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)

23 June

NT: COVID-19 update
NT Health announced that there were 260 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory in the 24 hours to 8pm on 22 June 2022. Of these, 234 were positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). There were 138 cases recorded in the Top End region, 58 in Central Australia, two in East Arnhem, 29 in the Big Rivers region, six in the Barkly region and 27 are under investigation. There are currently 14 patients in hospital. There is one patient requiring oxygen and one patient is in ICU. The number of active cases in the NT is 1,477.
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22 June

Post-market review of antigen and rapid antigen tests
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is reviewing all COVID-19-specific laboratory antigen tests and rapid antigen tests (RATs), including point-of-care and self-tests, included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The purpose of the review is to determine if tests have been impacted by the current known variants of SARS-CoV-2, with ongoing activity to assess their ability to detect emerging variants. In addition, the post-market review includes laboratory testing of all point of care (PoCT) and self- test RATs included in the ARTG to validate their performance in detecting the Delta and Omicron variants (and other emerging variants of concern).
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Medibank returning another $205m to customers bringing total COVID-19 customer give back to a record $682m
We're returning an additional $205 million in COVID-19 permanent net claims savings to customers as part of our broader COVID-19 financial support package and give back program. Medibank will return an additional $205 million in COVID-19 permanent net claims savings to customers as part of its broader COVID-19 financial support package and give back program. Customers will receive funds through a cash back, with funds to be deposited into their bank accounts. This latest package brings the total amount of support that Medibank has provided to customers since the start of the pandemic to a record $682 million.
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21 June

AMA calls for telehealth funding extension as COVID-19 pandemic continues
The AMA called on the federal government to extend patient access to Medicare funded COVID-19 telehealth services beyond June 30. Under a decision taken by the former Government, from 1 July access to both GP and non-GP specialist telehealth services will be cut back, particularly telephone consultations. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said patients cannot afford to lose access to COVID-19 telehealth as it will make access to medical care more difficult, particularly for vulnerable populations and those who might not have the access or skills to use other IT platforms.
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SA: Eat out, shop local and support small business
More than 350,000 south Australians work in the state's $45 billion small business sector, however they have done it tough over the past two years with covid-19 driving consumers online, increasing costs and disrupting supply chains. SA Minister for Small and Family Business Andrea Michaels said with restrictions lifted and vaccination rates increasing, the SA Government is backing-in small businesses with a campaign highlighting just how critical they are to our economy, and how important it is for each and every one of us to support them.
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20 June

IP waiver for COVID vaccines is a threat to future innovation
The decision to waive intellectual property (IP) protections for COVID-19 vaccines is fundamentally flawed and will have a negative impact on future innovation. Medicines Australia is disappointed by the decision made at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva, to adopt an IP waiver - known as the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver - for COVID-19 vaccines. Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said intellectual property is one of the key reasons why multiple safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines could be produced and scaled up so quickly during the height of the pandemic.
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TAS: Supporting Healing in Refugee Week 2022
World Refugee Day forms an important part of Refugee Week 2022 across Australia (Sunday 19 June - Saturday 25 June), a national event which has been celebrated since 1988. Healing is the theme for Refugee Week 2022 and as we emerge from the shared difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of human connections has been underlined in the healing and rejuvenation tasks faced by communities post-COVID. Tasmanian Minister for Community Services and Development Nic Street said Tasmania is stronger and more prosperous because of our multiculturalism, and because of the valuable contribution of those who have chosen to call this State home.
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18 June

NT: NT COVID-19 update
There were 212 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory. Of these, 170 were positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), said the NT Department of Health. There were 114 cases recorded in the Top End region, 61 in Central Australia, four in East Arnhem, 13 in the Big Rivers region, zero in the Barkly region and 20 are under investigation. There are currently 19 patients in hospital. There is one patient requiring oxygen and one patient is in ICU. The number of active cases in the NT is 1,383.
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TAS: Coronavirus update
Tasmania has recorded 850 new cases overnight, with 542 people recovered and released from isolation in that time. Tasmanian Premier and Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff said the total number of active cases currently stands at 4,537 and we now have more than 171,000 Tasmanians who have recovered from COVID-19. There are currently 31 people in hospital with COVID and of these, 13 are being treated specifically for COVID. There are currently two people being cared for in the ICU. Sadly, I can confirm a person in their 70s has passed away in the state's South.
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VIC: Sensible winter settings to keep Victorians protected
As part of Victoria's ongoing management of the coronavirus pandemic, Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley has made modest and sensible changes to pandemic orders to allow Victorians to live safely with COVID-19 while reducing transmission and hospitalisations. The Acting Chief Health Officer has provided advice that while some key measures can be safely lifted, others should remain until the end of winter. These changes to the pandemic orders come into effect from 11.59pm Friday 24 June. Masks must still be worn on public transport, taxis, ride shares, and planes - but in line with the recent AHPPC statement, will no longer be required at airports.
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WA: COVID-19 update 18 June 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 4,052 new cases to 8pm last night. There are currently 32,666 active cases in Western Australia. Please note this report from here on will be for reporting period to 6pm, aligning to other jurisdictions. To 6pm last night, there were 277 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 13 in ICU. Sadly, the report includes one death - a woman in her 40s - dating back to 6 June which was reported to WA Health.
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17 June

