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)
11 May
SA: COVID-19 Update 11 May 2022
There have been 4,299 new cases of COVID-19 reported in South Australia. There are currently 22,101 active cases in South Australia. Sadly, SA Health can confirm one man in his 60s, two men in their 70s, one woman in her 80s, one man and two women in their 90s, and one woman over 100, who tested positive for COVID-19, has passed away. There are 232 people with COVID-19 in hospital, including seven people in ICU. Of those hospitalised, 115 people had received three or more vaccine doses, 111 people are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, and six have an unknown vaccination status.
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WA: COVID-19 update 11 May 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 17,033 new cases to 8pm May 10. There are currently 68,893 active cases in Western Australia. To 8pm May 10, there were 275 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 7 in ICU. This report sadly includes three deaths dating back to 6th of May reported to WA Health to 8pm 10th of May; a woman in her 90s, a man in his 80s, and a man in his 70s. Due to confidentiality, no further information will be released by the Department.
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10 May
WA: Bill introduced to provide certainty on COVID-19 response measures
'COVID-19 response measures will be given certainty through a Bill introduced into State Parliament, under the Emergency Management Act. Under these COVID-19 provisions, the McGowan Government has kept Western Australia safe and strong during its world-leading response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Legislation will only remain in effect while in a State of Emergency, and falls away when a State of Emergency is not enacted. This Bill will ensure the Emergency Management Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 and the Criminal Code Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 can continue to be in place as required.' said WA Premier Mark McGowan and WA Minister for Emergency Services Stephen Dawson.
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09 May
NT: COVID-19 update
There were 202 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory by NT Health in the 24 hours to 8pm on 8 May 2022. Of these, 189 were positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). There were 137 cases recorded in the Top End region, 20 in Central Australia, three in East Arnhem, 10 in the Big Rivers region, two in the Barkly region and 30 are under investigation. There are currently 38 patients in hospital. There are seven patients requiring oxygen and no patients in ICU. The number of active cases in the NT is 2,197. It's important all Territorians aged five years and over stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
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SA: COVID-19 Update 9 May 2022
There have been 2,984 new cases of COVID-19 reported in South Australia, according to SA Health. There are currently 21,418 active cases in South Australia. There are 228 people with COVID-19 in hospital, including 10 people in ICU, with one person ventilated. Of those hospitalised, 122 people had received three or more vaccine doses, 100 people are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, and six have an unknown vaccination status. Due to a reconfiguration of the data, the total number of cases has been readjusted.
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TAS: Statement from the Premier
'This morning I woke up with mild COVID-19 symptoms and undertook a rapid antigen test. I have tested positive for COVID-19 and will now follow public health advice and isolate for the next seven days. Due to being fully vaccinated, including my booster, I am feeling well and will recover while working from home. I encourage Tasmanians, no matter how mild, to stay home if you're feeling unwell and get tested. Please, remember the important COVID safe behaviours - wash your hands and sanitise, and cover coughs and sneezes.' said TAS Premier Jeremy Rockliff
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TAS: Coronavirus update
'Tasmania has recorded 733 new cases with 835 people recovered and released from isolation in that time. The total number of active cases currently stands at 6090 and we now have more than 137,118 Tasmanians who have recovered from COVID-19. There are currently 43 people in hospital with COVID and of these, 13 are being treated specifically for COVID. There is currently one person being cared for in the ICU. 'Sadly, I can confirm a man in his 80s has passed away at a residential aged care facility in the south. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. 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,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff.
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WA: More free Rapid Antigen Tests for close contacts in regional WA
The WA Government's WA free RAT program has expanded, with thousands of additional free RATs available for collection for close contacts across regional Western Australia, said WA Premier Mark McGowan. RATs will be available for collection at more than 70 additional regional COVID-19 testing sites across the State, in the Gascoyne, Goldfields-Esperance, Great Southern, Kimberley, Mid West, Peel, Pilbara, South West and Wheatbelt regions, said WA Minister for Health Amber-Jade Sanderson. To access free RATs at these locations, people with no symptoms are required to verbally confirm they are a close contact to access their 10 free RATs. They may also collect RATs for other close contacts in their household up to a maximum of 30 RATs.
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WA: COVID-19 update 9 May 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 10,394 new cases. There are 58,640 active cases in Western Australia. There were 279 people with COVID19 in hospital, 6 in ICU. Of the 10,394 cases, 3,088 were confirmed via PCR test, the remaining 7,306 were self-reported positive rapid antigen tests. A total 9,560 PCR tests were conducted at either state-run or private pathology clinics. WA has recorded 461,553 cases since the COVID19 pandemic began.
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08 May
WA: Boost for WA's world-leading COVID-19 response and recovery
The WA Government has committed an additional $1.6 billion for the State's COVID-19 response and recovery as part of the upcoming State Budget, with a suite of measures and initiatives to continue funding Western Australia's world-leading pandemic response. Since the pandemic was declared in March 2020, the WA Government has committed more than $11.2 billion to WA's pandemic response and as a result, WA continues to deliver the best public health and economic outcomes in the world, said WA Premier Mark McGowan. The COVID-19 response to date includes $237 million worth of business assistance packages made available in recent months, with almost $1.7 billion committed to businesses assistance since the beginning of the pandemic, said WA Minister for Health Amber-Jade Sanderson.
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06 May
PM and Opposition evasive on establishment of a Covid-19 Royal Commission - National interest rather than political interests should come first
Independent Senator Rex Patrick deplored the reluctance of both Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese to commit to a comprehensive and fully- empowered Royal Commission investigation of Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Both Mr Morrison and Mr Albanese are being evasive on the question of a Royal Commission inquiry into Australia's response to COVID-19,' Senator Patrick said. 'Ever since I first called for the establishment of a COVID-19 Royal Commission eleven months ago, in June 2021, Scott Morrison has ducked the question and he did so again at his press conference today.'
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Aged Care
03 May
$204,740 aged care investment creates a brighter future in Blackbutt
There were smiles and fanfare as the Member for Maranoa David Littleproud officially opened two disability- friendly, aged care units in Blackbutt. Mr Littleproud said the project was a perfect example of the Government's Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) in action, with the units now operating successfully and providing much- needed support to locals and their families. 'It's about strengthening our local economies, driving much-needed job creation and delivering better facilities for the South Burnett region,' Mr Littleproud said 'We talk about people being able to age in place and this applies equally to those living with a disability,' Mr Littleproud said.
