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)

12 April

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Across NSW, more than 95 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 94.6 per cent have received two doses to Saturday 9 April 2022, NSW Department of Health has announced.
- Of children aged 12 to 15, 83.3 per cent have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 79.5 per cent have received two doses.
- Of children aged 5 to 11, 49.7 per cent have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 30.7 per cent have received two doses.
- Of people aged 16 plus, 61.2 per cent have now received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This represents 65.1 per cent of the eligible population that received their second dose more than three months ago.
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11 April

Are the kids alright? It depends on who you ask
Parents are underestimating the psychological toll the COVID pandemic has had on young people, believing they are coping much better than they are. Research from Medibank shows more than 1 in 2 surveyed 16-24-year-olds felt depressed or down in the past year, however 70% of parents were unaware young people felt that way. The national survey of more than 1,500 people conducted in March this year found almost 2 in 3 young people felt unmotivated and demotivated in the last 12 months, but only 40% of parents believed their children felt like this.
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TAS: Coronavirus update
Overnight, Tasmania has recorded 1,414 new cases with 1,762 people recovered and released from isolation in that time. The total number of active cases currently stands at 12,296 and we now have over 90,000 Tasmanians who have recovered from COVID-19. There are currently 42 people in hospital with COVID and of these, 22 are being treated specifically for COVID. There is currently one person being cared for in the ICU. Sadly, I can confirm that a woman in her 90s passed away on Friday at a Residential Aged Care Facility in the North. Getting a booster when you are due continues to be the best defence against COVID-19, with vaccination available at 100+ pharmacies, 100+ GPs and state-run clinics.' Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has said.
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WA: COVID19 update 11 April 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 4,993 new cases to 8pm last night. There are currently 42,470 active cases in Western Australia.
To 8pm last night, there were 240 people with COVID19 in hospital, eight in ICU.
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10 April

TAS: Coronavirus update
'Overnight, Tasmania has recorded 1,414 new cases with 1,762 people recovered and released from isolation in that time. The total number of active cases currently stands at 12,296 and we now have over 90,000 Tasmanians who have recovered from COVID-19. There are currently 42 people in hospital with COVID and of these, 22 are being treated specifically for COVID. There is currently one person being cared for in the ICU. Sadly, I can confirm that a woman in her 90s passed away on Friday at a Residential Aged Care Facility in the North. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the woman who has sadly passed away.' Tasmanian Premier Rockliff has said.
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9 April

New COVID-19 oral treatment on PBS
Minister for Health Greg Hunt announced that from May 1, the second, prescription-only, COVID-19 oral treatment will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for Australians at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir + ritonavir) is an oral anti-viral medicine which can be used by patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of developing severe disease. This medicine will help reduce the need for hospital admission. Adults who have mild to moderate COVID-19 - which is confirmed by a PCR or a Rapid Antigen Test and verified by the prescribing doctor or nurse practitioner, can be prescribed Paxlovid.
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Australia's $85 million commitment to COVAX welcomed
End COVID For All and Pacific Friends of Global Health have commended the Australian Government's pledge of $85 million and at least 10 million COVID vaccine doses to the COVAX Advanced Market Commitment (AMC). At the 2022 Gavi COVAX AMC Summit, governments, international organisations, civil society and the private sector came together to commit US$4.8 billion to the global vaccination effort. End COVID For All spokesperson and Pacific Friends of Global Health Chair Professor Brendan Crabb AC said it's a crucial milestone in the global effort to vaccinate the Pacific region and the world. 'It is a remarkable achievement by the global community to unite and raise
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WA: 'Taking it to the streets' vaccination campaign for school holidays
- School holidays events to focus on vaccinations for children five to 11-years-old
- Perth Zoo and Kings Park get behind vaccination initiative
- Local attractions to have pop-up clinics during the school holidays
- Extended days and opening hours for regional vaccination clinics
The Western Australian Government has partnered with some of the biggest holiday attractions for kids to bring COVID-19 vaccination clinics to our youngest Western Australians during the school holidays. The 'taking it to the streets' vaccination campaign will include attractions such as Perth Zoo, who will run three days of pop-up clinics, where every child vaccinated there receives a free entry pass to the zoo, WA Minister for Health, Amber-Jade Sanderson has said.
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8 April