COVID funding extension welcome but so much more to do to address health crisis
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) welcomed as a 'critical first step' the announcement by the National Cabinet of an extension of National Partnership on Covid-19 '50-50 hospital funding' until December this year, but warned without a long-term fix the nation's hospital crisis will only worsen and avoidable deaths will result. 'The National Partnership funding is critical to dealing with COVID demand now, but this short extension will not see us through the hospital crisis, nor through COVID, nor through the additional pent-up demand from two years of lockdowns,' AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid said.
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SA: Multiple virus testing now available at drive-through COVID clinics to help those at-risk
SA Pathology is stepping up testing for flu and other viruses this winter, allowing more people to get tested for multiple respiratory viruses at the same time, said SA Minister for Health Chris Picton. South Australians can go to any of the SA Pathology drive-through testing sites with a GP referral and be tested for 12 different viruses, including influenza, RSV and COVID-19. The multi-virus (multiplex) testing is geared towards at-risk groups to ensure they can access COVID or flu treatments quickly, with GPs able to access results and consult with patients in need as soon as possible. Referrals can also be made through telehealth appointments.
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SA: Victoria Park Pakapakanthi COVID testing site to relocate to city location
The Victoria Park Pakapakanthi drive-through COVID- 19 testing site will move to a new city location, with the current SA Pathology testing site to make way for the return of the Adelaide 500, said SA Minister for Health Chris Picton. More than 550,000 swabs have been performed by staff at the Victoria Park testing site since opening in the CBD almost two years ago. From July 1, it will deliver testing at its new location at Edwards Park (Park 23) on Anzac Highway. The Victoria Park testing site will close at 9am on July 1 and the Edwards Park site will open that day at 9am.
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Aged Care

None this edition.

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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

22 June

Understanding the science behind infant and toddler nutrition
Members of the Infant Nutrition Council (INC) will meet in Canberra to discuss infant and toddler nutrition at Australian Parliament House on 23 June 2022. The event is an opportunity for industry and government to share the important roles we each have in supporting the health, safety and needs of our most vulnerable and precious population, infants and young children. Chair of the Infant Nutrition Council, Hamish Reid, states: 'When an infant does not receive breastmilk, scientifically developed infant formula is the only suitable and safe alternative.'
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Clinical Governance

23 June

Cancer screening packs distributed to general practices across Australia
'We know cancer screening saves lives, but only around 50% of Australians eligible for the national cancer screening programs - BreastScreen Australia, National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and National Cervical Screening Program - complete the tests. Australians diagnosed through the national cancer screening programs are 59% less likely to die from bowel, 69% less likely to die from breast cancer and 87% less likely to die from cervical cancer compared to Australians diagnosed another way. Research shows primary healthcare workers are key to motivating patients to participate in cancer screening.' said the Department of Health
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22 June

Australia committed to supporting future pandemic preparedness and response
The Australian Government will contribute funding towards a new Financial Intermediary Fund (FIF) for pandemics which will be established at the World Bank, as part of our commitment to protecting against the impact of future pandemics. The contribution was announced by the Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler at the G20 Joint Finance and Health Ministers meeting. The fund is aimed at addressing gaps in national, regional, and global financing for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
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Launch of the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative
The Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative, a new national, membership-based and representative peak, was launched on Friday 17 June in Melbourne at the 2022 National Conference of the Australian Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA). The launch followed a keynote session on systemic racism in health with Donella Mills, Chairperson of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and physician Dr Chris Lemoh. The launch was attended by Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care.
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ARPANSA Boosts UV Protection Globally
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has teamed up with Cancer Council Victoria and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to create a SunSmart Global UV app. The app aims to reduce the number of people across the world developing skin cancer and experiencing UV-related eye damage. The World Health Organization (WHO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are supporting the launch of the initiative in Geneva this week. Research in 2019 estimates around 6.7 million cases of skin cancers were diagnosed globally, and more than 118 thousand people around the world lost their lives to skin cancer in the same year.
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21 June

