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)
8 April
AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine
The Australian Government received advice from the vaccine expert taskforce, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). The detail of that advice is attached. The Government accepts the advice from Australia's medical experts and will move swiftly to ensure Australia's vaccination program and advice to patients is adjusted accordingly, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
Download
Extension of COVID-19 pandemic health workforce
Providing access to safe and effective vaccines to the Australian community is a key priority of the Australian Government, said the Department of Health. Health practitioners play a vital role in this effort and have provided magnificent care to Australians throughout the pandemic. The Australian Government will extend the pandemic sub-register to provide continued support for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Download
Young women 'most resistant' group to vaccinate
Young women are the most reluctant group in Australia to get vaccinated against COVID-19 but their attitudes could change depending on their confidence in government, new findings from the Australian National University (ANU) show. Researchers tracked 3,030 people during the pandemic, in a nationally representative study, analysing the reasons why people are willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and attitudes toward vaccination.
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AMA calls for Australia to provide more support to PNG
The AMA is calling on the Australian Government to urgently dispatch more of the domestically produced AstraZeneca vaccine to Papua New Guinea, its nearest neighbour, to help it combat the worsening COVID-19 outbreak. Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed that the Government is considering options to further help Papua New Guinea, including the provision of Australian doses. 'It's encouraging that the Prime Minister is considering this option, but it's time to act now,' AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said.
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Mass vaccination idea doesn't make sense
Community pharmacies are expected to come onboard to provide COVID-19 vaccination as part of Phase 2a commencing in June. There are over 5,900 community pharmacies across Australia and in capital cities 97 per cent of Australians are within 2.5km of their local pharmacy. Outside of capital cities, 66 per cent are within 2.5km of their local pharmacy, making community pharmacies the most accessible healthcare provider nationally. The National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey, said it makes no sense for the NSW Government to exclude community pharmacies as one of their major vaccination providers for COVID.
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Catholic Health Australia members match Caritas Australia funding
Catholic Health Australia members have announced they will match Caritas Australia's funding to bring the total amount raised to over $500,000 to fight COVID-19 in Papua New Guinea. CHA and its members have announced an immediate contribution of $270,000 to fight COVID-19 in Papua New Guinea, primarily through the urgent distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) in remote areas. At the start of the pandemic, Caritas Australia purchased $250,000 worth of PPE and partnered with Caritas PNG to distribute to 19 Dioceses, which reached 235 health facilities and an estimated 1,462 health workers.
Download
ACT: Further changes to 'COVID-normal' restrictions in the ACT
There have been no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours, leaving the ACT's total at 123. There are no active cases in the ACT, announced the ACT Department of Health. A total of 120 cases have recovered from COVID-19 in the ACT. There are no COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. The ACT has recorded three (3) deaths. From 9am on Wednesday 14 April 2021, the ACT will make further minor changes to the COVID-normal public health measures which currently apply to restricted businesses.
Download
NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm. Two new cases were acquired overseas, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,129. There were 11,694 tests reported to 8pm, compared with the previous day's total of 4,876. There were 6,228 COVID-19 vaccines administered by NSW Health in the 24 hours to 8pm. The total number of vaccines administered by NSW Health is now 140,551.
Download
VIC: Vaccination program continues to expand in Victoria
The rollout of the Victorian-led component of the COVID-19 vaccination program is on time, on target and on track to deliver 300,000 total doses by 16 May. This figure, which forecasts vaccine delivery at state commissioned vaccination sites, will ensure Victorians can be confident in how the Victorian Government's rollout is progressing, said Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino and Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley.
Download
WA: COVID-19 update 8 April 2021
The WA Department of Health has reported no new cases of COVID-19. The State's total number remains at 951. WA Health is monitoring 14 active cases of COVID-19 and 928 people have recovered from the virus in WA. To date, the WA Department of Health has administered 62,297 COVID-19 vaccinations, including 10,334 people who have received both doses.