TGA provisionally approves Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine (COMIRNATY), for use as a booster for individual aged 12-15 years old
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY, for use as a booster in individuals aged 12 to 15 years old. TGA provisional approval is the first step in the two green light approval process consistently applied throughout the COVID 19 Vaccine program. This decision follows the provisional approval granted by the TGA to Pfizer for the use of COMIRNATY as a booster in individuals 18 years and older on 26 October 2021 and in individuals 16 and 17 years old on 27 January 2022.
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New advice recommends additional winter booster (5th dose) for cancer patients
Severely immunocompromised people, including people with cancer aged 16 years and over, are now recommended to have a winter booster (5th dose) of COVID-19 vaccine. Cancer Australia has issued this statement following the latest recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), to maximize the level of immune response for people with cancer. For people who are at greatest risk of severe illness from COVID-19, ATAGI recommends an additional booster dose known as the 'winter booster dose' 4 months after the 1st booster dose.
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Preparing for winter and the impacts of influenza and COVID-19 - For disability service providers
The National Disability Services (NDS) announced that 'This preparing for winter webinar for disability service providers will provide important information on how you can help support our most vulnerable people with disability in managing the impacts of the winter season. The Commonwealth Government has made extensive preparations to protect Australians, including NDIS participants, against COVID-19 and influenza this winter. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, announced a $2.1 billion investments for winter preparedness on 11 March this year.'
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Vic COVID-19 update: Free rapid antigen tests for Victorians with disability
- The Victorian Government will be providing free Rapid Antigen Tests to eligible people with disability
- RATs will be available at State government testing sites and through Disability Liaison Officers
- Those eligible can collect up to 20 RATs per visit
National Disability Services (NDS) welcomes the Victorian Government's announcement it will provide free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to disability support pensioners and NDIS participants aged 16 and over from Saturday, 9 April. Two million free RAT tests will initially be distributed over a three month period, followed by a review to determine if the program should be extended. This announcement follows a range of other initiatives the Victorian Government has undertaken to protect people with disabilities.
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In-Pharmacy COVID Testing
Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA) 'Members may see an increase in requests for pharmacist COVID testing service as borders reopen and travellers to some destinations require tests be conducted prior to their departure While there are no current requirements for pre-departure tests for domestic travel in Australia, some countries such as New Zealand or Fiji are requiring pre-departure tests. Guild members considering implementing either a point-of-care or pharmacist-supervised in- pharmacy rapid antigen testing service may be interested in the following information provided by the Guild. Included is information for planning the service, developing a store procedure and where to get further information if needed.'
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Department of Health: Across NSW, more than 95 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID- 19 vaccine, and 94.6 per cent have received two doses to Saturday 9 April 2022.
- Of children aged 12 to 15, 83.3 per cent have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 79.5 per cent have received two doses.
- Of children aged 5 to 11, 49.7 per cent have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 30.7 per cent have received two doses.
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Aged Care

13 April

Interactive National Guide to Aged Care 2022/23
National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA) announced that Australia's aged care system is at the crossroads of change. Significantly under the spotlight, with the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the impact of COVID-19 upon older Australians, now is the time for robust insights in relation to funding and policy settings, sustainability, economic modelling, access and equity, regulatory reform, the aged-care workforce, quality and innovation. Future growth of the aged-care sector is likely to be significant with the number of Australians aged 65 years and over forecast to more than double over the next 40 years.
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12 April

Quality of life tools to improve outcomes for aged care residents
The provision of quality aged care continues to remain a concern for those older Australians who rely on community and aged care services to carry out their everyday activities. A health policy brief, Quality of life tools to support measurement of aged care quality, released by the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association's Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research, in collaboration with researchers from Western Sydney and Macquarie Universities, examines the evidence for how tools assessing quality of life indicators in aged care settings can foster change in the system; and provide improved health and wellbeing outcomes for residents.
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11 April

All parties, all candidates called on to keep dementia top of the agenda
Dementia Australia is calling on all political parties and candidates to declare commitments to the delivery of quality dementia care in their election policy platforms. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM reiterated the need for maintaining the momentum and focus on aged care and dementia during this election campaign, especially in relation to the aged care workforce issues, and dementia education. 'Aged care and dementia must remain top of the agenda,' Ms McCabe said. 'While there has been significant investment and many aged care reforms are underway there is still much to be done.'
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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

