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)
21 April
COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report - 21-04-2022
The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) has found that vaccination against COVID-19 is the most effective way to reduce deaths and severe illness from infection. The protective benefits of vaccination continue to far outweigh the potential risks. Like all medicines, COVID-19 vaccines may cause some side effects. The most frequently reported include injection-site reactions (such as a sore arm) and more general symptoms, like headache, muscle pain, fever and chills. This reflects what was seen in the clinical trials. Myocarditis is a known but very rare side effect of Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna). It is usually temporary, with most people getting better within a few days.
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20 April
Industry welcomes removal of close contact COVID restrictions in NSW
'Ai Group's members in NSW welcome the very important changes to the management of COVID risks announced by the Premier and the Minister for Health. The new approach will continue to be cautious about the risk of infection while lifting the ability of close contacts to attend their workplaces,' Head of the Australian Industry Group in NSW, Helen Waldron said.
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NSW: Update on COVID settings
The NSW Government announced close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case will not be required to isolate, provided they comply with NSW Health guidelines. There are no changes for positive cases: the seven-day isolation requirement remains in place for anyone who has recorded a positive RAT or PCR result. From 6pm on Friday 22 April, close contacts (defined as a household contact or an individual deemed by NSW Health to be a close contact) will not have to isolate, as long as they have no symptoms and comply with the following guidelines.
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NT: NT COVID-19 update 20 April 2022
The Northern Territory is reporting the death of a female in her 90s with COVID-19. The woman had underlying health conditions and passed away at an aged care facility in Greater Darwin. The total number of COVID-19 related deaths recorded in the NT since the start of the pandemic is 38. There were 594 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the NT in the 24 hours to 8pm on 19 April 2022. Of these, 529 were positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).
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TAS: COVID prisons outbreak puts staff and inmates at risk - Tasmanian Labor
The Tasmanian Government has put prison staff and inmates at risk by failing to protect against the spread of COVID in Tasmania's prisons. Both at the start of the pandemic in 2020 and again, when Tasmania's borders reopened, the Tasmanian Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs Elise Archer was adamant that the Tasmanian Prison Service (TPS) was well prepared for the possibility of COVID entering the system and had sufficient capacity to manage any outbreaks.
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WA: Mark McGowan - Statement from the Premier
'Yesterday, a member of my family tested positive to COVID-19. As a close contact, I am isolating at home with my family for seven days,' said WA Premier Mark McGowan. 'Yesterday, I attended Rockingham General Hospital to undergo a PCR test and my result came back negative this morning. I will continue to follow the health guidelines as so many Western Australians have done during this pandemic.'
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19 April
RACGP urges ramp up of vaccine dose donations to developing world
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has urged the federal
Government to step up COVID-19 vaccine dose donation efforts. It comes following reports of GPs dumping thousands of COVID-19 vaccines as demand declines in many communities. The $304.7 million Pacific support package is set to expire in June this year. This includes including $67 million in funding for Papua New Guinea, a nation which has been hit by successive COVID-19 outbreaks and widespread COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
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ACT: Innovative rehab clinic helping Territory's long COVID patients return to daily lives
A specialty clinic at the University of Canberra Hospital is providing essential rehabilitation services for Canberrans suffering serious and lingering COVID-19 symptoms. The Post COVID Recovery Clinic is assisting patients aged 16 and over who have symptoms of COVID-19 that impact their daily lives more than 12 weeks after contracting the virus. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the clinic is a fantastic example of how Canberra's healthcare workers are turning innovative research into impactful healthcare.
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VIC: Time to ease close-contact isolation requirements for Victoria and NSW
The Victorian Chamber and Business NSW have united to call for isolation requirements for household close contacts to be eased for Australia's two largest economies. Under the current rules, household contacts of a positive COVID-19 case must undergo seven days of isolation regardless of their test result in most workplaces. The Victorian Chamber and Business NSW would like to see this amended so household contacts undergo daily Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) before they go out in public or to work. If they test negative and are feeling well, then they should be permitted to attend work as normal.
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18 April
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 94.7 per cent have received two doses to Saturday 16 April 2022.
- Of children aged 12 to 15, 83.3 per cent have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 79.6 per cent have received two doses.
- Of children aged 5 to 11, 49.9 per cent have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 32.7 per cent have received two doses.
- Of people aged 16 plus, 61.8 per cent have now received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
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SA: COVID-19 Update 18 April 2022
There have been 3,560 new cases of COVID-19 reported in South Australia according to SA Health. There are currently 30,272 active cases in South Australia. There are 245 people with COVID-19 in hospital, including 11 people in ICU, and one person requiring a ventilator. Of those hospitalised, 172 people are fully vaccinated, 72 people are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, and one has an unknown vaccination status. Due to a reconfiguration of the data, the total number of cases has been readjusted. Total case breakdown
- 3,560 new cases
- 30,272 current active cases
- 354,720 total cases
- 298 deaths
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Aged Care
20 April
NSW: Opposition Leader's response to Budget 2022: aged care and housing
'In response to the Budget presented by the Australian Government on 29 March 2022, the Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese presented a suite of policy plans,' said the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association NSW. 'Two of those plans have particular importance for older Australians. They are about aged care and social housing. The Opposition Leader promised that under an Opposition Government every nursing home would have at least one registered nurse on site around the clock and more personal carers so that residents will receive more care. It should be noted that the Opposition Leader did not commit to mandatory staff to residents ratios.'