Download
7 April
World Health Day an opportunity for us to build a fairer, healthier world
The opportunities of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to represent an opportunity for Australia to do better in supporting the health of all, according to the Australian College of Nursing (ACN). Speaking on World Health Day, ACN Chief Executive Officer, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN, said that the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s annual report should be seen as an opportunity by Governments to build a better health care sector as the world rolls out the COVID-19 vaccine.
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WA: COVID-19 update 7 April 2021
The WA Department of Health has reported one new case of COVID-19. The new case is a male in his 20s returning from overseas. He is now in hotel quarantine. The State's total number now stands at 951. WA Health is monitoring 18 active cases of COVID-19 and 924 people have recovered from the virus in WA. To date, the WA Department of Health has administered 59,765 COVID-19 vaccinations, including 9,554 people who have received both doses.
Download
6 April
Failure to vaccinate globally could cost each Australian more than $1300 this year
Rich countries must open the way to cheaper mass-produced COVID-19 vaccines to protect every person in the world and avert a $9 trillion 'worst case' global economic catastrophe, Oxfam has warned. Oxfam analysis of recent International Chamber of Commerce figures - that highlighted the flow-on economic impacts of trading partners not having the same level of vaccine coverage - reveals that the failure to vaccinate the world quickly enough could cost each Australian $1348 this year. 'Countries from around the world, including the richest G20, are meeting to discuss the global economic and health crisis, which makes this a perfect moment for a breakthrough,' said Lyn Morgain, Chief Executive of Oxfam Australia
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WA: Chief Health Officer approval to request COVID-quarantine and presentation for testing directions (No 2)
The WA Department of Health said that: 'The Minister for Emergency Services declared a state of emergency with effect from 12 a.m. on 16 March 2020 in respect of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 pursuant to section 56 of the Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA) ('EM Act'). The state of emergency applies to the State of Western Australia. On 23 March 2020, the Minister for Health declared a public health state of emergency with effect from 1.30 p.m. on 23 March 2020 in respect of COVID-19 pursuant to section 167 of the Public Health Act 2016 (WA) ('PH Act'). The public health state of emergency applies to the State of Western Australia.'
Download
5 April
ATAGI statement on COVID-19 vaccination and a reported case of thrombosis
A statement from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on COVID-19 vaccination and a reported case of thrombosis. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) notes that a case of an unusual thrombosis following the AstraZeneca vaccine has been reported. This is one case in more than 400,000 doses given to date. ATAGI have issued communication for consumers and clinicians on the significance of this condition and to be alert for the symptoms and signs of thromboses.
Download
1 April
NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health recorded one new locally acquired case of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm. This is the case acquired in Byron Bay. Four new cases were acquired overseas in the 24 hours to 8pm, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,107.
Download
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Aged Care
7 April
Aged care reforms required in May budget, not just dollars
'Every older person should be able to live well, with dignity and independence, as part of their community and in a place of their choosing,' says Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) Chief Executive Adj Prof Alison Verhoeven. 'Regrettably, as the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has shown, we are far from this perfectly reasonable ideal in Australia today.'
Download
1 April
New requirements to protect senior Australians
New requirements for aged care providers will better protect older Australians. The Government has invested $67.2 million to implement the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) which offers greater security and peace-of-mind for Australians in residential care settings and their families. Under the scheme, residential aged care providers are required to manage all incidents of abuse or neglect, with a focus on the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life and reduce preventable incidents from reoccurring, said Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck.
Download
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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
6 April
SA: How should the health services operate? Have your say
South Australians can have their say on health matters that are important to them, with consultation on the future of women's, children and youth health services now open. The summary framework of the Women's, Child and Youth Health Plan 2021-2031 has been developed following significant consultation with consumers and clinicians over the last 12 months and is now open for public feedback. South Australia Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said that as populations and demographics evolve, particularly in growth areas such as Adelaide's northern suburbs, health services need to do the same.
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Clinical Governance
None this edition.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
None this edition.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
None this edition.
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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
1 April
Time to extend telehealth further
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) called on the Government to extend temporary COVID-19 Medicare Telehealth items until the end of the year. The current outbreak in Queensland highlights that the June extension does not go far enough. 'The Queensland outbreak and the flow-on impact on other states is a timely reminder that the pandemic is far from over,' AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid said. 'With the emergence of new and more transmissible COVID-19 variants, it is unlikely that this will be the last lockdown before the end of the year. Telehealth remains fundamental to the national effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, by protecting the health workforce, while reducing the need for unwell patients to move around the community.'