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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
11 May
Blood pressure check may save lives
'Australians are being urged to get a blood pressure check at their local pharmacy this month as the key step in reducing their risk of stroke. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the greatest modifiable risk factor for stroke. A quick and painless blood pressure check can be all it takes for someone to change their lifestyle and reduce their stroke risk. Each May, Stroke Foundation promotes the importance of blood pressure checking as part of Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check campaign. It coincides with World Hypertension Day on May 17.' said the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
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Community pharmacists, GPs working together to tackle ear disease
'Ear disease in rural and remote communities is occurring at alarmingly high rates, with limited access to health services and providers contributing to the problem. Community pharmacists are playing a vital role as primary healthcare providers by supporting rural patients in a new intervention pilot called LISTEN UP (Locally Integrated Screening and Testing Ear and aUral Program). The pilot, run in two rural Queensland communities for six months, supports trained community pharmacists in conducting ear examinations using video otoscopy and tympanometry for patients that present with an ear complaint. Participating pharmacies now offer the services independent of the pilot program.' said the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
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10 May
More accurate data needed to ensure delivery of quality palliative care in prisons
Australia's prison population is growing and aging, and with this comes an increasing burden on the healthcare services provided in prisons, including palliative care. Authored by 2022 Jeff Cheverton Memorial Scholarship recipient Dr Isabelle Schaefer (University of Technology Sydney) and released by the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association's Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research, the Issues Brief 'Ensuring the quality of palliative care in Australia's prisons' examines what is known about the provision of palliative care in Australian prisons and identifies the knowledge gaps that exist for service delivery and how they compare to services in the community.
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Risky behaviours, exercise, and gambling among topics to be explored at Preventive Health Conference 2022
Studies into interventions on risky behaviours, exercise, vaping, food, and gambling are among the topics to be explored by some of the world's leading experts at the Preventive Health Conference which runs 11 to 13 May in Brisbane, announced the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA). 'Our packed agenda including plenary sessions on the National Preventive Health Strategy, Australian and international experiences of COVID-19, and decolonising and disrupting whiteness in preventive health,' Conference Advisory Committee Chair Associate Professor Louisa Gordon of QIMR Berghofer said.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
None this edition.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
11 May
Disability advocates rank major parties on disability election commitments
Disability advocates have scored Australia's major parties and several key independents on the election commitments they're making in relation to people with disability - and so far it looks like the Greens along with Tasmania's Andrew Wilkie are leading the pack. Peak disability rights and advocacy organisation People with Disability Australia sent its election platform to a range of political parties and key independent candidates a month ago to clarify their policy positions across seven issues which are important to the one in six Australians who live with disability.
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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
11 May
'28 by Sam Wood' merges with myDNA Personalised health and wellbeing at the core of new world-leading health- tech business
In a game changer for personalised health and well-being, Australia's genetics pioneer, myDNA, is merging with the parent company of '28 by Sam Wood' to create a unique world-leading health-tech business. The shared mission is to create a healthier world, through personalised health and wellness programs. To achieve this, myDNA will continue to deliver the cutting-edge science and genetic analysis and Australian Life Tech (ALT) will contribute its unrivalled advanced technology and behavioural-change data and insights.
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Education and Training
05 May
Securing Australia's medical workforce will avert pending health crisis
The Group of Eight (Go8) has called on an incoming Government to move quickly to avert a looming medical crisis as Australia' depleted healthcare workforce copes with increasing demand and pressure in a post pandemic world. Essential Decisions for National Success: Securing the Future of Australia's Medical Workforce is one of a series of policy papers from the Go8 in the lead up to the Federal election. The papers aim to support the development of Government policy to meet the challenges ahead.
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Funding
12 May
Increased funding to tackle rheumatic heart disease in Queensland
The Government is investing an additional $6 million to address acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in three North Queensland regions. Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said the additional funding, through the Government's Rheumatic Fever Strategy (RFS), will enable the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to work with communities in North Queensland to address RHD and ARF. Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, welcomed the funding and said Aboriginal children aged between 5 to 15 years of age are 55 times more likely to die from RHD.
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Incentivise care models that achieve best outcomes for people and communities
The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) is urging all parties to recognise the impact that current and future funding models have on the models of care needed to improve health outcomes for people and communities. 'While funding models are just one of the policy levers to address quality in health care, they can also be a powerful instrument in altering the behaviours of providers,' said AHHA Acting Chief Executive Kylie Woolcock. 'Unfortunately, we are seeing funding models limiting people's access to receiving the right care, in the right place and at the right time."
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WA: New record for health and mental health investment in 2022-23 State Budget
WA Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan and WA Health and Mental Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson have announced that the WA Government will invest a record $2.5 billion in health and mental health as part of the 2022-23 State Budget that has been handed down. This takes new investment in Western Australia's health system to a massive $5.7 billion since the 2021-22 Budget in September last year. Under the current Government, WA Health's annual budget has grown from $8.8 billion in 2016-17 to $11.6 billion in 2021-22, a 30.9 per cent increase.
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11 May
Scrap the cap to end the logjam
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has warned rising inflation will put further pressure on the cost of running public hospitals and clarified the squeeze-effect of the 6.5 per cent funding cap, which will deliver even less for patients. As health costs rise across the nation, the Commonwealth funding available to deliver extra hospital services each year actually declines - a problem caused by the current 6.5 per cent hospital funding 'cap' and the National Health Reform Agreement. 'The statement by the Prime Minister last week that additional federal funding would result in the Commonwealth paying more and the state governments paying less is misleading.' AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid said.
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10 May
NT: Health, education and social investment
To ensure Territorians benefit from the Territory's expected growth, Budget 2022 ensures all the important services are in place that locals rely on, said the Northern Territory Department of Treasury & Finance. This includes delivering a health spend of $1.9 billion and an education spend of $1.3 billion, with $60 million to address additional COVID-19 pressures in 2021-22, including hospital and public health services. The 2022 Budget is also providing funding for school upgrades, $89 million towards Workforce NT, $510 million to support police, fire and emergency services, as well as affordable and secure public, community and remote housing for Territorians.