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14 April
Supporting people living with dementia to participate in the Federal Election
Dementia Australia is calling on people living with dementia, their families, and carers to start the conversation now about voting in the Federal Election on 21 May 2022. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM reiterated that the capacity to vote and participate in democracy is decision specific. 'Every person living with dementia has the right to participate and vote,' Ms McCabe said. 'It is important that people living with dementia, their families and carers have the conversation now along with their doctor to decide together whether they want to vote so their status on the electoral roll can be amended if needed.'
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
None this edition.
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Allied Health
19 April
Consultation closes for cosmetic surgery review
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has announced that the public consultation for the Independent review of the regulation of health practitioners in cosmetic surgery has now closed. Over the six-week consultation the Independent Reviewer received more than 550 responses to the consumer survey and 230 submissions. 'I'd like to thank all those who made the time to share their views and experiences with cosmetic surgery. Your contribution is important and will help inform the report and recommendations we make to improve patient safety in this area,' Independent Reviewer, Andrew Brown, said.
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Children's Health
None this edition.
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Clinical Governance
21 April
New veteran wellness services for NSW Mid-Coast
The Government will provide $5 million for wellness facilities in the NSW Mid-Coast region to benefit veterans, Defence personnel and their families. Veteran Wellbeing Centres provide a one-stop shop, established in partnership with an ex-service or community organisation. Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said it was critical that respected veterans and Defence Force members have the support they need. Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the $5 million in funding would be a welcome boost for veterans in the area. Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said he was pleased to see the Mid-Coast region chosen as an area for enhanced veterans' wellbeing services.
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The 1 in 7 Australians living with arthritis need more support
Arthritis Australia launched its election platform Arthritis Australia is calling on politicians to support a package of measures to improve support for people with arthritis, including urgently addressing gaps in care for children with arthritis, and support for people languishing on joint surgery waiting lists. More than 3.6 million Australians of all ages live with arthritis and associated pain and disability, projected to increase to 5.4 million by 2030. Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions are the most expensive disease group, with an estimated $14 billion cost to the health system in 2018, much of which could be avoided with better access to early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care.
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Making #MedicinesMatter for all Australians
Medicines Australia has launched a social media campaign to highlight key policy issues for the election campaign and to help educate all Australians about how rapid access to medicines is a core part of Australia's world-class health system. Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the rapid rollout of vaccines and other health measures that have saved lives and protected lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have shown clearly that more people have a greater understanding of the importance of access to medicines when people need them most.
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14 April
Primary health care reform is the answer to Australian concerns about affordability
The Consumers Health Forum (CHF) is calling for political leaders to put the health of Australians front and centre this election with prudent reform of primary health care. CHF is highlighting crucial initiatives that could have the most impact on the health of Australians, and the health care system. CHF CEO, Ms Leanne Wells said that for too long, primary health care, the backbone of the Australian health system, has been under severe stress with compounding pressures on all sides.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
None this edition.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
21 April
Opposition will improve the health of people with intellectual disability
'An incoming Albanese Labor Government will match the Government's commitment to establish a National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health,' said Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler. 'This is part of and builds on our already announced commitment that we will implement the National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability. People with intellectual disability are dying up to 27 years earlier than people without disability, and are at least twice as likely to die from potentially avoidable causes. This needs to be addressed through a better approach to tailored medical care.'
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20 April
Record Investment in Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability
Minister for Health Greg Hunt announced that the Government will invest a total of $28 million to establish a National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health. This investment includes $8 million over two years for the establishment of the Centre and $20 million for a grant round through the Medical Research Future Fund. The National Centre will be fundamental for delivering the National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability and addressing the health inequities faced by people with intellectual disability.
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Labor's NDIS Reform Plan Welcomed By National Peak Disability Org
People With Disability Australia (PWDA) has welcomed a suite of Opposition election commitments in relation to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), calling them 'a good plan that responds well to what people with disability and our families have been calling for.' Announced by Shadow NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, the Opposition is promising to stop unfair cuts to NDIS participants' plans with an expert review mechanism, a review of NDIS design, operations and sustainability, and a commitment to co-design and governance principles which put people with disability at the centre of the scheme.
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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
20 April
$30 in million leadership, research and training grants to reduce suicides
Australia's leading suicide prevention and mental health organisations are among the recipients of $30 million in funding for workforce training, research and national leadership initiatives aiming to reduce the tragic toll of suicide in Australia. Funded through the 2021-21 Budget's expansion of the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Support grant programme. Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, and Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman said the program was an important part of the Government's commitment to suicide prevention.
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Funding
None this edition.
