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)
22 April
Pharmaceutical giants shell out billions to shareholders as world confronts vaccine inequality
Ahead of shareholder meetings for the giant pharmaceutical corporations, the People's Vaccine Alliance calculates that Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca have paid out $26 billion in dividends and stock buybacks to their shareholders in the past 12 months. This would be enough to pay to vaccinate at least 1.3bn people, the equivalent of the population of Africa. The shareholder meetings begin on 22nd April. Protests are expected outside the meetings in the US and UK while investors inside the meetings will be presenting resolutions to expand vaccine access, said Oxfam.
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ACTU seeks clarity on vaccine plan for aged care, disability support workers
The Government has still not made clear when frontline healthcare workers in aged care and disability support roles will have access to the vaccine. These workers are the last healthcare workers anywhere in the country to be vaccinated and have been repeatedly told they would be in the highest priority 1A group. Months into the rollout an estimated 15 per cent of aged care workers and 1 per cent of disability support workers have been vaccinated, said the ACTU.
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mRNA vaccines should be made in Australia
A Labor Government will make it the first priority of Labor's National Reconstruction Fund to deliver mRNA vaccine and RNA medicine manufacturing capacity right here in Australia, creating jobs and a new high-tech manufacturing industry. The Government has had over a year to invest in this capability and they haven't, once again leaving Australia missing out on new jobs and manufacturing opportunities, said Leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese, Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party Richard Marles, Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler and Shadow Minister for Industry and Innovation Ed Husic.
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Big Pharma and shareholders profit making from global pandemic is appalling
The Greens say that the People's Vaccine Alliance calculation that Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca have paid out $26 billion in dividends and stock buybacks to their shareholders in the past 12 months is appalling. 'Profit making from Covid-19 vaccines is gross and highlights exactly why we need publicly owned, Government run facilities in Australia,' Greens spokesperson on Health Senator Rachel Siewert said.
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NT: Positive COVID-19 Case Update
Four new COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the Northern Territory in the past 24 hours. Four females, aged four, 26, 33 and an infant under one who arrived on the repatriation flight from Chennai on 15 April 2021 have tested positive for COVID-19. Three of the cases are family members of a formally reported COVID-19 case from the same flight, isolating together. Both children are asymptomatic, while the 26 and 33 year olds are displaying mild symptoms, said the NT Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet.
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QLD: RSV cases on the increase
With positive tests for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) increasing nearly fourfold in Greater Brisbane in 2021 compared to last year, Queenslanders are reminded to help limit the spread by following good hygiene practices. With many symptoms of RSV mirroring COVID-19 symptoms, all Queenslanders are reminded to continue being cautious and anyone experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms such as a runny nose, fever, cough or sore throat, should get tested and isolate until they receive their result and their symptoms resolve, said the Queensland Department of Health.
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TAS: Supporting pharmacies to deliver more vaccinations
'A re-elected majority Gutwein Liberal Government will provide more opportunities for our local pharmacists to support the health needs of Tasmanians. Under our election policy, we will move to enable pharmacist immuniser access to the National Immunisation Program for the first time in Tasmania. This will take place in line with other states and territories, including NSW most recently, and further improve access to vaccinations for the local community, helping to support high Tasmanian vaccination rates,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health for Sarah Courtney.
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VIC: More high-volume centres for more eligible Victorians
Following National Cabinet's expansion of population groups eligible to receive the vaccine and the success of day one of expanded access at high-volume vaccination centres, three further high-volume centres will open their doors to the eligible public in Victoria. Victorians eligible under the Commonwealth-led rollout will be able to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at high-volume vaccination centres located at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital and Sunshine Hospital Friday 23 April, and at the Mercure Ballarat from Monday 26 April, said Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley.
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WA: COVID-19 update 22 April 2021
The WA Department of Health has reported two new cases of COVID-19. The new cases are both women, one in her 30s and the other in her 20s. All have arrived from overseas and are now in hotel quarantine. The State's total number now stands at 982.
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21 April
Prescription for vaccine reset
The AMA is calling on Thursday's National Cabinet to adopt clear changes to 'reset' Australia's vaccination program against COVID-19, outlining four key actions that governments must take. This follows AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid, addressing the National Cabinet on 19 April 2021 on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. 'Our primary healthcare network has already demonstrated its capacity to vaccinate Australians aged 50 years and older against COVID-19 - as long as they can access the vaccines,' AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid said.
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Victoria commits $50m to mRNA vaccine facility
The Victorian government has committed $50 million to support the manufacture of mRNA vaccines in the state because of global vaccine supply insecurity. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the first globally to have been made with this technology which is not presently available in Australia, said InnovationAus. Late last year, the federal government commissioned McKinsey & Co to develop a business case for local mRNA manufacturing but no action has been taken as a result.
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NT: Positive COVID-19 Case Update
Three new COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the Northern Territory in the past 24 hours. A male, aged 35 who arrived on the repatriation flight from Johannesburg on 11 April 2021 has tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, a female, aged 11, and a male, aged 37, who arrived on the repatriation flight from New Delhi on 17 April 2021 have tested positive for COVID-19, said NT Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet.
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SA: COVID-19 Update 21 April 2021
There have been two new cases of COVID-19, reported from medi-hotels. There have been a total of 693 cases notified in South Australia. The cases are a woman in her 30s and a woman in her 20s, who both acquired their infections overseas and have been in medi-hotels since their arrival. A man in his 40s and a woman in her 20s are being treated for COVID-19 related illnesses in the Royal Adelaide Hospital. In addition, a man in his 40s with COVID-19 is being treated for an illness not related to COVID-19, said the SA Department of Health.
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VIC: Victoria ready to lead on new vaccine manufacturing
The Government will invest in new critical manufacturing technology and research to provide certainty of supply of new vaccines and lifesaving treatments in Australia said Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino and Victorian Minster Foley. Following the Commonwealth identifying onshore production of mRNA vaccines as a national priority, Victoria will provide $50 million to establish mRNA vaccine and therapeutic manufacturing in Melbourne, through partnerships with world-class Victorian universities, leading researchers, and Australian and international manufacturing companies. The Government welcomes the opportunity to work with the Commonwealth to secure mRNA manufacturing capability for the benefit of all Australians.