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Education and Training
None this edition.
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Funding
None this edition.
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Health Professionals
8 April
Extension of COVID-19 pandemic health workforce
Providing access to safe and effective vaccines to the Australian community is a key priority of the Australian Government, said the Department of Health. Health practitioners play a vital role in this effort and have provided magnificent care to Australians throughout the pandemic. The Australian Government will extend the pandemic sub-register to provide continued support for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Download
1 April
SA: Government remains committed to resolving ambulance union industrial dispute
The South Australian Government remains committed to resolving the ongoing industrial relations dispute with the Ambulance Employees Association (AEA) said SA Treasurer Rob Lucas. Mr Lucas said the SA Government remained willing to compromise, offering at least an extra 50 ambulance officers conditional upon the union agreeing to sensible roster reform, ambos taking meal breaks at their nearest station and the cessation of industrial action. 'The only way to resolve any kind of dispute is for both parties to compromise and the Government is, once again, calling on the union to compromise for the benefit of hardworking paramedics and all South Australians who rely on them,' said Mr Lucas.
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Hospitals
8 April
Emergency department waiting times a disgrace
The Government continues to fail Canberrans when it comes to emergency department waiting times, falling significantly short of national targets. Shadow Minister for Health Giulia Jones said it is unacceptable that median wait times for patients requiring urgent treatment blew out to 75 minutes at the Canberra Hospital between October and December last year. 'The national benchmark for treating urgent patients is 30 minutes. The Canberra Hospital is operating at more than double this time,' said Mrs. Jones.
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5 April
SA: Next step for My Home Hospital Program
Patients can now be referred through the SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) to receive hospital level care in the comfort and privacy of their own home, through an expansion of the My Home Hospital service. SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the My Home Hospital service, launched by the SA Government in January, is helping ease the pressure on South Australia's emergency departments and deliver care closer to home. 'The innovative and patient-centred approach of the My Home Hospital service not only provides care from the comfort of people's homes, but it will also help increase hospital capacity and reduce pressure on the wider health system,' said Minister Wade.
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Insurance
1 April
Health insurance premiums keep rising under Government
The average private health insurance premiums increased by 2.74 percent under the Government, or by an average of $126 for Australian families. Some funds and policies are set to rise by much more, by as much as 10 percent. This increase is more than three times as large as prices generally and almost twice as large as average wage increases. During a global pandemic and when Australian families are trying to recover from the first recession in three decades and the worst recession since the Great Depression, they are being faced with more insurance premium hikes that the Government refuses to address, said Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler.
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Medicare
None this edition.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
8 April
ACT: Greater support for mental health patients transitioning back into the community
The ACT Government has bolstered support for people receiving inpatient mental health care to transition back to everyday living in the community through a newly refurbished mental health unit, offering accommodation for up to ten patients. The unit was gifted the Ngunnawal name Gawanggal, by Ngunnawal Elders, which means honey. ACT Minister for Mental Health Emma Davidson says Gawanggal will support Canberrans with underlying mental health conditions to safely transition out of rehabilitation accommodation back into their community.
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VIC: COVID lockdowns leave Victorian kids' mental health worse than any other state, study finds
A new university-led survey has found months of COVID lockdowns 'affected the mental health of young Victorian children more than those in other states'. The survey found the strict lockdowns had a 'strong negative effect on child wellbeing', with young Victorians up to five times more likely to experience emotional and behavioural problems than kids in any other Australian state. It also found the long second lockdown weighed heavy on Victorian children, with a significant increase in anxiety and high-to-very high depression symptoms, said Victorian Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said.