NSW: Supporting customer health with digital initiatives
From helping parents keep track of their newborn's milestones to creating a single state-wide medical record and supporting better patient outcomes and virtual care, the NSW Government is embracing digital solutions to help NSW residents. NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said digital innovations were key to helping customers stay on top of their wellbeing with new solutions such as the NSW Health App, the Digital Baby Book and the Single Digital Patient Record to change the way people manage their health. 'The NSW Government is a world leader in delivering customer-centric digital outcomes and nowhere is this more important than in supporting the health and wellbeing of the State's residents,' Mr Dominello said.
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19 June

G20 Health Ministers meeting
G20 Health Ministers will meet on 20 June to discuss ways to strengthen global health systems. Minister for Health Mark Butler said the meeting provides an opportunity to work together to deliver meaningful improvements for people across the globe. Under Indonesia's G20 Presidency and led by Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Ministers will consider ways to address concerns and build on success stories that have emerged during the pandemic. Ministers will consider ways to reduce the impediments for travellers as they cross borders. A pilot project will test ways for countries to recognise the vaccine certificates used by different countries, helping to get trade and travel back to normal.
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17 June

NSW: Measles case identified in NSW/Victoria border region
NSW Health is urging NSW residents to ensure they are fully protected against measles, following identification of a case from Victoria who visited the border region while unknowingly infectious during the Queen's Birthday long weekend. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, Executive Director, Health Protection, NSW Health, said the new case is a Melbourne resident aged in their thirties who acquired their infection while travelling abroad. The case spent two hours in a busy pub in Albury and visited a service station on Sunday 12 June of the long weekend, when many people from out of town would have been passing through.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

20 June

TAS: Moving Mac Point to full development stage
The Macquarie Point development provides a significant one-time-only opportunity for Hobart and Tasmania, said Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff. The development is estimated to be worth $1 billion and will support almost 10,000 jobs during construction alone. With amendments to the planning scheme to support the implementation of the Macquarie Point Masterplan in place, and with the site now almost fully remediated, it is time to move into a new phase of full development delivery.
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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

23 June

Calling on recruits for new winter relief workforce to help protect NDIS participants
Minister for the NDIS and Government Services Bill Shorten is calling on qualified disability support workers to join a register to cover potential workforce shortages and critical shifts over the winter months. 'The disability workforce isn't immune to workforce shortages that often happen during winter,' Minister Shorten said. 'The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and IPA Personnel created this register so qualified disability support workers can be deployed locally on a short- term basis. The Winter Relief Workforce register ensures the continuity of supports for NDIS participants in the event the community is hit with workforce shortages.'
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22 June

NDIS pricing boosted to support participants
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants will have better access to safe supports following the completion of the Annual Pricing Review. From 1 July 2022, price limits for all NDIS supports delivered by disability support workers will increase by 9 per cent, including a 2 per cent temporary loading in 2022-23, and all current NDIS plan budgets will be automatically increased to account for these price limit changes. The financial impact of these changes is contained within the existing budgetary projections. 'These improvements will better support participant outcomes and reduce workforce turnover by funding better conditions for NDIS workers,' said Minister for the NDIS and Government services Bill Shorten.
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Worth the wait - a welcome recognition of provider costs
National Disability Services (NDS), the Australian peak body for disability service providers, has warmly welcomed the announcement of the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2022- 23 by Bill Shorten, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which includes a 9 per cent increase in prices and an additional $514 million in funding for registered providers. NDS CEO Laurie Leigh said 'The NDIS price guide was worth the wait! This is a very welcome response from the new Federal Government which recognises the additional costs service providers have had to bear during the pandemic.'
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21 June

QLD: State budget boosts support for seniors and people with disability
The Queensland Government is investing more than $258 million in the 2022-2023 State Budget to support Queensland seniors and people with disability. And a further $2.08 billion is budgeted for Queensland's estimated cash contribution to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). QLD Minister for Seniors and Disability Services Craig Crawford said the State Budget 2022-2023 focused on building an inclusive state where seniors and people with disability are supported, protected, and connected in the community. 'In this State Budget, the Government is delivering more jobs, better services and a greater lifestyle for seniors, people with disability, their carers and their families,' Mr Crawford said.
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20 June

