowland, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Coronavirus, Economy, Mass gatherings, Fiscal stimulus package, Wall Street, Bushfire relief, Travel bans

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
13 MAR: Transcript of Interview with David Koch, Sunrise
Subjects: Coronavirus economic support package, Health, Employment, Newstart, Sickness allowance, Tourism

Prime Minister Scott Morrison
12 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Thomas Oriti, ABC AM
Subjects: Coronavirus declared a pandemic, WHO, Economic stimulus, Fears of a recession, Cash flow boost for employers, Casual workers, Stockpiling of goods

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
12 MAR: Transcript of Press Conference, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: Jobs, Young people, Careers, Coronavirus, Health, Funding, Stimulus, Small & medium sized businesses, Budget, GDP

Minister for Health Greg Hunt
12 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, COVID-19 response, EU & US travel ban consideration, Mass gatherings, Major events/Grand Prix, Fed Govt economic package

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
12 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Laura Jayes, Sky News, First Edition
Subjects: Coronavirus support package, Economic impact of coronavirus, COVID-19, Emergency management

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
12 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Leigh Sales, 7.30 ABC
Subjects: Coronavirus support package, Health, Grand Prix, Sporting events, Budget, Economy

Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann
12 MAR: Transcript of Interview with David Ingles & Haidi Stroud-Watts, Bloomberg Markets: Asia
Subjects: Fiscal stimulus package, Coronavirus, Budget, Global Financial Crisis, Household spending

Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann
12 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Nancy Hungerford & Will Koulouris, CNBC Street Signs
Subjects: Fiscal stimulus package, Coronavirus, Budget, Superannuation, Consumer confidence

Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann
12 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC TV Afternoon Briefing
Subjects: Fiscal stimulus package, Global Financial Crisis, Coronavirus, Budget, Economic growth, Tourism, US, Formula 1 Melbourne Grand Prix

Leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese and Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers
12 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Brisbane
Subjects: COVID-19, Casual employees, Mining industry, Economic stimulus package, Bushfires, Reserve Bank of Australia, Defence assets

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister for Health Greg Hunt, Chief Medical Officer
11 MAR: Transcript of Press Conference, Australian Parliament House, ACT
Subjects: Coronavirus, Health, Travel ban, Respiratory clinics, GPs, Medicare, Vaccine research, COVID-19 testing, Welfare, Aged care

Prime Minister Scott Morrison
11 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Peta Credlin, Sky News
Subjects: Bushfire crisis, Coronavirus, UK Health Minister, Economic stimulus, Global Financial Crisis, Export industries, Older Australians, Pensioners

Minister for Health Greg Hunt
11 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Allison Langdon & Karl Stefanovic, Today Show
Subjects: Coronavirus health support package, COVID-19, Emergency management, Healthcare staff, Infrastructure, Pop-up testing clinics

Minister for Health Greg Hunt
11 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Sabra Lane, ABC AM
Subjects: Fed Govt's health response, Pop-up clinics, Coronavirus, Diagnosed cases, Advertising campaign

Attorney-General Christian Porter
11 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Gareth Parker, 6PR
Subjects: Coronavirus, Casual workers, Health funding, Economic stimulus, Jobs, Employees, Sickness leave, Testing clinics, Hospitals

Australian Medical Association (AMA)
11 MAR: Transcript of President, Dr Tony Bartone's Doorstop Interview, Darwin
Subjects: Coronavirus response package, Health, Telehealth, GPs, Respiratory clinics, Hospitals, Health system, Aged care

Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen
11 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC News 24 Afternoon Live
Subjects: Coronavirus, Travel bans, Cost of health response, Chief Medical Officer, Health workforce, Aged care, Casual workers, Newstart, Stimulus package

Prime Minister Scott Morrison
10 MAR: Transcript of Speech to the AFR Business Summit Sydney, NSW
Subjects: Veterans, Australian Financial Review, Strong economy, Budget, Coronavirus, Health, Businesses, Qantas, DFAT, Major banks, Employees

Attorney-General Christian Porter
10 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Sydney
Subjects: Coronavirus, Unions, Employers, Health system, Economy, Casual workers, Small and medium businesses, Medical Professionals, Industry