Download
6 April
New report shows mental health deteriorates in isolation, but in-community support and resilience helps to cope
Wallways said that a new report on a survey compiled by leading Australian mental health service providers shows COVID-19 has had an adverse impact on the mental health of those already experiencing issues relating to their mental health. However, the results also highlighted that access to in-community supports, existing skills and resilience helped to cope with isolation. The survey report comes in the wake of the Royal Commission's final report into Victoria's mental health system, where a major focus of the 65 recommendations was to increase in-community support throughout the state.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
8 April
Notification of Application
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application (DIR-184) from Avance Clinical Pty Ltd to conduct a clinical trial with genetically modified (GM) human adenovirus COVID-19 vaccine. The clinical trial is proposed to take place at clinical trial sites, hospitals and clinics within Australia over a period of 5 years. Up to 1000 patients in Australia would receive single or double doses of the GM vaccine, to evaluate the treatment's safety and efficacy.
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Wider storage and transportation conditions for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine now approved
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recently approved wider storage and transportation conditions for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Australia (COMIRNATY - BNT162b2). These changes will enable greater flexibility in storage, transport and deployment of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine across Australia. While longer term storage at dry ice or ultra-cold temperatures (-90C to -60°C) is still required, for unopened vials, storage and transportation at domestic freezer temperatures (- 25°C to -15°C) is now permitted for up to 2 weeks.
Download
7 April
TGA to review advertising of stem cell therapies to the Australian public
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, is investigating the advertising of stem cell therapies to ensure that content in the public domain complies with the Australian rules for advertising therapeutic goods. The term 'stem cell' therapies is often used to refer to autologous human cell and tissue (HCT) therapies. HCT products comprise, contain, or are derived from human cells and/or tissues. Autologous HCT products are those that are removed from, and applied to, the same person.
Download
5 April
ATAGI statement on COVID-19 vaccination and a reported case of thrombosis
A statement from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on COVID-19 vaccination and a reported case of thrombosis. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) notes that a case of an unusual thrombosis following the AstraZeneca vaccine has been reported. This is one case in more than 400,000 doses given to date. ATAGI have issued communication for consumers and clinicians on the significance of this condition and to be alert for the symptoms and signs of thromboses.
Download
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Research
7 April
New CSIRO tool to combat Australia's #1 diet issue
Low nutrient, high kilojoule food continues to be the top choice for Australians, with new research from CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, showing that nearly four out of five people are overindulging in junk foods every day. The new findings come from the recent analysis of the CSIRO Healthy Diet Score survey. CSIRO research scientist Dr Gilly Hendrie said new approaches were needed when it came to discretionary foods and Australians' diets.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
9 April
Delivering more Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the NT
The Australian Government is investing $8.75 million over four years to provide additional health services in the Northern Territory as part of its commitment to strengthen Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. Delivered through the Northern Territory Pathways to Community Control program (NT P2CC), the funding will provide First Nations people with access to effective, high quality, comprehensive and culturally appropriate primary health care services, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt and Northern Territory Minster for Health Natasha Fyles.
Download
7 April
Communiqué - Rural and Remote Health Stakeholder Special Roundtable on COVID-19 by teleconference, 18 February 2021
On 18 February 2021 Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton chaired the 12th special rural and remote health COVID-19 roundtable with members of the Rural Health Stakeholder group. Minister Coulton acknowledged the continuing work of Roundtable members in managing challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year, commending the efforts of all doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and allied health workers in rural and remote areas.
Download
1 April
Time to extend telehealth further
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is again calling on the Government to extend temporary COVID-19 Medicare Telehealth items until the end of the year. The current outbreak in Queensland highlights that the June extension does not go far enough. 'The Queensland outbreak and the flow-on impact on other states is a timely reminder that the pandemic is far from over,' AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid said. 'With the emergence of new and more transmissible COVID-19 variants, it is unlikely that this will be the last lockdown before the end of the year. But we cannot become complacent. We must continue to plan for the worst.'
Download
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Women's Health
6 April
SA: How should the health services operate? Have your say
South Australians can have their say on health matters that are important to them, with consultation on the future of women's, children and youth health services now open. The summary framework of the Women's, Child and Youth Health Plan 2021-2031 has been developed following significant consultation with consumers and clinicians over the last 12 months and is now open for public feedback. South Australia Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said that as populations and demographics evolve, particularly in growth areas such as Adelaide's northern suburbs, health services need to do the same.
