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)
30 June
Review into COVID-19 vaccine and treatment purchases
The Government is undertaking an independent review of Australia's vaccine and treatment procurements, led by former Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Health, Professor Jane Halton AO, announced Minister for Health Mark Butler. This review is a chance for the Government to examine the current procurement processes for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments and take stock of our current supplies. It will help ensure all eligible Australians have access to COVID-19 vaccines based on the medical advice, now and in the future.
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27 June
Local RAT manufacturers still waiting for TGA approval
A Victorian manufacturing facility meant to already be churning out a million Covid-19 rapid antigen tests per month is yet to get off the ground as Australian companies continue to wait for regulatory approvals reported InnovationAus. A number of Australian companies are currently manufacturing rapid antigen tests (RATs) locally and sending them to overseas markets, while most tests available locally are made overseas. These companies are still waiting on approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for their RATs, with some waiting on full European clinical trials before being able to receive approval.
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The pandemic altered our lives forever.
It changed the way we travel, challenged the way we spend time and shifted how we think about work. For young Australians, living through lockdown and pandemic during a formative time in their early adult lives was a significant challenge In Mission Australia's 2021 Youth Survey - an annual survey of more than 200,000 young people - we saw the firsthand impacts of lockdown on young people across the country. Data from the report revealed that young people in New South Wales and Victoria - states with the highest number of lockdowns-reported higher proportions of negative impacts from COVID-19 on various aspects of their lives including mental health, participation in activities and education.
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SA: COVID-19 Update 27 June 2022
27 JUN: There have been 2,137 new cases of COVID-19 reported in South Australia by SA Health. There are currently 15,878 active cases in South Australia. Sadly, SA Health can confirm a woman in her 80s, two women in their 90s, a man in his 80s, a man in his 90s and a man over 100 who tested positive for COVID-19, have passed away. There are 210 people with COVID-19 in hospital, including nine people in ICU. Of those hospitalised, 117 people have received three or more vaccine doses and 87 people are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated and six have an unknown vaccination status.
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WA: COVID-19 update: 27 June 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 3,434 new cases to 6pm June 26th. There are currently 27,167 active cases in Western Australia. To 6pm June 26th, there were 234 people with COVID19 in hospital, 8 in ICU. Sadly, this report includes five deaths, dating back to 17 June, which were reported to WA Health. This includes a man and woman in their 90s, two women in their 80s and a man in his 60s. Due to confidentiality requirements, no further information on these cases will be released by the Department.
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24 June
NSW: NSW Education proposes change to vaccine mandate
The majority of NSW Department of Education staff will no longer have to be vaccinated for work under a proposal to be taken to key stakeholders. Staff who work in Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs) or support units and classes will be required to maintain up-to-date doses of COVID-19 vaccine, as will Assisted Travel Support Officers (ATSOs) and drivers. This means staff working in these settings will require a third booster dose to attend work. NSW Department of Education Secretary, Georgina Harrisson, said the new policy followed a comprehensive independent workplace risk assessment.
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QLD: Vaccination mandates to ease in Queensland on June 30
COVID vaccination requirements across a range of categories will be eased in Queensland from 1am June 30. QLD Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said: 'As we move to the next stage of the pandemic, we will be adjusting our approach in relation to mandatory vaccinations. 'From 30 June, mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations will no longer be required for visitors to residential aged care, disability accommodation or corrective service facilities. In addition, we will be revoking our high-risk workers COVID-19 vaccine mandate, with decisions around mandatory vaccinations to instead be made by employers.'
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23 June
Take on Winter
The Australian Government has launched the latest phase of the COVID-19 campaign to encourage Australians to get up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination and receive their flu vaccination this winter, according to the Department of Health. Australians are being encouraged to take on winter by receiving their flu shot and staying up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination. The new 'Take on winter' campaign reminds people we are more vulnerable to illnesses this year and it's safe to have both COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations at the same time. The campaign will be rolled out across a range of channels, including television, radio, out-of-home, digital and social media.
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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
None this edition.
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Clinical Governance
28 June
2021 Census data: over 8 million Australians have a long-term health condition
'2021 is the first time Census has collected information on diagnosed long-term health conditions. Over two million people reported having at least one of the following conditions - mental health (2,231,543), arthritis (2,150,396) or asthma (2,068,020), with these being the most reported long-term health conditions. Almost 4.8 million (4,791,516) people reported having one of the ten long-term health conditions listed on the Census form, while nearly 1.5 million (1,490,344) had two of these health conditions and over 750,000 (772,142) had three or more of these long- term health conditions.' said the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
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Protecting Australian from asbestos and knowing your obligations
The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency has launched a new information campaign informing residential property buyers, sellers, renters and landlords of their responsibilities and rights when it comes to asbestos when buying or renting a home. If a home was built before 1990, it can contain asbestos both inside and outside. Asbestos is still found in 1 in 3 Australian homes. Asbestos is known to cause cancer. Asbestos is dangerous when damaged, disturbed during renovation or repairs or deteriorating. But by knowing where asbestos can be in a residential property, we can all keep safe.