Attorney-General Christian Porter
10 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC 24
Subjects: Coronavirus, Workplace entitlements, 14-day quarantine period, Contractors, Sick leave for casuals, Welfare system, Fair work system, Shortages of health workers

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
10 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Lisa Millar, News Breakfast, ABC
Subjects: Coronavirus, Travel restrictions, Coronavirus support package, National Security Committee, Oil prices, Budget surplus

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
10 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon, Today Show
Subjects: Economic impact of the Coronavirus, Coronavirus support package, Italy, Chief Medical Officer, Israel, Jobs, National Security Committee

Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Chief Medical Officer
10 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Sydney
Subjects: COVID-19 update, Coronavirus, Italy, Travel bans, National hotline, Telehealth, Self quarantine procedures, Isolation period, Special respiratory clinics, Cruise industry

Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman and NSW Member for Bega Andrew Constance
10 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Alan Jones, 2GB Alan Jones Breakfast Show
Subjects: Bushfires, Katoomba, Asbestos, Stamp duty exemptions, GFC, Coronavirus

Business Council of Australia (BCA)
10 MAR: Transcript of President, Tim Reed, Interview with Fran Kelly, RN Breakfast
Subjects: Coronavirus, Small businesses, MYOB, Stimulus, Tax relief, Payroll tax, Unemployment, Gig economy, Casual wages

Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers
10 MAR: Transcript of Press Conference, Brisbane
Subjects: Economic impact of Coronavirus, Consumer and business confidence, Casual workers, Fed Opp's GFC response, Interest rates, Support for small business, RBA

Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh and Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips
10 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Nowra
Subjects: Bushfire recovery, Charity organisations, Small business, Vulnerable people, Homelessness, Coronavirus, Tourism fund, Stimulus package

Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen
10 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Sydney
Subjects: Coronavirus, Medical advice, GPs, Chronic conditions, Taxpayer-funded advertising, Public information campaign, Chief Medical Officer, Health and Aged Care

Shadow Minister for NDIS Bill Shorten
10 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Karl Stefanovic, Today Show
Subjects: Coronavirus, Stimulus, Panic buying, Casual wages, Self-quarantine, Stimulus package, Health workers, Schools, Businesses

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
09 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Electorate Office, Melbourne
Subjects: Coronavirus, Economy, Panic buying, Stimulus package, RBA, Deeming rates, Bushfire support package, VIC GP

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
09 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: Coronavirus, Economic impact, Stimulus support package, Budget surplus, Market volatility, ASX, Oil prices, RBA rate cut, MH17, Casual wages

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
09 MAR: Opinion Piece, first published in the Australian - 'Cool heads will prevail in crisis'
Subjects: Coronavirus, Pandemic, Health, Panic buying, Economy, China, International students, RBA cash rate, Businesses, Budget

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
09 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Laura Jayes, First Edition, Sky News
Subjects: Coronavirus support package, Budget, Newstart, Fiscal response, Small business, Jobs, Health costs, OECD, Germany

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews
09 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Fran Kelly, ABC Radio National Breakfast
Subjects: Industry supply chain, Economy, Panic buying, Coronavirus, Health, Vaccine, China, Women in STEM

Member for New England Barnaby Joyce and Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Resource Joel Fitzgibbon
09 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Sam Armytage & David Koch, Sunrise
Subjects: Proposed Coronavirus economic stimulus package, Infrastructure spending, Tax breaks, Small business, Health, Bushfire, Economic growth

Senator for New South Wales Tim Ayres
09 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Monte Irvine, 2NZ Radio Inverell
Subjects: Coronavirus, Health, Panic buying, Economy, Electoral reform, Federal Member for New England, NSW Senate electorates, Sports rorts, Estimates committee, NRL

Minister for Health Greg Hunt
08 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: Face masks, Coronavirus, Health, Dr Chris Higgins, GPs, ADF COVID-19 cases, Telehealth subsidy, Newstart, Self-isolation, Quarantine, GP guidelines