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09 May
WA: $6.1 million boost to Preventing FASD Project to change lives for the better
'The Government is expanding Western Australia's successful Preventing FASD Project with a $6.1 million funding boost to be included in the upcoming State Budget. Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) describes a range of permanent and lifelong conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, including physical, mental and behavioural disabilities. Developed as part of the Government's Commitment to Aboriginal Youth Wellbeing in 2020, the Project aims to reduce the incidence of FASD by raising awareness that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause permanent damage to the brain of the developing baby.' announced WA Minister for Mental Health Amber-Jade Sanderson
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08 May
NSW: Future of paediatric healthcare in Western Sydney unveiled
Gardens, playgrounds, family rooms and accommodation for carers are among the highlights of a major expansion being delivered as part of the $619 million Stage 2 redevelopment at The Children's Hospital at Westmead. New fly-through video released showcases the world-class clinical areas within the new state- of-the-art Paediatric Services building which has been designed to create a homelike and supportive environment for treatment and recovery. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the redevelopment will deliver new and expanded critical health care facilities as part of the NSW Government's record investment in the health system. NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the major expansion at Westmead, alongside redevelopments at the Sydney's Children's Hospital at Randwick, is part of a record investment of more than $1.3 billion in paediatric healthcare across the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network.
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06 May
Supporting First Nations parents and babies
The Greens will announce an investment in culturally appropriate healthcare for First Nations parents and babies, from pregnancy to early childhood, with a $144 million plan to fund five dedicated Birthing on Country/Birthing in our Community (BiOC) hubs across Australia. BiOC models integrate midwifery services and cultural knowledge, allowing First Nations women to give birth on Country, acknowledge connection to Country, and access healthcare that meets their social, emotional, cultural and health needs. A pilot BiOC partners hip in Brisbane between Mater Mothers' Hospital, ATSICHS and the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health has led to fewer pre-term births, higher birth weights , higher breastfeeding rates, and better overall health outcomes for mothers and babies.
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Health Professionals
12 May
Celebrating international nurses day
On this International Nurses Day (IND), the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is asking us all to reflect and acknowledge the extraordinary commitment and dedication of nurses working in health and aged care across the country - both their tireless work on the frontline throughout the ongoing COVID pandemic and their contribution to health and well-being at every stage of life. 'On behalf of the ANMF, we wish all of our nursing colleagues a happy International Nurses Day. It's a very special day for us, where we celebrate our profession's achievements and the impact of nurses on the lives of individuals, families and communities across the country,' ANMF Federal Secretary, Annie Butler, said.
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10 May
National Law Amendment Bill introduced into Queensland Parliament
The Australian Healthcare Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHRPA) announced that 'The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (the Amendment Bill) was introduced into Queensland parliament. Queensland is the host jurisdiction for the National Law. This means any proposed changes agreed by Australian Health Ministers need to be introduced into Queensland Parliament for debate and passage. Western Australia will also introduce a corresponding Amendment Bill into their Parliament. The Amendment Bill includes more than 30 reforms.'
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09 May
Professor Chris Goodnow, Garvan's Executive Director, recognised for his outstanding work in immunology
Garvan's Executive Director, Professor Chris Goodnow, has received international honour, with The American Association of Immunologists (AAI) bestowing him the AAI-BioLegend Herzenberg Award. The award recognises his outstanding contributions to the field of immunology, in B-cell biology. Professor Goodnow pioneered the use of DNA technology and genome sequencing to understand how the immune system uses checkpoints to recognise 'self' and 'non-self'- and, in particular, how these processes go awry in autoimmune diseases, which occur when the body attacks its own cells.
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Hospitals
10 May
NSW: The emergency ambulance is here for you, now what?
From the Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association (CPSA): 'Imagine that you've just experienced a medical emergency. You've managed to stop panicking long enough to call 000 and an ambulance is on its way. Once it arrives the paramedics start treating you, but first they want your medical history. Do you have any health conditions? Are you on any medications? Do you have any special requirements? NSW Ambulance offers Authorised Care Plans for those that have complex needs that mean they need to be treated differently. The plan notifies paramedics of any existing disabilities or medical conditions the patient has and authorises them to provide care outside the usual scope of practice.'
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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
12 May
Milestone agreement expands mental health services in Tasmania
More than $55 million will be invested into mental health and suicide prevention support and services across Tasmania over the next five years, following the signing of a landmark bilateral agreement between the Federal and Tasmanian governments. The Government will invest $45.6 million, with the Tasmanian Government providing $9.4 million in-kind to establish new and existing mental health services, particularly for people in the group known as the 'missing middle'. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, with Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Assistant Minister for Mental Health David Coleman and Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the agreement would ensure Tasmanians had access to more support.
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Boost to mental health services in Bunbury
Mental health services in the South West will be boosted with the Government announcing a new Head to Health adult mental health centre will be established in Bunbury. Federal Member for Forrest, Nola Marino has welcomed the announcement of the new service, which is fully funded through the Government's historic National Mental Health and Suicide Plan announced in the 2021-22 Budget. Minister Hunt said this is one of many Head to Health centres being established around the country. Assistant Minister Coleman said mental health and suicide prevention remained one of the Government's highest priorities.
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We must stamp out stigma and discrimination if we are to improve our mental health
As polling day for the 2022 Federal Election draws near, Mental Health Australia is reminding the major parties, and all candidates, of the importance to address all forms of stigma and discrimination when it comes to the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians. Mental Health Australia's CEO Dr Leanne Beagley said that policies and politics that have the potential to discriminate and create further stigmatising practices, also have the potential to impact the mental health of many Australians.
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11 May
The NDIS must be more user friendly for people with psychosocial disability
Since the inception of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Mental Health Australia has advocated for improvements to NDIS assessment and service provision to better meet the needs of people with psychosocial disability. Ahead of the Federal Election, Mental Health Australia is reminding both major parties, and all candidates, that the NDIS needs to be more user friendly, and more supportive of those with psychosocial disability. CEO at Mental Health Australia Dr Leanne Beagley said the Scheme needs to improve to ensure Australia is maximising its potential to better support those with psychosocial disability.
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Mental health and young people - a new education program focuses on communication challenges
For three quarters of adults living with a mental health disorder, symptoms started before 24 years of age. This is why early diagnosis and engagement with treatment are so important. A new educational program from NPS MedicineWise focuses on challenges to support the mental health of young people. Overcoming stigma, communication challenges and difficulties navigating the health system are all key. More than half of all young people experience some form of mental ill health by the age of 25.
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SA: Tender opens for new early intervention program
'A $10 million tender has opened for a new early intervention program to help South Australian parents overcome mental health issues, violence, drugs and alcohol, or homelessness. The Strong Families, Strong Communities aims to improve outcomes for children and disrupt the cycle of intergenerational child abuse and neglect. The program is designed to better support families with medium-level risk factors before their challenges escalate. Families who have successfully addressed high-level risks and can confidently step down to a less intensive model of support will also be eligible.' said SA Department of Human Services.
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09 May
What are the mental health impacts of climate change?