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27 June
Fees and charges: summary from 1 July 2022
The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) is required to recover its costs for all activities that fall within the scope of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, including the TGA's public health responsibilities. A fee is charged for a service, such as a product evaluation. A charge is a form of tax on regulated industry and is applied annually based on a 1 July to 30 June financial year. This guidance is a summary of fees and charges, which are in the Australian therapeutic goods legislation. This is not an exhaustive list. For a complete list of all fees and charges and the exact legislative wording, please refer directly to the legislation.
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Important annual charge deadlines
Sponsors are reminded that if your product is no longer supplied, you can cancel your entry from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), said the TGA. Products on the ARTG from 1 July 2022 will incur a 2022-23 annual charge (unless exempt). Sponsors who miss the declaration period may apply to have Annual Charge Exemption (ACE) restored on their entries between 23 July and 15 September 2022. A late lodgement declaration and payment of the relevant fee is required.
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25 June
North Queensland doctors condemn pharmacy trial at AMA Town Hall
Doctors from north Queensland have supported a motion condemning a pharmacy prescribing trial as dangerous and called on the Queensland Government to abandon it in favour of working on sustainable, safe solutions for patients. More than 100 doctors registered to attend an Australian Medical Association (AMA) Emergency Town Hall meeting late this week, demonstrating the grave concerns local doctors have about the proposed trial. AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid told attendees the proposed trial would put patients' lives at risk and would undermine the critical role of General Practice.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
None this edition.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
27 June
Improving access to conferences for people with disability
The Australian Government has announced 33 conference organisers will share in $315,000 in funding to maximise the inclusion and participation of people with disability. Each conference organiser will receive a grant of up to $10,000 to support participation at disability- related conferences in 2022-23. Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, said this funding, provided under the longstanding National Disability Conference Initiative, is just one of the tangible deliverables under the Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031. 'We want to ensure Australians with disability are provided with greater opportunities to take part in all areas of Australian life, including forums and conferences looking at issues affecting them,' Minister Rishworth said.
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2022-23 Pricing arrangements updates
Play therapy and other key NDIS services will continue to be claimable under the NDIS. The recent changes to the description of therapy supports in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits were recommended by the Annual Pricing Review after extensive consultation with the disability sector, according to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Recent price changes were not intended to, and do not in any way, alter the types of supports that can be provided. Over the last week we have received feedback that these changes were not clear to all providers and participants. The NDIA apologises for any confusion caused.
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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
30 June
Government failure on telehealth services puts vulnerable patients at risk
The Federal Government has failed an early test of its pandemic response by refusing to extend COVID-19 telehealth services despite the ongoing challenges to our health system, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) says. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said the refusal of the Government to extend Medicare-funded COVID-19 telehealth services from 1 July would limit vulnerable patients' telephone access to doctors. 'This decision means telephone access to doctors will be significantly limited and this will hit vulnerable patients hardest, including those who do not have access to high bandwidth internet and those who can't operate the necessary IT systems,' he said.
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RACGP welcomes compliance delay but urges further action needed on telehealth
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed news that the Government will be deferring planned telehealth compliance rules but warned that Medicare rebates for longer telehealth phone consultations must be a permanent fixture of the nation's telehealth scheme. It comes following the announcement that the federal Government will be postponing until at least September this year (a) the reintroduction of the existing 80/20 rule (amended to include video, telephone as well as face-to-face GP consultations); and (b) the implementation of a new 30/20 rule for phone services.
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Education and Training
None this edition.
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Funding
29 June
Sleep study and new drug treatment awarded Innovation Grants
Research projects that will test how acoustic sleep technology and a new drug treatment can help reduce toxins associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease will share $750,000 in funding from the Dementia Australia Research Foundation. Associate Professor Clare Anderson from Monash University and Professor Michael Parker from St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research were both awarded a Faye Williams Innovation Grant, each worth $375,000. In an Australian first, Associate Professor Anderson's team at Monash University's Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health will use cutting edge acoustic stimulation technology to stimulate slow wave sleep in research participants.
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Health Professionals
29 June
Code of conduct updated to improve patient safety
A revised and more contemporary Code of conduct (the code), which outlines what the public can expect when they see a registered health practitioner, has come into effect. The code applies to registered health practitioners in 12 professions, specifically to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners, chiropractors, Chinese medicine practitioners, dental practitioners, medical radiation practitioners, occupational therapists, optometrists, osteopaths, paramedics, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists and podiatric surgeons. Australian Healthcare Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) CEO, Martin Fletcher said the code had been revised to reflect changes in public expectations and professional practice.