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WA: Hotel-quarantine acquired cases confirmed
The WA Health Department has recorded two new cases of hotel-quarantine acquired COVID- 19, following confirmation of genome sequencing data. The previously reported infections were initially listed as being overseas acquired. The Department can confirm the virus was transmitted in hotel quarantine at the Mercure Hotel Perth, as two sets of guests, in rooms opposite each other, had the same sequence of virus - despite arriving from different countries at different times.
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WA: COVID-19 update 21 April 2021
The WA Department of Health has reported two new cases of COVID-19. The new cases are both men, one in his 40s and the other in his 20s. All have arrived from overseas and are now in hotel quarantine. The State's total number now stands at 980. WA Health is monitoring 28 active cases of COVID-19 and 943 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
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20 April
NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm, said the NSW Department of Health. Three new cases were acquired overseas to 8pm, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,198. There were 5,785 tests reported to 8pm, compared with the previous day's total of 7,666. NSW Health is concerned that testing rates have dropped considerably recently. High testing rates are among the best defences against COVID-19, as they allow detection of new cases early and prevent further transmission.
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NT: Positive COVID-19 Case Update
Six new COVID-19 case have been recorded in the Northern Territory in the past 24 hours, said the NT Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet. A female, aged 71, who arrived on the repatriation flight from Chennai on 15 April 2021 has tested positive for COVID-19. The patient is in the care of Royal Darwin Hospital for medical treatment unrelated to COVID-19. Additionally, two males aged 33 and 42, and three females aged four, 33 and 34 who arrived on the repatriation flight from New Delhi on 17 April 2021 have tested positive for COVID-19.
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WA: COVID-19 update 20 April 2021
The WA Department of Health has reported three new cases of COVID-19. The new cases include a man in his 40s and two women, one in her 20s and the other in her 30s. All have arrived from overseas and are now in hotel quarantine. The State's total number now stands at 978. WA Health is monitoring 27 active cases of COVID-19 and 942 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
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19 April
National Cabinet Statement
National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions to the health and economic consequences of COVID-19. There have been 29,500 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 910 people have died. More than 16.3 million tests have been undertaken in Australia. The priority of the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy remains to vaccinate vulnerable populations under priority groups 1a and 1b. The medical advice remains that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is safe and recommended for Australians over 50 years old and all states will continue to be prioritised AstraZeneca for Australians over 50 years old, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
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Vaccine rollout changes must not leave workers behind
The ACTU is calling for clarity around any changes to the Government's troubled vaccine rollout - especially when it comes to how and when workers in aged care and disability support will receive the vaccination. Workers in these frontline healthcare sectors were told repeatedly by the Government that they were in the 1A group and would receive the vaccine as soon as possible, but months into the rollout large numbers of aged care workers remain unvaccinated while only a tiny percentage of disability support workers have received the jab.
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Domestic publicly-owned mRNA production should be on National Cabinet agenda
The Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt says the National Cabinet agenda should include the Greens' call for investment in publicly-owned domestic mRNA vaccine production. The Greens have been calling for publicly-owned vaccine manufacturing for almost a year, and since February have been explicitly calling for Australia to be able to produce mRNA vaccines here. Top scientists and immunisation experts have also argued that Australia should have domestic mRNA production, said Greens Health spokesperson, Senator Rachel Siewert.
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NT: Positive COVID-19 Case Update
Four new positive COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the Northern Territory in the past 24 hours. One male, aged 60, who arrived on the repatriation flight from Chennai on 15 April 2021 has tested positive for COVID-19. One female, aged 8, and two males, aged 11 and 38 who arrived on the repatriation flight from New Delhi on 17 April 2021 have tested positive for COVID-19, said the NT Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet.
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WA: COVID-19 update
The WA Department of Health has reported two new cases of COVID-19. The new cases include a man in his 20s and a young boy who is travelling with his family. All have arrived from overseas and are now in hotel quarantine. The State's total number now stands at 975. WA Health is monitoring 25 active cases of COVID-19 and 941 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
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18 April
VIC: Vaccine rollout ramps up across Victoria
The Victorian Government will open the doors of its largest high-volume vaccination centres to anyone over the age of 70 for bookings, as well as walk-ins without an appointment. From Wednesday 21 April, Victorians eligible under phases 1a and 1b of the rollout will be able to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at three of Victoria's high-volume vaccination centres located at the Royal Exhibition Building, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the former Ford factory in Geelong, said Victorian Minister Foley.
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17 April
NT: Positive COVID-19 Case Update
Six new positive COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the Northern Territory in the past 24 hours, said the NT Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet. Two females, aged 29 and 55, and four males, aged 31, 38, 40 and 42 who arrived on the repatriation flight from Chennai on 15 April 2021 have tested positive for COVID-19. Five of the cases remain asymptomatic while the 40-year-old male has mild symptoms. All are under the care of the AUSMAT team at the NT Centre for National Resilience.
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WA: COVID-19 update 17 April 2021
The WA Department of Health has reported one new case of COVID-19 - a female in her 40s - who is in hotel quarantine after returning from overseas travel. The State's total number now stands at 967. WA Health is monitoring 17 active cases of COVID-19 and 941 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
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Aged Care
22 April
SA: Designs unveiled for Repat's new dementia care facility
Designs for an innovative neighbourhood of cottages for the care of people living with dementia have been unveiled, as part of the Government's revitalisation of the Repat precinct. The new 70-place dementia care home is being delivered in partnership with one of Australia's leading health and care providers, HammondCare. SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the development will create around 600 jobs for South Australians, including 500 during the construction phase and up to 95 positions once the facility is open.
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20 April
Government urged to fund GP aged care visits & nursing home infrastructure
The Australian Medical Association called for increased funding to support and encourage more GPs to visit patients in nursing homes as well as greater investment in nursing home facilities to make it easier for GPs to deliver the care that people in nursing homes deserve. The call comes as AMA members report significant barriers to delivering care that are deterring doctors from visiting aged care facilities altogether. 'AMA Members have signaled their intention to reduce nursing home visits and even cease them altogether and this is the last thing we want right now, when we know our older loved ones are suffering from a lack of medical care inside nursing homes,' AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid said.
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19 April
VIC: Telling the stories of Victorians in aged care
Recognising senior Victorians shines a light on the efforts of both residents and staff during the global pandemic and celebrates the contributions of older Victorians throughout their lives. People living in aged care have great life stories to tell and the Victorian Seniors Festival has worked with aged care facilities to interview and capture the life stories of 50 aged care residents for the community to enjoy, said Victorian Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan.
