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)

6 May

Vaccine rollout delay will cost economy $16.4 billion due to border closures alone
Border closures made necessary by delays to Australia's vaccine rollout will cost the economy $16.4 billion, according to new modelling by the McKell Institute. It finds that the current rate of vaccination risks delaying the end to international border closures by 81 days later than originally planned, which will incur an economic cost estimated at $16.4 billion. McKell Institute executive director Michael Buckland said that the aviation sector and the industries that rely on it have suffered enough.
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Medicines Australia updated position on Intellectual Property (in light of TRIPS Waiver)
Medicines Australia acknowledged the importance of accessible, lifesaving vaccines and treatments could not be more important. The US Government's decision to support a patent waiver on COVID-19 vaccines will not increase vaccine production nor increase the rate of vaccination in poorer countries. The Biden Administration's decision undermines the hard work of the global vaccine efforts. Safe, effective vaccines require robust partnerships that need to be supported by the international intellectual property system.
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INCLO members join the call for universal access to COVID-19 vaccines and support the temporarily TRIPS waiver proposal
The Human Rights Law Centre has called for universal, equitable and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in the context of the stark inequality in the global distribution of the vaccines already produced and ordered. The right to health is a fundamental right and states have made a commitment to ensure all have access to the highest attainable level of health, globally. In practice, this means states must prioritize the available resources and mechanisms at their disposal to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines for all persons, without discrimination.
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Government continues to oppose vaccine IP waiver despite US, NZ support
The US Government have announced they will support the proposal for the waiver on intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines at the WTO. The WTO TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement entrenches 20 year monopolies on new medicines before cheaper versions can be produced, preventing the ramping-up of production of affordable vaccine supplies. A waiver would allow any pharmaceutical manufacturer to make COVID vaccines without fear of being sued for intellectual property infringement, said the ACTU.
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U.S. Patent waiver support leaves Australia isolated
The Greens are calling on the Government to support the patent waiver on COVID-19 vaccines. The Greens say that the United States' announced support for the waiver of intellectual property provisions on COVID-19 vaccines has put further pressure on Australia to back the proposal. Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens spokesperson for International Aid and Development, said: 'Australia must immediately follow the United States and back the TRIPS waiver. We are one of the hold-outs and it's morally indefensible.'
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NSW: COVID-19 restrictions update
Given the latest cases of community transmission and updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, COVID-19 restrictions will be temporarily tightened across Greater Sydney. It is also strongly recommended the community avoids mingling in large groups over the coming days. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the three day restrictions would help reduce the risk of a super spreading event. 'These measures are proportionate to the risk and will help reduce further cases of community transmission,' Ms Berejiklian said.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded two new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm. Nine new cases were acquired overseas to 8pm. One previously reported case has been excluded, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,327. There were 11,579 tests reported to 8pm, compared with the previous day's total of 13,543. NSW Health has identified two further venues of concern as part of its ongoing investigations.
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NT: COVID-19 Update: NSW Advice
The Chief Health Officer is encouraging anyone who has been in New South Wales since 30 April to continually check the full list of COVID-19 case locations as they may be required to quarantine at a suitable place, effective immediately, said the NT Department of Health. The list has expanded following the announcement of a second community case of COVID- 19, a close contact.
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QLD: Queensland doesn't delay as NSW records case of community transmission
NSW Health has released a list of exposure sites dating back to 30 April 2021, as one person in Sydney's eastern suburbs tested positive to COVID-19. Queensland Health said that anyone in Queensland who has been to any of these exposure sites in New South Wales during the risk period identified is asked to quarantine at their home or accommodation and get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible. The NSW exposure sites list will be updated as more information comes in. Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said it was important anyone who had been to these exposure sites goes into home quarantine.
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NT: Positive COVID-19 Case Update
The NT Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet announced that one new COVID-19 case has been recorded in the Northern Territory in the past 24 hours. A 39-year-old male, who arrived on the repatriation flight from London on 4 May 2021 has tested positive for COVID-19. He is asymptomatic and under the care of the AUSMAT team at the NT Centre for National Resilience.
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WA: COVID-19 update 6 May 2021
The WA Department of Health has reported three new cases of COVID-19. A female and male both in their 30s, and a child, who all have returned from overseas and are now in hotel quarantine. The State's total number now stands at 1013. WA Health is monitoring 28 active cases of COVID-19 and 976 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
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WA: Restrictions set to significantly ease from 12.01am Saturday, May 8
The easing of restrictions for Perth and Peel will proceed as planned from 12.01am Saturday, May 8. Following three COVID-19 cases detected in Perth, the Chief Health Officer has advised Perth and Peel will need to see through the full 14-day incubation period, from the last case detected, which ends 12.01am Saturday, May 15, 2021, said WA Premier Mark McGowan and WA Minister for Health Roger Cook.
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5 May