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Kylie Woolcock appointed AHHA Chief Executive
The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Kylie Woolcock as Chief Executive. AHHA Board Chair the Hon Jillian Skinner said Kylie's appointment follows on from a busy six months acting in the role. 'Kylie is an outstanding choice, bringing a wealth of policy and advocacy experience to the role; as well as an extensive understanding in the for-purpose sector. 'Ms Woolcock has worked in the health sector for over 20 years, and has spent the past few months connecting with our membership, key stakeholders in government and our partners to understand their priorities in health system reform.
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28 June
Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award third-party nominations close Friday
Pharmacy owners, managers and colleagues wishing to nominate pharmacy staff for this year's Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award (PATY) have limited time left to do so, with third party nominations closing this Friday 1 July. PATY provides a national platform for pharmacy assistants to be recognised for their dedication to work, commitment to patients and integral role in the community pharmacy team. There's a prize pool of over $10,000, including $5,000 cash, a customised training package and return travel to Guild events.
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27 June
Tribunal cancels doctor's registration for conduct online
A medical practitioner has had his registration canceled for conduct that was 'outrageous' and 'far beyond the standards expected' of the profession. Medical Board Chair Anne Tonkin said she welcomed the outcome. 'Doctors are respected and trusted members of the community. When that trust is eroded by unacceptable and abhorrent conduct, whether in person or online, that can have serious consequences for patient safety.' Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) CEO Martin Fletcher added, 'We will not hesitate to take action against practitioners who erode that trust and put public safety at risk.'
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Hospitals
None this edition.
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Insurance
None this edition.
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Medicare
None this edition.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
28 June
2021 Census will help deliver better outcomes for veterans
For the first time, the 2021 Census asked about current and former service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), announced the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This new data will assist in the development of policy and planning, including determining the most beneficial locations across Australia to offer services to veterans. The 2021 Census found more than half a million Australians (581,139) have served, or are currently serving, in the ADF. There are 84,865 current serving members and 496,276 former serving members.
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24 June
NSW: Increased mental health funding to help communities
Record spending on initiatives to address mental health and wellbeing across NSW has been welcomed by NSW Mental Health Commissioner Catherine Lourey. Ms Lourey said the NSW State Budget includes funding for a range of priorities identified by the Commission as necessary to support communities at grassroots level. 'We have spoken to hundreds of people over the past six months to understand the needs of people across NSW with lived or living experience of suicidal distress, caring for someone through suicidal crisis and people who are bereaved by suicide as well as community representatives and professionals across the state,' Ms Lourey said.
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WA: Mental health pilot to boost Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing
'The Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia has been awarded $17.6 million to deliver a mental health pilot to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal people,' said WA Mental Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson. The regional Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Model of Service pilot program aims to increase access to social and emotional wellbeing and healthcare services for Aboriginal people of all ages in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid-West, Goldfields and South-West regions of WA. Through culturally secure prevention and community development, psychosocial support, targeted interventions and coordinated care by multidisciplinary teams, the pilot is expected to improve quality of life for Aboriginal people.
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23 June
WA: Innovation investment to build resilient children and confident young people
The WA government has announced 11 Western Australian health and medical researchers will share in $1.5 Million of funding aimed at strengthening mental health and resilience in the state's children and young adults. The innovation challenge 2021: Child and youth mental health is supporting some of WA's brightest minds to find new ways to meet the needs of children and young people experiencing poor mental health, according to WA Minister for Medical Research Stephen Dawson and WA Minister for Mental Health Amber-Jade Sanderson.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
30 June
Digital Transformation of Authority Required (Written) PBS listings
Commencing 1 July 2022, changes will begin to be made to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings of medicines that require prescribers to apply to Services Australia in writing or upload documents in Health Professional Online Services (HPOS). These changes will allow prescribers to apply for authority approval to prescribe these medicines using Services Australia's Online PBS Authorities (OPA) System. This same channel is already in use for medicines that have Authority Required (telephone) PBS listings and these changes are intended to reduce the administrative burden for prescribers and allow patients to have faster access to their medicines.
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WA: free flu vaccination extension welcomed by pharmacists
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the extension of the free flu vaccination program in Western Australia until the end of July. Incoming PSA WA State President Lusi Sheehan says the move will encourage more West Australians to get their flu shot. 'We know that cost is a significant barrier to many people getting a regular flu shot. Being able to deliver another month of vaccinations at no cost to the public makes a big difference,' she said. 'We need to make it easier for all Australians to be protected against influenza every year.'
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29 June
Receipt of licence application from Bioproperties Pty Ltd for commercial supply of a genetically modified infectious laryngotracheitis vaccine for chickens
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application (DIR 193) from Bioproperties Pty Ltd. A summary of the application and a Questions and Answers document are posted on our website under News or search for DIR 193. Bioproperties Pty Ltd is seeking approval for transport, storage, supply to poultry farms and disposal of a live attenuated genetically modified (GM) infectious laryngotracheitis vaccine (known as Vaxsafe® ILT) as part of its commercial supply of a vaccine for chickens.
