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)

10 February

Police recorded almost 30,000 COVID-19 offenders in 2020-21
Police recorded 29,218 offenders with at least one COVID-19 related offence in 2020-21 while the overall number of offenders fell, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). ABS Director of Crime and Justice Statistics, William Milne, said Victoria recorded 79 per cent (23,120) of COVID-19 offenders which coincided with the state's lockdown restrictions. 'Nationwide, nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of all COVID-19 related offenders in Australia were male and over a third (36 per cent) were aged between 20 and 29 years (10,621 offenders),' Mr Milne said.
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Post-market review of antigen and rapid antigen tests
The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) is reviewing all laboratory antigen and Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs), including both point-of-care and self-tests, included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), to determine whether they have been impacted by the current known variants of SARS-CoV-2, with ongoing activity to assess their ability to detect emerging variants. In addition, the post-market review includes laboratory testing of all point of care (PoC) and self-test RATs included in the ARTG to validate their performance in detecting the Delta and Omicron variants (and other emerging variants of concern).
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09 February

More than 80 per cent of eligible aged care residents receive boosters
Senior Australians in residential aged care are leading the national uptake of boosters, with 80.56 per cent of those eligible for their third vaccine shot now having received it. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said it is an excellent response from residents and encouraged those who may not have been eligible or originally declined a booster, to roll up their sleeves. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said is critical for residents and workers at each residential aged care service to be strongly encouraged and supported to receive their COVID-19 booster dose.
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It's time to remove VIC office mask orders
The Ai Group has called on the Victorian Government to reconsider its position on workers returning to offices and the need for them to continue to wear masks. The Victorian Head of the national employer association Ai Group, Tim Piper, said that with the return of tourists to Australia, the State Government should also be allowing businesses to return to a more normal setting. 'Businesses are continuing to unnecessarily suffer because workers are not in their offices and they don't want to attend offices while wearing masks.'
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TGA provisionally approves AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine as booster dose
On 8 February 2022 the TGA provisionally approved a booster dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, for individuals aged 18 years and older. The third (booster) dose may be given if clinically indicated with reference to official guidance regarding the use of a heterologous third dose (e.g. mRNA vaccine). This means that the decision to receive Vaxzevria as a booster must be made in consultation with a medical professional. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Comirnaty (Pfizer) or Spikevax (Moderna) are preferred as the booster dose in Australia, irrespective of the primary COVID-19 vaccine used. This includes for people who received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for their primary course.
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WA: RATs for domestic and international arrivals under new protocols
'All domestic and international travellers will be given two Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) on arrival at Perth Airport that they can self-administer at home, as required under Western Australia's hard border settings.' said WA Premier Mark McGowan. COVID marshals, stationed at both domestic and international airports, will distribute the tests for approved travellers, who are required to undertake the tests on day one and day seven of their quarantine period. The rollout of RATs at Perth Airport complements the distribution of RATs to all public COVID-19 testing clinics for WA Health to use and provide, when demand for PCR tests peaks.
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08 February

VIC: Rapid antigen tests for early childhood families
'The Victorian Government is taking extra steps to protect young children and their families and minimise transmission in vital early childhood education and care settings, with free at-home rapid antigen tests to support Victoria's youngest learners' said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. 'As supply of rapid tests increases across Australia, Premier Daniel Andrews announced the expansion of the Government's voluntary education surveillance testing program, with free rapid antigen tests to be available to all children aged 3 to 5 attending early childhood education services. More than 1.6 million rapid antigen tests will be delivered to early childhood settings in the coming weeks for families to conduct voluntary twice-weekly testing.'
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Guild welcomes introduction of oral treatments in fight against COVID-19
Pharmacy Guild of Australia President Professor Trent Twomey welcomed the first lot of deliveries of COVID-19 oral treatments from the national medical stockpile (NMS) but said more needs to be done to secure additional treatments which is currently plagued by global supply chain shortages. Until there are adequate supplies that can be managed through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), the first stage will be critical in ensuring high-risk patients have timely access to these treatments, noting they must be commenced within five days of symptom onset or confirmation of a positive case.
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7 February