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Health Professionals
21 April
Allied health is leading jobs growth and demand, but where's the focus and where's the plan?
Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH) calls on all Federal politicians and aspirants to stop ignoring health and service jobs. People need these services, and the workforce is in critical shortage in regional, rural and remote Australia. Gemma Tuxworth, SARRAH's acting CEO, explains: 'Skilled allied health professionals - the second largest group of health professionals nationally - lead jobs demand yet they are all but ignored by policy makers. This is unfathomable given existing shortages and the findings of the Aged Care and Disability Royal Commissions that identified this workforce is critical to achieve better outcomes for vulnerable Australians.'
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20 April
Western Australia doctor prescribed jail time for failing to comply with court orders
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced that a Western Australia doctor has recently been sentenced to seven months' jail and placed on a good behaviour bond for failing to comply with court orders to lodge 18 outstanding income tax returns and business activity statements (BAS). Dr Iain Russell failed to lodge income tax returns for the 2013 to 2017 income years, and BAS for 13 of the months between May 2017 and June 2018 inclusive.
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19 April
HESTA appoints Sally Collins as Chief Financial Officer
The Health Employees Superannuation Trust Australia (HESTA) is continuing to build on its strong and diverse executive leadership capability with the appointment of Sally Collins as Chief Financial Officer. Ms Collins joins the $68 billion industry fund with more than 25 years' financial services and wealth management experience, having most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer at Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC). HESTA CEO Debby Blakey welcomed Ms Collins' appointment, saying her senior leadership experience and industry knowledge would help continue to deliver outstanding outcomes for members.
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18 April
Doctors Warn Australians May Be Forced To Pay To See Doctors.
'As Doctors we warn that the new Federal Minister for Health Ms Anne Rusten has previously supported forcing Australians to pay the Abbott co-payment to see a doctor and has refused on the ABC AM program to rule out ever introducing a Medicare copayment'said Dr Con Costa Vice President of the Australian Doctors Reform Society 'It would be a disaster for low income families and the chronically ill if after the election Anne Ruston was the Minister for Health.'said Dr Robert Marr GP and Vice president of the Australian Doctors Reform Society.
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Hospitals
21 April
VIC: Virtual service expanding to relieve hospital pressures
Australia's first ever virtual triage service helping ease Emergency Department pressures and free up paramedics quicker is being rolled out across the state as part of a $21 million Victorian Government investment. Northern Hospital has been designing and developing the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) program, which allows non-urgent patients to be virtually assessed by emergency doctors and nurses from their home or workplace. Paramedics attending a callout conduct an initial assessment and, if suitable, link the patient with the VVED for assessment on whether a trip to hospital is needed.
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20 April
NSW: New 14-storey tower at Nepean Hospital
Western Sydney communities will benefit from a new neonatal intensive care unit, expanded emergency department and 200-plus inpatient beds under the $1 billion Nepean Hospital redevelopment, with construction of the first hospital tower now complete. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Member for Penrith and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres toured the new 14-storey clinical services building, now Penrith's tallest landmark, which will open in stages from mid-2022. 'This major redevelopment of Nepean Hospital will transform services in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains providing the best healthcare in the nation for our people now and into the future,' Mr Perrottet said.
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QLD: $540 million Logan Hospital expansion to deliver 206 extra beds
The QLD Government's $540 million-plus Logan hospital expansion is powering ahead, with 900 mothers and their babies already benefiting from a new maternity ward and 206 new beds and treatment spaces also set to be delivered under the project. QLD Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the Logan Hospital Expansion Project will increase the hospitals capacity by almost half.
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19 April
AEROBURN PE Burn Sheets
AEROBURN PE Burn Sheets are coverings used to protect burn patients during transportation to a burn centre or hospital. The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) has received reports from Aero Healthcare that the seals on the product packaging may have been damaged during transit. This can result in contamination of the product which may lead to infection. AEROBURN PE Burn Sheets 60cm x 90cm are supplied individually or as part of a first-aid kit. All batches supplied between September 2018 and March 2022 are subject to this recall.
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HeartStart Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
Product defect correction - gel separation from the foam/tin backing when peeled from the yellow plastic liner Philips Electronics Australia Ltd, in consultation with the TGA, is undertaking a Product Defection Correction to alert users to a possible problem with the AED SMART Pads used with these defibrillators.
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Insurance
None this edition.
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Medicare
18 April
Doctors warn Australians may be forced to pay to see doctors.
'As Doctors we warn that the new Federal Minister for Health Ms Anne Rusten has previously supported forcing Australians to pay the Abbott copayment to see a doctor and has refused on the ABC AM program to rule out ever introducing a Medicare copayment'said Dr Con Costa Vice President of the Australian Doctors Reform Society 'It would be a disaster for low income families and the chronically ill if after the election Anne Ruston was the Minister for Health.'said Dr Robert Marr GP and Vice president of the Australian Doctors Reform Society.
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TAS: Investing more into health is a key part of the Government's Plan for a stronger Tasmania.