'Health professionals from across Australia will come together for a workshop to discuss the mental health and other related impacts of climate change. The climate and ecological emergency facing humanity is increasingly affecting the health and wellbeing of populations across the globe, and profound changes are urgently required to respond effectively to this threat. While significant work and expertise has been developed for clinicians providing therapy, there is an urgent need for accessible, specific training for health practitioners including psychiatrists, psychologists, registered counsellors, general practitioners, allied health practitioners and others.' said Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
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WA: Record mental health investment prioritises WA infants, children and adolescents
'The WA Government will bolster mental health, alcohol and other drug services in Western Australia with a record $1.3 billion investment in this year's State Budget. The 2022-23 State Budget investment represents an almost 13 per cent increase on last year's Budget. As part of this new investment, the Mental Health Commission will be allocated an additional $181 million for new and expanded mental health, alcohol and other drug services. This increase includes $47.3 million to respond to recommendations of the Ministerial Taskforce into Public Mental Health Services for Infants, Children and Adolescents in WA (ICA).' said WA Minister for Mental Health Amber-Jade Sanderson
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06 May
Boost to mental health services in Canberra
Canberrans will have easier access to mental health services with the Government announcing a new Head to Health adult mental health satellite service in the ACT. Senator Zed Seselja, with Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Assistant Minister for Mental Health David Coleman welcomed the announcement of additional mental health services, which will be a major boost to community-based mental health services. 'The Government continues to make the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians a national priority,' Senator Seselja said. 'Head to Health satellite services, like the one being established here in Canberra are designed to provide a welcoming, low stigma, 'no wrong door', entry point for adults.'
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05 May
We can no longer ignore the link between climate change and mental health
Mental Health Australia is calling on both major parties and all candidates in the upcoming Federal Election to acknowledge and act on climate change. Mental Health Australia CEO Dr Leanne Beagley said climate change poses a clear and consistent threat to the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians, and the communities in which we live. 'We know that climate change will impact our mental health because more extreme weather events and natural disasters can have a psychological toll on stress, anxiety and more, especially over prolonged periods,' said Dr Beagley. 'We also know that the lack of decisive action on climate change from government leads to further anxiety and insecurity, especially for young Australians who are already dealing with increases in the cost of living and pressures on employment and housing affordability.'
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03 May
Boost to mental health services in the South Burnett
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud was in Kingaroy to announce a $3.4 million injection for easier access to mental health services with the Government announcing a new Head to Health adult mental health satellite service in the South Burnett. 'The Darling Downs Head to Health satellite service will be commissioned by the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN, which will receive a total of $3.4 million over four years to establish and operate the satellite,' Mr Littleproud said. 'The Government continues to make the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians a national priority.'
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
11 May
Remake of the National Health (Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines - Cost Recovery) Regulations 2009
The Department of Health has recently remade the National Health (Pharmaceutical and Vaccines-Cost Recovery) Regulations 2009 (2009 Regulations), now titled National Health (Pharmaceutical and Vaccines-Cost Recovery) Regulations 2022. The new Regulations commenced on 1 April 2022. The purpose of this remake was to ensure that the Department continues to have authority to administer existing cost recovery arrangements. The new Regulations replaced the 2009 Regulations prior to automatic sunsetting which would have otherwise occurred on 1 April 2022.
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10 May
FuturePro Pty Ltd and its Director convicted and sentenced for unlawful conduct relating to alternative medicines
Following pleading guilty in March, the Gold Coast company FuturePro Pty Ltd (FuturePro) and its Director Mr Darrell Charles Barnett have been convicted and sentenced in a Queensland court. FuturePro and its director are guilty of advertising alternative medicine products that were not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), and for a number of unlawful therapeutic claims including prevention and treatment of cancer, announced the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). They were further guilty of importing, exporting, manufacturing and supplying these products, which included gumby gumby and bloodroot.
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Serious Scarcity Substitution Instruments (SSSIs)
Serious Scarcity Substitution Instruments (SSSIs) allow community pharmacists to substitute specific medicines without prior approval from the prescriber so long as the permitted circumstances within the SSSI are met. Through an SSSI, patients can receive their medicines from their pharmacist without delay, ensuring treatments are not interrupted. It also relieves workload pressure on prescribers and pharmacists. The legislative instrument remains in effect until the specified date, but it may be revoked before its end date if needed e.g. if the 'scarce medicine' is no longer scarce. SSSIs are published on the TGA Medicine Shortages website.
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Abatacept (Orencia) shortage: updated IV infusion clinical guidelines
The supply of abatacept has improved, and health professionals can now resume normal prescribing of intravenous (IV) abatacept (Orencia IV infusion). The availability of subcutaneous presentations of abatacept products is improving but will remain constrained throughout the first half of 2022. The TGA extended the Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument until 30 June 2022. This will help patients have access to subcutaneous abatacept as supply returns. The SSSI makes sure that pharmacists can offer adult patients whichever subcutaneous presentation is available at the pharmacy without the need for a new script.
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Next Health Minister must restart the National Medicines Policy Review
Medicines Australia has released a video outlining the importance of restarting the National Medicines Policy Review as soon as a new Government is elected. The National Medicines Policy (NMP) tells us how every Australian can access and use medicines, vaccines, and treatments. The NMP applies to medicines research, development, regulation, manufacturing, supply, and access to medicines. Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the NMP Review is the first time the policy has been reviewed in more than 20 years.
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09 May
Independent expert report on the risks of intentional self-poisoning with paracetamol
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has commissioned a report on the risks of self-harm from intentional paracetamol misuse in relation to the current access controls for paracetamol. The report will be produced by a panel of independent experts and published on the TGA website in July 2022. Paracetamol is the most widely used pain relief medicine in the world that is available without a prescription. While paracetamol has well established safety and toxicity profiles, the wide use is paralleled by a high prevalence of accidental and deliberate paracetamol poisoning in the community, in both adults and children.
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08 May
NSW: Seniors urged to prepare for flu season
Seniors across NSW are being encouraged to protect themselves against the flu by getting vaccinated. NSW Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said people aged 65 and over can book in a free flu shot at pharmacies and GPs. 'Getting the flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu by up to 60 per cent and most importantly it provides vital protection against severe illness and death,' Mr Coure said. 'This is especially important for those who are immunocompromised or living in close proximity to someone who is susceptible to serious illness from influenza.' Mr Coure said vaccination against flu is especially important this year, given COVID-19 is also circulating in the community.