South Australia to play key role in National Disability agenda
SA Minister for Human Services Nat Cook met with Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth and Federal Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten. They were joined by other state and territory ministers to discuss a range of issues for those living with disability. Critical matters discussed at the meeting included: getting people out of hospital and into homes; reducing the cost, stress and delay of appeals; and ensuring people in high risk settings, such as supported residential facilities, have access to RATs, PPE and vaccinations.
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19 June

A transition plan for Activ support workers with disability
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth announced the Australian Government will provide grant funding of up to $7.8 million to Western Australia disability employment provider, Activ Foundation, to keep its large-scale industrial work sites open for another 18 months to better support the transition of employees into new placements. Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten said this is part of the Government's election commitment to improve employment outcomes for people with a disability.
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17 June

Getting NDIS participants home from hospital
National Disability Insurance Scheme participants who are stuck in hospital due to NDIS delays will be prioritised under a new plan agreed to by the Government and the States and Territories. Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten, and Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, met with disability ministers from around Australia to find a new way forward for the scheme. There are approximately 1,100 NDIS participants stuck in hospital while they wait, sometimes for many months, for appropriate, approved accommodation. All ministers agreed to work together to improve safe and timely exits of NDIS participants from hospital.
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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

23 June

RACGP urges delays on telehealth rule changes
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has urged the federal Government to defer changes to Medicare claiming rules for telehealth consultations. It comes following RACGP Vice President Dr Bruce Willett writing to the Secretary of the Department of Health, Professor Brendan Murphy, strongly recommending that the 80/20 rule for telehealth and the 30/20 rule for phone consultations be delayed until a comprehensive review has been undertaken to ensure the rules are fit for purpose and don't negatively impact general practice care.
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21 June

AMA calls for telehealth funding extension as COVID-19 pandemic continues
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) called on the federal government to extend patient access to Medicare funded COVID-19 telehealth services beyond June 30. Under a decision taken by the former Government, from 1 July access to both GP and non-GP specialist telehealth services will be cut back, particularly telephone consultations. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said patients cannot afford to lose access to COVID-19 telehealth as it will make access to medical care more difficult, particularly for vulnerable populations and those who might not have the access or skills to use other IT platforms.
Download

NSW: Supporting customer health with digital initiatives
From helping parents keep track of their newborn's milestones to creating a single state-wide medical record and supporting better patient outcomes and virtual care, the NSW Government is embracing digital solutions to help NSW residents. NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said digital innovations were key to helping customers stay on top of their wellbeing with new solutions such as the NSW Health App, the Digital Baby Book and the Single Digital Patient Record to change the way people manage their health. 'The NSW Government is a world leader in delivering customer-centric digital outcomes and nowhere is this more important than in supporting the health and wellbeing of the State's residents,' Mr Dominello said.
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Education and Training

None this edition.

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Funding

21 June

AMA calls for telehealth funding extension as COVID-19 pandemic continues
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) called on the federal government to extend patient access to Medicare funded COVID-19 telehealth services beyond June 30. Under a decision taken by the former Government, from 1 July access to both GP and non-GP specialist telehealth services will be cut back, particularly telephone consultations. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said patients cannot afford to lose access to COVID-19 telehealth as it will make access to medical care more difficult, particularly for vulnerable populations and those who might not have the access or skills to use other IT platforms.
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QLD: Massive $9.78 billion investment in new hospitals and new beds in record health budget
Queensland hospitals will undergo the biggest expansion program ever seen in a State Budget focused squarely on health. The Government has delivered the largest investment in new hospitals and new beds in Queensland's history, with the 2022-23 State Budget providing additional funding of $9.78 billion over six years, said QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. The new hospitals and hospital expansion projects announced in the State Budget will deliver 2509 extra beds across Queensland over the next six years. QLD Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said the State Budget would support strong growth in the health workforce.
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QLD: Budget backs good jobs, better services and the great Queensland lifestyle
A record $23.6 billion investment in health is the centrepiece of a 2022-23 Queensland Budget focused on delivering good jobs and better services for Queenslanders while protecting the Sunshine State's enviable lifestyle. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the budget, like the government, continues to put the health of Queenslanders first. 'Our strong pandemic health and economic response is now delivering major returns for Queenslanders,' the Premier said. Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said Queensland's pandemic response continues to drive the nation's economic recovery.
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20 June