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Research
30 June
ACRF INCITe Centre for world-class cancer imaging launches at the Garvan Institute
A new cancer imaging centre at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research was officially launched. The ACRF Intravital Imaging of Niches for Cancer Immune Therapy (INCITe) Centre houses two Australian-designed, world-leading microscopes, giving unprecedented views of the interactions between cancer cells and the immune system. The microscopes can record real-time images of cancer-immune cell interactions in vivo and at the molecular level, giving researchers a comprehensive view of how the immune system can work to fight cancer.
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29 June
Open Air Factor: a natural form of infection control?
A leading infectious diseases expert from The Australian National University (ANU) suggests a forgotten but formidable protective agent that's been documented in medical journals for close to two centuries could be key to defending against airborne bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19. Professor Peter Collignon AM said the fresh air we breathe outdoors has certain germicidal properties that can 'dilute' and limit the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses outside. He says outdoor air also has certain properties that can kill airborne viruses. 'This is why being outdoors helps protect people from contracting COVID- 19,' Professor Collignon said.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
None this edition.
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Women's Health
28 June
International neonatal screening day
'28 June is International Neonatal Screening Day, a day that celebrates the birthday of Dr Robert Guthrie, the American microbiologist who introduced the first dried bloodspot testing for rare disease,' said Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler. 'Australian babies have been screened using Guthrie's method since the 1960s. Each year, one in every 1000 Australian babies is diagnosed with a severe and life-threatening rare disease that would have gone undetected without newborn bloodspot screening. The Government is committed to making Australia's Newborn Screening Programs world class, which will save lives and deliver better care.'
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24 June
Processing of self-collection samples
Providers of medical pathology services must clearly identify self-collected vaginal samples for HPV testing as part of the National Cervical Screening Program. This includes referring self-collected vaginal samples onto a laboratory who can process them, where necessary. There is a range of collection devices and methods available for use under the National Cervical Screening Program for self-collected vaginal samples. As a result, different pathology laboratories may have different collection and handling instructions and requirements, said the Department of Health.
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Transcripts
Australian Medical Association
30 JUN: Transcript of President Dr Omar Khorshid and Vice President Dr Chris Moy's Doorstop Interview, Canberra
Subjects: Private healthcare, COVID-19, Telehealth arrangements, Private health insurance
Minister for Health Mark Butler
29 JUN: Opinion Piece - 'No time for complacency in battle with COVID-19'
Subjects: Influenza, Booster rollout, Omicron variant, Flu vaccinations, Oral COVID-19 treatments, Health system pressures, Vaccine rollout
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles
28 JUN: Transcript of Press Conference, Canberra
Subjects: ADF senior leadership appointments, Brereton Report, Defence procurement, Submarine capability, United States alliance, Ukraine, AUKUS, Indo-Pacific, COVID-19, Defence, CDF
Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh
28 JUN: Transcript of Press Conference, Townsville
Subjects: ABS Census, Defence force, Veterans, Oasis Townsville, Royal Commission, Mental health, Department of Veterans' Affairs, Support services
Minister for NDIS and Government Services Bill Shorten
28 JUN: Transcript of Interview with Leon Byner, 5AA
Subjects: NDIS, Cost of the Scheme, NDIS fraud, Provider registration, Federal & state/territory cooperation, AAT cases, COVID-19
Minister for Agriculture and Emergency Management Murray Watt
27 JUN: Transcript of Interview with Steve Price, Australia Today
Subjects: Pensioners, Working hours, Agricultural workforce, Labour shortages, Jobs & skills summit, Ag visa, COVID-19, Farmers, Backpackers, Pacific workers, Unions
Minister for Education Jason Clare
26 JUN: Transcript of Interview with Andrew Clennell, Sky News Live Sunday Agenda
Subjects: Education for Indigenous children, Childcare reforms, International students, Economy, Health care sector
Department of Health
24 JUN: Transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly Interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News Live
Subjects: COVID boosters, Omicron, Reinfection rate, Aged care, Foot and mouth disease
Department of Health
24 JUN: Transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly's Interview with Alex Cullen, Today Show
Subjects: COVID-19, Booster shots, Flu season, Vaccines, Oral medications, Antivirals
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten
25 JUN: Transcript of Interview with Phil Woods, 2GB
Subjects: NDIS, Fraud, Clearing AAT cases, Improving hospital discharge rates, Family Day Care Scheme, AFP, Organised rorting, Sydney Harbor Bridge flagpole
Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy
23 JUN: Transcript of Interview with Jenny Marchant and Dan Cox, ABC Newcastle
Subjects: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Kigali, Rwanda, Climate change, Regional security, Post-COVID recovery, National interests
Minister for Education Jason Clare, NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles
23 JUN: Transcript of Doorstop, Charles Darwin University
Subjects: CDU Testlab, Advance manufacturing and vocational training, Darwin development projects, COVID, Remote schooling, Universities, Arnhem space station, Drones
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Reports
Family, domestic and sexual violence data in Australia
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
Family, domestic and sexual violence is a major health, welfare and social issue. It affects people of all ages and from all backgrounds, but mainly women and children. This release brings together a range of sources to report a core set of data in an interactive format, and summarise changes in measures of family, domestic and sexual violence over time. It complements the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's Family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia report series. Future releases will include data for new measures and updated data for existing measures
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Human fibrinogen / Human thrombin
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
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A whole of system approach to reforming private healthcare: The role of a Private Health System Authority
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
Private healthcare is an essential pillar of our health system, working in partnership with the public sector to ensure Australians have access to safe, high-quality, and affordable private healthcare. While we have seen a modest increase in private health insurance uptake in the last year which can be attributed in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, the viability of the private sector is still in trouble. Over the last five years we have seen a significant shift in the demographics of the insured population, with those over the age of 60 set to become the largest insured population.