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16 April
UnitingCare Australia backs calls for major aged care reform ahead of the Federal Budget
UnitingCare Australia called on the Government to use the May Budget to adopt the priorities for reform detailed in the new report from the Australian Aged Care Collaboration (AACC): Aged Care - The Way Forward. UnitingCare Australia is a member of the AACC along with other providers and peak bodies including Catholic Health Australia, Aged & Community Services Australia, Anglicare Australia, Baptist Care Australia, and Leading Age Services Australia. UnitingCare Australia supports the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which reported to the Government at the end of February, as the basis for reform.
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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
21 April
ACT: Endoscopy waiting times unacceptable
ACT Shadow Minister for Health Giulia Jones will put forward a motion in the Legislative Assembly, calling on the ACT Government to demonstrate how wait times for endoscopy examinations will be reduced. Currently, 7200 Canberrans are on the public waiting list for endoscopies, with a median wait time of 519 days. Mrs Jones said Canberrans should be able to trust the health system to look after them in a timely manner, but sadly this is not the case.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
16 April
QLD: Minister visits paramedics and ambulance workers on Thursday Island
Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath met with paramedics and ambulance workers at the Thursday Island Ambulance Station. Minister D'Ath praised the hardworking team for their role in providing first class ambulance care to residents in the Torres and Cape. 'The Palaszczuk Government has invested $2.8 million in a state-of-the-art replacement Thursday Island Ambulance Station which became operational in March 2018,' the Minister said.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
21 April
Disabled Australians once again forgotten in response to COVID-19
The Australian Greens have called on the Government to urgently prioritise disabled people, and disability support workers, in the national vaccine roll out after it was revealed that just 6.5% of this cohort have received their first dose. Australian Greens Disability spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said: 'This is absolutely shameful. It's clear that the Morrison government has once again forgotten to include disabled people, and the people who support us, in their pandemic response.'
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TAS: Supporting people with disability
'A majority Gutwein Liberal Government will continue to provide significant support for the state's disability sector and vulnerable Tasmanians. This will include establishing a Tasmanian Disability Services Commissioner, for continuous improvement in delivery of services for people with disability, with an investment of $1.2 million over four years. This will ensure people with disability and their families receive the inclusive and accessible support services they need, including those supported through mainstream services,' said Tasmanian Minister for Disability Services Jeremy Rockliff.
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20 April
WA Disability Support Awards 2021 nominations open, and Nomination Masterclasses available
National Disability Services (NDS) said that while later in the year than usual, this decision has been made in response to the wider responsibility to prioritise the health of people with disability and to support the WA disability sector to focus attention on your response to COVID-19 during this time. This will be the 13th year of the prestigious WA Disability Support Awards, which recognise and celebrate the contribution of Western Australians who demonstrate excellence, passion and commitment in supporting people with disability. The importance of this contribution was highlighted more than ever in the past year, with disability support workers playing an essential and valued role during COVID-19 to provide essential services and support to people with disability in the community.
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19 April
Urgent: Need more time to end the violence and abuse of people with disability in Australia
Disability advocacy organisations are supporting the calls for a 17-month extension to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, with a new campaign urging Attorney- General Michaelia Cash to approve the proposed extension as soon as possible. The extension, which would move the finish line of the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) from April next year to September 2023, was first requested by the Hon. Ronald Sackville, chair of the DRC, in October last year, said People with Disability Australia (PWDA).
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Improvements to the NDIS Check application process
Since the introduction in February of the new Victorian worker screening process, NDS has received substantial member feedback about problems with the online application portal as well as delays in the paper-based backup system for NDIS Check applicants. In response to NDS's advocacy and feedback from the sector, the Government has committed to improving the system. If possible, applicants are asked to persevere with the online Services Victoria portal before resorting to a paper-based application so that manual processing backlogs are minimised.
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16 April
ACT: Respite Effect and Recovery Grants open for people with disability and carers
The ACT Government has made $100,000 available to support people with disability, their families and carers under the ACT COVID-19 Disability Strategy. The Respite and Recovery Grants will support the wellbeing and resilience of people with disability across the ACT community. ACT Minister for Disability Emma Davidson says the Grants are part of the ACT COVID-19 Disability Strategy's second phase and was developed in consultation with people with disability and sector stakeholders.
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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
22 April
ACT: Digital Health Record fast-tracked to help deliver COVID-19 vaccinations
In the 2018-19 Budget, the ACT Government committed $151 million to the Digital Health Record project, including a $106 million capital investment. In July 2020, global software company Epic was announced as the ACT Government's partner in this project. Epic's world-leading software will be rolled out across Canberra's public health services, including hospitals, community health centres, nurse-led walk-in centres and the new walk-in health centres, said ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith.
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Education and Training
None this edition.
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Funding
22 April
Cancer funding boost and development of Australian Cancer Plan
The Australian Government is investing an additional $6.7 million to support and improve outcomes for all Australians affected by cancer. In 2020, an estimated 150,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Australia, with around 50,000 Australians tragically passing away. The Australian Cancer Plan will set out the key national priorities and action areas over the next 10 years to improve outcomes for Australian's affected by cancer. It will also cover prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and palliative care, while providing for the unique needs of specific cancer types and populations, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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20 April
Grants to drive advances in medical manufacturing
The Government is driving growth in Australia's manufacturing sector with 12 companies awarded $8.4 million in funding under the latest round of the Accelerating Commercialisation grant program said Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter. In the medical manufacturing field, dental diagnostics company Incisive Technologies has received $1 million to complete clinical trials of their BlueCheck tool, while ZiP Diagnostics has received $750,000 to establish manufacturing facilities for their rapid and low cost testing system for diagnosing infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
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Health Professionals
22 April
Budget must put care sector services and jobs ahead of tax cuts
It has been reported that the Federal Budget will include funding for tens of thousands of care-sector jobs, including in aged care, disability services and mental health, said the Australian Council of Social Service. ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said: 'We need to generate decent, new jobs in the community service sector, which is made up of 80% women, so that we can properly resource important services like aged care, disability, mental health, homelessness and domestic violence services.'