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews
08 MAR: Transcript of Press Conference - 'Launch of RACE for 2030 CRC'
Subjects: RACE for 2030 CRC, Environment, Climate change, Renewable energy, Emissions, Coal, Technology, Negative carbonisation, Coronavirus vaccine, Industry impact

Member for JagaJaga Kate Thwaites and Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
08 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: ABC, Press freedoms, Coronavirus, Defence, Health, Face masks, International Women's Day, Equality, Domestic violence, PM, Sports rorts

Australian Medical Association (AMA)
08 MAR: Transcript of President, Dr Tony Bartone, Interview with Darren James, 3AW, Sunday Morning
Subject: Coronavirus, Health, GPs, Doctor treating patients while infected, Dr Higgins, Testing, Panic buying

Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen
08 MAR: Transcript of Interview with David Speers, ABC Insiders
Subjects: Coronavirus, 50-50 funding, Protective masks, Hospitals, Health, AMA, GPs, Economy, Fed Govt, Nursing homes, Sick leave, Newstart, Travel bans, Stimulus

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
07 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Electorate Office, Melbourne
Subjects: Coronavirus, Economy, Panic buying, Stimulus package, RBA, Deeming rates, Bushfire support package, VIC GP

Deputy Chief Medical Officer
07 MAR: Transcript of Press Conference, National Incident Room
Subjects: Coronavirus, Australian cases, GPs, VIC doctor, Hospitals, Masks, Aged care, Quarantine, US cruise ship, Travel bans, Indonesia, Panic buying

Member for Barton Linda Burney and Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
07 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Sydney
Subjects: Coronavirus, Small businesses, Chinese businesses, PM, Sports rorts saga, AMA, Health system

Member for Bowman Andrew Laming and Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and Development Amanda Rishworth
07 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Fauziah Ibrahim & Johanna Nicholson, ABC Weekend Breakfast
Subjects: Coronavirus, Health, QLD Premier, State-Fed 50-50 split costs, Budget surplus, Economy, Bushfire recovery, Stimulus

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister for Health Greg Hunt, Chief Medical Officer, Deputy Chief Medical Officer
06 MAR: Transcript of Press Conference, Parliament House, ACT
Subjects: Coronavirus, 50/50 funding, Stimulus, Hospitals, Tax relief, Travel bans, Aged care, Indigenous Australians

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham
06 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Ross Stevenson & John Burns, 3AW Melbourne, Breakfast
Subjects: Coronavirus, Health, Tourism industry, Tourism advertising, Bushfires

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham
06 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: Tourism industry, Coronavirus, Health, State & Territory Trade Ministers, China, International students, Italy, Grand Prix, Travel restrictions

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham
06 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Hamish MacDonald
Subjects: Coronavirus, Travel bans, China, South Korea, Iran, Tourism industry, Bushfire recovery, Small businesses, Australian Border Force

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt
06 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Adam Steer on Mornings, ABC Darwin
Subjects: Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility loans, Regional development, Infrastructure, International students, NT resources, Coal, Coronavirus, Health

Australian Medical Association (AMA)
06 MAR: Transcript of President Dr Chris Zappala's Interview with David Koch, Sunrise
Subjects: Coronavirus, GPs, Shortages

Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh
06 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Matt O'Neil, ABC News Radio
Subjects: Economy, Coronavirus, Fiscal stimulus, Global Financial Crisis, Productivity

Shadow Special Minister of State Don Farrell and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Murray Watt
06 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: Bushfire funding being used for coronavirus recovery, Economic impact of coronavirus, Tourism, Sports rorts, Ministerial standards