13 April

Therapeutic Goods Advertising Consultative Committee, 21 March 2022
The Therapeutic Goods Advertising Consultative Committee met on 21 March 2022. The Committee comprises a range of stakeholder organisations with an interest in the advertising of therapeutic goods in Australia. The Chair welcomed two new members, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Australian Natural Therapists Association. Members are appointed by the Minister for Health and Aged Care. The Committee discussed a proposed methodology for determining the 2022-23 financial year compliance priorities. Members agreed to complete a survey to assist in determining the priorities, in particular in relation to the advertising of therapeutic goods.
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ACCC grants re-authorisation for Canberra after-hours medical service capped fee arrangement
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has decided to grant re-authorisation to enable CALMS Ltd (CALMS) to continue to use its 'not to exceed' fee schedule in the provision of after-hours primary medical care in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The final determination follows the ACCC's draft determination and interim authorisation decision on 24 February 2022. The locums that provide medical services to CALMS' patients are engaged as independent contractors. Rather than allowing doctors to set their own fees with complete freedom, CALMS sets a maximum fee scale for the provision of certain services that locums are not able to charge above.
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AMA says urgent care centres not solution to Australia's health crisis
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is unconvinced by the Opposition's plan to develop 50 urgent care centres because they will not tackle the major problems facing Australia's health system. 'These centres will do little to relieve the hospital logjam, will further fragment care and will unfairly compete with nearby general practices which, without this government funding, will not be able to keep their doors open after hours.' AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said the plan acknowledges the costs faced by general practices in opening after hours.
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Doctors ask Prime Minister to re-consider funding for oil industry
Prime Minister Scott Morrison's pledge to inject more funding into the oil industry risks Australians' health and should be reconsidered, Doctors for the Environment say. Mr Morrison has announced $250 million funding for the oil industry if his party wins the federal election on May 21. Doctors for the Environment Chair John Van Der Kallen said the funding was short-sighted and risked the health of all Australians. There are also broader health risks associated with global warming and climate change like heat-related deaths. 'We ask the Prime Minister to re-consider this announcement as it is of major concern to our members.'
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Doctors support Labors GP clinics promise
'The oppositions proposal to support GPs to treat patients in extended hours clinics will be welcomed by many GPs and reduce waiting times in hospital emergency departments' said Dr Robert Marr Secretary General of the Australian Doctors Reform Society. 'Unfortunately many Australians are using hospital emergency departments for problems that could be managed by GPs for a number of reasons including lack of access to GPs after hours and according to the Royal College of GPs only 60 % of GP consultations are bulk billed' said Dr Marr.
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Proposed GP Urgent Care Clinics should build on existing practices
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed the focus on community-based health services and said the proposed GP urgent care clinics should build on existing infrastructure and utilise established general practices. Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has promised 50 urgent care clinics intended to ease pressure on emergency departments, with treatment to be bulk billed at a cost of $135 million over four years. The urgent care clinics will be based in general practices and community health centres and will be able to treat non-life-threatening injuries such as sprains, broken bones, wounds, minor ear and eye problems and minor burns.
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RACGP urges investment in general practice care
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has called on whoever wins government in the upcoming federal election to give general practice care a much-needed shot in the arm. Earlier this year, the RACGP launched its Federal Election Statement that calls for:
- new service incentive payments to improve regular, continuous, and preventive care for older people
- increasing Medicare rebates for patients who need longer appointments with their GP
- retaining telehealth rebates for patients to have longer telehealth consultations with their GP via telephone
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More help for families, less pressure on hospitals
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese and Shadow Minister for Health Mark Butler announced 'Under the opposition, families will get the bulk billed urgent medical care they need, without having to wait hours at over-burdened hospital emergency departments. An opposition Government will fund Medicare Urgent Care Clinics to be based at GP surgeries and Community Health Centres in at least 50 locations across Australia. Medicare Urgent Care Clinics will take the pressure off hospital emergency departments by providing an alternative option for families needing urgent care from a doctor or nurse.'
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12 April

Opposition stumble again on health policy
'The opposition has again been caught out on health policy in the election campaign. The announcement from Mr Albanese on Telehealth ignores the medical advice and risks rural health services,' said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt. 'It comes after the Government's reforms led to record Telehealth psychiatric consultations in January and February this year - up 33% prior to the Government's reforms. Telehealth services are going up due the permanent changes that the Government has implemented. And that is a 932 per cent increase from 2019.'
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11 April

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)
The Department of Health is monitoring the unfolding situation in Australia concerning the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It has been declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance. We will update this alert with the latest medical advice and official reports. A national working group of communicable disease, vaccine and arbovirus experts has been established. The working group will support Australia's response to the JEV situation. This will include:
- mosquito surveillance and control measures
- identification of those at direct risk, and for the rollout of vaccines.
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Virtus Health Limited 03 - Panel Makes Interim Orders
The Takeovers Panel has made interim orders1 in response to an application for interim orders dated 7 April 2022 from CapVest Partners LLP in relation to the affairs of Virtus Health Limited. The interim orders in effect prohibit BGH (without the consent of the sitting Panel) from acquiring on market any Virtus shares above its Bid Price, unless and until it has made an announcement to ASX that informs the market that the Bid Price is to be increased and the amount of that increase. The interim orders have effect until the earliest of further order of the Panel, determination of the proceedings or 2 months from the date of the interim orders.
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8 April