Download
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Transcripts
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham
09 APR: Transcript of Interview with Laura Jayes, Sky News AM Agenda
Subjects: AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, International borders & travel, Parliament House, Parliamentary staff conduct
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton and Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party Richard Marles
09 APR: Transcript of Interview with Karl Stefanovic, The Today Show
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca safety, Pfizer, International borders
Deputy Labor Leader in the Senate Kristina Keneally
09 APR: Transcript of Interview with Danica De Giorgio, Sky News
Subjects: AstraZeneca vaccine blood clots, COVID-19 immunisation program, Respect@Work, Sexual harassment reform, Member for Bowman
Deputy Labor Leader in the Senate Kristina Keneally
09 APR: Transcript of Interview with Iskhandar Razak, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca blood clot safety concerns, Respect@Work, Sexual harassment reforms, Member for Bowman
Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler
09 APR: Transcript of Interview with Hamish Macdonald, ABC RN Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca blood clot safety concerns, Pfizer, Vaccine manufacturing, supply & distribution
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Department of Health
08 APR: Transcript of Press Conference with Professor Paul Kelly, Chief Medical Officer
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccine rollout, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Safety concerns, ATAGI, TGA, Immunisation advice, Supply & distribution
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
08 APR: Transcript of Press Conference, Melbourne
Subjects: COVID-19, Vaccine rollout, Aged care, AstraZeneca safety concerns & review, TGA, ATAGI, Public confidence in vaccine program
Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton
08 APR: Transcript of Interview with Kristy Reading, ABC New England North West Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccine, Regional & rural health, AstraZeneca, Supply & distribution
Department of Health
08 APR: Transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly's, Interview with Natalie Barr, Sunrise
Subjects: AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine safety concerns, Blood clotting, ATAGI, TGA, Supply of vaccine
Department of Health
08 APR: Transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly's, Interview with Danica De Giorgio, Sky News
Subjects: AstraZeneca, COVID-19 vaccine, Safety concerns, Blood clots, Vaccination hubs
Department of Health
08 APR: Transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly's, Interview with Karl Stefanovic & Leila McKinnon, The Today Show
Subjects: AstraZeneca, European Medicines Agency, Safety concerns, COVID-19 vaccine, Blood clots
Department of Health
08 APR: Transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly's, Interview with Iskhandar Razak, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: EU, AstraZeneca, Vaccines, COVID-19, ATAGI, TGA, Supply
Department of Health
08 APR: Transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly's, Interview with Sabra Lane, ABC Radio Canberra
Subjects: AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, Safety concerns, Blood clots, European Union, ATAGI, TGA, Vaccine supply
Liberal Senator for Queensland Matt Canavan and Shadow Minister for Youth Amanda Rishworth
08 APR: Transcript of Interview with Matt Wordsworth, ABC Afternoon Briefing
Subjects: Australia Post CEO, Member for Bowman, COVID-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca safety concerns
Liberal Member for Mackellar Jason Falinski and Labor Member for Perth Patrick Gorman
08 APR: Transcript of Interview with Tom Connell, Sky News
Subjects: Vaccine, COVID-19, European Union, AstraZeneca, Vaccine supply & manufacturing, Commonwealth
Leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese
08 APR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Launceston
Subjects: Visit to TAS, Vaccine rollout, Tasmanian state election, Women's summit, Federal Member for Bowman, Australian jobs, TAS State Opposition
Shadow Minister for Senior Australians Clare O'Neil
08 APR: Transcript of Interview with Hamish MacDonald, ABC RN Breakfast
Subjects: Aged care workers, Aged care vaccination rollout, COVID-19, GPs, Supply, EU
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Department of Health
07 APR: Transcript of Press Conference with Secretary of Department of Health Professor Brendan Murphy, Parliament House
Subjects: COVID-19, Public health, QLD, Papua New Guinea, EU, Vaccine rollout, Vaccine supply
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Danica De Giorgio, First Edition, Sky News
Subjects: IMF report, Trans-Tasman bubble, COVID-19, Borders, Vaccine rollout, International borders
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Natalie Barr, Sunrise
Subjects: IMF report, Trans-Tasman bubble, COVID-19, borders, Vaccine rollout, International borders
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Lisa Millar, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: IMF report, Trans-Tasman bubble, COVID-19, borders, Vaccine rollout, International borders
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Leon Byner, FIVEaa
Subjects: IMF, South Australia, Jobs, Economic recovery, JobKeeper, Aus-NZ travel bubble, Vaccine rollout, Budget
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Karl Stefanovic, Today Show