VIC: Andrews must reverse cruel $2 billion health cut
Victorians are no closer to getting the health system they deserve as Daniel Andrews continues to spin away his $2 billion cut to Victoria's health budget. The Victorian Government's recent budget confirms in black and white a $2 billion cut to health funding, justified due to lapsing COVID-19 response initiatives. Shadow Treasurer, David Davis said Daniel Andrews can't have it both ways on health funding and needs to reverse this $2 billion health cut.
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VIC: Government's botched triple-zero upgrade blows out again
'Victorians in need are no closer to having the emergency response they deserve as a botched triple-zero IT upgrade blows out even further,' said Victorian Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Brad Battin, A Government IT project to provide ESTA, the state's triple-zero emergency call-taking and dispatch authority 'with better workforce insights and improve talent' has suffered its second cost and time blowout. Government data now shows the project has been delayed by a further three months and an additional cost blowout of $730,000. 'Daniel Andrews' mismanagement of triple-zero is costing Victorian lives and holding back our recovery,' said Mr Battin.
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17 June

$270 million to accelerate med tech innovation
NSW will be at the forefront of cutting edge health treatments as part of a $270 million boost to biomedical research in the 2022-23 NSW Budget. Premier Dominic Perrottet said this was a significant investment in a growing industry that will help deliver what matters to make daily life better for the people of NSW.T he funding for two new facilities will transform the industry and help develop treatments for rare, life-limiting diseases as part of the NSW Government's commitment to driving world-leading health and research precincts, said Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, Treasurer Matt Kean and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens.
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Health Professionals

23 June

Tribunal orders cancellation of registration of nurse after falsifying medical records
A tribunal has ordered the cancellation of a registered nurse's registration after she failed to conduct necessary observations of a patient and made false amendments to the patient's medical records. On 26 May 2019, Ms Funmilayo Thomas was given a directive to monitor a patient who had taken a fall in an aged care facility (the facility) for signs of injury to the brain. Ms Thomas' employment was terminated on 18 June 2019, and a notification was made by the facility to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
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Tribunal orders cancellation of registration of nurse after using his position to defraud international students
A tribunal has ordered the cancellation of a nurse's registration following his breach of professional boundaries by misleading international nursing students to believe he could fast track their immigration to Australia. Between 2011 and 2014 Mr Alexis Alvarez was a registered nurse employed as a nurse educator. During this time, he was a Course Coordinator in the Initial Registration for Overseas Nurses program at the Australian Academy of Nursing. Mr Alvarez built a rapport with his Filipino students, claiming he could expedite their ANMAC skills assessment and AHPRA registration for a fee.
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21 June

Specialist registration granted on appeal
A tribunal has granted specialist registration to a practitioner on appeal, said Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (Ahpra). In March 2019, the Dental Board of Australia (the Board) refused an application by Dr Roy George for specialist registration as an endodontist on the basis he was not qualified. Dr George sought review of this decision in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the tribunal). Dr George argued his overseas qualification, some Australian credentials and his significant experience in the field, together with the fact he taught clinical dentistry (endodontics) at a Queensland university, supported his case.
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Companies lagging on gender diversity risk missing out on top talent
While the business case for a gender diverse workforce is well established, analysis of jobseeker data shows that, in a tight job market, diversity may give companies a vital edge in the competition for younger female talent. HESTA analysis of Seek's Laws of Attraction research showed that when focussing on company reputation as a driver of attraction, almost three quarters (73%) of Gen Z women (aged 18-25) say diversity in the workplace is a must. Women in leadership also ranks highly, with nearly 2 in 5 saying this is a must have and differentiates potential employers.
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NSW: Record workforce investment to strengthen frontline services
The NSW Government has announced a record investment into frontline workers in the 2022-23 Budget, supporting the workforce to deliver the best services in the nation. The NSW Government has announced a new public sector wages policy to provide increased pay and leave entitlements for public sector employees including nurses, teachers and paramedics. NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the increase in wages was fair and sustainable in the current economic climate. NSW Minister for Finance and Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said a strong public service was essential to delivering what matters to make daily life better.
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20 June

Health practitioners' role in building climate disaster resilience
Health practitioners have the opportunity to contribute their expertise to help reduce the health consequences of climate disasters across the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery phases of disaster management, say the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Apart from the acute health consequences of extreme weather events -- deaths from drowning, injuries, poisonings and infections -- climate disasters interrupt treatment and overall health care, exacerbating conditions or even causing deaths, wrote the authors, led by Professor Sotiris Vardoulakis, Professor of Global Environmental Health at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University.
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18 June