ACT: Check In CBR app changes: focus on higher risk settings
The ACT Government is changing Check In CBR requirements to better reflect the Territory's current public health situation and response. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the changes to the check in rules are being made in the context of an evolving COVID-19 outbreak response and contact tracing process. 'We're in a new phase of our pandemic response and using the Check In CBR app differently will support those most at risk of exposure to COVID-19 while reducing the requirements placed on other businesses, venues and customers,' Minister Stephen-Smith said.
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TAS: Keeping Tasmanian sporting organisations informed
Tasmanian Minister for Sport and Recreation Jane Howlett said that more than 30 State sporting organisations attended a recent COVID-19 online information forum to stay updated on current Public Health and Tasmanian Government requirements and restrictions as clubs return to play across the State. Organisations submitted a range of questions about their activities and operations, with staff from the Department of Communities, Sport and Recreation providing clarity on a number of COVID related topics. This forum was important to give clubs and organisations piece of mind as summer sporting competitions continue around Tasmania.
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WA: Rapid Antigen Tests at Perth and South West hospital EDs for screening
Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said that WA public hospital emergency departments (ED) will bolster their COVID-safe measures by screening patients using Rapid Antigen Tests before they enter. This new measure is an additional way hospital staff can screen patients who have COVID- 19 symptoms or have been to a known exposure location. The introduction of RATs means greater protection for patients, staff and the community as workers can more easily identify those patients that need COVID-19 precautions before entering the ED. Fiona Stanley, Royal Perth, Rockingham, Sir Charles Gardiner and Perth Children's hospitals have introduced RATs with other metropolitan hospitals to follow.
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Deductibility of COVID-19 tests
The Government announced on 7 February 2022 that they will ensure that COVID- 19 testing expenses are tax deductible for testing taken to attend a place of work. This will also mean fringe benefit tax will not be incurred by employers if they provide COVID-19 tests to their employees for this purpose. This measure is not yet law. The ATO will provide more detailed advice and guidance once the measure is enacted. In the interim, if you have incurred expenses in relation to COVID-19 tests you should keep a record of those expenses.
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6 February

NSW: Rapid Antigen Tests for people with disability
Almost 300,000 Rapid Antigen Tests will be distributed to thousands of people with disability and their support workers to help prevent their exposure to COVID-19. New South Wales Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the testing kits were a vital part of protecting people living and working in disability funded residential settings. 'Protecting people with disability is important because they can often be at greater risk of developing more serious illness if they become infected with COVID-19,' Mrs Maclaren- Jones said.
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NSW: State-wide advertising ramps up to boost vaccination rates
The NSW Government's successful 'Let's Do This' advertising campaign is expanding to encourage everyone 16 years and older to get their COVID-19 booster shot. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the updated campaign will reinforce the importance of getting a COVID-19 booster to reduce the risk of severe illness and to help protect communities. NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard reminded people of the importance of a booster, regardless of whether they've had the virus. NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said that like the original 'Let's Do This' campaign released in August, this new ad hopes to capture what NSW has been working towards and the importance vaccinations play in getting there.
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4 February

WA: COVID-19 update 4 February 2022 - Metropolitan ICU doctor confirmed as COVID-19 case
The WA Department of Health confirmed that a doctor from a metropolitan hospital has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in isolation. The doctor must remain in isolation for 14 days and undergo COVID-19 testing. The case attended a clinical course in a simulation room at QEII. Public health officials are working to identify contacts. WA Health's Liz MacLeod, Chief Executive COVID-19 Health Operations, said the priority was to ensure all hospital operations continue and minimise any impact to patients.
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Updated booster advice for cancer patients
Cancer Australia said that 4th COVID-19 vaccine dose is now recommended for people over 16 years old who have severe immune suppression, including people with cancer. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) now recommends a 3rd primary dose of a COVID-19 vaccine for severely immunocompromised children and adults aged 5 years or older, and a booster (4th) dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, given 3 months after their primary course for those over the age of 16. Tailored information on the COVID-19 vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by cancer has been developed in collaboration with Indigenous health professionals.
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Aged Care