Subjects: IMF report, Trans-Tasman bubble, COVID-19, borders, Vaccine rollout, International borders
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Sabra Lane, AM, ABC Radio
Subjects: AstraZeneca, Vaccine rollout delays, Christine Holgate, IMF growth forecast announcement, House prices, Women's Cabinet Taskforce
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
07 APR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: Australia COVID cases, Vaccine rollout, Aged care workers, Pfizer vaccine supply, CSL, TGA approval of AstraZeneca vaccine
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Hamish McDonald, RN Breakfast
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, NZ travel bubble, International flights, Borders, COVID-19
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Danica de Giorgio, Sky News
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, NZ travel bubble, International flights, Borders, COVID-19
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Michael Usher, 7 News
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, NZ travel bubble, International flights, Borders, COVID-19
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Iskhandar Razak, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, NZ travel bubble, International flights, Borders, COVID-19
Department of Health
07 APR: Transcript of Professor Alison McMillan's Interview with Iskhandar Razak, ABC
Subjects: COVID-19 Vaccines, EU, Domestic supply, PNG, AstraZeneca
Department of Health
07 APR: Transcript of Professor Alison McMillan's Interview with Leila Mckinnon, Today Show
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccine, EU, AstraZeneca, ATAGI, TGA
Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Rebecca Levingston, ABC Radio Brisbane
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, Pfizer, AstraZeneca production in Australia, Vaccine supply
Leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese
07 APR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Launceston
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, Federal Member for Bowman, Calls for a women's summit, Protecting Australian jobs, Christine Holgate, Tasmanian state election
Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party Richard Marles
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Paul West, ABC South East
Subjects: South Coast, Vaccine rollout, COVID-19, Jobs, Wages, Economy, Hospitality
Shadow Minister For Transport, Infrastructure and Regional Development Catherine King
07 APR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: Australia Post, COVID-19, Vaccine rollout, Regional Australia, Sports grants
Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Clare O'Neil
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Mary Gearin, ABC Melbourne Drive
Subjects: Aged care, Vaccine rollout, Coronavirus
Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Paul Turton, 1233 ABC Newcastle Drive
Subjects: NZ travel bubble, COVID-19, Timor-Leste, PNG, Vaccine rollout, Tourism, Aviation
Labor Senator for Queensland Nita Green
07 APR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Cairns
Subjects: Funding for domestic violence services, Call for a National Women's Summit, Social housing, Vaccine roll-out, New Zealand-Australia travel bubble
Labor Member for Dunkley Peta Murphy
07 APR: Transcript of Interview with Tom Connell, Sky News
Subjects: COVID-19, Vaccine rollout, Vaccine supply, Domestic violence, Women, CSL, TGA, PM, Paid domestic violence leave, Sexual violence
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
06 APR: Transcript of Press Conference, Australian Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: Trans-Tasman travel bubble, Tourism, International travel, New Zealand, Employment, COVID-19 vaccines
Shadow Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten
06 APR: Transcript of Interview with Karl Stefanovic, Today Show
Subjects: QLD Deputy Premier, Sexual harassment, COVID-19, Australia's vaccine rollout, AstraZeneca, Australian GPs, Trans-Tasman travel bubble, NZ
Shadow Assistant Minister for Financial Services Matt Thistlethwaite
06 APR: Transcript of Interview with Tom Connell, Sky News
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, Lockdowns, Queensland, Bluesfest cancellation, Uber, Minimum wage
Shadow Minister for Mark Butler
06 APR: Transcript of Interview with ABC RN Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19, Vaccine rollout program, Health, UK, USA, AstraZeneca exports, TGA, Aged care facilities, Aged care workers, GP, PM
Shadow Minister for Mark Butler
06 APR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, COVID-19, Aged care sector, Health workers, Vaccine supply & distribution, Papua New Guinea vaccine assistance, New Zealand, International travel
Department of Health
01 APR: Transcript of Acting Chief Medical Officer Professor Kidd's Interview with Fran Kelly, ABC Radio National
Subjects: COVID-19, Vaccine rollout, Vaccine distribution & administration, Aged care, Manufacturing, CSL
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Reports
Clinical evidence guidelines - Medical devices
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
The Clinical Evidence Guidelines for medical devices are intended to provide guidance to manufacturers of medical devices (including In vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs)) on what constitutes clinical evidence and the process of clinical data generation and clinical evaluation to produce such clinical evidence. While this guideline refers to IVDs, it is acknowledged that the information provided at this point is incomplete.