Australian doctors reform society
'The Australian Doctors Reform Society condemns the UK government's decision to extradite the Australian citizen, Julian Assange, to the USA and calls on PM Albanese to immediately request President Biden to stop the persecution of Julian Assange and allow Julian Assange to return to Australia' said Dr Robert Marr OAM general medical practitioner and Secretary General of the Australian Doctors Reform Society. ' President Obama pardoned the US citizen Chelsea Manning who released the secret information that Julian Assange published on Wikileaks and it is now time that President Biden stopped the US persecution of the Australian citizen Julian Assange' said Dr Marr.
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17 June

Australian medical students save 10,000 lives
Thousands of medical students across Australia have flocked over the past two months to be part of one of the country's biggest blood donation drives. President of the Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA), Jasmine Davis stated: 'Our annual drive, affectionately known as the Vampire Cup, is a time students can roll up their sleeves and save lives.' The Vampire Cup started in 2008 and unites Australia's medical students across 23 universities. The entirely student-driven campaign has seen outstanding results in 2022: with over 3000 donations, which equates to approximately 10,000 lives saved. 'We are so proud to see the incredible outcomes from this year's campaign,' said Peumike Dissanayake, National Coordinator of the Vampire Cup.
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16 June

NSW: Mr Philip Gorrell - Psychologist - Registration cancelled for professional misconduct and unsatisfactory professional conduct
The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission prosecuted a complaint against Mr Philip Gorrell, a registered psychologist, before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. It was alleged that the practitioner engaged in a sexual relationship with a client in 2017 in circumstances where:
- she had been referred to him for assessment and preparation of a court report as to whether she suffered from a mental illness
- she was a vulnerable person who suffered from a serious psychological illness
- he conducted the psychological assessment at her home
- he purchased and drank alcohol with her.
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NSW: Ms Hellen Haines - Registered Nurse - Disqualification for unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct
The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission prosecuted a complaint against registered nurse, Ms Helen Haines, before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal ('the Tribunal'). It was alleged that between 2 August 2019 and 25 March 2021, while working at the Albury and District Aged Care Nursing Home, Ms Haines:
- had been convicted of a criminal offence and failed to inform the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency;
- fraudulently attempted to fill a prescription for morphine issued in the name of a patient; and,
- provided false and misleading information to her employer and to the Commission.
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Hospitals

22 June

SA: Winter campaign to reduce pressure on EDs
The EDs are for Emergencies campaign urging South Australians to only go to hospital emergency departments in an emergency will be immediately restarted by the SA Government as hospitals face enormous winter pressure. The campaign which includes advertisements on social media and on television, comes as metro public hospitals are experiencing huge and unprecedented demand at the moment, with the potent combination of COVID cases, flu cases and normal winter ills - and lack of capacity after four years of under-resourcing by the former Government.
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SA: Greens call for thank you payments for healthcare workers
The SA Greens have renewed calls for thank you payments for healthcare workers, as new modelling reveals COVID cases are about to spike in the state and the hospital system is coming under increased pressure. 'We know that our hospital system is at breaking point and things are only going to get worse in the months ahead. We need to not only retain healthcare workers but also recruit new workers,' said Greens Health Spokesperson, Robert Simms MLC. 'The Malinauskas Government should follow the lead of Victoria and NSW and provide a $3,000 thank you payment to healthcare workers. This would be a simple gesture from the government that would send a positive message. It really is the least the government can do given the nightmare unfolding in our state's hospitals.'
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WA: Elective surgery wait list highest on record as WA stuck in Wait Awhile mode
'The Opposition is calling on the WA Government to take urgent measures to address the elective surgery wait list with more than 33,000 patients waiting for elective surgery in WA - the highest on record. The number is more than 10 per cent higher than the same time last year (29,980) and 65 per cent higher than when the Government was elected,' said WA Shadow Minister for Health Libby Mettam. 'The WA Government was stuck in first gear in a COVID fog and needed to urgently address the ever-growing list.'
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21 June