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Reports

Australian Public Assessment Report for Mecasermin - Increlex - Ipsen Pty Ltd
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Ipsen Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register mecasermin, a new biological entity, as Increlex for the following proposed indications:
For the long-term treatment of growth failure in children and adolescents from 2 to 18 years with severe primary insulin-like growth factor 1 deficiency (Primary IGFD).
Mecasermin is a recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) derived human insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) produced in Escherichia coli.
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Ceritinib - Proprietary Product Name Zykadia
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Study LDK378A2112 has two parts. Part 1 was submitted initially and intends to evaluate the single-dose and steady-state pharmacokinetics (PK), the safety profile (including gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AE)), and the efficacy of 450 mg or 600 mg ceritinib taken daily with a low-fat meal as compared with that of 750 mg daily in the fasted state in both treatment-naive and pre-treated patients with ALK+ NSCLC. Part 2 of the study intends to evaluate the efficacy of ceritinib in treatment-naïve patients with ALK+ by immunohistochemistry (IHC).
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Acalabrutinib - Calquence
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by AstraZeneca Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Calquence (acalabrutinib) 100 mg hard capsule for the following indication: Calquence is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is one of the chronic lymphoproliferative disorders, that is characterised by accumulation of functionally incompetent lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are usually monoclonal. The disease is considered identical to small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), an indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Lorlatinib - Lorviqua
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Lorviqua (lorlatinib) 25 mg and 100 mg film coated tablets for the following proposed indication:
- Lorviqua is indicated for the treatment of patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) previously treated with one or more ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
Lung cancer has the highest mortality rates of any cancer in Australia. It has one of the poorest 5-year survival rates (approximately 14%) for any cancer in Australia, second only to pancreatic cancer.
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Talazoparib (as tosilate) - Talzenna
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Talzenna (talazoparib as tosilate) hard capsules for the following proposed indication:
- for the treatment of patients with germline breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA) mutated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Metastatic breast cancer is incurable; the aims of treatment are to alleviate symptoms, maintain or improve quality of life (QoL) and increase overall survival (OS) time through sequential use of therapies. The median OS is currently around 3 years.
Download

Microdata: Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia, 2018
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
This product outlines how microdata is released from the Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, 2018. It includes information about:
- the microdata products available
- how to use each microdata product
- the data item lists
- the quality of the microdata
- the conditions of use.
Microdata are the most detailed information available from a survey and are generally the responses to individual questions on the questionnaire or data derived from two or more questions. Microdata products are released with the approval of the Australian Statistician.
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National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program Report 9
Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)
This National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program report is the ninth in a series of public reports that detail program findings. The program provides statistically valid datasets of drug use and distribution patterns across a large number of sites in capital cities and regional Australia. The number and diversity of regional sites provides unique drug data that facilitates analysis of drug trends outside of the capital cities and informs local responses to the different circumstances that apply in each location. All states and territories participate in the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program, providing a timely and ongoing national picture of consumption.
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Coordination of Health Care - Experiences of Barriers to Accessing Health Services Among Patients aged 45 & over 2016
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
Timely access to quality health care is important in preventing, treating and managing diseases. When patients are unable to obtain appropriate health care when they need it, they face barriers to accessing health care. Many factors can impede or prevent a patient accessing health care. Some relate to the individual, such as:
- their understanding of the urgency of their need
- their attitude toward accessing health care
- their work commitments
- other life pressures.
Download

ICD-11 Review stakeholder consultation report
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), as the Australian Collaborating Centre (ACC) for the WHO Family of International Classifications (WHO-FIC), was commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Health to undertake a review of ICD-11 (the Review) and explore the case for adoption in Australia. This is the review report, informed largely by a stakeholder consultation process. This Review report consists of:
- an overview of the stakeholder consultation process
- a summary of the common themes emerging from the consultation
- a SWOT analysis in relation to ICD-11 and Australia
- recommended strategies to support system readiness for implementation of ICD-11.
Download

SA: Inquiry into workplace fatigue and bullying in South Australian hospitals and health services
Parliamentary Committee on Occupational Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation
As part of this Inquiry, the Committee accepted a total of 66 submissions, including 23 from organisations and 47 from individuals who shared their own personal experiences of workplace fatigue and bullying with the Committee. The Committee further received 24 supplementary submissions, most of which were responses to a short questionnaire sent to all individual submission authors. In addition to this, the Committee held 12 witness hearings at which it heard from a total of 48 individual witnesses, 13 of which were individuals who are current or past employees within the SA health care sector. The remaining witnesses represented 19 Australian-based organisations.
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Hansards