Type 1 diabetes affects over 3,000 Tasmanians. Not only is it a serious, life-threatening condition, it can be expensive to treat. That's why the Government has outlined a Plan to save Tasmanian diabetes patients thousands of dollars each year. Tasmanian Senator Jonno Duniam said the Plan will help everyone with Type 1 diabetes in Tasmania. 'The centrepiece of the Plan is a $273 million commitment to cut the cost of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for all Tasmanians,' Senator Duniam said.
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17 April
Securing the future of Australia's world class healthcare system
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston announced that saving diabetes patients thousands of dollars each year, boosting record investments in health research and making even more medicines cheaper for more patients are key to the Government's plans to secure the future of the healthcare system. The plan grows funding for the health portfolio from $132 billion in 2022-23, to $140 billion in 2025- 26, guarantees Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), delivers more health services.
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14 April
Much more needed for improved trans health & wellbeing
Just.Equal Australia has welcomed the commitment from Greens' leader Adam Bandt to expand Medicare coverage of surgery costs for trans, gender diverse and non-binary (trans) people and has called on other parties to match it. Just.Equal Australia spokesperson, Sally Goldner AM, said 'Achieving Medicare coverage for gender affirmation is a long overdue reform and Mr Bandt's commitment is a much-needed antidote to the anti- trans election campaigning we have seen over the last few days.'
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
21 April
Getting on the same wavelength with community mental health
Brainwaves, a new collaboration between Radio Eastern FM and Swinburne University's Department of Psychological Sciences, is making waves in the local community. The show gives Swinburne students and staff a change to present their research on the radio and offers the community information on a range of mental health topics from established and emerging researchers - from how to stop waking up at 3am to children's use of technology. Radio Eastern FM 98.1 host Bill Page can chat about its inception and the community impact - including how it helped a sleepless new widow get back to a good night's sleep.
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20 April
Boost to mental health services in Cowan
Australians across Balga and Mirrabooka will have easier access to mental health support with the Government announcing a new Head to Health adult mental health service in the area. The Balga-Mirrabooka Head to Health satellite service is part of a network of community- based mental health services being established around Australia. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health David Coleman said this was one of many Head to Health satellite services being established across the country to provide mental health support to Australians experiencing mental health challenges.
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$30 in million leadership, research and training grants to reduce suicides
Australia's leading suicide prevention and mental health organisations are among the recipients of $30 million in funding for workforce training, research and national leadership initiatives aiming to reduce the tragic toll of suicide in Australia. Funded through the 2021-21 Budget's expansion of the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Support grant programme. Minister Hunt, and Assistant Minister Coleman said the program was an important part of the Government's commitment to suicide prevention.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
21 April
Australia's supplements icon Swisse launches in Sri Lanka
The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) has announced that Australian health and wellness brand Swisse is expanding into Sri Lanka. The Melbourne- based company has secured an exclusive partnership deal with local pharmacy and healthcare chain, Healthguard. Sri Lanka's daily newspaper, DailyFT reported the partnership launch on 29 March. Austrade advisers and senior executives from Swisse attended the launch, along with Australia's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka David Holly. Swisse's move into Sri Lanka follows the company's successful expansion into India in 2020. Swisse now has a presence in 11 markets around the world. Sri Lanka's growing demand for top quality health supplements made the country a logical next step.
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WA: Community pharmacy immunisation program expansion will save lives
West Australians aged 5 years and over win right to be immunised in their local pharmacy. Western Australians will be the biggest beneficiaries of the Western Australian Government's expansion of the Community Pharmacy Immunisation Program. Speaking alongside Western Australia's Minister for Health, the Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson, at the announcement, Pharmacy Guild of Australia WA Branch President, Mr Andrew Ngeow said, 'every patient aged 5 years and over can now receive their influenza or COVID-19 vaccination at their local community pharmacy.' And there is more to come.
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WA: PSA welcomes greater vaccine access for West Australians
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's (PSA) WA Branch welcomes the expansion of the state's vaccination program, announced by WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson. WA pharmacist immunisers will soon be able to administer National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccinations, including influenza vaccines to children aged 5 years and over, who are eligible under the program. In addition, adolescents will have greater access to vaccines including human papillomavirus (HPV), diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (dTpa), meningococcal ACWY, measles- mumps-rubella and COVID vaccinations, with pharmacists to be allowed to administer all of these vaccines in line with the state immunisation schedule.
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20 April
Collaborative ear health intervention pilot LISTEN UP between community pharmacists and GPs delivers better patient outcomes
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia said '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 health care 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, supported trained community pharmacists in conducting ear examinations using video otoscopy and tympanometry for patients that present with an ear complaint.'
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Research
21 April
Rare genetic mutation linked to risk of severe viral infection in Polynesian populations
New research from an international collaboration including researchers from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, has identified a rare genetic mutation in people of Polynesian descent, which increases their risk of severe viral infection or death. Researchers studied the highly unusual cases of seven Polynesian children who were previously healthy but went on to develop severe or fatal reactions to live attenuated vaccines such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and yellow fever vaccines, or following influenza infection.