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ACTU seeks clarity on vaccine plan for aged care, disability support workers
The Government has still not made clear when frontline healthcare workers in aged care and disability support roles will have access to the vaccine. These workers are the last healthcare workers anywhere in the country to be vaccinated and have been repeatedly told they would be in the highest priority 1A group. Months into the rollout an estimated 15 per cent of aged care workers and 1 per cent of disability support workers have been vaccinated, said the ACTU.
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21 April
QLD: Enhanced frontline care for patients experiencing mental health crisis
Queenslanders experiencing a mental health crisis will have greater access to enhanced mental health services with the expansion of a highly successful collaboration between the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and Queensland Health. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said following a successful pilot program in Southeast Queensland, the Mental Health Co-responder Program would be expanded to other parts of the State. 'In 2019 the Palaszczuk Government provided funding for the QAS to pilot a Mental Health Co-responder Program with Queensland Health and Hospital and Health Services (HHS),' the Minister said.
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19 April
NSW: Ms Sarah Gahan - Nurse - Registration Cancellation
The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission prosecuted a complaint against Sarah Gahan a Registered Nurse before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the Tribunal). In its decision on 12 April 2021, the Tribunal found Ms Gahan guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct. The Tribunal did not find Ms Gahan had an impairment at the time of the hearing and decision, noting her current engagement with treating practitioners and compliance with medication.
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Hospitals
22 April
SA: Outpatient services for the 21st century open at Modbury Hospital
Communities in the north-east of Adelaide now have access to a new, state-of-the-art outpatient building as part of the Marshall Liberal Government's $98 million redevelopment of the Modbury Hospital. SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the purpose-built outpatient facility would deliver pre-admission, medical, surgical, women's and paediatric, and allied services in a modern environment to better support the health and wellbeing of South Australians.
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16 April
QLD: Health Minister tours revamped Mossman Hospital
Queensland Minister for Health Yvette D'Ath inspected the nearly completed $10.1 million Mossman Hospital upgrade which will deliver a modernised Emergency Department and significantly improved health facilities for the local community. Minister D'Ath said the project would also protect the heritage of the historic hospital which was built in 1930 and has been the centre of medical care in Mossman for 91 years. 'Mossman Hospital is the only Queensland public hospital designed with Spanish Mission style exteriors, a design that was popularised in Australia in the late 1920s,' the Minister said.
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QLD: Works to start on $46 million Thursday Island Hospital redevelopment
Staged construction work on the $46 million redevelopment of the Thursday Island Hospital and Primary Healthcare Centre will get under way from 19 April. Works at the primary healthcare centre will officially start from 19 April, followed by works at the hospital from the 26 April. Queensland Minister D'Ath and Queensland Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the works were expected to create around 53 Full Time Equivalent jobs during the period of construction, as well as provide opportunities for local involvement and help boost the local economy.
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Insurance
20 April
APRA and ASIC publish latest data on life insurance claims and disputes
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its Life Insurance Claims and Disputes Statistics publication, covering a rolling 12-month period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020. The data is the product of a world-leading joint project between APRA and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), aimed at making it easier to compare life insurers' performance in handling claims and disputes. This is the fifth publication using the full data set since it was launched in March 2019. APRA's Life Insurance Claims and Disputes Statistics publication presents the key industry and entity-level claims and disputes outcomes for 20 Australian life insurers writing direct business (i.e. excluding reinsurance).
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Medicare
None this edition.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
21 April
Consultation open for Royal Commission
Veterans and their families, ex-service organisations, states and territories, peak bodies and other interested stakeholders are being encouraged to provide their input for the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said it was vital that all those involved in the Defence and veteran support system had their say through the Royal Commission.
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'Have your say': Veterans' Minister
The Minister Chester is urging the military community to 'have your say' on the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Mr Chester is visiting Townsville for two days as part of consultation with veterans, family members, service personnel and ex-service organisations. 'As Australia's largest garrison town, Townsville is the right place to commence consultation with the broader military community,' Mr Chester said.
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QLD: Enhanced frontline care for patients experiencing mental health crisis
Queenslanders experiencing a mental health crisis will have greater access to enhanced mental health services with the expansion of a highly successful collaboration between the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and Queensland Health. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said following a successful pilot program in Southeast Queensland, the Mental Health Co-responder Program would be expanded to other parts of the State. 'In 2019 the Palaszczuk Government provided funding for the QAS to pilot a Mental Health Co-responder Program with Queensland Health and Hospital and Health Services (HHS),' the Minister said.
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20 April
Reporting on Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) would like to appeal to Australian media to please reference Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling and the Defence All-hours Support Line in any media reporting on the Royal Commission, but also more broadly on defence personnel and veteran matters. Media reporting can be a trigger for mental health issues and Open Arms is Australia's premier veteran support counselling service, with counsellors trained in military matters and their impact on mental health. DVA respectfully request any media reporting reference the below words, highlighting how defence personnel, veterans and their families can access free and confidential counselling support.
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Carers must be recognised by Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Carers must not be forgotten by the Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (the Committee), said the national peak body for Australia's 2.65 million unpaid carers. Acting CEO of Carers Australia Kelly Gourlay said: 'While we welcome the Committee's interim report, it is important that carers are not overlooked in the final report as carers have among the lowest levels of wellbeing of any group in Australia, even before the impact of COVID-19 added another level of complexity.' Carers Australia in collaboration with the National Carer Network are strong advocates for carer inclusion in services delivered to those they care for - whether these be clinical services or other types of support services.
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19 February
Establishment of a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
The death of any Australian Defence Force member or veteran is one death too many and a tragedy that is deeply felt by all Australians. Tragically, and heartbreakingly, this includes death by suicide. Recognising this, the Government will take the step of recommending to the Governor-General the establishment of a Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide, following a period of consultation on draft Terms of Reference, with the relevant community and state and territory governments, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister Chester and Attorney-General Michaelia Cash.
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Serious mental health issues complicate post-operative outcomes
People with serious mental illness have higher rates of post-operative complications and longer stays in hospital, according to a systematic review published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Kate McBride, Director of the Institute of Academic Surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and PhD candidate at The University of Sydney, and colleagues, reviewed 26 international studies that examined associations between having a serious mental illness and surgical outcomes for adults who underwent elective surgery.