Australia dispatches medical supplies to India
Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne and Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that Australia will deliver essential medical supplies to India as part of an initial package of support to the Indian Government's programme for combatting the country's current COVID-19 outbreak. A chartered Qantas flight departed Sydney carrying supplies to meet the needs identified by the Government of India including 1056 ventilators and 43 oxygen concentrators. This will allow Indian frontline workers to provide lifesaving medical interventions. These Australian donated supplies will be distributed by the Indian Red Cross and local authorities to ensure support reaches those in greatest need.
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Australia's support for vaccine rollout in the Pacific and Timor-Leste
Minister Payne, Minister Hunt and Minister for International Development Zed Seselja said that Australia's support for the COVID-19 vaccine roll out in the Pacific and Timor-Leste has provided an initial delivery of 20,000 Australian-manufactured vaccines from national stocks to Timor-Leste. It has also sent further much needed medical supplies to support Timor-Leste's COVID-19 response. This builds on the more than 56 tonnes of humanitarian, medical and PPE supplies delivered to Timor-Leste last month.
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GPs to get increased supplies of COVID-19 vaccines
In a major boost to the COVID-19 vaccination program, the Australian Government is ramping up the weekly number of doses of AstraZeneca being provided to general practices across Australia said Minister Hunt. Participating general practices which have been receiving 50 doses per week, will now receive 150 doses per week, and general practices receiving 100 doses per week, will now receive 200 doses per week. 'To all Australians, please come forward and get vaccinated. It will help protect you, your family, your friends, your work mates, everybody. It will keep you, and the country COVID safe,' said Minister Hunt.
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Increase in COVID vaccines for GPS welcome
The increase in the allocation of COVID-19 vaccines to general practice will come just in time for GPs to begin vaccinating anyone 50 years and over later this month, Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said. 'This increase means about 4000 general practices currently getting between 50 and 100 doses per week will be eligible to receive an extra 100 doses each week, which will help improve access for patients,' Dr Khorshid said. 'Supply constraints have meant that most general practices have only been able to offer a small number of doses each week to patients, and many have long waiting lists.'
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NSW: Public health alert - COVID-19 case
NSW Health has been notified of a new COVID-19 case in a person who resides in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Urgent investigations into the source of the infection and contact tracing are underway. It is understood the case, a man in his 50s, has not travelled overseas in recent times and he does not work in a hotel quarantine, border or health role. The man underwent testing on Tuesday 4 May and returned a positive result Wednesday 5 May.
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NSW: Public health alert - New venues and sewage detection
NSW Health can advise that new venues of concern have been identified and others have been updated as part of ongoing investigations into a COVID-19 case reported earlier. Urgent investigations and contact tracing continue. Anyone who attended any of the following venues at the times specified is asked to immediately get tested and isolate until NSW Health provides further advice. This applies to everyone, including those who have been partially or fully vaccinated. NSW Health was notified that fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been detected in the Marrickville Sewage Network.
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WA: COVID-19 update 5 May 2021: Collie COVID-19 case confirmed as historical
Western Australia Health has confirmed the Collie man who returned a very weak positive COVID-19 result is a historical case. The man in his 30s poses no threat to community health and has not been included as a positive case in WA statistics. The Collie resident had travelled back to Australia from Poland and quarantined in a Melbourne hotel for 14 days. He tested negative to COVID19 in all his tests while in hotel quarantine. On his return to Collie, he was retested as part of Vic Health's follow up of people post-quarantine. He returned a very weak positive result, which is sometimes seen in people with old, recovered infections.
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WA: COVID-19 update 5 May 2021: WA Health advice following confirmed New South Wales COVID-19 case
Western Australia Health has issued advice for recently returned New South Wales travellers, following a public health alert issued for parts of Sydney. New South Wales Health issued the alert following the detection of a positive COVID-19 case in the Sydney community. WA's Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said any individuals in WA who had visited the New South Wales locations (external site) during the relevant times should get tested immediately for COVID-19 and quarantine for 14 days from their date of exposure. The case was considered to be infectious from 30 April to 4 May.
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4 May