Download
COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report - 07-04-2021
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Millions of people worldwide have received COVID-19 vaccines. Clinical trials and international safety monitoring have found that side effects are usually mild and temporary. Importantly, some side effects are common with vaccines generally and are related to the body's natural response to vaccination. Mild pain, redness, local swelling, fever, headache and rash are examples of common side effects.
Download
Coronavirus (COVID-19) at a glance
The Department of Health
Download
Cancer Screening Programs, Quarterly Data
Australian Institute Of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
Cancer is one of the leading causes of illness and death in Australia. Some cancers can be detected through screening, which allows for early detection, intervention and treatment. Australia has 3 national cancer screening programs:
- BreastScreen Australia
- National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP)
- National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP).
These programs offer a screening test to people in defined target groups to test for signs of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions.
Download
Submission to Submission to National Disability Strategy - Consultation Stage 2
Mental Health Australia
Mental health is a continuum, which includes wellbeing and mental illness and psychosocial disability. Psychosocial disability is a term used by mental health service providers, consumers and carers to describe the disability experience of impairments and participation restrictions related to mental illness. These impairments and participation restrictions include loss of or reduced abilities to function, think clearly, experience full physical health and manage the social and emotional aspects of life.
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Submission to the consultation on the National Gene Technology Scheme, Consultation Regulation Impact Statement
Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering
The Academies strongly support the objectives of the Legislative and Governance Forum to future-proof and modernise the gene technology system. Accumulated experience has shown that the National Gene Technology Scheme is no longer fit for purpose in its current form. The Scheme needs significant reform to keep pace with gene technology advancements and to address the policy problems outlined in the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS).
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Volume 214, No 6
Medical Journal Of Australia (MJA)
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Hansards
ACT
31 MAR 2021: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - ACT Down Syndrome Association
31 MAR 2021: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Territory Rights, Voluntary Assisted Dying
31 MAR 2021: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statement - Health Services, Workplace Culture
31 MAR 2021: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Mental Health, Veterans
30 MAR 2021: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Committee - Health and Community Wellbeing Standing Committee - Statement by Chair
30 MAR 2021: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Committee - Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Bill Select Committee - Statement by Chair
30 MAR 2021: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statement - COVID-19 Pandemic Response - Update
30 MAR 2021: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health, COVID-19 vaccination rollout
South Australia
01 APR 2021: SA COUNCIL HANSARD: Question Time - Ambulance Ramping
01 APR 2021: SA COUNCIL HANSARD: Question Time - Modbury Hospital
01 APR 2021: SA COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - Disability Inclusion (Restrictive Practices - NDIS) Amendment Bill 2021 - In Committee
01 APR 2021: SA COUNCIL HANSARD: Question Time - Mental Health Services
01 APR 2021: SA COUNCIL HANSARD: Question Time - Health Services, Northern Adelaide
01 APR 2021: SA COUNCIL HANSARD: Question Time - Disability Services Workers
01 APR 2021: SA COUNCIL HANSARD: Question Time - Mental Health Services
01 APR 2021: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Ambulance Ramping
01 APR 2021: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - SA Ambulance Service
01 APR 2021: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Ambulance Employees Association
01 APR 2021: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Modbury Hospital
01 APR 2021: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Ambulance Employees Association
Tasmania
25 MAR 2021: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - Alcohol & Drug Dependency Repeal Bill 2019 (No. 40) - Justice & Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2020 (No. 36) - First Reading, Debate Adjourned
25 MAR 2021: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Access to Reproductive Health
25 MAR 2021: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - COVID-19 - Vaccination Rollout Update
24 MAR 2021: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Bills - End of Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020 (No. 30) - Amendments of the House of Assembly Agreed to by the Legislative Council