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06 May
Individual fined $2,664 for alleged unlawful importation of nicotine vaping pods
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued one infringement notice totalling $2,664 to a Melbourne-based individual for alleged unlawful importation of nicotine vaping products. From 1 October 2021, products containing liquid nicotine became prescription-only medicines. It is alleged that the person imported disposable nicotine vaping products into Australia without the required approval or exemption in place. The products have now been seized at the border and will not be released. The individual was advised by the TGA about changes to Australia's nicotine vaping laws and had previously attempted to unlawfully import nicotine vaping products after 1 October 2021.
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Research
12 May
Research Excellence: Answering one of the most important questions in gastrointestinal oncology
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has reported that Professor Trevor Leong is a Consultant Radiation Oncologist and past Director of Radiation Oncology at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and University of Melbourne. He received the David Cooper Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Award for his work leading a randomised phase II/III trial of preoperative chemoradiotherapy versus preoperative chemotherapy for resectable gastric cancer. Worldwide, an estimated one million new cases of gastric cancer are diagnosed each year (including 2,000 in Australia), and it is the second most common cause of cancer related death.
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Sweet discovery could drive down inflammation, cancers and viruses
A Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)-led study has identified a new enzyme involved in controlling cell death, in findings that could lead to better treatment options for a range of inflammatory conditions, cancers and viruses. The discovery offers another way to regulate the cell death process for inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and bowel cancer - conditions that occur due to excessive cell death in the body - and could also help in future to reduce the severity of viruses like COVID-19. The WEHI-led collaboration found an enzyme known as tankyrase-1 uses a 'sugar tag' to prevent excessive cell death.
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11 May
ARPANSA leads world first in film dosimetry
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and dosimetry auditors globally to develop a world first film dosimetry intercomparison tool. The resulting film dosimetry tool will be used in auditing to compare the delivered and planned radiation dose to cancer patients. Development is being led by ARPANSA's Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service (ACDS). ACDS is Australia's only independent dosimetry auditing service, providing extra surety for around 70,000 Australians who will be treated with radiotherapy for cancer this year.
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09 May
New biomedical science and nursing medical labs in Mildura
A re-elected Government will invest $3.3 million to build new bio medical science and nursing labs at La Trobe University's Mildura campus. Minister for Regional Education, Bridget McKenzie said along with investment by La Trobe University, the $5.8 million project will deliver dedicated education and training facilities to attract new students to the region to complete their end-to-end training. 'The new labs will mean La Trobe can meet the increased demand for nursing and health care professionals, to address the workforce needs of the region,' Minister McKenzie said. 'Once these state of the art facilities are built, La Trobe University will offer a new Biomedical Science Degree, attracting more students to Mildura.'
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Texas connects for MedTech entrepreneur program
'A new MedTech and digital health partnership has been signed between the University of Western Australia and the Texas Medical Center in the United States. This allows the sharing of resources between the Texas Medical Center (TMC) Biodesign entrepreneurship program, and the similar University of Western Australia administered Biodesign Australia. In particular, Biodesign programs across Australia and through the TMC will share access to talent, clinical trial activity, best practice experience, additional funding opportunities and market access. Biodesign Australia is a biomedical entrepreneur training program established in 2016 and running in in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane.' said InnovationAus
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
12 May
WA: Strong state budget securing the Gascoyne's future
WA Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan and WA Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan have announced that the WA Government is setting the Gascoyne up for the long-term - diversifying the economy and creating jobs, boosting regional health and mental health investment, and providing important cost-of-living relief for local households. The 2022-23 State Budget includes a record $12 billion investment in regional infrastructure - only eight per cent of which is being delivered through Royalties for Regions. Royalties for Regions expenditure is more than $4.2 billion over the next four years, and includes $263 million in regional election commitments and other new initiatives.
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WA: Strong state budget securing the Mid-West's future
WA Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan and WA Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan have announced that the WA Government is setting the Mid-West up for the long-term - diversifying the economy and creating jobs, boosting regional health and mental health investment, and providing important cost-of-living relief for local households. The 2022-23 State Budget includes a record $12 billion investment in regional infrastructure - only eight per cent of which is being delivered through Royalties for Regions. Royalties for Regions expenditure is more than $4.2 billion over the next four years, and includes $263 million in regional election commitments and other new initiatives.
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WA: Strong state budget securing the Wheatbelt's future
WA Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan and WA Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan have announced that the WA Government is setting the Wheatbelt up for the long-term - diversifying the economy and creating jobs, boosting regional health and mental health investment, and providing important cost-of-living relief for local households. The 2022-23 State Budget includes a record $12 billion investment in regional infrastructure - only eight per cent of which is being delivered through Royalties for Regions. Royalties for Regions expenditure is more than $4.2 billion over the next four years, and includes $263 million in regional election commitments and other new initiatives.
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WA: Strong state budget securing the South-West's future
WA Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan and WA Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan have announced that the WA Government is setting up the South-West for the long-term - diversifying the economy and creating jobs, boosting regional health and mental health investment, and providing important cost-of-living relief for local households. The 2022-23 State Budget includes a record $12 billion investment in regional infrastructure - only eight per cent of which is being delivered through Royalties for Regions. Royalties for Regions expenditure is more than $4.2 billion over the next four years, and includes $263 million in regional election commitments and other new initiatives.
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WA: Strong state budget securing the Great Southern's future
WA Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan and WA Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan have announced that the WA Government is setting up the Great Southern for the long-term - diversifying the economy and creating jobs, boosting regional health and mental health investment, and providing important cost-of-living relief for local households. The 2022-23 State Budget includes a record $12 billion investment in regional infrastructure - only eight per cent of which is being delivered through Royalties for Regions. Royalties for Regions expenditure is more than $4.2 billion over the next four years, and includes $263 million in regional election commitments and other new initiatives.
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WA: Strong state budget securing the Goldfields-Esperance's future
WA Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan and WA Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan have announced that the WA Government is setting up the Goldfields-Esperance for the long-term - diversifying the economy and creating jobs, boosting regional health and mental health investment, and providing important cost-of-living relief for local households. The 2022-23 State Budget includes a record $12 billion investment in regional infrastructure - only eight per cent of which is being delivered through Royalties for Regions. Royalties for Regions expenditure is more than $4.2 billion over the next four years, and includes $263 million in regional election commitments and other new initiatives.
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WA: Strong state budget securing the Pilbara's future
WA Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan and WA Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan have announced that the WA Government is setting up the Pilbara for the long-term - diversifying the economy and creating jobs, boosting regional health and mental health investment, and providing important cost-of-living relief for local households. The 2022-23 State Budget includes a record $12 billion investment in regional infrastructure - only eight per cent of which is being delivered through Royalties for Regions. Royalties for Regions expenditure is more than $4.2 billion over the next four years, and includes $263 million in regional election commitments and other new initiatives.