Reverse fines for Australians in India and bring them home safely
The Australia Medical Association (AMA) has called on the Federal Government to immediately reverse the order to fine or jail Australians returning home from India, and to urgently develop and put in place a plan to ensure the safe return home of Australians from India. AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid, has written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Health Minister Greg Hunt, calling on them to commit to the repatriation of vulnerable Australians in India at the end of the current travel ban. 'The Australian Government should take all necessary steps to get the most vulnerable home.'
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NSW: Looks to lead the way with mRNA vaccines
Premier Berejiklian brought together the state's leading experts in mRNA technology as NSW looks to create a new medical manufacturing and research industry. Ms Berejiklian, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant met with experts including NSW Chief Scientist Hugh Durrant-Whyte to discuss the capacity of NSW to manufacture mRNA vaccines. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use mRNA technology. However, Australia currently has no long-form RNA manufacturing capacity. Ms Berejiklian said the pandemic has shown us how the private sector, universities and the NSW Government can work together to produce world-leading technology, new-generation therapies and life-changing research.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19. Seven new cases were acquired overseas, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,306. There were 5,601 tests reported, compared with the previous day's total of 7,920. NSW Health administered 3,984 vaccines. The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 677,262, with 215,006 doses administered by NSW Health and 462,256 administered by the GP network and other providers.
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3 May

The National COVID-19 commission advisory board
'The National COVID-19 Commission Advisory Board has concluded its work on behalf of the Government,' said Prime Minister Scott Morrison. 'Australia has come a long way since I announced the Board on 25 March 2020. We have moved past the emergency phase of the COVID-19 response and are now on the path of economic recovery. Australia's strong health and economic circumstances and our strong outlook make it the right time for the Board to conclude its work. A hallmark of our response to COVID-19 has been the way we have listened to a wide range of trusted, expert voices.'
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ACT: Next stage of COVID-19 vaccine rollout
More Canberrans will be able to access a COVID-19 vaccine with the expansion of the ACT Government vaccination program. A new COVID-19 vaccination clinic located at Calvary Public Hospital Bruce opens, offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to people in the ACT aged 50 and over. The Garran COVID-19 Mass Vaccination clinic will administer the Pfizer vaccine to people under 50 who are eligible under phase 1a and 1b. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the expansion of eligibility for ACT Government vaccination clinics provided Canberrans with more options to access the vaccine.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19. Five new cases were acquired overseas, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,300. There were 7,920 tests reported, compared with the previous day's total of 9,000. NSW Health administered 18,686 vaccines during the week ending Sunday 2 May. The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 672,362, with 211,022 doses administered by NSW Health.
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2 May

VIC: Doors open for 50+ at vaccination centres across Victoria
Following the success of expanded access at Victoria's six high-volume vaccination centres, a raft of additional vaccination centres managed by Victorian health services will now be open to the eligible public. A new high-volume vaccination centre located at the Cranbourne Turf Club will also open 4 May. Phone bookings remain strongly encouraged at all sites allowing walk-ins. When Victorians call the booking service by dialling 1800 675 398 (and selecting option 3, option 2, option 2) they can discuss the centre that's right for them, based on availability, age and vaccine type, said Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley.
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30 April