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VIC: Funding helps grassroots work on mental health
Community groups and key peak bodies will be able to keep the conversation going about Victoria's mental health reform at a local level, thanks to a $750,000 Government investment. Victorian Minister for Mental Health James Merlino announced 16 community groups and peak bodies will share in the funding to support targeted engagement with their members and communities. The organisations will use the grants to host forums and events, communicate with their members and the wider community on the key reforms and next steps to deliver all 65 recommendations of the landmark royal commission.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
21 April
Approval processes for new drugs and medical technologies under review
On Thursday 22 and Friday 23 April 2021, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will hold two days of public hearings in Melbourne as part of the Committee's ongoing inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia. The Committee will hear evidence from numerous stakeholders including patient advocacy groups, various pharmaceutical companies, research bodies and clinical trial centres. The program for the hearings is available at the Committee's website.
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20 April
Prescription medicines: applications under evaluation
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) created a page providing a list of applications for new medicines or new uses for existing medicines that are currently under evaluation by the TGA. The list of medicines under evaluation is updated each month. Information on three types of applications is included:
- Application type A: applications for a 'new medicine' containing a new active substance (new chemical entity or new biological entity) not currently approved in Australia
- Application type B: applications for a 'new combination', where two or more already approved medicines are combined into a single product
- Application type C: applications for a 'new indication', or additional therapeutic use, for an already approved medicine
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19 April
Notification of decision on application DIR 182 from Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd for the commercial supply of a COVID-19 vaccine
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has issued licence DIR 182 to Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd. This licence allows for the importation, transport, storage and disposal of a COVID-19 vaccine. Approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is also required for the commercial supply and administration of the vaccine. The licence decision was informed by a Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) undertaken by the OGTR with input from stakeholders nationwide.
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18 April
Adakveo
The TGA said that the Australian Prescription Medicine Decision Summary provides a short overview of the TGA's evaluation process leading to the registration of a new prescription medicine on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). More in-depth information about the evaluation will be available in the Australian Public Assessment Report (AusPAR) for a particular prescription medicine, which can be found on the AusPAR search page once published. The decision was based on quality (chemistry and manufacturing), nonclinical (pharmacology and toxicology), clinical (pharmacology, safety and efficacy) and risk management plan information submitted by the sponsor. The benefit-risk profile of Adakveo was considered favourable for the therapeutic use approved.
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Chemicals added to the Inventory 5 years after issue of assessment certificate
The Department of Health and National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) said that the following industrial chemicals have been added to the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals in accordance with section 82 of the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 because 5 years have passed since the assessment certificates for the industrial chemicals were issued.
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Research
22 April
VIC: Major boost for Victorian researchers in COVID fight
The Government is increasing funding for a study into the effects of coronavirus, and backing ground-breaking research into new and emerging strains, long-term coronavirus symptoms and potential links between the disease and unborn children. The work will build on the Murdoch Children's Research Institute's (MCRI's) research into the effects of the virus on every major human organ, which has already deepened the understanding of coronavirus' impacts on the heart, said Victorian Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford.
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19 April
Cannabidiol no better than placebo for low back pain
Cannabidiol (CBD) does not reduce pain or hospital length of stay for people seeking help at a hospital emergency department for acute low back pain, according to research published by the Medical Journal of Australia. CBD does not have psychomotor or cognitive effects, and its safety profile is good. It has attracted increasing medical interest because of its anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, anti-epileptic, and anti-psychotic effects, and has been approved in several countries for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Multiple sclerosis and immunisation status
The immunisation status of patients newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) must not be overlooked when beginning treatment with immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), according to the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia. 'Determining immunisation status when commencing DMTs is key, as is an individualised approach to risk-benefit assessment when considering vaccinations,' wrote the authors, led by Dr Cassie Nesbitt, a neurologist at Alfred Health in Melbourne.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
20 April
RFDS a key part of protecting bush communities from COVID-19
Australia's iconic aeromedical organisation, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) continues to play a vital role in protecting regional communities in the fight against COVID-19. Speaking during a visit to the RFDS respiratory clinic at Broken Hill airport where the vaccine rollout is underway, Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said the involvement of the RFDS had helped to ensure that people in rural areas had the same level of protection as Australians in more populated areas.
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16 April
QLD: Government's $100 million Torres health boost on track
Work on the $17.4 million redevelopment of four Torres Strait island primary healthcare centres has reached the halfway point with two islands completed. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said the redevelopment of the primary healthcare centres (PHCC) on Poruma (Coconut) and Masig (Yorke) islands had been finished. Minister D'Ath said the island PHCC works are part of $100 million worth of capital projects for the Torres and Cape HHS either completed in the past three years, underway, or in the planning stages.
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Women's Health
21 April
Australian women to benefit from national standard to reduce perineal trauma at birth
Until recently, perineal tears were a taboo subject and women often suffered in silence after they experienced a severe tear. This is despite 3% of all Australian women giving birth, and 5% of women having their first vaginal birth, being affected by a third or fourth degree perineal tear. The release of the first national Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Tears Clinical Care Standard by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care will help to ensure that women receive appropriate treatment and support throughout their childbirth experience.
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AIS launches resources to prioritise female health and performance
Two-time freestyle aerial skiing world champion Laura Peel says the conversations being sparked by the Australian Institute of Sport's new Female Performance and Health Initiative (FPHI) will have a huge impact on the future success and wellbeing of female athletes. Peel added her voice and personal experience to a webinar held to launch the FPHI, which shines a light on female health and how it impacts the performance of athletes.