PHI 21/22 Prostheses List Reform - Schedule of Prostheses List Price Reductions
This circular provides information on the schedule of Prostheses List Price Reductions, to commence on 1 July 2022. Schedule of Prostheses List Price Reductions The Independent Hospital Pricing Authority has provided the Department of Health with the weighted average prices paid for prostheses in the public sector, excluding general use items. This information has been used by the Department to calculate the gap between the public sector weighted average price and the Prostheses List benefits, creating a new reference price to be established and the Prostheses List benefits thus reduced.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

13 April

Opposition goes back to the future with failed super clinics policy
'The opposition continues to scrape the bottom of the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd Election barrel for health policy ideas, reheating and rehashing the Rudd Government's failed super clinics announcement. In the opposition's biggest health failure in Government, outside of refusing to list medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, super clinics were rejected by the AMA as bad medicine and damned by an Australian National Audit Office report, which revealed that less than 10 per cent of the clinics promised by the opposition in Round 1 of their program were actually delivered on time. When last in Government, the opposition promised 65 of these super clinics, but only delivered 33, with a damning Auditor General's report criticising the then $650 million plan.' Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt has said.
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8 April

New health centre at Campbell Barracks to provide high quality health care for ADF members
A new modern health centre at Campbell Barracks has been opened by Assistant Minister for Defence, Andrew Hastie will deliver high quality health care to Australian Defence Force (ADF) members posted to the Perth metropolitan area. The new health centre is part of a national project to provide new and upgraded health facilities at Defence sites. The project is worth more than $250 million. Assistant Minister Hastie said the health centre will enhance the delivery of health care to on-base and visiting ADF members in the Perth metropolitan area. 'The new health centre represents Defence's significant investment in the wellbeing of our people to help them through all phases of their careers and ensure they are fit to fight, fit to work and fit for life,' Assistant Minister Hastie said.
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Dental

13 April

Dental into Medicare: Greens' National Press Club Speech outlines balance of power plan
In a major address outlining the party's election platform, Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt announced the Greens' plan to get dental into Medicare at the National Press Club in Canberra. The Greens leader outlined how the party is on track to hold the balance of power after the election, and will say the party's priorities are taking climate action by stopping new coal and gas mines, and tackling the cost of living by getting dental and mental health into Medicare, fixing the housing crisis and wiping student debt.
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Disabilities

11 April

Both group pricing models remain for another year
National Disability Services has announced that over the next financial year, providers of community participation and centre-based supports will continue to have the choice between the 'old' method of charging for group supports or the 'newer' model. This outcome is important as many providers have struggled with workforce shortages, the higher costs of providing support, and revenue reductions due to a decrease in the volume of supports. Operating conditions under COVID-19, particularly the Omicron variant, have been incredibly difficult. Forcing a change to the new pricing model at this time would not have been reasonable.
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10 April

Hearing Australia Chair appointment
Hearing Australia has a new Chair of the Board of Directors following the appointment of Ms Elizabeth Crouch AM. Minister for Government Services Linda Reynolds said that Ms Crouch was eminently qualified to lead Hearing Australia. Ms Crouch has served on the Board of Directors since September 2020, and has been acting Chair since December 2021. 'This appointment reaffirms the government's commitment to ensuring Hearing Australia has the necessary leadership to continue delivering high quality services for Australians suffering hearing loss,' Minister Reynolds said. Ms Crouch has been appointed for a three year term, commencing 10 April 2022.
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8 April

Preparing for winter and the impacts of influenza and COVID-19 - For disability service providers
The National Disability Services (NDS) announced that 'This preparing for winter webinar for disability service providers will provide important information on how you can help support our most vulnerable people with disability in managing the impacts of the winter season. The Commonwealth Government has made extensive preparations to protect Australians, including NDIS participants, against COVID-19 and influenza this winter. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, announced a $2.1 billion investments for winter preparedness on 11 March this year.'
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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

13 April

Tennant Creek and Mutitjulu listed as targeted GP recruitment locations
Tennant Creek and Mutitjulu are now more appealing locations to work for young doctors after the communities became a targeted recruitment locations under the Government's pilot scheme that provides wage support and supports doctors to gain their GP qualification while living in a rural or remote area. Regional Health Minister, David Gillespie said it was important that junior doctors were adequately supported to work rurally and without this scheme. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the RVTS is going from strength to strength in providing better access to doctors in the bush.
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Funding

11 April

Better care for Australian children with hearing loss
'Australian kids struggling with hearing loss will have greater access to expert care under the opposition's plan to extend a key support service across the nation,' said Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler and Leader of The Opposition Anthony Albanese. 'An opposition Government will provide $1.5 million to fund the development of the digital HearHub platform, run by Shepherd Centres. Shepherd Centres provide support services including development of speech and communication skills, life skills and emotional resilience - areas where hearing impaired children and teens need intensive clinical support. HearHub is a national digital service that will deliver hearing tests, educational resources and practical support for families online.'
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10 April