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20 April
Research excellence: Sharing data and ideas for the largest impact for patients with ovarian cancer
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Professor Susan Ramus is Professor of Molecular Oncology in the School of Clinical Medicine at the University of New South Wales. She received the 2021 Elizabeth Blackburn Investigator Grants Award - Basic Science (Leadership) for her work improving the prognosis of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Like Elizabeth Blackburn, I had an interest in many aspects of science from an early age, inspired and encouraged by my parents.'
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$30 in million leadership, research and training grants to reduce suicides
Australia's leading suicide prevention and mental health organisations are among the recipients of $30 million in funding for workforce training, research and national leadership initiatives aiming to reduce the tragic toll of suicide in Australia. Funded through the 2021-21 Budget's expansion of the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Support grant programme, leading mental health groups will receive funding for national advocacy, research translation, and evidence-based training for communities and organisations, with programs to be delivered across Australia. Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, said the program was an important part of the Government's commitment to suicide prevention.
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19 April
New pathways to unlock genetic results for action
According to The Garvan Institute Worldwide,millions of people have signed up to research studies that investigate genetic makeup and the genetic causes for disease. In around 3% of people who participate in these studies, researchers will find a change in a person's DNA that increases their risk of a disease for which management or treatment is available. These are known as 'actionable genetic variants'. If you carried one of these 'actionable genetic variants', would you want to know? Should the researchers tell you about it? How would you want that information to be given to you?
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14 April
VIC: Could releasing 'handbrake' immune cells help supercharge immunity?
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) researchers have found a way to supercharge immune cells that could enable them to clear disease and infections faster. T cells are immune cells that help bodies fight disease by seeking and destroying unhealthy cells. Regulatory T cells, or Treg cells, put the brakes on T cells, preventing them from misbehaving and attacking the body's healthy tissues. Researchers have now discovered a way to release the 'handbrake' hold that Treg cells have over normal T cells and intentionally put them into overdrive.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
21 April
QLD: QLD Government delivers $104 million for 5 new rural health facilities
The Government has issued tenders to create new and improved health care facilities in five rural Queensland locations. QLD Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the Government would invest $104 million to build replacement health facilities in South West, Central and North West Queensland. 'This much-needed investment will help us continue delivering quality, contemporary health services in each of these communities,' Minister D'Ath said. The existing health facilities in these towns have served their communities well but they are ageing and in need of replacement. The new facilities will be built to last and incorporate more contemporary clinical spaces and the latest medical technologies.'
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19 April
Better support for gladstone cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy
Cancer patients across the Gladstone region will soon have more access to support locally as they undergo radiation therapy treatment. The Government announced it is investing $1.9 million for a satellite telehealth clinic to support patients in need of radiation oncology services. Part of the investment will go towards purchasing a bus to make it easier for patients to access the clinic. Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce was joined by Regional Health Minister and former regional doctor Dr David Gillespie and Liberal National Party Candidate for Flynn Colin Boyce in Gladstone to make the fully-funded announcement.
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Women's Health
None this edition.
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Transcripts
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
21 APR: Transcript of Interview with Ray Hadley, 2GB
Subjects: Leaders' debate, Economic plan, Pandemic, Cashless card, Medicare, Operation Sovereign Borders, Fed Opp, Temporary protection visas, China, NDIS
Shadow Minister for The Public Service Katy Gallagher
21 APR: Transcript of Interview with Natalie Barr, Sunrise
Subjects: Debate, Division, Children with disabilities, China and Solomon Islands deal, Refugees, Turning back boats, Security
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
20 APR: Transcript of Press Conference, Tonsley, SA
Subjects: Employment, Jobs & training, IMF report, Economy, Growth, BOOT, Solomon Islands, China, Omnibus IR Bill, Pacific Step Up, Suicide rates, Mental health
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Employment and Acting Minister for Education Stuart Robert and Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communities and Regional Education Bridget McKenzie
20 APR: Transcript of Press Conference, Perth
Subjects: Economy, Medicare, NDIS, Resources sector, Critical Minerals Accelerator, Critical Minerals Trailblazer partnership, WA premier, Federal Opposition
Leader of The Opposition in The Senate Penny Wong, Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler
20 APR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Adelaide
Subjects: Medicare, Hospitals, Aged care, Emergency departments, Pork barrelling, Submarines, Solomon Islands, Defence budget, ADF
Senator Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health and Aging Mark Butler
20 APR: Transcript of Interview with Stacey Lee & David Bevan, ABC Radio Adelaide
Subjects: Cashless welfare card, Pensioners, Medicare, Health, Dentistry, Telehealth, Budget
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
19 APR: Transcript of Interview with Oly Peterson, 6PR
Subjects: PM visiting WA, Federal Election, WA Premier, Leader of Federal Opposition, Independents, Member for Curtain, Federal Treasurer, Medicare, Pensioner working hour
Australian Medical Association AMA:
19 APR: Transcript of Vice President, Dr Chris Moy's Interview with Karl Stefanovic, Today Show
Subjects: Fed Govt & Fed Opp election health policies, Medicare, AMA health policy scorecard