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Sepsis Clinical Care Standard
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare
Each year more than 8,700 Australians die from sepsis, a condition that is triggered by an infection and can turn into a deadly disease if undetected. Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection, causing damage to its own tissues and organs. It affects more than 55,000 Australians of all ages every year. Many of these people are normally healthy, but those who survive sepsis often experience prolonged after-effects or will have a lifelong disability. Sepsis also has a tangible impact on our healthcare system, with $700 million in direct hospital costs, and indirect costs of more than $4 billion each year.
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Cost recovery implementation statement: Administration of Private Health Insurance Second-Tier Default Benefits
Department of Health
Cost recovery involves government entities charging individuals or non-government organisations some or all of the efficient costs of a regulatory activity. This may include goods, services or regulation, or a combination of them. The Australian Government Charging Framework, which incorporates the Cost Recovery Guidelines (the CRGs)1, sets out the framework under which government entities design, implement and review regulatory charging activities, consistent with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).
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Ambulance ramping associated with increased 30- day risk of death
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
Longer ambulance offload times are associated with greater 30-day risks of death and ambulance re- attendance, according to Victorian research published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Researchers from Ambulance Victoria, Monash University, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Alfred Health, and the Baker Heart Research Institute analysed data from adults with non-traumatic chest pain transported by ambulance to Victorian emergency departments (EDs), 1 January 2015 - 30 June 2019. Patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (on pre-hospital electrocardiography) and those who were transferred between hospitals or not transported to hospital (eg, cardiac arrest or death prior to transport) were excluded from the study.
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Ear and hearing health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 2021
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
This is the inaugural Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) national report on the ear and hearing health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adults. Indigenous Australians experience excessive rates of ear and hearing problems which can have profound impacts on overall health and quality of life. These problems may limit opportunities for education, work, personal relationships and wider community engagement. Problems affecting children can have ongoing impacts, affecting speech, language, cognitive and behavioural development. Importantly, ear and hearing problems affect the passing of Indigenous cultural knowledge and immersion in culture.
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Cultural safety in health care for Indigenous Australians: monitoring framework
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
Improving cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care users can improve access to, and the quality of health care. This means a health system that respects Indigenous cultural values, strengths and differences, and also addresses racism and inequity. The Cultural safety in health care for Indigenous Australians: monitoring framework aims to measure progress in achieving cultural safety in the Australian health system. For this purpose, cultural safety is defined with reference to the experiences of Indigenous health care users, of the care they are given, their ability to access services and to raise concerns.
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Commonwealth home support programme
Department of Health
The Department has designed this manual for use by CHSP service providers. The manual forms part of the CHSP Grant Agreement and outlines the operation of the program. Part A - The program provides an overview of the CHSP, including funded service types and their requirements. Part B - Administration of the CHSP outlines the responsibilities of the service provider and the Department, including funding and reporting requirements. The CHSP program manual 2020-2022 replaces the previous versions of this manual. The Department will review the ongoing operations of the CHSP.
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Duty of care: Aged care sector in crisis
Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA)
Less than a year ago, CEDA released research estimating the need for an additional 17,000 aged care workers each year. Skills shortages and challenging circumstances have prompted CEDA to revisit these projections, with the result that we now expect an annual shortfall of 30,000 to 35,000 direct care workers. CEDA's objective in publishing this report is to encourage constructive debate and discussion on matters of national economic importance. Persons who rely upon the material published do so at their own risk.
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Health: Census
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Information on long-term health conditions. Key statistics- the 2021 Census insights include:
- Over 8 million people reported having a long-term health condition.
- 4,791,516 people had one of the selected long-term health conditions.
- 1,490,344 people had two of the selected long-term health conditions.