NSW Budget builds Parramatta's future
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the sustained level of infrastructure investment in the 2022-23 NSW Budget, which provides funding for a range of transport, cultural, health and infrastructure upgrades across Parramatta. Property Council's Western Sydney Regional Director Ross Grove said the budget confirmed Parramatta as a focal point for state investment. 'The Government has honoured its commitment to press on with Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail, which is a very big call in a city with so many infrastructure megaprojects underway at the same time,' Mr Grove said. 'We also welcome two new projects - the redevelopment of Parramatta Police Station and initial funding for the delivery of a modern integrated mental health complex within the Westmead Hospital campus.'
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NSW: Record $33 billion for healthcare in NSW
The NSW Government is investing a record $33 billion in health as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring world-class health services for people right across the state. On top of more than $30 billion in recurrent funding, the NSW Government will invest $2.8 billion in capital works to continue building and redeveloping hospitals and health facilities, delivering improved health outcomes for NSW families and communities. The record investment in the State's public health system would benefit the people of New South Wales both now and well into the future, said NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, NSW Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor and NSW Treasurer Matt Kean.
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QLD: Massive $9.78 billion investment in new hospitals and new beds in record health budget
Queensland hospitals will undergo the biggest expansion program ever seen in a State Budget focused squarely on health. The Government has delivered the largest investment in new hospitals and new beds in Queensland's history, with the 2022-23 State Budget providing additional funding of $9.78 billion over six years, said QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. The new hospitals and hospital expansion projects announced in the State Budget will deliver 2509 extra beds across Queensland over the next six years. QLD Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said the State Budget would support strong growth in the health workforce.
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20 June

Information transfer solutions for hospital admission and discharge transitions
North metro-based services providing home and living supports are invited to an event to develop an information transfer solution for hospital admissions and discharges for people with disability, said National Disability Services (NDS). Hosted by Joondalup Health Campus and the Ready to Go Home project, the Disability Health Connect event aims to:
- Identify information critical to aid smooth transitions for people with disability
- Explore solutions to enable timely consent to share information
- Design an effective mechanism for the transfer of patient information.
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NSW: Extra $408 million to fast-track elective surgery
The NSW Government will invest a further $408 million in the 2022-23 Budget to fast-track elective surgeries delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic response. Premier Dominic Perrottet said the funding boost will take the Government's total commitment to reducing wait times to almost $1 billion. Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government's investment will boost staff by 267 Full- Time Equivalent (FTE) and open additional theatre lists at some hospitals on evenings and weekends. Treasurer Matt Kean and Minister for Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the funding is a boost for the community, but also for the healthcare professionals who provide surgery in NSW.
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19 June

VIC: Leading the way to build a new Albury Wodonga hospital
The Victorian Opposition will announce the next step of its plan to fix Victoria's healthcare crisis, contributing $300 million to build a new hospital for the Albury Wodonga border community. Victorian Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy, said Victorians had been forgotten by a government more concerned with spin and PR than fixing the crisis it caused. Victorian Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier and Victorian Member for Benambra Bill Tilley said due to years of underinvestment, the current facility is strained, and dedicated, hardworking local healthcare workers have been left overwhelmed.
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18 June

TAS: Free sanitary pads and tampons in public hospitals
The Tasmanian Government is committed to helping to create an inclusive health system in Tasmania. Tasmanian Minister for Women Jo Palmer said when you're in hospital, you may be sick, stressed, vulnerable or in recovery and this can be made more uncomfortable by having to source sanitary items. Following our announcement last year that public school students would have access to free sanitary pads and tampons, we will now be offering free access to sanitary items in public hospitals.
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17 June

NSW: Muswellbrook Hospital redevelopment
The concept design for the $45 million third stage of the Muswellbrook Hospital redevelopment has been unveiled, providing the local community with its first look at the enhanced health facility. State Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said the project builds on significant redevelopments already delivered at the hospital, consolidating all acute clinical services into the one building to provide state-of-the-art health facilities and enhanced health services. NSW Minister for Regional Health and Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor said the redevelopment would significantly improve workflow for staff and facilitate contemporary models of care to ensure a more efficient and sustainable health service.
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Insurance

None this edition.

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Medicare

None this edition.