23 MAR 2021: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Council of Ambulance Authorities 2021 - Women in Ambulance Awards
23 MAR 2021: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Mental Health - Care Options
23 MAR 2021: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Petitions - Support for Youth - Mental Health Challenges
23 MAR 2021: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - Public Health Amendment (Prevention of Sale of Smoking Products to Under- Age Persons) Bill 2018 (No. 45) - Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
23 MAR 2021: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Special Interest Matters - Diabetes Tasmania - PolliePedal - Fundraising
23 MAR 2021: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - Public Health Amendment (Prevention of Sale of Smoking Products to Under- Age Persons) Bill 2018 (No. 45) - Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
23 MAR 2021: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - End-of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2010 (No. 30) - In Committee, Debate Adjourned
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Court Cases
Applicant: Cama (Migration) [2021] AATA 741
17 MAR: Catchwords: Migration - Medical Treatment (Visitor) (Class UB) visa - Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment) - Genuine temporary stay
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New Regulations
Federal
Direction Under National Cervical Screening Program
Notifiable Instrument - F2021N00068
Directs that medicare benefit shall be payable in respect of a professional service specified in an item in the pathology services table that is rendered to a person for the purposes the National Cervical Screening Program.
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Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Section 3C General Medical and Diagnostic Imaging Services - Medicare Indexation) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00426
The purpose of the Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Section 3C General Medical and Diagnostic Imaging Services - Medicare Indexation) Determination 2021 is to amend 14 determinations made under subsection 3C(1) of the Act to increase the fees of the health services specified by 0.9 per cent. This reflects the Government's policy regarding Medicare indexation and means that patients will receive a higher Medicare benefit for these services from 1 July 2021.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Flood Affected Areas) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00408
The Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Flood Affected Areas) Determination 2021 (the Determination) will amend the Principal Determination to exempt telehealth and telephone services provided to patients who are located within a flood affected local government area (as declared by a State or Territory) from the requirement that the service can only be provided if the medical practitioner has an existing relationship with the patient. The exemption will minimise unwanted disruption to patients' access to regular and essential health care in flood affected areas and ensure their continued access to telehealth and telephone services, where their usual medical practitioner is unavailable.
Explanatory Statement
New South Wales
01 APR 2021: NSW, HAZZARD: Legislation - Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments - Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Restricted Substances) Regulation 2021 - Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 - 2021-162
31 MAR 2021: NSW, HAZZARD: Legislation - Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments - Public Health Amendment (COVID-19 Mandatory Face Coverings) Regulation (No 2) 2021 - Public Health Act 2010 - 2021-164
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
None this edition.
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Consolidated Legislation
Private Health Insurance (National Joint Replacement Register Levy) Rule 2015
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00280
Rules/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Private Health Insurance (National Joint Replacement Register Levy) Amendment Rule 2021.
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National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012 (PB 71 of 2012)
Consolidated Legislative Instrument - F2021C00264
PB 71 of 2012 Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No. 2) (PB 13 of 2021).
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New Bills
None this edition.
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New Acts
South Australia
An Act to amend the Coroners Act 2003, and to make a related amendment to the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993.
LA: 1R 14/10/20, 2R 14/10/20, 10/11/20, Passed 10/11/20
LC: 1R 10/11/20, 2R 12/11/20, 18/02/21, 02/03/21, 16/03/21, Passed 16/03/21
LA: Agreed to amendments 16/03/21
LC: Final Stages 16/03/21
Assent 25/03/21, Act No. 10 of 2021
Commencement: This Act comes into operation on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
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