- 772,142 people had three or more of the selected long-term health conditions
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Australian public assessment report for Glu-urea-Lys(ahx)-hbed-CC
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Illuccix, after radiolabelling with Ga-68, is a radioactive diagnostic agent indicated for use with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging combined with computerised tomography (CT) in patients with prostate cancer. Radiopharmaceuticals should be used by or under the control of physicians who are qualified by specific training and experience in the safe use and handling of radionuclides, and whose experience and training have been approved by the appropriate governmental agency authorised to license the use of radionuclides.
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D-dimer testing after snakebite: Vital diagnostic aid
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
The increased availability of D-Dimer testing -- a blood test that checks for, or monitors, blood-clotting problems - may be a vital aid to the early diagnosis of venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC), the most frequent systemic effect of snakebite in Australia, according to research published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Professor Geoffrey Isbister, from the University of Newcastle and Calvary Mater Newcastle, and colleagues analysed data for suspected and confirmed cases of snakebite collected prospectively by the Australian Snakebite Project, 2005-2019, from 200 hospitals across Australia.
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Delta variant's higher in-hospital mortality
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
Higher in-hospital mortality during the third pandemic wave may have reflected the greater virulence of the Delta variant or the increased volume of COVID-19-related intensive care admissions, according to the authors of research published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Researchers from the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, Monash University, in collaboration with the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group, and hospitals around the country set out to compare the demographic and clinical features, management, and outcomes for patients admitted with COVID-19 to intensive care units (ICUs).
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Investigation into the National Disability Insurance Agency's preparation to meet the Participant Service Guarantee
Commonwealth Ombudsman
Acting Commonwealth Ombudsman, Penny McKay, released the report National Disability Insurance Agency's (NDIA) preparation to meet the Participant Service Guarantee (PSG). The PSG was designed to respond to the most common complaints of NDIS participants - delays in decision making and lack of information. The own motion investigation examined the NDIA's preparation to meet the PSG. Their investigation found the NDIA is creating a solid foundation for delivering on the PSG so the NDIA can deliver a timely and quality experience for NDIS participants.
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Clinical evidence guidelines for medical devices
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
These guidelines provide details and guidance on the clinical evidence requirements for medical devices, including in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs), under Australian legislation. For IVDs, there is also a supplementary document titled 'Clinical evidence guidelines supplement: In vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices', which should be reviewed in conjunction with these guidelines. The guidelines are intended to be a common reference point for both industry and the regulator - assisting sponsors and manufacturers to collect, compile and present clinical evidence in a manner that meets regulatory requirements, while reflecting the TGA's approach to how it assesses clinical evidence.
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Australian public assessment report for Trastuzumab deruxtecan
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Enhertu is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti HER2-based regimens. This indication is approved via the provisional approval pathway, based on overall response rate and duration of response. Full registration for this indication depends on verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. The recommended dose of Enhertu is 5.4 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion once every 3 weeks (21 day cycle) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
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The incidence of falls after first and second eye cataract surgery: A longitudinal cohort study
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
Older Australians with cataract can wait for substantial periods for both first and second eye cataract surgery in the public hospital system, despite research showing that the second surgery is essential to reducing the incidence of falls. Published by the Medical Journal of Australia, the research analysed data from people aged 65 years or more referred for bilateral age-related cataract surgery during 2013-16, for a maximum of 24 months after study entry or until six months after second eye surgery, whichever was shorter.
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Contemporary community pharmacy practice white paper
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA)
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is launching its first contemporary community pharmacy practice White Paper, which highlights three key elements of consideration which form the foundation of a viable and sustainable contemporary community pharmacy practice.