Australian research to support children with Mitochondrial disease
Minister for Health Greg Hunt announced that leading Australian researchers will receive $15 million from the Government to determine the safety, efficacy and feasibility of implementing mitochondrial donation reproductive technology following the passing of Maeve's Law. Mitochondrial diseases are genetic, often inherited disorders that are debilitating and can be fatal. In Australia, approximately one child each week is born with a severe form of mitochondrial disease, often with a life expectancy of less than five years. Symptoms can include poor growth, muscle weakness, neurological issues, and developmental delays.
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Health Professionals

13 April

Tennant Creek and Mutitjulu listed as targeted GP recruitment locations
Tennant Creek and Mutitjulu are now more appealing locations to work for young doctors after the communities became a targeted recruitment locations under the Government's pilot scheme that provides wage support and supports doctors to gain their GP qualification while living in a rural or remote area. Regional Health Minister, David Gillespie said it was important that junior doctors were adequately supported to work rurally and without this scheme. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the RVTS is going from strength to strength in providing better access to doctors in the bush.
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Supporting Australia's Nurses and Midwives
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has welcomed the Opposition's election pledge to fund a new national health service to provide health and well-being support for nurses and midwives across the country. The national service will recognise the strain endured by nurses and midwives over the last three years and will assist them to stay in their jobs by preventing unnecessary burnout. The 'National Nurse and Midwife Health Service' is an expansion of a the long-established Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria (NMHPV), a successful not-for-profit service helping nurses and midwives in Victoria since 2006.
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Election health policy announcements pointless until workforce shortages are addressed
The Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA) has called for the major parties to make fixing the health workforce shortage their number one health policy priority for the upcoming Federal Election. APHA CEO Michael Roff said the single biggest challenge facing health care in Australia is the shortage of health care professionals. The extent of the shortage is huge and so far, neither major party has put forward a clear plan to fix it. 'With no skilled migration for two years due to international travel restrictions and a workforce fatigued from the stress of managing COVID-19, the health care system is struggling to meet demand.'
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Research Excellence: Transforming the prevention and treatment of child and adolescent obesity
Professor Louise Baur holds the Chair of Child & Adolescent Health at the University of Sydney and is a consultant paediatrician at the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. She received the 2021 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Elizabeth Blackburn Investigator Award - Public Health (Leadership) for her work leading an interdisciplinary program of research in preventing obesity in childhood and providing safe, effective treatments to children and adolescents living with obesity. 'For the past three decades I have worked as paediatrician in a multidisciplinary clinic in a tertiary children's hospital caring for children and adolescents with moderate to severe obesity.' said Professor Baur
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2021 MIMS/Guild Intern of the Year announced
Firouzeh (Fi) Farihi Zadeh, from Alive Pharmacy Warehouse Westcourt in North Queensland, has been announced as the 2021 MIMS/Guild Intern of the Year. In a year with record number of entries, Fi's submission and interview clearly demonstrated her passion and interest in health education for Cairns community members with a focus on addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Fi has worked with many community members to ensure they understand the benefits of being vaccinated and protecting themselves against COVID-19. She will receive a $4,500 cash bursary courtesy of MIMS Australia to continue to pursue her interest in consumer health education.
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World Pharmacy Council scholarship nominations open
Pharmacy Guild of Australia 'The Vice President of the World Pharmacy Council, Professor Trent Twomey, announced in the opening plenary of APP2022 that early career pharmacist nominations are now open for the $50,000 Australia Health Minister Young Pharmacist Global Exchange Scholarship; an initiative of the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA). Supported by the Australasian College of Pharmacy and the World Pharmacy Council, this scholarship is available to early career pharmacists, in their first five years of general registration, who are currently working in a community pharmacy.'
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Labor cares for our nurses
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese and Shadow Minister for Health Mark Butler announced that an opposition Government will extend health and wellbeing support for our nurses across the country with a new National Nurse and Midwife Health Service. Nurses have been the heroes of this pandemic. They have been dealing with the COVID crisis for more than two years - they are stressed, burned out and leaving the profession. They deserve our help. The new National Nurse and Midwife Health Service will provide nurses and midwives with a range of personalised and professional support services to help them manage burnout and stress.
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NSW: Mr Matthew Scott Pratt - Disability Support Worker - Permanent Prohibition Order
The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission ('the Commission') investigated the conduct of Mr Matthew Scott Pratt, an unregistered health practitioner who provided services as a Disability Support Worker at the Illalong Home operated by Cerebral Palsy Alliance. The Commission's investigation found that on 27 June 2020, Mr Pratt demonstrated a lack of appropriate care and appropriate response towards four patients with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. Mr Pratt breached the significant trust of family members and the wider community to provide a safe environment and deliver appropriate health care to the residents who were particularly vulnerable.
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12 April