10 February

Parliament has opportunity to do more to protect older Australians
When the Senate considers the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response No. 2) Bill , it has an opportunity to strengthen the proposed reforms and protect older Australians. 'We welcome the Senate's second reading debate on this Bill,' Law Council of Australia President, Mr Tass Liveris said. 'The Aged Care Royal Commission undertook intensive investigation to determine how to improve aged care in this country and we support efforts to implement its recommendations.' 'However, as we emphasised in our submission on this Bill, we believe there are improvements that can be made.'
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09 February

Better aged care services for senior Australians in the bush
Aged care providers in regional and remote parts of Australia will be able to improve services and create safer environments under the latest investment from the government. The $35.3 million multi-purpose services (MPS) program will see 110 aged care sites benefit from minor capital grant projects averaging $321,000 each. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck said the work would range from simple improvements such as gardens and pathways to major building renovations. 'The aim is to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of residents, including for those living with dementia,' Minister Colbeck said.
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Aged care a vote changer at coming election
The Health Services Union has warned politicians of all stripes their future hinges on support for aged care funding and wages, as explosive polling reveals the issue will change votes at the coming election. According to polling by JWS Research, a strong majority (62 per cent) of Australians believe Federal Government funding for aged care should be increased, with only 15 per cent believing it is about right, three per cent wanting a decrease, and 19 per cent undecided. Support for an increase is even more prevalent in 17 swing electorates (74 per cent) and among Labor voters (73 per cent).
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How about a real plan for access to health care for all Australians?
Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH), the peak body for allied health professionals working in rural and remote Australia, calls on the Federal Government, Opposition and all Federal politicians and aspirants to prioritise access to the full array of health services for all Australians. 'There should be vigorous debate, especially in the lead up to the Federal Election contesting how Australians, wherever they live, can access the 'universal health care' we pride ourselves on as a nation but too often fail to deliver. ' said SARRAH.
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08 February

Aged care nurses rally in Canberra for immediate action for industry in crisis
Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) President Michele O'Neil will be joining aged care nurses in a Covid-safe protest in Canberra , to demand the government take immediate action to address an industry in crisis. The government's avoidance of responsibility and lack of planning has led to the country's aged care system falling to the brink of collapse. Residents are sick and dying and workers are exhausted and angry Aged care has been one of the most critical workforces in the country throughout the pandemic, workers risk their health and safety continuously during outbreaks to ensure the safety of residents.
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07 February

Defence surges to support aged care sector
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister for Defence Peter Dutton, Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt and Minister Colbeck said that the Government will deploy up to 1,700 Australian Defence Force personnel to support staff in the aged care sector. This immediate support through the Department of Health will help stabilise outbreaks and support staff shortages in residential aged care facilities. Over the weekend, ADF personnel undertook induction training with healthcare provider Aspen Medical and joined civilian staff in aged care facilities that afternoon.
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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

09 February

New hope and help for WA children with life-limiting illness
West Australian children with life-limiting health conditions are set to get new help and hope with the construction of the state's first and only dedicated respite and hospice care facility for children. The WA Children's Hospice will be jointly funded by the Federal Government, the WA State Government and the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation, with the government committing $7.5 million towards the project. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said hospitals could often be a stressful environment for children. 'Children's hospices help to reduce the stress of a very difficult time by offering a more home-like atmosphere and allow families to stay together,' Minister Hunt said.
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08 February