Federal

04 MAR 2020: SENATE ESTIMATES HANSARD: COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Health Portfolio - Dept of Health - Chief Medical Officer - Update on Coronavirus

04 MAR 2020: SENATE ESTIMATES HANSARD: COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Health Portfolio - Dept of Health - Outcome 6: Ageing and Aged Care - Program 6.1-6.3

04 MAR 2020: SENATE ESTIMATES HANSARD: COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Health Portfolio - Dept of Health - Outcome 4: Individual Health Benefits - Program 4.1-4.8

04 MAR 2020: SENATE ESTIMATES HANSARD: COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Health Portfolio - Dept of Health - Outcome 2: Health Access & Support Services - Program 2.1-2.7

04 MAR 2020: SENATE ESTIMATES HANSARD: COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Health Portfolio - Dept of Health - Outcome 1: Health System Policy, Design & Innovation - Australian Digital Health Agency - Program 1.1-1.4

04 MAR 2020: SENATE ESTIMATES HANSARD: COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Health Portfolio - Dept of Health - Outcome 1: Health System Policy, Design and Innovation - Program 1.1-1.2 - Cancer Australia

04 MAR 2020: SENATE ESTIMATES HANSARD: COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Health Portfolio - Dept of Health - Outcome 3: Sport & Recreation - Program 3.1: Sport & Recreation - Sport Australia

04 MAR 2020: SENATE ESTIMATES HANSARD: COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Health Portfolio - Dept of Health - Outcome 3: Sport & Recreation - Program 3.1: Sport & Recreation

04 MAR 2020: SENATE ESTIMATES HANSARD: COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Health Portfolio - Dept of Health - Outcome 1: Health System Policy, Design & Innovation - Program 1.1-1.4

04 MAR 2020: SENATE ESTIMATES HANSARD: COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Health Portfolio - Dept of Health - Whole-of-Portfolio/Corporate Matters

04 MAR 2020: SENATE ESTIMATES HANSARD: COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Health Portfolio - Dept of Health - Chief Medical Officer - Update on Coronavirus

New South Wales

05 MAR 2020: NSW COUNCIL ESTIMATES HANSARD: Portfolio Committee No. 2 - Health - Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women

South Australia

05 MAR 2020: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Health Services

05 MAR 2020: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Grievance Debate - Medical Cannabis

05 MAR 2020: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Parliamentary Committees - Parliamentary Committee on Occupational Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation: Workplace Fatigue and Bullying in SA Health

04 MAR 2020: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Bills - Health Care (Health Access Zones) Amendment Bill 2019 - Restored to the Notice Paper

Victoria

05 MAR 2020: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Ministers Statements - Mental Health Reform

05 MAR 2020: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Mental Health Services

05 MAR 2020: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Members Statements - Swan Hill Hospital

05 MAR 2020: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Members Statements - Northern Hospital

05 MAR 2020: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - Health Services Amendment (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Bill 2020 - Introduction and First Reading, Statement of Compatibility, Second Reading, Debate Adjourned

05 MAR 2020: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Bills - Health Services Amendment (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Bill 2020 - Second Reading, Third Reading

Western Australia

11 MAR 2020: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Fiona Stanley Hospital - Non-Clinical Services Contract

11 MAR 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Motion - Regional Health and Mental Health Services

11 MAR 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Health System Response

11 MAR 2020: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Geraldton Health Campus - Security

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Court Cases

None this edition.

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New Regulations

Health Insurance (Pathologist-determinable Services) Amendment Determination 2020 - Subsection 4BA - Health Insurance Act 1973
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00251
On 11 March 2020, the Prime Minister, the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, announced a comprehensive $2.4 billion health package to protect all Australians, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with chronic conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, from the coronavirus (COVID-19). The purpose of the Health Insurance (Pathologist-determinable Services) Amendment Determination 2020 (Amendment Determination) is to amend the Health Insurance (Pathologist-determinable Services) Determination 2015 (Principal Determination) to enable items 69494, 69495 or 69496 to be made pathologist determinable if 69485 has been requested, and items 69494, 69495 or 69496 were not requested as part of the same single patient episode. Item 69485 will be introduced by the Health Insurance (Section 3C Pathology Services - COVID-19) Determination 2020 to provide a pathology service to test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the virus that causes the disease know commonly as COVID-19. Item 69485 will be provided in conjunction with other separate viral respiratory tests (provided under items 69494, 69495 or 69496) to determine if the patient has COVID-19 or another respiratory virus such as influenza. The Amendment Determination will provide that a pathologist will be able to test for other respiratory viruses, if the treating practitioner did not request a service under items 69494, 69495 or 69496. This will ensure that pathologists can test all relevant viruses, as necessary.
Explanatory Statement