Nurses and midwives' critical work during pandemic recognised as national HESTA Awards finalists revealed
The extraordinary work of nurses and midwives to improve health outcomes during the pandemic has been recognised with eight finalists announced for the 2022 HESTA Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards. Finalist achievements included establishing a program to provide specialised care to those experiencing family violence, leadership in the face of two 'waves' of COVID-19 outbreaks and developing the first Aboriginal-led maternity model of care in Australia. HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said she was humbled by the finalists' hard work to provide exceptional healthcare to their communities, which was critical during the pandemic. 'Australia owes a great debt to our nurses and midwives,' Ms Blakey said.
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11 April

Supporting Australia's natural disaster first responders
The Government is backing essential first responders by providing $10 million to charity organisation Fortem Australia, for essential mental health and wellbeing support for those assisting during natural disasters. Minister for Home Affairs, Karen Andrews, said first responders perform a vital role in the community, supporting vulnerable people in urgent need, such as during bushfires or floods. 'First responders work in highly challenging and often dire conditions. They are regularly exposed to traumatic experiences, face long hours under constant pressure, and are required to make critical decisions with a moment's notice,' Minister Andrews said. 'This funding from the Government's federal Budget is all about taking care of the mental health and wellbeing of those front-line personnel who are out there providing emergency support to their communities during a disaster.'
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ANMF announces election priorities for health and aged care
In the lead-up to the federal election, the country's largest union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), has written to all major political parties and Independent MPs and Senators, seeking their commitment to the ANMF's five-core priorities to reform Australia's health and aged care systems. ANMF Federal Secretary, Annie Butler, said: 'In our wealthy, well-resourced and highly-developed country, every Australian should be able to expect and receive the very best health and aged care, delivered in a timely fashion, according to their wishes, in a place of their choosing. To achieve this, genuine, significant and sustained reform is urgently required.'
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8 April

AMA's leadership election underway
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has announced its timetable for its member elections and awards nominations. The election of the new AMA President and Vice President will take place during the AMA National Conference to be held in Sydney from 29-31 July 2022. Nominations of candidates seeking election as AMA President and Vice President open on 17 June and close at noon on 15 July. Nominations for election of AMA members to Federal Council opened on 8 April and close on 6 May. AMA members have also been invited to nominate colleagues for a range of awards, including Excellence in Health Care, Women in Medical Leadership and Diversity in Medicine.
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Hospitals

None this edition.

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Insurance

None this edition.

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Medicare

13 April

AMA's plan to modernise medicare launched
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) launched a new plan calling for the major political parties to commit to creating a 'Modern Medicare', to address the urgent need for reform and investment in Australia's general practices. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said it was time the Government recognised the pressure Australia's GPs were under to keep healthcare affordable and accessible, with Medicare funding arrangements now out of date - made worse by inadequate indexation of the Medicare rebate and a previous Medicare freeze. 'Doctors working in general practice have been forced time and time again to wear the brunt of these real cuts to Medicare,' Dr Khorshid said.
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Dental into Medicare: Greens' National Press Club Speech outlines balance of power plan
In a major address outlining the party's election platform, Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt announced the Greens' plan to get dental into Medicare at the National Press Club in Canberra. The Greens leader outlined how the party is on track to hold the balance of power after the election, and will say the party's priorities are taking climate action by stopping new coal and gas mines, and tackling the cost of living by getting dental and mental health into Medicare, fixing the housing crisis and wiping student debt.
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11 April

Medicare and your health
'Since the Liberals have been in Government, it is harder and costs more to see a doctor. The results of deliberately running down Medicare and general practice end up in the local hospital - with people presenting at emergency departments because they have no alternative. Almost a decade of Liberal neglect means that primary care is in crisis, particularly in outer suburbs and regional and rural communities. Demand for healthcare is skyrocketing - we need more GPs, and better access to other health care professionals. Without this, it is going to get even harder to see a GP, and the fees you pay once you do get in will be even higher. And it is only through fixing primary care that we will take the pressure off our hospitals.' the Opposition has said.
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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