NSW: Govt supporting Ricky Stuart Foundation
'We know Ricky Stuart is an Australian sporting great. Ricky is also a passionate campaigner for those in society who need a hand. In 2011, after Ricky's daughter Emma was diagnosed with autism, the Ricky Stuart Foundation was formed.' said Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole. 'Ricky believes that every child with autism deserves access to state-of-the-art respite facilities and eventually a home. With that mind, the NSW Nationals in the state government have secured $4 million in funding for a new independent living project at South Jerrabomberra.'
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7 February

VIC: New report more evidence that immediate change needed for our kids better mental health
Victorian Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said that new data painted a harrowing picture of the deteriorating mental health of young Victorians. The Victorian Opposition are again calling on the State Government to make simple, immediate change that will unlock an extra 2000 mental health practitioners for public schools across the state. The call comes after the release of a new Murdoch Children's Research Institute study which shows an increasing number of children are struggling with basic skills such as empathy, making friends, coping with change or disappointment, and identifying emotions.
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VIC: Young Victorians encouraged to get a move on for health
The Government is giving Victorian kids more opportunities to lace up the boots, hit the dance studio or slide down to a skatepark, as part of a refreshed campaign promoting physical activity. Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino announced the launch of the Get Your Move On campaign with AFLW star and captain Emma Kearney at North Melbourne Football Club as well as the latest Active Schools grant recipients. Get Your Move On encourages kids to engage in 15 minutes of physical activity four times a day, through activities they enjoy - like walking their dog, riding to school, or kicking a football with friends.
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Clinical Governance

10 February

National Medicines Policy too important to be rushed before Federal Election
Following consultation with members - and heeding the concerns of the Consumers Health Forum (CHF) and patient groups - Medicines Australia reiterates its call to have finalisation of the new National Medicines Policy (NMP) delayed until after the Federal Election. The NMP Review Committee heard from a range of stakeholders who resoundingly agreed that four weeks is not enough time to provide feedback on the Draft NMP, which was quietly released last week. Medicines Australia CEO, Liz de Somer, said that the inadequate consultation period - extended from two weeks to four weeks - was not the only problem with the Draft NMP.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

None this edition.

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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

10 February

NDS seeking input from WA members on critical workforce development issues
On behalf of the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD), Community Skills WA (CSWA) is undertaking the WA Jobs, Education and Training (WAJET) survey for 2022. The aim of this survey is to understand the skill needs in Western Australia and the various pathways available to meet these skills needs. The National Disability Scheme (NDS) would like to encourage WA members to complete the WAJET disability survey to ensure the workforce development issues impacting the disability sector are recognised.
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08 February

NDIS Quarterly Report: NDIS now supporting more than half a million Australians
The National Disability Insurance Scheme's (NDIS) latest Quarterly Report has marked a major milestone under the government, with the world-first insurance scheme now transforming the lives of more than 500,000 Australians living with significant and permanent disability. Minister for the NDIS, Senator Linda Reynolds, said the Scheme is now providing disability-related support to 502,413 participants across the country. Around 220,000 people previously received supports from state, territory and commonwealth schemes, and around 280,000 people are now receiving supports for the very first time. 'Reaching half a million participants is remarkable given the Scheme's relatively short history' Minister Reynolds said.
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07 February

Religious Discrimination Bill to further discriminate people with disability
Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) said that disability sector representative organisations came together to voice their concerns in a Joint Statement on the opening of further discrimination of people with disability which the Coalition Governments proposed Bill will have inclusive of many of those of faith. The sector has particular concerns with the provisions permitting 'statements of belief' and this Bill overriding the existing legal and policy protections for people with disability from humiliating, insulting, ridiculing and demeaning behaviour and gives licence to an increase in such behaviour towards people with disability, undermining our confidence and sense of worth as Australians.
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

None this edition.

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E-Health

None this edition.