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Attorney General Michaelia Cash and Minister Defence Industry Melissa Price
18 APR: Transcript of Press Conference, Henderson, WA
Subjects: GST forever deal, Shipping precinct, Jobs, Offshore Patrol vessels, Economy, Defence, Unemployment, Manufacturing, Medicare, Housing, Climate
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Richard Marles
18 APR: Transcript of Interview with Tania Lawrence, Perth
Subjects: Urgent care clinics, Home guarantee scheme, Healthcare services, Medicare, Bulk-billing, Funding, Unemployment, TAFE, Visas, Offshore detention
Shadow Minister For Health and Ageing Mark Butler
18 APR 2022: Transcript of Interview with Ali Moore, ABC Melbourne
Subjects: Health, Additional of dental cover to Medicare, Urgent care clinics, Bluesfest, Type 1 diabetes, Policy costing, State-Federal hospital funding
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Minister for Families, Social Services and Women's Safety Anne Ruston
17 APR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Westmead
Subjects: Election campaign, Hospital funding, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Diabetes treatment, Health policy, CP co-payments, Medicare changes
Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler
17 APR: Transcript of Interview with David Speers, Insiders
Subjects: Fed Opposition's Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, National Anti-Corruption Commission, JobSeeker, Health policy, Bulk-billed services, Emergency waiting times
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
14 APR: Transcript of Interview with Mike O'Loughlin, Tasmania Talks
Subjects: Forestry, Regional economies, Fossil fuel based plastics, Farmers, Health, Cost of living, Housing struggles
Leader of The Opposition Anthony Albanese
14 APR: Transcript of Interview with Steve Graham and Tanya Wilks, Triple M Newcastle
Subjects: Medicare, Urgent Care Clinic, Health, Emergency departments, Economic outcomes
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
14 APR: Transcript of Interview with Tony Jones, 3AW
Subjects: Public hospital, NDIS, Health spending, Urgent Care Centres, Emergency department, Medicare, 10 Year Primary Care Plan
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Reports
Strengthening Australia's world class health system - Policy Paper
National Party Of Australia
The Government believes nothing is more important than the health of all Australians. That's why The Nationals Party has invested at record levels making Australia one of the top three health systems in the world - saving and protecting lives through the global pandemic. Their $132 billion health portfolio investment in 2022-23 growing to $140 billion in 2025-26 guarantees Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), record hospital funding and delivers more mental health services, more support through your doctor and more medical research. One of the big lessons of COVID is that Australia must be prepared for future health shocks.
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Practical recommendations to communicate with patients about health-related conspiracy theories
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
On 10 September 2021, the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) announced new restrictions on general practitioners prescribing oral ivermectin. These changes mean that GPs can only prescribe oral ivermectin for TGA- approved conditions, scabies and certain parasitic infections. This change was prompted by an increase in the prescription of the drug for the prevention of, or treatment for, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), despite no reliable evidence to support its effectiveness. This follows a similar decision in early 2020 for the TGA to restrict the prescription of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19.
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National Partnership on Essential Vaccines: performance report 2020-21
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
This report provides an assessment of state and territory performance against the performance benchmarks outlined in the National Partnership on Essential Vaccines (NPEV), for the fourth year of the agreement, covering the assessment period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021. The NPEV is an agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the states and territories, which aims 'to protect the Australian public from the spread of vaccine preventable diseases through the cost-effective and efficient delivery of immunisation programs under the National Immunisation Program'.
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COVID-19 Mortality in Australia: Deaths registered until 31 March 2022
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Key Statistics
- 5,372 deaths where people died with or from COVID-19 that occurred by 31 March 2022 have been registered and received by the ABS. The ABS expects to receive further registrations for this period from the jurisdictional Registries of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
- The underlying cause of death for 4,876 (90.8%) of these people was COVID-19.
- There were a further 496 people who died of other causes (e.g. cancer) but were COVID-19 positive at the time of death.
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Budesonide / glycopyrronium / formoterol Proprietary Product Name: Breztri Aerosphere Sponsor: AstraZeneca Pty Ltd
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by AstraZeneca Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide / glycopyrronium / formoterol fumarate dihydrate) 160 µg/7.2 µg/5 µg (respectively), inhalation for the following proposed indication: Maintenance treatment to prevent exacerbations and relieve symptoms in adults with COPD who require treatment with LAMA+LABA+ICS Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease state characterised by progressive airflow obstruction due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema which may be partially reversible. It was the fifth leading cause of death in Australia in 2017.
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Inclisiran Proprietary Product Name: Leqvio Sponsor: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Leqvio (inclisiran) 284 mg/1.5 mL, solution for injection for the following proposed indication: For adults with primary hypercholesterolaemia (heterozygous familial and non- familial) or mixed dyslipidaemia, as an adjunct to diet in combination with a statin or statin with other lipidlowering therapies in patients unable to reach LDL-C goals with the maximum tolerated dose of a statin or, alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering therapies in patients who are statin- intolerant, or for whom a statin is contraindicated.