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WA: Strong state budget securing the Peel's future
WA Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan and WA Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan have announced that the WA Government is setting up the Peel for the long-term - diversifying the economy and creating jobs, boosting regional health and mental health investment, and providing important cost-of-living relief for local households. The 2022-23 State Budget includes a record $12 billion investment in regional infrastructure - only eight per cent of which is being delivered through Royalties for Regions. Royalties for Regions expenditure is more than $4.2 billion over the next four years, and includes $263 million in regional election commitments and other new initiatives.
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Women's Health
None this edition.
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Transcripts
Leader of The Opposition Anthony Albanese, Shadow Minister for Industry and Innovation Ed Husic
12 MAY: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Gladstone
Subjects: Powering Australia policy, Battery manufacturing precinct, National battery strategy, Minimum wage, Multicultural Australia, China, COVID-19, Economy
Shadow Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher
12 MAY: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC RN Breakfast
Subjects: Economy, Covid-19, Cost of living, Minimum wage, Fair Work Commission, ACT Senate seats, Election costing, Budget deficit
Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness Jason Clare
12 MAY: Transcript of Interview with Lisa Millar, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Productivity boost, Increasing wages, Lockdowns, COVID-19, Vaccines, Anti-Corruption Commission, China, Solomon Islands, Inflation, TAFE
Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness Jason Clare
12 MAY: Transcript of Interview with David Koch, Sunrise
Subjects: Cost of living, Wages, Minimum wage, Economy, Submarines, NBN, COVID-19, Interest rates, Fair Work Commission, Income
Australian Medical Association (AMA) Vice President Chris Moy
12 MAY: Transcript of Interview of Vice President, Dr Chris Moy with Nikolai Beiharz & Stacey Lee, ABC radio Adelaide
Subjects: General practice crisis, Medicare rebate, Bulk-billing, Health
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce
11 MAY: Transcript of Address at the National Press Club of Australia, Canberra
Subjects: Cost of living, Economic pressures, Geopolitical uncertainty, Infrastructure, Mineral precincts, Telehealth, Tax, Mining sector, China
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
10 MAY: Transcript of Interview with Ray Hadley, 2GB
Subjects: NDIS, Interest rates, Tax, Inflation, Economic policy, Cashless debit card, Medicare, Election debate, Home ownership, Immigration
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese, and Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Catherine King
10 MAY: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: Suburban rail loop, Infrastructure, Aged care, Wages growth, Indigenous healthcare, Regional housing, Katherine Deves, Minimum wage, Inflation
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
10 MAY: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC RN Breakfast
Subjects: Full employment summit, Better future, Wages, Hospitals, Health, Climate change, Gender equality, COVID-19, Childcare, Fair work
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese, Senator Penny Wong, Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers and SA Premier Peter Malinauskas
09 MAY: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Adelaide
Subjects: Flinders Medical Centre, SA Government, Medicare, Lyell McEwin hospital patient delay incident, Pacific relations, GST, AUKUS
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
08 MAY: Transcript of Press Conference, Melbourne
Subjects: IVF, Mental health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's safety, Surrogacy, Religious Discrimination Bill, Unemployment, Ministerial Code
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
07 MAY: Transcript of Tasmanian Campaign Launch, Launceston - 'A Clear Choice'
Subjects: Cost of living crisis, Housing, Healthcare, Jobs, Prime Minister, Local Manufacturing, Medicare, Help to Buy, Hydrogen
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
06 MAY: Transcript of Doorstop, Marrickville
Subjects: Fed Opp policy, Community centres, Inflation, Hung parliament, Cost of living, NDIS, Live sheep export, Superannuation, Covid-19, Refugees from Afghanistan, ACCI speech
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
05 MAY: Transcript of Interview with Paul Murray, Sky News
Subjects: NBN, Rail, Opposition taxation policy, Medicare NDIS, National security, Greens party, Election outcome
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Reports
Ambulance ramping report card
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
Data on the care provided in Australian public hospital emergency departments is collected to measure and report on activity and performance. The time taken for patients to be transferred off an ambulance stretcher to a hospital emergency department is often used as an indicator of hospital performance, commonly known as patient off-stretcher time. Patient off-stretcher time starts when an ambulance arrives at the hospital, and ends when care is transferred to the hospital emergency department and clinical handover has been completed. When an emergency department is at capacity, this transfer is unable to be performed in a timely manner, and is referred to as ambulance ramping.
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National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021-2031
Department of Health
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021-2031 (Health Plan) has been developed in full and genuine partnership, led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It marks a fundamental shift in the way we, as governments, work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations. By ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are leading the decisions that impact their health and wellbeing, the Department of Health will accelerate progress towards achieving the objectives of both the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement) and this Health Plan.
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Confidence in pharmacy at record high
Pharmacy Guild of Australia
The success of the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement has contributed to a record high score in confidence in the pharmacy sector. The latest University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Pharmacy Barometer shows this has contributed to a continuing rise in confidence. The latest barometer, taken in October last year. Registered a confidence score of 139.5 out of 200 - up from the previous record level of 126.8 in 2020. Launching the 2021 Pharmacy Barometer, former Head of the UTS Graduate School of Health, Emeritus Professor Shalom 'Charlie' Benrimoj, said the financial success of the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA).
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ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting
Department of Health
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 4 May 2022
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NT: Health, Education And Social Investment
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The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation's Management of Nuclear Medicine Assets
Australian National Audit Office
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) was established as a corporate Commonwealth entity under the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Act 1987 (the Act). Section 5 of the Act identifies ANSTO's purpose and functions to include undertaking research and development; making available on a commercial basis its expertise, equipment and facilities; producing and selling nuclear radiation goods and services; and conditioning, managing and storing radioactive materials and radioactive waste. 2. The ANSTO Board (the Board) is the accountable authority for ANSTO under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
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$4.4 billion gap in funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
An Equity Economics report commissioned, and released by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) has identified a $4.4 billion gap in Commonwealth, State and Territory Government and private health expenditure. The report's findings are alarming and highlight some of the obstacles to improving the health and life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Conservative estimates indicate there is a gap of $5,042 in health expenditure per Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. Pat Turner, CEO of NACCHO, said.