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Education and Training

Medical Students oppose the Religious Discrimination Bill over health and wellbeing concerns of transgender and gender diverse Australians
The Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) calls on the Australian Parliament to cease attempts to pass the current Religious Discrimination Bill out of concern for the health and wellbeing of transgender (trans) and gender diverse people. Research has shown that almost 50% of trans people have attempted suicide, and over 60% have previously self-harmed. Much of the poor health outcomes for trans and gender diverse people is associated with high levels of overt and implicit discrimination against trans communities, including within the healthcare setting.
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Funding

7 February

SA: First look at Birdwood's new ambulance station
Adelaide Hills residents have been given their first glimpse of the $2.2 million ambulance station planned for Birdwood, with the Marshall Liberal Government unveiling the building design. South Australia Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade confirmed the project would deliver the town of Birdwood its first ever purpose-built SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) station, replacing the ageing facility at Mount Pleasant that is no longer fit for purpose. 'The new station, located on Harms Avenue, will provide a modern, first class facility for our hard-working ambulance crews. The station will be bigger, with the capacity to accommodate approximately 50 volunteer staff and three vehicles,' Minister Wade said.
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Health Professionals

10 February

NSW company JMIT Distributors Pty Ltd fined $79,920 for alleged advertising breaches involving nicotine vaping products
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued six infringement notices totalling $79,920 to JMIT Distributors Pty Ltd (the company), for alleged advertising breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act) in relation to nicotine vaping products on www.vaporfactory.com.au. The TGA contacted the company on multiple occasions and provided detailed guidance about the legal requirements for importers, suppliers and advertisers of nicotine vaping products. However, the company failed to come into compliance and continued to advertise nicotine vaping products for supply.
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Post-market review of Antigen and Rapid Antigen Tests
The TGA is reviewing all laboratory antigen and Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs), including both point-of-care and self-tests, included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), to determine whether they have been impacted by the current known variants of SARS-CoV-2, with ongoing activity to assess their ability to detect emerging variants. In addition, the post-market review includes laboratory testing of all point of care (PoC) and self-test RATs included in the ARTG to validate their performance in detecting the Delta and Omicron variants (and other emerging variants of concern).
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HESTA welcomes passing of legislation scrapping $450 super threshold as important step in improving financial security for women
Health Employers Superannuation Trust Australia (HESTA) has welcomed the Government progressing their legislation through the Parliament , removing the $450 monthly wages threshold for payment of Super Guarantee contributions. The threshold has unfairly disadvantaged the retirement savings of low paid casual and part time workers for years. 'The requirement to earn $450 per month with one employer before you get paid super has compounded financial insecurity for casual and part-time workers, who often have lower pay and are in insecure or precarious work,' HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said.
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7 February

NT: Celebrating Territory Nurses and Midwives
Northern Territory Minister for Health Natasha Fyles said that: 'The Territory's frontline health workers are the best in the country and the Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards are a fitting tribute to their outstanding work. Celebrating Territory Nurses and Midwives Nominations are now open for the 2022 Northern Territory Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards with 10 award categories open to nurses and midwives. These awards recognise excellence in client care, education, research, professional leadership and commitment to the nursing and midwifery profession in the Territory. For the first time, the awards will recognise both a Nurse of the Year and Midwife of the Year.'
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AMA called for legislation to tackle widespread bullying of doctors in training
The results of the 2021 Medical Training Survey show bullying, harassment and discrimination experienced by doctors in training continues to be widespread and the Australian Medical Association (AMA) called on state and territories to act now to address the underlying factors that can lead to this type of unacceptable behaviour. The 2021 MTS survey funded by the Medical Board of Australia found that the trainees in states and territories worst hit by the pandemic were more likely to report COVID-19 had adversely impacted on their medical training. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said the survey demonstrated the need to act now to tackle systemic issues impacting the training and wellbeing of doctors in training (DiT).
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4 February