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Transcripts
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
23 APR: Transcript of Interview with Allison Langdon and Karl Stefanovic, The Today Show
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Medical professionals, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, National Cabinet, Travel restrictions, Hotel quarantine
Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton
23 APR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Moree NSW
Subjects: Infrastructure, Transport, Inland Rail, Construction, Regional health, Medical professionals
Shadow Minister for Home Affairs Kristina Keneally
23 APR: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC News Afternoon Briefing
Subjects: National Cabinet, Travel restrictions, Aged care, Vaccination rollout, Home Affairs, China-Australia relations
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Department of Health
22 APR: Transcript of Press Conference with Secretary of Department of Health, Professor Brendan Murphy, Australian Parliament House
Subjects: Vaccination rollout, National Cabinet, Travel restrictions, Domestic violence
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham and Leader of the Australian Labor Party in the Senate Penny Wong
22 APR: Transcript of Interview with David Bevan, ABC Adelaide Mornings
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Travel restrictions, Economic recovery, Aged care & disability, Vulnerable populations, Taxation offsets
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
22 APR: Transcript of Interview by Vice President, Dr Chris Moy with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News Live
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccination rollout, Aged care, State-Federal relations, GPs, Vaccine supply & manufacturing
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
22 APR: Opinion piece, first published in the Age - 'The PM's Shambolic Vaccine Rollout is Missing all its Targets'
Subjects: COVID-19, Health, Aged care, Pharmaceuticals
Leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese, Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Clare O'Neil and Member for Macnamara Josh Burns
22 APR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Aged care residents & staff, Foreign affairs, China-Australia relations, Electric vehicle policy, Manufacturing capability
Shadow Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten
22 APR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Clarence, Tasmania
Subjects: Disability care, Community services, Tasmanian State election, Vaccination rollout, NDIS fraud, Funding for medical professionals
Shadow Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten
22 APR: Transcript of Interview with Karl Stefanovic & Neil Mitchell, Today Show
Subjects: Belt and Road deal thrown out, Vaccine delays, Honouring Victorian police officers, Relationship with China, Trade, Coal, Wine, Food
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
21 APR: Transcript of Interview with Fran Kelly, ABC Radio National
Subjects: COVID-19, Vaccine Rollout update, Disabled Australians, Aged Care Sector, GP's, AstraZeneca
Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler
21 APR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview Sydney
Subjects: Vaccine roll out, Aged Care, Disability sector, Vaccine manufacturing, Carbon capture & storage, Emissions reduction, Climate change
Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Clare O'Neil
21 APR: Transcript of Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News Afternoon Agenda
Subjects: Economic case for aged care reform, Aged care workforce
Shadow Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher
21 APR: Transcript of Interview with Thomas Oriti, ABC News Radio
Subjects: COVID Committee Hearing on vaccines, Vaccine rollout, Vaccine targets, Aged care, Nursing homes, TGA, Flu season
Minister for Veterans Affairs Darren Chester
20 APR: Transcript of Interview with Leon Byner, FiveAA
Subjects: Royal Commission into veteran suicide, Medical assistance, Specialist services
Minister for Veterans Affairs Darren Chester
20 APR: Transcript of Interview with Lisa Millar, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Royal Commission into veteran suicide, Net zero emissions by 2050
Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton
20 APR: Transcript of Interview with Paul West, ABC South East
Subjects: Bombala, GP clinics, Retaining regional doctors, Regional Australia
Shadow Minister for Science Richard Marles
20 APR: Transcript of Interview with Neil Breen, 4BC Breakfast
Subjects: Coronavirus, Employment, Manufacturing, Coal market, Net zero emissions by 2050, Vaccine rollout
Shadow Minister for Education Tanya Plibersek
20 APR: Transcript of Interview with Michael O'Loughin, Tasmania Talks
Subjects: TasTAFE, Tasmanian election, Health care, Coronavirus, Vaccine, Fed Govt's consent education campaign, Wages, Jobs, Tourism
Shadow Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh
19 APR: Transcript of Interview with Marcus Paul, 2SM
Subjects: COVID-19, Public health, Excessive credit card interest, Banks, Vaccination rollout failures, RBA, Family, International tourism
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
19 APR: Transcript of Address to the Business Council of Australia's Annual Dinner, Sydney
Subjects: COVID-19, New Zealand travel bubble, WA, Small businesses, Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans' Suicide, Reserve Bank Board
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester
19 APR: Transcript of Press Conference, Sydney
Subjects: Veterans' affairs, COVID-19, New Zealand travel bubble, Anzac Day, Defence Forces, Afghanistan, Tourism, National Commissioner, Suicide
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester
19 APR: Transcript of Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News
Subjects: Royal Commission into Veterans Suicide, PM, Permanent National Commissioner, Defences Forces, Afghan war, Family
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack
19 APR: Transcript of Interview with Neil Breen, 4BC
Subjects: Queensland tourism, Aus-New Zealand travel bubble, Aviation support package, Aviation jobs, Possibility of Aus-Singapore travel bubble, National Cabinet, Vaccine rollout
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack
19 APR: Transcript of Interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News
Subjects: New Zealand, Travel bubble, Tourism, National Cabinet, Quarantine arrangements, Vaccine rollout & distribution
Senator James Paterson
19 APR: Transcript of Interview with Raf Epstein, ABC Drive Melbourne
Subjects: Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide, COVID-19, Australia Post, Afghanistan, Defence Forces, Vaccine rollout, China, Mental health
Shadow Minister for Education Tanya Plibersek
19 APR: Transcript of Interview with Richard Glover, ABC Radio 'Pollie Panel' Drive
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, Response to the Respect@Work report, Climate change, 190th anniversary of the Sydney Morning Herald
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart Robert
18 APR: Transcript of Interview with David Speers, Insiders
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccination rollout, Quarantine arrangements, Australia's labour market, Australia Post and other government owned business remuneration arrangements, NDIS
Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Department of Health
18 APR: Transcript of Press Conference with Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer for Australia, Professor Alison McMillan, Melbourne
Subjects: COVID-19 epidemiology, Vaccine rollout, National Cabinet, Trans-Tasman travel bubble
Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
17 APR: Transcript of Press Conference with Professor John Skerritt, Melbourne
Subjects: Thrombosis/thrombocytopenia, Australia vaccine rollout, ATAGI, AstraZeneca vaccine safety concerns
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
16 APR: Transcript of Address to Karratha Business Breakfast, Karratha
Subjects: Mining, Resource sector, Mental health, Climate change, Economy
Department of Health
16 APR: Transcript of Press Conference by Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, Canberra
Subjects: AstraZeneca vaccine safety concerns, ATAGI, Vaccine rollout, National Cabinet, Durability of the vaccine, Overseas travel
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Reports
Australian Public Assessment Report for Onasemnogene abeparvovec
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited (the sponsor) to register Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec) 2 x 1013 vector genomes (vg)/mL injection for intravenous (IV) infusion vial (5.5 mL, 8.3 mL fill volume) for the following proposed indication: Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec) is indicated for the treatment of paediatrics patients less than 2 years of age with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with bi-allelic mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene.