1. Community pharmacy workforce capacity and capability;
2. Recognition and remuneration for community pharmacists; and
3. Innovative and sustainable community pharmacy practice model.
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Hansards
South Australia
17 JUN 2022: SA ESTIMATES HANSARD: Estimates Committee B - Department for Health and Wellbeing - Mental Health and Substance Abuse
17 JUN 2022: SA ESTIMATES HANSARD: Estimates Committee B - Department for Health and Wellbeing - Office for Ageing Well
17 JUN 2022: SA ESTIMATES HANSARD: Estimates Committee B - Department for Health and Wellbeing - Department for Health and Wellbeing, $4,814,787,000 Wellbeing SA, $20,952,000 - Commission on Excellence and Innovation in Health, $6,049,000
Tasmania
21 JUN 2022: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Response to Petition - Support for Youth - Mental Health Challenges
14 JUN 2022: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Matter of Public Importance - Health Workforce Retention
14 JUN 2022: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Budget 2022-23 - Investment in Health Services
01 JUN 2022: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Budget 2022-21 - Health Infrastructure
01 JUN 2022: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Matter of Public Importance - Cuts to Health Funding
31 MAY 2022: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Matter of Public Importance - Valuing Health Workers
31 MAY 2022: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Budget 2022-23 - Wages and Conditions for Health Workers
31 MAY 2022: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Calvary Hospital, Lenah Valley - Accident and Emergency Department
26 MAY 2022: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions - West Coast District Hospital - Emergency Department Upgrade
26 MAY 2022: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions - West Coast District Hospital - Capital Works
26 MAY 2022: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions - West Coast District Hospital - Payment of Staff
26 MAY 2022: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions - West Coast District Hospital - Funding and Equipment
26 MAY 2022: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions - West Coast District Hospital - Staff Accommodation
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Court Cases
Trott & Brenton [2022] FedCFamC1F 366
25 MAY- Catchwords: Family law - Parenting - COVID-19 vaccination - Determination of a separate issue
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New Regulations
Federal
Social Security (Qualification for Crisis Payment - National Health Emergency) Amendment Determination 2022
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00889
The Social Security (Qualification for Crisis Payment - National Health Emergency) Amendment Determination 2022 (this Determination) amends the Social Security (Coronavirus Economic Response - 2020 Measures No. 2) Determination 2020 (the No. 2 Determination). The purpose of this Determination is to add to the requirements a person must meet in order to qualify for crisis payment under the Social Security Act 1991 (the Act) in circumstances relating to the coronavirus known as COVID-19.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Take Home Naloxone Pilot) Special Arrangement Amendment (2022 Measures No. 1) Instrument 2022
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00887
The National Health (Take Home Naloxone Pilot) Special Arrangement Amendment (2022 Measures No.1) Instrument 2022 (PB 60 of 2022) (the Amendment Instrument) amends the National Health (Take Home Naloxone Pilot) Special Arrangement 2019 (PB 97 of 2019) (the Arrangement) to expand the Take Home Naloxone (THN) program initially piloted in New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia nationally, commencing 1 July 2022. Commencing 1 July 2022, the expanded national THN program enables the supply of naloxone free of charge and without a prescription to persons who are at risk of an opioid overdose, and persons who are likely to be able to assist such persons, outside of the normal Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme supply regime.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2022 (No. 6)
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00878
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under sections 84AF, 84AK, 85, 85A, 88 and 101 of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act), is to amend the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012 (PB 71 of 2012) to make changes to the pharmaceutical benefits listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and related matters. PB 71 of 2012 determines the pharmaceutical benefits that are on the PBS through declarations of drugs and medicinal preparations, and determinations of forms, manners of administration and brands. It also provides for related matters (equivalent brands, responsible persons, prescribing circumstances, maximum quantities, number of repeats, determined quantity and pack quantity, section 100 only status and prescriber bag only status).
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Closing the Gap-PBS Co-payment Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (Continued Dispensing) Instrument 2022
Legislative Instrument- F2022L0888
The National Health (Closing the Gap-PBS Co-payment Program) Special Arrangement 2016 (2016 CTG instrument) reduces or removes the PBS co-payment for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In November 2021, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended expanding the Continued Dispensing arrangements under the National Health (Continued Dispensing) Determination 2012 (2012 Continued Dispensing Determination) to include additional pharmaceutical benefits that are considered appropriate to be supplied without a prescription under a Continued Dispensing supply on the basis that they would be safe and well-tolerated for the treatment of chronic and stable disease.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Listed Drugs on F1 or F2) Amendment Determination 2022 (No. 5)
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00886
This instrument makes amendments to the Principal Determination. The Act provides that PBS listed drugs may be assigned to formularies identified as F1 and F2. F1 is intended for single branded drugs and F2 for drugs that have multiple brands, or are in a therapeutic group with other drugs with multiple brands. Drugs on F2 are subject to the provisions of the Act relating to price disclosure and guarantee of supply. Section 84AC of the Act provides that a drug is on F1 or F2 if there is a determination in force under section 85AB that the drug is on F1 or F2.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2022 (No. 6)
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00898
The purpose of this Instrument, made under subsection 100(2) of the Act, is to amend the National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement 2011 (PB 79 of 2011) (the Special Arrangement) to make changes relating to the Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy. The Special Arrangement achieves greater efficiency in payment for the supply of injected or infused chemotherapy medicines ('chemotherapy pharmaceutical benefits') to eligible patients being treated for cancer, to reflect the 2010 Budget measure titled 'Revised arrangements for the efficient funding of chemotherapy drugs'. The Special Arrangement also relates to the supply of medicines associated with the side-effects of cancer and cancer treatment ('related pharmaceutical benefits') at certain public hospitals.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Continued Dispensing) Determination 2022
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00884
Continued Dispensing enables community pharmacists to supply a single standard pack of an eligible medicine to a patient at the usual PBS price, under specific circumstances. The person must have previously been supplied the medicine on the basis of a PBS prescription and, the pharmacist may supply the medicine to the patient under Continued Dispensing arrangements once in a 12-month period. The National Health (Continued Dispensing) Determination 2012 (2012 Determination) was made under subsection 89A(3) of the Act and specifies the pharmaceutical benefits that may be supplied, and the conditions that must be satisfied when those pharmaceutical benefits are supplied by an approved pharmacist without a current prescription, but on the basis of a previous prescription from a PBS prescriber.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services Program) Amendment Special Arrangement 2022 (No. 1)
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00867
The National Health (Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services Program) Amendment Special Arrangement 2022 (No. 1) (the Amendment Instrument) amends the National Health (Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services Program) Special Arrangement (PB 107 of 2017) (the Special Arrangement). The Amendment Instrument increases the bulk handling fee and the patient specific medicine supply fee that is payable to an approved pharmacist or an approved hospital authority in respect of the supply of a pharmaceutical benefit to an approved Aboriginal Health Service in accordance with the Special Arrangement.