Travel arrangements to be strengthened for people who have been in India
The Government will implement a temporary pause on travellers from India entering Australian territory if the passenger has been in India within 14 days of the person's intended arrival date in Australia. The temporary pause follows the meeting of National Cabinet and was based on advice about the worsening COVID-19 situation in India. The pause will come into effect at 12.01am on Monday, 3 May 2021. The risk assessment that informed the decision was based on the proportion of overseas travellers in quarantine in Australia who have acquired a COVID-19 infection in India, said Minister Hunt.
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Oxfam responds to deadly COVID-19 wave in India
Oxfam has deployed teams to five of the worst-hit states in India where a second wave of coronavirus is sweeping the country. The international organisation is urgently appealing for $4 million to fund its emergency response to the crisis. Teams have already started providing face masks, hand sanitiser and other protective equipment in parts of Maharashtra following a request from state health authorities. Distribution of PPE to 500 frontline health workers will begin in Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in the coming days. Oxfam India is procuring oxygen tanks, beds, digital thermometers, and other medical equipment to help government hospitals.
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More action required to assist India and the 10,000 Australians left stranded
'Labor calls on National Cabinet leaders to urgently provide options for additional support for the people of India, as well as Australia's large Indian community,' said Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs Kristina Keneally and Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler. 'Reported COVID-19 cases in India have now passed 18 million - with the total number potentially far higher - and the devastating death toll from the country's second wave continues to grow. As a good friend of India's, Australia must be doing all we can to help combat this crisis.'
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Morrison must ensure developing nations have access to vaccines
'Labor calls on the Government to stop its obstruction and instead work cooperatively to explore all options that ensure developing nations can access safe, effective and affordable COVID-19 vaccines in a timely way, ahead of a meeting of the World Trade Organization,' said Shadow Minister Wong, Shadow Minister Butler and Shadow Minister for Trade Madeleine King. 'India and South Africa's push in the WTO to waive intellectual property rules to allow generic COVID-19 vaccines to be produced is now co-sponsored by 58 countries and supported by 60 (74 per cent of WTO members).'
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Australia must back vaccine patent waiver
The Greens have reiterated their calls for Australia to support a global vaccine patent waiver, supported by more than 100 countries, ahead of a critical World Trade Organization council meeting. Senator Faruqi said: 'This is a matter of global justice and responsibility. It is morally bankrupt for Australia to give anything other than full-throated support for the patent waiver. Rich, western countries banding together to hoard vaccines and deny them to poorer countries where thousands are dying daily is white supremacy, plain and simple.'
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Australia must step up for its neighbour
Greens MPs are calling on the Federal Government to step up and redouble its efforts for the people of India and provide much needed assistance as the country battles millions of current cases. India is currently facing a tragic second wave of COVID19 with a record 349,691 new cases and 2,767 deaths. Hospitals are running out of medical supplies including oxygen and basic medicines, there aren't enough hospital beds or ventilators. Cremation and burial sites are over capacity for the first time in recent memory, said Australian Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson Senator Janet Rice and NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge.
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Greens call on WA Government to close high risk quarantine hotels
The Greens said that quarantine will be part of managing the pandemic for the foreseeable future and purpose built facilities should be built now. 'The Western Australian Government needs to urgently close the quarantine hotels that have been identified as high risk and improve other areas of its approach to quarantine,' said Greens Senator for WA Rachel Siewert. 'These hotels are not fit for purpose and we cannot go any longer using these sub-par facilities that can result in outbreaks. Hotels were never made to be medical facilities.'
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Aged Care

5 May

4 in 5 South Australians back Victorian model of voluntary assisted dying laws
New research from the Australia Institute shows more than 4 in 5 South Australians (83%) want the state to legislate Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws based on the model that has already been implemented in Victoria. 'The overwhelming support for voluntary assisted dying laws in South Australia spans across the political spectrum and all age groups in the community,' said Noah Schultz-Byard, South Australian Director at The Australia Institute.''It doesn't matter how old people are or who they vote for. South Australians want their Parliament to get on with this reform.'
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4 May

Doctors and nurses call for mandated nursing home
Doctors and nurses are calling on the Government to urgently mandate staff ratios of registered nurses in aged care and to act sooner than recommended by the Royal Commission to bring in 24/7 registered nurse (RN) cover in nursing homes. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) are calling for Government to implement the minimum staff time standard recommended by the Royal Commission as an urgent first step, but should go further and raise this standard to a five-star model.
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2021 Next Gen Forum: An exciting space to learn and connect with young leaders across Australia
The upcoming Next Gen Forum will inspire and excite in a national online space to learn and connect with young leaders in the age services industry across Australia. The Next Gen Forum - run by Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), the voice of aged care - has been created in full collaboration with young leaders (LASA Next Gen Ambassadors) and provides excellent opportunities to connect with next generation peers over the half-day event. 'Through our research we have highlighted the challenges young professionals in age services are facing,' said Samantha Bowen, Principal Advisor Next Gen.
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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