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Institutional economic neglect in relation to the Disability Support Pension
Mental Health Australia
Australia has recognised the right of people with disabilities to an adequate standard of living and social protection, including ensuring access to social protection and poverty reduction programmes. The Disability Support Pension (DSP) is a vital component of Australia's social support system, and people with psychosocial disability make up the largest grouping of people by primary condition receiving the DSP.2 However, the DSP application and appeals process are extremely difficult to navigate, posing significant barriers to people with disability and denying realisation of these rights.
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National Cervical Screening Program Data Dictionary
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
The National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) is a highly successful public health initiative in Australia, halving cervical cancer incidence and mortality since it was introduced in 1991. Until December 2017, this has been achieved through organised, population-based cervical screening using 2-yearly Pap tests to detect precancerous changes to cervical cells, allowing treatment before any progression to cervical cancer, thereby preventing this disease. Cervical screening using Pap tests has been supported by high-quality cervical cytology through pathology laboratories, and by state and territory cervical cytology registers, that supported appropriate recommendations for clinical management, and provided a safety net to people who participated in cervical screening
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Remdesivir
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
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Australian Public Assessment Report for belumosudil
Therapeutic Goods Administration
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COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report - 05-05-2022
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Four COVID-19 vaccines are currently in use in Australia - Comirnaty (Pfizer), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), and Nuvaxovid (Novavax). To be registered for use, these vaccines must have met the TGA's high standards for quality, safety and effectiveness. The TGA closely monitors reports of suspected side effects (also known as adverse events) to the COVID-19 vaccines. This is the most intensive safety monitoring ever conducted of any vaccines in Australia. The TGA encourages people to report suspected side effects, even if there's only a very small chance a vaccine was the cause.
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Improving the transparency of public hospital funding in Australia
Administrator of the National Health Funding Pool
The Administrator is an independent statutory office holder. All Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments have to agree to their appointment to the position. The functions of the Administrator are set out in the National Health Reform Act 2011 (NHR Act) and common provisions in relevant State and Territory legislation. This Annual Report provides an overview of the role and work of the Administrator during 2020-21 and provides both the combined and individual State and Territory Pool Accounts for 2020-21. This report should be read in conjunction with the National Health Funding Body Annual Report 2020-21.
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All sides should back a National Climate Health Strategy: health peak bodies
Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA), Australian Climate & Health Alliance
All sides of politics should back a National Climate and Health Strategy to better protect the health of everyone in Australia, the Public Health Association of Australia has said. The call comes as the country's peak public health body released its assessment of the major parties' federal election commitments to reduce preventable harm by cutting greenhouse gas emissions and building climate resilience. A National Climate Health Strategy would provide guidance for all levels of government in Australia to tackle the health effects of global heating, which are already evident in every part of the continent.
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Annual report 2020-21
National Health Practitioner Ombudsman
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Our plan for Women's Safety, Economic Security and Health - Policy Paper
Liberal Party of Australia
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Assessment of major parties' election commitments
Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA), Australian Climate & Health Alliance
All sides of politics should back a National Climate and Health Strategy to better protect the health of everyone in Australia, the Public Health Association of Australia has said. The call comes as the country's peak public health body released its assessment of the major parties' federal election commitments to reduce preventable harm by cutting greenhouse gas emissions and building climate resilience. A National Climate Health Strategy would provide guidance for all levels of government in Australia to tackle the health effects of global heating, which are already evident in every part of the continent.
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Updates to the Prescribing Medicines in Pregnancy database
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
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COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Four COVID-19 vaccines are currently in use in Australia - Comirnaty (Pfizer), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), and Nuvaxovid (Novavax). To be registered for use, these vaccines must have met the TGA's high standards for quality, safety and effectiveness. The TGA closely monitors reports of suspected side effects (also known as adverse events) to the COVID-19 vaccines. This is the most intensive safety monitoring ever conducted of any vaccines in Australia. The TGA encourages people to report suspected side effects, even if there's only a very small chance a vaccine was the cause. This provides valuable data that helps us identify potential safety issues.
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Ambulance ramping report card 2022
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
A new Report Card from the Australian Medical Association (AMA) has found every state and territory is failing to meet its performance targets for the time it takes to transfer patients from an ambulance into the care of the Emergency Department (ED). In the last two years there have been increased reports of ambulance ramping outside hospitals, people needing to be driven to the ED due to no available ambulances, and people dying waiting for an ambulance. The AMA's Ambulance Ramping Report Card echoes these reports, with data from all states and territories revealing that ambulance ramping has been steadily increasing year on year.
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Health, mental health and the COVID-19 response
WA, Treasury
The WA Government is providing the biggest ever investment in the WA public health system, with a further record $2.5 billion investment in health and mental health - towards significant targeted investments including measures to address emergency department pressures. This brings the total new investment to $5.7 billion since the last budget. Under the Government, WA Health's annual budget has grown from $8.8 billion in 2016-17 to $11.6 billion in 2021-22, a 30.9 per cent increase. The 2022-23 State Budget features $1.6 billion for WA's COVID-19 response in this budget, bringing investment to date to more than $11.2 billion since the start of the pandemic.