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Half Yearly Performance Snapshot
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
The TGA prepares an annual TGA Business Plan, which identifies the priority activities being undertaken over the financial year and is available on the TGA website. This Half Yearly Performance Snapshot provides statistical information for the period 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020 in relation to the regulation of therapeutic goods, tracking progress against some of the priorities it has identified for the year. This data will be incorporated into the Annual Performance Statistics Report for the 2020-21 financial year, to be published on the TGA website in the second half of 2021.
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Indacaterol (as acetate), glycopyrronium (as bromide), mometasone furoate
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Enerzair Breezhaler (indacaterol (as acetate)/glycopyrronium (as bromide) (glycopyrrolate)/mometasone furoate) 150 µg/50 µg/80 µg (delivered dose 114 µg/46 µg/68 µg); 150 µg/50 µg/160 µg (delivered dose 114 µg/46 µg/136 µg) inhalation powder in hard capsule for the following proposed indication: Enerzair Breezhaler is indicated as a once-daily maintenance treatment of asthma, and to reduce asthma exacerbations, in patients not adequately controlled with a maintenance combination of a long-acting beta2-agonist and an inhaled corticosteroid.
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Guselkumab - Proprietary Product Name: Tremfya - Sponsor: Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
The use of any medicine during pregnancy requires careful consideration of both risks and benefits by the treating health professional. This must not be used as the sole basis of decision making in the use of medicines during pregnancy. The TGA does not provide advice on the use of medicines in pregnancy for specific cases. More information is available from obstetric drug information services in your State or Territory.
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Dapagliflozin - Proprietary Product Name: Forxiga - Sponsor: AstraZeneca Pty Ltd
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
The recommended dose of Forxiga is 10 mg taken orally once daily at any time of the day regardless of meals. Forxiga should be used in conjunction with individualised standard of care therapy.
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Growing our kids in family and culture
The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC)
The voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families will be instrumental in the development of a new national strategy that will ensure their children have the opportunities for the best start in life. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Strategy will support children to grow up happy, healthy, strong and thriving in their early years by providing a long-term, re-focused approach to policy and investment. The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), in partnership with SNAICC - National Voice for our Children, are working to develop the Strategy.
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Culture is Key: Towards cultural determinants-driven health policy
Lowitja Institute
In the analysis of material on the cultural determinants, the Institute came upon not a singular method or way forward, but a need - across government - for an approach built on a shared understanding, investment and effort into the cultural determinants of Aboriginal 2 Culture is Key: Towards cultural determinants-driven health policy and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.
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Annual Report 2020
Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC)
The public health measures responding to the pandemic saw the closing of licensed premises, a rise in activity of bottle shops/off licences and use of delivery services. The tight economic environment resulted in some producers arranging their own marketing without reference to the Code. After an initial spate of concern, greater compliance with Code requirements became apparent. This report includes Adjudication Panel statistics that outline the record workload undertaken by the Panel in 2020. Professor Michael Lavarch and his Panel colleagues are thanked for their sterling efforts.
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Patterns of intensive alcohol and other drug treatment service use in Australia
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
Alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services aim to support people to reduce harmful AOD use. Clients accessing these services often receive multiple episodes of treatment, with some clients requiring more intensive treatment (for example, more episodes of treatment) to achieve their goals. Using the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Data Set, this report examines the treatment patterns of clients who received treatment from publicly funded specialist AOD services in the study period 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2019 for 3 client cohorts.
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Dementia deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic
Australian Institute Of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
Older people living with dementia are particularly vulnerable during infectious disease outbreaks. Although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia on people with dementia is not yet fully understood, they are more likely to develop severe COVID-19 and die from the virus than people without dementia. Between January and October 2020, nearly one-third of the more than 850 COVID-19 deaths in Australia were of people with dementia.
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Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Tears Clinical Care Standard
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care 2021
Clinical care standards help support the delivery of evidence-based clinical care and promote shared decision making between patients, carers and clinicians. They aim to reduce unwarranted variation and improve the appropriateness of care for a specific clinical condition or procedure, regardless of where people are treated in Australia.
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Volume 214, No 7
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
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Aged care - the way forward
Australian Aged Care Collaboration
The Australian Government will present its response to the Final Report to Parliament. This May's Budget will be crucial - it will signal the Government's commitment to change. This is a once in a generation opportunity to finally create the system to meet older people's needs, after successive governments, over at least 20 years, have largely failed to do so. In responding to the Royal Commission, the Government needs to lay out an overall plan for fixing the system. Transformation cannot happen overnight because of the lead time required to implement many of the reforms, the need for careful sequencing and because of the legacy of chronic underfunding over decades.
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Draft National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030
Mental Health Australia
This submission to the Department's consultation on the Draft National Preventive Health Strategy is in line with the survey questions posed through the Consultation Hub, but focuses only on those areas of most relevance to mental health.
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Inquiry into Mental Health and Suicide Prevention - Interim Report
Reps Select Committee on Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Mental health issues impact everyone at some point in their life. Mental illness may be episodic, acute or chronic, and may affect an individual, a family member, friend or colleague, or someone met in a chance encounter. The negative impact that COVID-19 might have on mental health was recognised from the outset, where concern came not only from fear of contracting the virus, but also the various measures implemented seeking to contain its spread and reduce its transmission.
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Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Submission 39
Australian Patients Association (APA) welcomed the consultation on mental health and suicide prevention. Good mental health is defined, according to the World Health Organisation, as: A state of wellbeing in which an individual realises their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to their community. The unfortunate reality is that a significant proportion of Australians will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. The effect it has on individuals and those around them is far-reaching, from stigmatisation to isolation to poverty.
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Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) welcomed the opportunity to make a submission to the House of Representatives Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. The APA submission provides constructive recommendations and considerations designed to improve mental health care provided in Australia, and in particular deliverable and proven approaches that will enhance care during and after major events, such as natural disasters and threats to public health.
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Submission to House Select Committee on Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Department of Health
The provision of mental health services is the responsibility of all governments and is provided through a range of publicly and privately funded means. A 'stepped care' approach to the provision of care recognises a 'no one-size fits all' approach and forms the accepted basis of targeting services across governments, mental health experts and service providers. Stepped care is an evidence-base, staged system with a hierarchy of interventions from least to most intensive, which can be matched to an individual's needs.