ACT: New junior doctors join health workforce
More than 115 junior doctors will join the teams at Canberra Hospital and Calvary Public Hospital Bruce from Monday 7 February, becoming part of an incredible health workforce that supports and protects Canberrans every day of the year. The new Junior Medical Officers will start their first year of practice as interns, which involves one year of supervised training before they are eligible to be granted general medical registration. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith thanked the new Junior Medical Officers for choosing to begin their medical careers in Canberra.
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QLD: New Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner appointed
A paramedic with more than 30 years' experience was appointed Commissioner of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS). Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath announced Craig Emery ASM as QAS Commissioner, following a five-month stint as Acting Commissioner. Ms D'Ath said Mr Emery was selected after an exhaustive international recruitment process. 'Mr Emery has a long and notable career with QAS, since joining it in 1990 as a paramedic when it was known as the Queensland Transport Brigade,' she said.
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Tribunal reprimands medical practitioner for obstetric care at Bacchus Marsh Hospital
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) said that a medical practitioner working in obstetrics at the Bacchus Marsh Hospital has been reprimanded by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the tribunal). The tribunal ordered that Dr Jocelyn Benedicto be reprimanded after findings of professional misconduct and unprofessional conduct. Dr Benedicto was employed as a career medical officer (obstetrics and general) at the Bacchus Marsh Hospital (operated by Djerriwarrh Health Services) between 2008 and 2015, when there was a tragic cluster of newborn and stillborn deaths.
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Hospitals

4 February

NSW: Campbelltown Hospital pathology laboratory doubles in size
NSW Health's new pathology laboratory at Campbelltown Hospital has been doubled in size and received an equipment boost ensuring the people of southwest Sydney, one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, has access to world-class testing facilities now and into the future. Premier Perrottet and Minister Hazzard visited the refurbished NSW Health Pathology laboratory, which was opened in late 2021 as part of the hospital's $632 million Stage 2 redevelopment. 'Our Government's record health investment is increasing pathology capacity across Sydney's South-West so families have faster access to diagnosis and treatment when they need it most,' Mr Perrottet said.
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Insurance

None this edition.

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Medicare

None this edition.

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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

09 February

QLD: Construction on new Cairns mental health unit gets underway
QLD Health Minister Yvette D'Ath turned the first sod on the new $70 million, 53-bed Cairns mental health unit. Minister D'Ath said the new three-storey building, including a 10-bed Mental Health Intensive Care unit, was part of an ongoing expansion of Cairns Hospital. The tender to build the new mental health unit has been awarded to Hutchinson Builders. 'Mental health issues affect one in four people in our community, which underlines the importance of this new facility for Cairns and the Far North,' the Minister said. 'It represents $70 million worth of investment and marks an important upgrade of local acute mental health services.
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7 February

VIC: New report more evidence that immediate change needed for our kids better mental health
Victorian Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said that new data painted a harrowing picture of the deteriorating mental health of young Victorians. The Victorian Opposition are again calling on the State Government to make simple, immediate change that will unlock an extra 2000 mental health practitioners for public schools across the state. The call comes after the release of a new Murdoch Children's Research Institute study which shows an increasing number of children are struggling with basic skills such as empathy, making friends, coping with change or disappointment, and identifying emotions.
Download

Lifeline's crisis text service goes 24/7 to help more Australians
Supported with $1.5 million in Government funding, Lifeline has launched a 24/7 crisis text service to expand its support for Australians struggling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said Lifeline's 24/7 text service is an important expansion of the vital service the charity provides in crisis support and suicide prevention. Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said the government's long partnership with Lifeline was part of its resolute commitment to suicide prevention.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

10 February

GBMA welcomes new member at a critical time in medicine policy
Australia's peak body for affordable medicines, has welcomed a new member, as it prepares for a high impact policy year. The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) announced that Accord Healthcare (Accord) had signed as its latest member in January 2022. Accord is a key supplier of generic injectable pharmaceuticals to the Australian market. With a strong and growing portfolio centred around oncology and critical care, Accord is committed to providing high quality affordable medicines. GBMA's Independent Chair, Professor Jane Halton AO PSM, said Accord would be a welcome contributor to the organisation's efforts to place the Australian patient at the forefront of all medicine policy decisions.
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