13 April

CASS mental health service supporting our community
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman has visited the CASS Peakhurst Centre to discuss its H-Line mental health phone service. The free phone service was launched in November 2021 and offers mental health support for members of the community with English as their second language. 'It was great to meet with the volunteers at CASS who have been answering calls from the community and helping people to access mental health support,' David said. 'As we continue to deal with the disruptions of COVID-19, it's important to consider our mental health and to reach out for support when its needed.'
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CheckMe Pty Ltd fined $13,320 for alleged unlawful import of rapid antigen test kits
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, has issued an infringement notice of $13,320 to Queensland-based company CheckMe Pty Ltd for alleged unlawful importation of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs). It is alleged that CheckMe Pty Ltd imported approximately 57,000 RATs that were not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) at the time of importation. The RATs were a parallel import of a similar Australian approved product. The imported RATs were seized at the Australian border, resulting in an estimated financial impact to the business of $100,000.
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Dentist fined $5,328 for alleged unlawful importation of Botox
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued two infringement notices totalling $5,328 to a Western Australian-based dentist for allegedly importing unregistered therapeutic goods on two occasions. It is alleged that the dentist imported 21 vials of Dysport 500U Botulax (Botulinum Toxin Type A) which were not included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) at the time of importation. The products were seized at the border and will not be released. Botulinum Toxin products are prescription only medicines which must be included in the ARTG prior to importation and supply.
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G1 Resources Pty Ltd fined $26,640 for alleged importation and advertising of unapproved rapid antigen tests
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued two infringement notices totalling $26,640 to a Perth based company G1 Resources Pty Ltd for the alleged unlawful importation and advertising of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs). G1 Resources Pty Ltd allegedly imported 600 RATs that were not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) at the time of importation. The RATs were a parallel import of a similar Australian approved product. RATs imported for commercial supply must be the version manufactured and approved for the Australian market.
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12 April

Opposition will restore regional mental telehealth services
'An opposition Government will restore affordable telehealth psychiatric consultations for people living in regional and rural Australia, reversing the Prime Minister's damaging Medicare cut. In December 2021, the Government ended the ability for Australians in rural and regional areas to access bulk billed psychiatry consultations through telehealth. This cut has seriously curtailed the access of people in rural and regional Australia to vital mental health services, and came at the height of the Omicron wave of the COVID pandemic.' Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has said. 'This cut has impacted patients in regional areas throughout Australia. It has resulted in significant gap fees for psychiatric consultations delivered through video conferencing to patients living in the regions. It has also seen some psychiatrists withdrawing these services altogether.' said Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler.
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11 April

VIC: Growing Victoria's mental health and wellbeing workforce
Victorian Minister for Mental Health James Merlino, with Victorian Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney announced that the Government is delivering the pipeline of skilled workers our state needs as we rebuild the mental health system - and more Victorians than ever are signing up for education and career opportunities in the booming sector. Since the Victorian Government added the Certificate IV in Mental Health to its signature Free TAFE program, the course has seen a 427 per cent surge in commencements, as Victorians are drawn to the growing career pathways the state's mental health reform is delivering.
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09 April

New agreement to drive better mental health and suicide prevention services in Victoria
Minster for Health Greg Hunt and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman announced that the Commonwealth will invest $247.9 million to help improve mental health and suicide prevention support and services for Victorians over the next five years, following the signing of a bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and Victorian governments. This agreement will have a particular focus on additional services for people in the missing middle - those who are too unwell for the general primary care system but not unwell enough to require inpatient hospital services or intensive state-based community care.
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08 April

NSW: First state-wide residential eating disorder treatment centre to be built
Newcastle will be home to a new $13 million state-wide Residential Eating Disorders Treatment Centre - the first publicly-funded service of its kind in NSW. NSW Minister for Mental Health and Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the 12-bed centre will be built at Charlestown and will provide specialist support to people with severe eating disorders. 'The centre will provide wrap-around care in a home-like environment to people who require more support than a day program can provide, but don't need to be hospitalised,' Mrs Taylor said.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