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Submission to the Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Parliamentary Inquiry
Mental Health Families and Friends Tasmania welcomed the opportunity to provide a submission in response to the Terms of Reference for the Parliamentary Inquiry into Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Australia. The responses are informed by the lived experience of mental health family members and friends. The submission will focus on the following terms, as they apply to the mental health family member and friend context in Tasmania. Throughout its response, MHFFTas will emphasise the importance of including, supporting and considering family members and friends as equal care partners in a consumer's mental ill health and/or substance use journey.
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National Mental Health Commission Submission to the Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
The National Mental Health Commission (the Commission) welcomed the opportunity to provide information to the Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. This submission seeks to provide the Committee with information on key issues and priorities for the Committee to consider, linking this to the Commission's work and lines of inquiry detailed in the Committee's terms of reference. While recent strategic reviews of the current mental health system have each been unique in scope and purpose, they consistently identify common concerns, priorities and actions to address longstanding issues in mental health care and suicide prevention in Australia.
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Submission to the Select Committee into Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
The Help Centre said that the submission focuses on the mental health crisis and its declining ability to respond to the range of issues facing potential clients. Specifically it is experienced in elaborating on the issues facing mental health workforce and their inappropriate funding arrangements. Adequately funding the Medicare system to allow clients to choose a mental health clinician in their local area is the most cost effective and easily implemented strategy. The Help Centre said it is happy to elaborate and respond further as appropriate to any issues the Select Committee wishes to pursue.
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MIGA submission - Inquiry into Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Medical Insurance Group Australia's (MIGA) submission focuses on the findings of the Productivity Commission Inquiry Report into Mental Health (the PC report), the mental health of doctors and other healthcare professionals, and the use and regulation of digital health platforms (including telehealth) to provide mental healthcare. Ensuring mentally healthy workplaces for the healthcare sector, and the health and well-being of healthcare professionals more broadly, is a priority that requires a national, co-ordinated approach. A number of the PC report recommendations raise complex issues requiring further consideration and consultation with key stakeholders.
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A submission by Australian Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools Association
The Australian Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools Association (APACS) said that: 'We recognise that a number of strategic reviews into the mental health system have been completed and that this enquiry is focussing on other matters not addressed by these recent reviews. APACS responded to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health, however, despite making both written and in person submissions, we do not seem to have been recognised in the final report in the Prevention and Early Intervention Early Childhood and Schooling Chapter.'
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Submission to House Select Committee on Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
First Nations Media said that the primary impact of the pandemic within the First Nations media sector was been increasing pressure on the capacity of small teams to deliver essential information services to First Nations communities deemed particularly vulnerable to COVID-19-related deaths. First Nations media organisations remain at the frontline of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working extended hours for months to ensure communities had the information they needed, in a manner audiences could understand.
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Hansards
Federal
18 MAY 2021: REPS COMMITTEE HANSARD: Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention - Mental health and suicide prevention - Canberra
15 APR 2021: SENATE COMMITTEE HANSARD: Select Committee on Autism - Autistic people in Australia and a national autism strategy - Sydney
Queensland
22 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct
22 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health System
22 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus, Update
22 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus, Update, Influenza, Vaccine
22 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statement - Coronavirus, Queensland Health Advice
22 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Ambulance Service, Resources
21 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Health Infrastructure - Hospitals, Demand
21 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Parkinson's Disease, Fundraising Walk
21 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Hospitals, Access
21 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health System
21 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Social Housing
21 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus, Update
21 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Mental Health
20 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Hospitals, Access
20 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Autism Awareness Month
20 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Matters of Public Interest - Health System
20 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Minister for Health, Coronavirus Restrictions
20 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Ambulance Services
20 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus, Update; Coronavirus, Vaccine
20 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Hospitals, Code Yellow
20 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Hospitals, Staff Safety
20 APR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Specialist Outpatient Waiting List
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
Health Insurance (Quality Assurance Activity - Top End Health Service Peer Review Clinical Audits of Surgical Mortalities and Morbidities) Declaration 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00470
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Quality Assurance Activity - Top End Health Service Peer Review Clinical Audits of Surgical Mortalities and Morbidities) Declaration 2021 (the Declaration) is to declare the Top End Health Service (TEHS) Peer Review Clinical Audits of Surgical Mortalities and Morbidities Activity (the Activity) to be a quality assurance activity to which Part VC of the Act applies.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Quality Assurance Activity - Alice Springs Public Hospital Morbidity and Mortality Program) Declaration 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00463
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Quality Assurance Activity - Alice Springs Public Hospital Morbidity and Mortality Program) Declaration 2021 (the Declaration) is to declare the Alice Springs Public Hospital Morbidity and Mortality Program (MMP) activity to be a quality assurance activity to which Part VC of the Act applies.
Explanatory Statement
Biosecurity Legislation (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Amendment (No. 1) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00456
The effect of these provisions is to clarify that the general exemption to the travel ban for travel to New Zealand will not apply where a person intends to onward travel from New Zealand to another foreign country.
Explanatory Statement
Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00450
The instrument supports the streamlining of applications for new ingredients for use in listed and assessed listed medicines, and enhance the data protection scheme for such medicines. The purpose of the Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2021 (the Regulations) is, principally, to amend the TG Regulations to support two measures introduced to the Act by the recent Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2020 Measures No. 2) Act 2021 (the Amendment Act).
Explanatory Statement
Public Health (Jervis Bay Territory) Emergency Declaration Further Extension (No. 2) 2021
Notifiable Instrument - F2021N00072
Further extend the period during which the Public Health (Jervis Bay Territory) Emergency Declaration 2020 is in force by a period of 90 days.
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
Federal
22 APR 2021: GOVERNMENT NOTICES GAZETTE: 22 APR 2021: GOVERNMENT NOTICES GAZETTE: Invitation to comment on a clinical trial with a genetically modified human adenovirus COVID-19 vaccine
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Consolidated Legislation
Federal
Disability Services Act (National Standards for Disability Services) Determination 2014
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00327
Determinations/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Disability Services (National Standards for Disability Services) Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Determination 2021.
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National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement 2021
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00319
PB 27 of 2021 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (April Update) Instrument 2021 (PB 28 of 2021).
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Aged Care Act 1997
Act Compilation - C2021C00185
Act No. 112 of 1997 as amended, taking into account amendments up to Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Serious Incident Response Scheme and Other Measures) Act 2021 An Act relating to aged care, and for other purposes.
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New Bills
None this edition.
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New Acts
None this edition.
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