Explanatory Statement
Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 6) 2022
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00897
The Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 6) 2022 (the Amendment Rules) amends the: Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Rules 2015 (the Complying Product Rules) to update the daily patient contribution payable by nursing-home type patients (NHTPs) for hospital accommodation in public hospitals in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and New South Wales (NSW). It also amends the Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011 (the Benefit Requirements Rules).
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (July Update) Instrument 2022
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00875
This is the National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (July Update) Instrument 2022 (PB 57 of 2022) (this Instrument). The purpose of this Instrument, made under subsection 100(2) of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act), is to amend the National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement 2021 (PB 27 of 2021) (the Special Arrangement), to make changes to the Special Arrangement relating to the Highly Specialised Drugs (HSD) Program. The amendments made by this Instrument reflect amendments to the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012 (PB 71 of 2012), which commence on the same day.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits - early supply) Amendment Instrument 2022 (No. 6)
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00870
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under subsection 84AAA(2) of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act) is to amend the National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits-early supply) Instrument 2015 (PB 120 of 2015) (the Principal Instrument). PB 120 of 2015 specifies the pharmaceutical items that are in pharmaceutical benefits for which Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) safety net entitlements will not apply for early supplies, and to specify the period following previous supply. The amendments made by this Instrument reflect amendments to the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012 (PB 71 of 2012), which commence on the same day.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Determination 2022 (No. 4)
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00873
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under section 98C(1) of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act), is to amend the National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Determination 2019 (the Principal Determination) to make changes to the pharmaceutical benefits and ingredients in relation to which particular rules apply for ascertaining the Commonwealth price payable to an approved medical practitioner or an approved pharmacist for supply, and to make changes to the list of pharmaceutical benefits that must be supplied in complete packs.
Explanatory Statement
Continence Aids Payment Scheme Amendment (Indexation of CAPS Payment) Instrument 2022
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00872
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme 2020 provides for a monetary payment to be made to an eligible person, which is intended to contribute towards the cost of purchasing their continence aids. The Continence Aids Payment Scheme Amendment (Indexation of CAPS Payment) Instrument 2022 amends the Continence Aids Payment Scheme 2020 to increase the amount of the CAPS payment in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The amendment will increase the amount of the CAPS payment from $635.10 to $650.40
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Weighted average disclosed price - October 2022 reduction day) Determination 2022
Legislative Instrument - F2022L00827
This Instrument determines a 'weighted average disclosed price' (WADP) for listed brands of pharmaceutical items in the 2022 October Cycle under subsection 99ADB(4) of the Act. This Instrument also determines a reduction day of 1 October 2022 for listed brands in the 2022 October Cycle with a data collection period ending on 31 March 2022. A provision-by-provision description of the Instrument is contained in the Attachment.
Explanatory Statement
DisabilityCare Australia (2021-22 Credit to the Special Account) Determination 2022
Notifiable Instrument - F2022N00146
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
Victoria
30 JUN 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 26: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Health Complaints Act 2016 - Section 90 - Interim Prohibition Order
30 JUN 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 26: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 165AI - Guidance for the Pandemic (Workplace) Order 2022 (No. 9) - 3 Notices
30 JUN 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 26: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 165AI - Guidance for the Pandemic (Public Safety) Order 2022 (No. 2)
30 JUN 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 26: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 165AI - Guidance for the Pandemic (Quarantine, Isolation and Testing) Order 2022 (No. 9) - 3 Notices
30 JUN 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 26: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 165AI - Pandemic (Public Safety) Order 2022 (No. 2) - 2 Notices
30 JUN 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 26: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Health Services Act 1988 - Section 40C(1) - Appointment of a Delegate to the Board of Directors of Robinvale District Health Service
Western Australia
28 JUN 2022: WA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE: General Gazette 89 - Health
27 JUN 2022: WA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE: Special Gazette No. 91 - Health Services Act 2016 - Section 56 - Health Services (Fees and Charges) Amendment Order (No. 3) 2022 - SL 2022/110
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Consolidated Legislation
None this edition.
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New Bills
None this edition.
New Acts
None this edition.
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