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Men's Health

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Mental Health

21 June

NSW State Budget builds Parramatta's future
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the sustained level of infrastructure investment in the 2022-23 NSW Budget, which provides funding for a range of transport, cultural, health and infrastructure upgrades across Parramatta. Property Council's Western Sydney Regional Director Ross Grove said the budget confirmed Parramatta as a focal point for state investment. 'The Government has honoured its commitment to press on with Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail, which is a very big call in a city with so many infrastructure megaprojects underway at the same time,' Mr Grove said. 'We also welcome two new projects - the redevelopment of Parramatta Police Station and initial funding for the delivery of a modern integrated mental health complex within the Westmead Hospital campus.'
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NSW: $2.9 billion to support mental health and wellbeing
The NSW Government will deliver a record $2.9 billion investment into mental health services and support for people across the State as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said a significant amount of the funding would be spent on mental health initiatives to support the social and emotional wellbeing of New South Wales residents. NSW Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the funding would improve vital services and ensure mental health support was more readily available for those who needed it. NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the $2.9 billion announced included the $130 million COVID-19 mental health recovery package announced in October 2021 and the $25 million flood recovery package, announced this year.
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NSW: Supporting customer health with digital initiatives
From helping parents keep track of their newborn's milestones to creating a single state-wide medical record and supporting better patient outcomes and virtual care, the NSW Government is embracing digital solutions to help NSW residents. NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said digital innovations were key to helping customers stay on top of their wellbeing with new solutions such as the NSW Health App, the Digital Baby Book and the Single Digital Patient Record to change the way people manage their health. 'The NSW Government is a world leader in delivering customer-centric digital outcomes and nowhere is this more important than in supporting the health and wellbeing of the State's residents,' Mr Dominello said.
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QLD: Supporting Queensland small businesses and better mental health services
The Queensland Government will deliver payroll tax cuts to small-and-medium-sized business, and support to mental health, as part of the 2022-23 Budget. Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said the budget delivered on the bipartisan recommendation of the Mental Health Select Committee to create a dedicated funding source for mental health, alcohol and other drug services. 'The bipartisan mental health select committee was clear, we must invest more through a dedicated funding source,' the Treasurer said. 'The 2022-23 Budget delivers on this recommendation, with the creation of a mental health levy on large businesses with national payrolls of more than $10 million.'
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VIC: More mental health support for young Victorians
The Victorian Government is making the biggest single investment in student mental health in Australian history - delivering the support young Victorians need, and catching mental health concerns earlier so children aren't slipping through the cracks of the system, said Victorian Minister for Mental Health and Education James Merlino. The Government will invest $200 million to expand the successful Mental Health in Primary Schools program to every single government and low-fee non-government primary school in Victoria - 1800 school campuses. Scaling up across the state from 2023, by 2026 every school will employ a Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader to implement a whole-school approach to wellbeing.
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20 June

OFSC information and guidance on managing risks to mental health
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) has launched a new mental health webpage to assist building companies to connect with mental health and wellbeing resources. The new webpage aims to make it easier for building companies to understand their safety obligations in relation to mental health and to connect with support programs including Commonwealth and State/Territory Government Guidelines and codes of practice, resources and toolkits, and other industry initiatives. Exposure to psychosocial hazards, and the risk of psychological injury as a result, is a serious problem affecting the building and construction industry.
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WA: Sports program to support Aboriginal children's mental health
The WA Government has announced funding for Garnduwa Amboorny Wirnan Aboriginal Corporation (Garnduwa) to promote mental health through its annual sport and recreation program over the next three years. The Think Mental Health campaign will be promoted through its Kimberley Active Communities Program, which delivers sports carnivals, competitions, and events to Aboriginal children and young people. WA Minister for Health Amber-Jade Sanderson said, 'We want Aboriginal children and young people in our regional communities to receive the support they need to live healthy and active lifestyles.'
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WA: More than a million dollars for research to improve mental health in the WA community
Two research programs will share in nearly $1.2 million from the WA Government's Translation Fellowships funding to identify and trial new strategies to combat mental health challenges. Minister for Emergency Services Stephen Dawson said The Translation Fellowships 2021: Mental Health Program is funded through the WA Government's Future Health Research and Innovation Fund which provides a source of funding to drive health and medical research, innovation and commercialisation.
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17 June

Tackling loneliness with a social prescription
Loneliness and social disconnection are hidden health risk factors, and as more Australians than ever before report experiencing loneliness, as a symptom of a more disconnected society and compounded by pandemic restrictions, health advocacy groups and clinicians are calling for initiatives to reduce the loneliness epidemic such as social prescribing. As Loneliness Awareness Week draws to a close, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Consumers Health Forum (CHF) and Mental Health Australia (MHA) are highlighting the risks that loneliness puts on health and chronic disease and calling on health policy leaders to fund a national social prescribing scheme as a timely solution that can be implemented through primary health care.
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TAS: Have your say on suicide prevention in Tasmania
The Tasmanian Government is developing the next Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy. As an important first step, we have launched an online survey to learn more about the views, needs, and experiences of the Tasmanian community. All members of the community are invited to join the conversation and complete the survey.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

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