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Alcohol and other drug treatment services in Australia - Early insights
Australian Institute of Health And Welfare (AIHW)
In 2020-21, 1,278 publicly funded AOD treatment agencies reported to the AODTS NMDS. The number of agencies in each jurisdiction ranged from 16 in the Australian Capital Territory to 485 in New South Wales. The number of agencies reporting to the AODTS NMDS in 2020-21 increased from 1,258 in 2019-20 (Figure AODTSAGENCIES.1). Over the last 10 years, there has been an increase in the total number of AOD treatment agencies (from 659 in 2011-12 to 1,278 in 2020-21). This has been driven by increases in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.
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An agenda for Government from older Australians - Policy Recommendations for the 47th Parliament
Council On The Ageing (COTA)
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia, the peak body and leading advocate for older Australians, has released its Agenda for the next Government and Parliament on the needs of older Australians. The Agenda covers 12 public policy areas and includes 37 recommendations for the 47th Parliament of Australia. This wide-ranging policy agenda sets out opportunities to improve the lives of older Australians for whomever forms Government, and the 47th Parliament as a whole. The key public policy areas that need to be addressed include aged care; retirement income; health; elder abuse; digital inclusion and social inclusion, among others.
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Is currently considering the information that has been gathered and analysis undertaken through the Annual Pricing Review
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
The NDIA Board is currently considering the information that has been gathered and analysis undertaken through the Annual Pricing Review. The Board's decisions on the pricing arrangements for next financial year will be announced as soon as possible. As is the case each year, the final price limits for many supports for the coming year cannot be determined until the Fair Work Commission has completed its Annual Wage Review.
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January - December 2021 summary report
NSW, Disability Council NSW
The Council faced many challenges in 2021. There were a number of changes to the Minister for Disability Services and as a result of COVID-19 all meetings took place online. There were also several resignations from the Council, including the Chair (July 2021), leaving only seven Council members to deliver on the Council’s Annual plan. Despite these challenges, there was considerable work undertaken in each focus area, particularly in relation to employment.
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Prescriptions via Telehealth - State and Territory Rules - Paper
DEPT OF HEALTH:
From 13 March 2020, temporary MBS telehealth items became available to help reduce the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 and provide protection for patients and health care providers. On 13 December 2021, the Australian Government announced more investment enabling telehealth to continue. Factsheets regarding the supply of medicines via telehealth are available for prescribers and pharmacists.
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Australian public assessment report for Budesonide / glycopyrronium / formoterol
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Breztri Aerosphere contains budesonide, a glucocorticosteroid, and two bronchodilators: glycopyrronium, a LAMA (anticholinergic) and formoterol, a LABA. The combination of these substances with different mechanisms of action results in increased efficacy compared to use with any of the dual component therapies. Budesonide, when inhaled, has a rapid (within hours) and dose dependent anti-inflammatory action in the airways, resulting in reduced symptoms and fewer COPD exacerbations. Inhaled budesonide has less severe adverse effects than systemic corticosteroids.
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OECD health care quality and outcomes indicators, Australia 2021
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
This report summarises data for Australia provided to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Health Care Quality and Outcomes data collection, and compares these data with Australia's performance for previous years and with data reported by other OECD countries. These OECD indicators aim to reflect the quality of health care delivered across participating OECD member countries using comparable data. Australia generally performed better than other OECD countries across most indicators
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Quarterly Report of the Chief Executive Officer - Oct to Dec 2021
Australian Radiation Protection & Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
There were two breaches in the quarter with minor safety implications or administrative failures to meet regulatory requirements:
- Department of Home Affairs self-reported procurement and subsequent possession of a CT scanner in 2015 when not authorised to deal with this kind of controlled apparatus. The apparatus was procured in order to gift it to a foreign Government.
- ANSTO had not conducted a self-assessment against each applicable code and standard at the Australian Synchrotron within the 3 years as prescribed in the licence condition.
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Submission to the Disability Royal Commission on Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs)
Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL)
BSL recommends the Commonwealth Government transition from supporting employment of people with disability in Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) towards supporting open employment. Open employment offers better scope than ADEs to promote the social and economic inclusion of people with disability because it pays decent wages, offers more upskilling and career development opportunities, and is aligned with person-centred approaches and interventions that build the capabilities of people with disability as well as employers. BSL further recommends the Commonwealth Government adopt a systemic approach to supporting the transition towards open employment of people with disability.
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Hansards
None this edition.