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Hansards
New South Wales
11 MAY 2022: NSW ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Health Infrastructure
11 MAY 2022: NSW ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Private Members' Statements - Rural and Regional Health
10 MAY 2022: NSW ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Private Members' Statements - Rural and Regional Health Care
10 MAY 2022: NSW ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Private Members' Statements - Remote and Regional Health Services
10 MAY 2022: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Documents - Health Funding and Health Infrastructure - Dispute of Claim of Privilege - Report of Independent Legal Arbiter
10 MAY 2022: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Amendment Bill 2022 - First Reading
10 MAY 2022: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Committees - Portfolio Committee No. 2 - Health - Reports
10 MAY 2022: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Regional Health
10 MAY 2022: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Documents - Ministry of Health Asset Management Policies - Correspondence
Victoria
12 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Health System
12 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Members Statements - Mental Health
12 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Covid-19
12 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Elective Surgery Waiting Lists
12 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Members Statements - Werribee Mercy Hospital
12 MAY 2022: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Adjournment - Referral to the Health Complaints Commissioner
12 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Members Statements - Health Infrastructure
12 MAY 2022: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - Health Legislation Amendment (Information Sharing) Bill 2021 - Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
12 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Health Services
11 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Ministers Statements - Mental Health Funding
11 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Portland District Health
11 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Albury Wodonga Health
11 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Ministers Statements - Health Infrastructure
11 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Ministers Statements - Health Funding
11 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Members Statements - Regional Health Services
11 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Ministers Statements - Health Services
11 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Ministers Statements - Women’s Health
11 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Members Statements - Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub, South Yarra
11 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Matters of Public Importance - Health System
11 MAY 2022: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Bass Electorate Health Funding
11 MAY 2022: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Statements on Reports, Papers and Petitions - Health Legislation Amendment (Information Sharing) Bill 2021 - Petition
11 MAY 2022: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Adjournment - Albury Wodonga Health
10 MAY 2022: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Members statements - Health Funding
11 MAY 2022: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Albury Wodonga Health
11 MAY 2022: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Statements on Reports, Papers and Petitions - Department of Health - Documentation on the Making of Pandemic Orders implemented on 18 March 2022
10 MAY 2022: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment Bill 2022 - Royal assent
10 MAY 2022: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Petitions - Health Legislation Amendment (Information Sharing) Bill 2021
Queensland
12 MAY 2022: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Private Members’ Statements - International Nurses Day - Kingaroy Hospital
12 MAY 2022: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Health and Environment Committee - Report, Motion to Take Note
12 MAY 2022: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health System, Data Reporting
12 MAY 2022: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health System
12 MAY 2022: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Private Members’ Statements - Redlands, Health Care
12 MAY 2022: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Private Members’ Statements - Darling Downs, Hospital
10 MAY 2022: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Mental Health Select Committee - Reporting Date
10 MAY 2022: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Police Resources, Health System
10 MAY 2022: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health System
10 MAY 2022: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Matters of Public Interest - Health System
10 MAY 2022: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Petitions - Rockhampton, Marie Stopes Women’s Health Clinic
Western Australia
12 MAY 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Bills - Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Amendment Bill 2021 - Third Reading
12 MAY 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health - Funding
10 MAY 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Coronavirus - Health Modelling - Omicron Variant
10 MAY 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Minister for Health - Portfolios - Staff - Regions
10 MAY 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Matter of Public Interest - McGowan Government - Health Performance
10 MAY 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Health - Elective Surgery
10 MAY 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Health - Human Resources Management Information System
10 MAY 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Minister for Health - Portfolios - Correspondence
10 MAY 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Metropolitan Health Service Providers - Litigation
10 MAY 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Health - Albany Radiation Oncology Unit
10 MAY 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Community Child Health Nurses
10 MAY 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health - Nurses - Workforce
10 MAY 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Minister for Medical Research - Future Health Research and Innovation Fund
10 MAY 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Child and Adolescent Health Service - School Entry Health Assessments
10 MAY 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Child and Adolescent Health Service - Community Child Health Program
10 MAY 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Hospitals and Health Campuses - South West
10 MAY 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Minister for Health - Portfolios - Government Boards and Committees
10 MAY 2022: NSW ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Bills - Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Amendment Bill 2022 - Second Reading, Third Reading
10 MAY 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - State Budget 2022-23 - Health
10 MAY 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Hospitals and Health Campuses - Power Outages
10 MAY 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Health - Hand Sanitiser Units Trial
10 MAY 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - WA Country Health Service - Child Development Services - Wait Times
Tasmania
10 MAY 2022: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Health Commitments - Update - 05 MAY 2022
Australian Capital Territory
03 MAY 2022: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Dhulwa Mental Health Unit - Safety
03 MAY 2022: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Answers to Questions Without Notice - Dhulwa Mental Health Unit - Safety
03 MAY 2022: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health - Post-COVID recovery clinic
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
Therapeutic Goods (Minamata Convention) (Information) Specification 2022
Legislative Instrument - F2022L00694
The Therapeutic Goods (Minamata Convention) (Information) Specification 2022 ('the Specification') is a legislative instrument made under subsection 61(5AB) of the Act. It specifies the kinds of therapeutic goods information that the Secretary may release to specified bodies, and the purposes for which that information may be released to those bodies, under subsection 61(5AA) of the Act. The relevant bodies are the Department of Home Affairs ('Home Affairs') (including its operational arm, the Australian Border Force), the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment ('DAWE') and the Office of Chemical Safety ('OCS') (being the part of the Department of Health responsible for administering the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme ('AICIS')).
Explanatory Instrument
Australian Capital Territory
Public Health (Emergency) Declaration Further Extension 2022 (No 2)
Notifiable Instrument NI2022-266
The Minister for Health further extends the period during which the Public Health (Emergency) Declaration 2020 (No 1) [NI2020-153] is in force for a period of 90 days.
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Public Health (Health Care and Support Workers COVID-19 Vaccination) Emergency Direction Revocation 2022
Notifiable Instrument NI2022-263
This instrument revokes the Public Health (Health Care and Support Workers COVID-19 Vaccination) Emergency Direction 2022 [NI2022-171].
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Public Health (ACT School or Early Childhood Education and Care Workers COVID-19 Vaccination) Emergency Direction Revocation 2022
Notifiable Instrument NI2022-262
This instrument revokes the Public Health (ACT School or Early Childhood Education and Care Workers COVID-19 Vaccination) Emergency Direction 2022 [NI2022-170].
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
None this edition.
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Consolidated Legislation
National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00548
PB 71 of 2012 Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2022 (No. 4)
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National Health (Listed Drugs on F1 or F2) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00545
PB 33 of 2021 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Listed Drugs on F1 or F2) Amendment Determination 2022 (No. 4)
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National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement 2021
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00539
PB 27 of 2021 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (May Update) Instrument 2022
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National Health (Price and Special Patient Contribution) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00530
PB 35 of 2021 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Price and Special Patient Contribution) Amendment Determination 2022 (No. 3)
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National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Determination 2019
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2022C00540
PB 114 of 2019 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Determination 2022 (No. 2)
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National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits-early supply) Instrument 2015
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2022C00536
PB 120 of 2015 Specifications as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits - early supply) Amendment Instrument 2022 (No. 4)
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New Bills
New South Wales
Public Health Amendment (Registered Nurses in Nursing Homes) Bill 2020 - LC 2R debate 11/5, LC passed with amendment 11/5
Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 - LC 2R debate 11/5
Northern Territory
Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Amendment Bill 2022 - LA 2R debate 12/5, LA passed with amendments 12/5, Awaiting Assent
Surrogacy Bill 2022 - LA 2R debate 12/5, LA passed with amendments 12/5, Awaiting Assent
Queensland
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 - LA intro 11/5, LA referred to Committee 11/5
Victoria
Health Legislation Amendment (Information Sharing) Bill 2021 - LC 2R debate 12/5
Western Australia
COVID-19 Response Legislation Amendment (Extension of Expiring Provisions) Bill 2022 - LA intro 10/5, LA 2R debate 10/5, LA passed 10/5, LC intro 10/5, LC 2R 10/5
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New Acts
None this edition.
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