13 April

Cat Media Pty Ltd fined $39,960 for advertising unregistered weight-loss products
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, has issued three infringement notices totalling $39,960 to Cat Media Pty Ltd (Cat Media). The TGA issued the fines for alleged unlawful advertising of three complementary medicines that were not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The unapproved products were:
- FatBlaster FatMagnet
- FatBlaster Apple Cider Vinegar & Garcinia Max
- FatBlaster Max.
This is the third time that the TGA has issued such notices to Cat Media for this type of advertising.
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Not a retail sector
Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA): Community pharmacy must be recognised as a health provider rather than being seen as part of the retail sector, the Shadow Health Minister, Mark Butler, believes. Speaking at APP2022 recently, Mr Butler also said the need for pharmacists and other health professionals to be practising to their full potential was clear. 'I'm very clear in my mind - to deal with some language that is being used at the moment - that community pharmacy is not a retail service, it's a health service,' he said.
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$100m for flu vaccines
Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA): The Government has announced it is investing more than $100 million for seasonal influenza vaccines to protect Australians most at risk this winter. The focus will be on minimising health impacts, while protecting those most at risk of severe illness. Announcing the move, Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Government had secured vaccines to cover all vulnerable people eligible for a government-funded vaccine through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This amounted to about 9.5 million doses for Australians. Those eligible for a government-funded flu vaccine include:
- adults 65 years and over
- children under five
- pregnant women
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A missed opportunity
Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA) 'Amid all the noise about how this year's Budget will help to address the cost-of-living concerns most Australians have, one thing that really stands out is how a golden opportunity to help millions of Australians improve their access to medicines by making them more affordable has been squandered. More than one in six voters say they or their families have been unable to purchase medicines due to cost. This is a two-point jump since January when the price of medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) went up again.'
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Evolution of community pharmacy vaccination services - international survey
Community pharmacists in Australia are being asked to take part in a unique multinational survey looking at the provision of vaccination services. The World Pharmacy Council (WPC), supported in Australia by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA), is the leading international organisation dedicated to representing community pharmacy and as part of a collaborative project with Pfizer, WPC is asking community pharmacists from around the world to contribute to the future direction of the sector. This WPC survey is the first of its kind.
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Hunt details commitment to pharmacy
Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA) 'Health Minister Greg Hunt has described how he and his office needed to overrule some people in the bureaucracy to have elements of the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement implemented. Speaking at APP2022 on the Gold Coast, Mr Hunt said the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement involved an $18.35 billion investment - $16 billion in dispensing fees, $1.2 billion in programs, and $1.15 in terms of the community service obligations and other related elements. 'But most importantly, it carried with it two other things,' he said. 'One is indexation, so as you can see that income was increasing over the five-year period.''
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Pharmacy industry getting back together at Pharmacy Connect 2022
After a COVID induced hiatus in 2021, planning for Pharmacy Connect 2022 is well underway. Pharmacy Connect, a COVID-Safe event, is an annual conference taking place from 1-3 September and is being held at the Hilton in Sydney's CBD. The conference's focus is on meeting the needs identified by pharmacy owners, pharmacy managers, and manufacturers. Kos Sclavos AM, former Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, said planning for the event was well underway and encouraged those interested in attending to get in early to take full advantage of the Early Bird rates.
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Pharmacists insulted by attacks
Community pharmacists were rightly dismayed and insulted by repeated attacks on them by some medical organisations, the National President of the Pharmacy Guild, Trent Twomey, said at the recent APP2022 conference. He also attacked a printed article by a doctor comparing pharmacists to dogs. Professor Twomey said recent statements from Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RAGCP) and Australian Medical Association (AMA) representatives regarding pharmacist prescribing had lacked respect for the profession. 'They have attacked our ethics, they have attacked our professional integrity and they are attacking the North Queensland Pharmacist Scope of Practice Pilot,' he said.
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SA Governor's award for pharmacy group
Pharmacy Guild of Australia 'The Aussie Discount Chemist Group and TWCM Cumberland Park Pharmacy have won the Private Sector Award in this year's South Australian Governor's Multicultural Awards. Aussie Discount Chemist Group started in 2007, and with six pharmacies, is one of the largest family run pharmacy businesses in the State, with a focus on servicing customers from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. The group has created more than 150 jobs in regional South Australia, employing migrants from 18 different nationalities who speak 21 different languages - and assisted 35 pharmacists of different nationalities to settle in Australia.'
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World Immunisation Week
World Immunisation Week, celebrated in the last week of April (24 to 30 April), aims to highlight the collective action needed and to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. This year's theme is Long Life for All - In pursuit of a long life well lived. Community pharmacies across Australia provide a range of vaccination services. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has always seen pharmacist vaccination as an opportunity for innovation in community pharmacy health service delivery, and the accessibility of community pharmacies makes it easy for patients to get their vaccinations
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11 April

Help stop the flu in 2022
The Department of Health has reminded that annual vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications. The influenza vaccine is recommended for all individuals aged 6 months and over. Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause widespread illness and deaths every year. This year, it's even more important to get the influenza vaccine as we are more vulnerable to influenza. This is due to lower recent exposure to the virus and lower uptake of influenza vaccines in 2021. With international borders reopening, it's likely we will see more influenza in 2022.
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Database of section 19A approvals to import and supply medicines to address medicine shortages
This database provides information on medicines not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) that are approved for import and supply in Australia because:
- there is a shortage of medicine registered in Australia; and
- the medicine is needed in the interest of public health
The database holds information on approvals current on or after 21 February 2018. Contact the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) 's Medicines Shortages Section for information on approvals that expired or lapsed before 21 February 2018.
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