Health Insurance (Section 3C Pathology Services - COVID-19) Determination 2020 - Subsection 3C(1) - Health Insurance Act 1973
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00250
On 11 March 2020, the Prime Minister, the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, announced a comprehensive $2.4 billion health package to protect all Australians, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with chronic conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, from the coronavirus (COVID-19). The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C Pathology Services - COVID-19) Determination 2020 (the Determination) is to ensure adequate capacity to provide accessible and rapid laboratory testing of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the virus that causes the disease commonly known as COVID-19. The test will be able to be requested by all medical practitioners and will only be claimable where the service has been bulk billed. The Determination provides the legal basis for the payment of Medicare benefits for a pathology service to test for SARS-CoV-2 under new item 69485. A service described in item 69485 will be required to be provided in conjunction with other separate viral respiratory tests (provided under items 69494, 69495 or 69496) to determine if the patient has COVID-19 or another respiratory virus such as influenza.
Explanatory Statement

Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - GP and Allied Health COVID-19 Services) Determination 2020 - Subsection 3C(1) - Health Insurance Act 1973
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00249
The Australian Government has unveiled a comprehensive $2.4 billion health package to protect all Australians, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with chronic conditions and Indigenous communities, from the coronavirus (COVID-19). As part of the package, the Government announced $100 million to fund new Medicare services for people in home isolation or quarantine, as a result of COVID-19, to receive health consultations remotely. The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - GP and Allied Health COVID-19 Services) Determination 2020 (the Determination) is to list new remote consultation services provided by GPs, other doctors in general practice, nurse practitioners and mental health allied health workers.
Explanatory Statement

Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Specialist, Consultant Physician and Consultant Psychiatrist COVID-19 Telehealth Services) Determination 2020 - Subsection 3C(1) - Health Insurance Act 1973
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00248
On 11 March 2020, the Prime Minister, the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, announced a comprehensive $2.4 billion health package to protect all Australians, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with chronic conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, from the coronavirus (COVID-19). As part of the package, the Government announced $100 million to fund new Medicare services for people in home isolation or quarantine, as a result COVID-19, to receive health consultations via video conference. This can be delivered through widely available video calling apps and software, such as Zoom, Skype or FaceTime. The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Specialist, Consultant Physician and Consultant Psychiatry COVID-19 Telehealth Services) Determination 2020 (the Determination) is to provide ten new temporary Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items to allow specialists, consultant physicians and consultant psychiatrists to provide these services by video conference to patients who have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus, or who are vulnerable of contracting the COVID-19 virus. These services will also be able to be provided by specialists, consultant physicians and consultant psychiatrists who are in isolation for possible COVID-19 infection. This will allow specialists (item 91822 and 91823), consultant physicians (items 91824, 91825 and 91826) and consultant psychiatrists (items 91827, 91828, 91829, 91830 and 91831) to continue to provide certain health services to their patients during the period of their isolation.
Explanatory Statement

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Proclamations

None this edition.

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Gazette Notices

None this edition.

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Consolidated Legislation

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00173
SR 1997 No. 328 Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Education, Skills and Employment Measures No. 1) Regulations 2020.
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Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00171
Rules/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 1) 2020.
Administered by: Health
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Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Rules 2015
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00169
Rules/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 1) 2020.
Administered by: Health
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National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement 2010 (PB 116 of 2010)
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00165
PB 116 of 2010 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 2) (PB 17 of 2020).
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New Bills

None this edition.

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New Acts

None this edition.

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