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Court Cases
New South Wales
EIG v North Sydney Council [2022] NSWCATAD 127
20 APR - Catchwords: Administrative law - Administrative review - Personal information - Health information - Disclosure of health information
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Health Care Complaints Commission v Mediavillo [2022] NSWCATOD 39
12 APR - Catchwords: Health - Admissions - Finding professional misconduct - Finding unsatisfactory professional - Falsifying progress notes
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EON v Mid North Coast Local Health District [2022] NSWCATAD 113
06 APR - Catchwords: Administrative review - Health information - Review of conduct of agency - Health Privacy Principles - Disclosure- HPP 11 - Exceptions
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Matus v Commissioner of Police [2022] NSWCATAD 111
05 APR: - Catchwords: Administrative Law - Firearms licence - Refusal of licence - Public interest - Failure to disclose mental health treatment
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Victoria
Lahanis v Medical Board of Australia (Review and Regulation) [2022] VCAT 427
19 APR - Catchwords: Review and Regulation List - Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Victoria) Act 2009
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Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia v AVP (Review and Regulation) [2022] VCAT 360
05 APR - Catchwords: Review and Regulation List - Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Victoria) Act 2009
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Arena v Ramsay Health Care (Human Rights) [2022] VCAT 331
30 MAR - Catchwords: Application under s75 of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998
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New Regulations
Federal
Health Insurance (Accredited Pathology Laboratories-Approval) Amendment (Relevant Standards) Principles (No. 1) 2022
Legislative Instrument - F2022L00621
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Accredited Pathology Laboratories-Approval) Amendment (Relevant Standards) Principles (No.1) 2022 (the Amending Instrument) is to amend the Principles to incorporate the revised accreditation standard titled Requirements for the Retention of Laboratory Records and Diagnostic Material (Ninth Edition 2022) (the Retention Requirements). In accordance with s 14 of the Legislation Act 2003, the revised accreditation standard is not to be incorporated from time to time, but at the time of commencement of this Amending Instrument.
Explanatory Statement
Migration (Excluded health care and community services) Instrument (LIN 22/014) 2022
Legislative Instrument - F2022L00618
Subclauses 4005(1) and 4007(1) of Schedule 4 to the Regulations provide that an applicant must be free
from a disease or condition in relation to which:
- a person who has it would be likely to require health care or community services or meet the medical criteria for the provision of a community service; and
- the provision of the health care or community services for that disease or condition would be likely to result in significant cost to the Australian community regardless of whether the health care or community services will actually be used in connection with the applicant
Explanatory Statement
Data Availability and Transparency Regulations 2022
Legislative Instrument - F2022L00601
The purpose of the Regulations is to prohibit Commonwealth data from being disclosed under the Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022 (the Act) by prescribing specific data, data custodians, or circumstances in which particular data is barred from being shared under the data sharing scheme (the Scheme) established by the Act. The Regulations support the operation of the Act by ensuring scheme participants are aware of the data, and data custodians that would be prohibited from the Scheme. The Regulations would not expand the type of data that may be shared under the scheme
Explanatory Statement
Northern Territory
21 APR 2022: NT, DEPT OF HEALTH: CHO directions - Public and Environmental Health Act 2011 - Section 52 - COVID-19 Directions (No. 60) 2022 - Amendment of COVID-19 Directions (No. 52) 2022
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
Federal
G 16: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Health Complaints Act 2016 - Section 90 - Interim Prohibition Order - 2 Notices
New South Wales
19 APR 2022: NSW Government GAZETTE No. 168: Extraordinary Gazette - Health Administration Act 1982 - Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 - Notice of Acquisition of Land by Compulsory Process for Purposes of Health Administration Act 1982
Victoria
21 APR 2022: VIC Government GAZETTE No. G 16: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Health Complaints Act 2016 - Section 90 - Interim Prohibition Order - 2 Notices
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Consolidated Legislation
Medicare Levy Act 1986
Act Compilation - C2022C00140
Act No. 110 of 1986 as amended, taking into account amendments up to Treasury Laws Amendment (Cost of Living Support and Other Measures) Act 2022. An Act to impose a Medicare levy upon certain incomes.
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Privacy Act 1988
Act Compilation - C2022C00135
Act No. 119 of 1988 as amended, taking into account amendments up to Data Availability and Transparency (Consequential Amendments) Act 2022. An Act to make provision to protect the privacy of individuals, and for related purposes.
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National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement 2021
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00449
PB 27 of 2021 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (April Update) Instrument 2022
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Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00438
SR 1997 No. 328 Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Prime Minister and Cabinet's Portfolio Measures No. 4) Regulations 2022.
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Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00433
SR 1997 No. 328 Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Prime Minister and Cabinet's Portfolio Measures No. 4) Regulations 2022
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National Health Act 1953 - National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012
Legislative Instrument Compilation F2022L00454 - F2022C00419
This is a compilation of the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 1 April 2022 (the compilation date). The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.
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National Health (COVID-19 Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Special Arrangement 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00409
Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (COVID-19 Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Special Arrangement Amendment (Extension for Receipt Requirements and Hospital Supplies) Instrument 2022
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New Bills
Federal
Mitochondrial Donation Law Reform (Maeve's Law) Bill 2022 - Assent 1/4, Act No 26 of 2022
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Participant Service Guarantee and Other Measures) Bill 2021- Assent 1/4, Act No 27 of 2022
Queensland
Public Health and Other Legislation (Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 2022 - Assent 8/4, Act No. 6 of 2022
Victoria
Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment Bill 2022 - Assent 12/4, Act No 15 of 2022
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New Acts
None this edition.
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