6 May

Gas is causing unjust health impacts on young people
A new report from the Climate Council finds that gas is harming human health at every step of the process, from extraction and processing to burning for heating and cooking in homes. Communities on the front lines of gas extraction and young people are the most impacted groups. 'Young people will not only face the worst climate change impacts, made worse by the burning of gas for power, but are also first and worst hit by the health impacts of using gas for cooking and heating in their homes,' said Alex Fuller, National Director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC).
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Invisible danger: Gas, asthma and children
The use of gas in homes is exposing Australian children to a higher risk of asthma, as well as driving climate change, a new Climate Council report has found. 'Cooking with gas is estimated to be responsible for up to 12 percent of the childhood asthma burden* in Australia,' said Climate Council spokeswoman and report author, Dr Kate Charlesworth. The report, Kicking the Gas Habit: How Gas is Harming our Health, finds that gas commonly used for cooking and heating harms people's health, while the process of extracting gas exposes communities to hazardous substances.
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5 May

ACT: Review of ACT health programs for children and young people - Extension to submissions deadline
The ACT Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Health and Community Wellbeing said it is currently undertaking an inquiry which will be a review of ACT health programs for children and young people. In order to provide the community and stakeholders with adequate time to engage with the inquiry, the Committee has decided to extend the submissions deadline, originally announced as 4 June 2021.
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4 May

Consumers Health Forum of Australia
Consumers Health Forum (CHF) was excited to announce that CHF's Youth Health Forum (YHF) has launched incubator grants program. This grants program is designed to address the concerns of young Australians as the 'missing middle' in healthcare. YHF has received funding from the Department of Health. This funding will go towards the development of resources by young people to improve communication, provide pathways to services and ensure that the 'missing middle' is found and supported. The grants will be up to $5000 for short-term or one-off initiatives or activities, and up to $10,000 for long-term projects with greater scope.
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2 May

Australian childhood immunisation rates continue to break records
Australian parents continue to show their confidence in vaccinations, with record rates of childhood immunisations in the first quarter of 2021 For the fourth consecutive quarter, the coverage rate for five year olds has increased to a historic 95.22 per cent. This surpasses the national aspiration of 95 per cent, and gives Australia the herd immunity needed to stop the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. It is also well above the estimated World Health Organization international average immunisation coverage rate of 86 per cent for five year olds, making Australia a world leading vaccination nation, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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Clinical Governance

1 May

Prevention key to help tackle health crisis
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has made a submission in response to the Department of Health's draft National Preventive Health Strategy, welcoming many parts of the draft strategy while also calling for strengthening specific measures targeting social determinants of health. The National Preventive Health Strategy, due to be finalised mid-year, forms part of the third pillar for mental health and preventive health as outlined in Australia's Long Term National Health Plan. Currently only 1.7 per cent of the health budget is invested in preventive health.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

None this edition.

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Dental

5 May

Supporting outcomes-focused care in oral health through telehealth coaching
'Telehealth coaching in oral health offers government and health service providers in Australia a pathway to improving patient outcomes and experiences while reducing wastage and cost,' said Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association Chief Executive Adj Prof Alison Verhoeven. A perspectives brief, Telehealth in coaching in oral healthcare, published by the Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association's (AHHA) Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research examines how telehealth coaching can support outcomes-focused, patient-centred care in oral health. The brief provides recommendations for an oral health coaching program which incorporates value-based health care approaches, team-based care, and telehealth to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
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Disabilities

1 May

Pilot program to develop a best practice approach for recruitment of people with disability
A new pilot program will examine barriers and identify initiatives to improve employment prospects and workforce opportunities for Australians with a disability. Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said five large employers and two small to medium enterprises would participate in the RecruitAble pilot to challenge misconceptions and develop a best practice approach for the recruitment of people with disability. 'Getting a job and having a job is an absolute game changer in everybody's life and that shouldn't be any different for somebody who has a disability,' Minister Ruston said.
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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

4 May

CBA strengthens digital healthcare capabilities with Whitecoat acquisition
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) accelerates ambition to provide Australia's best-in-class digital experience for healthcare customers. CBA has announced the acquisition of health technology provider Whitecoat, accelerating the bank's ambition to provide Australia's leading end-to-end digital payment, claiming, and directory solution for the healthcare industry. Whitecoat operates Australia's largest digital healthcare services directory allowing patients to locate and book appointments with over 300,000 health service providers. It also offers a digital health payment and claims solution with both terminal and in-app mobile claims processing capability.
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30 April

Integrating electronic prescriptions into pharmacy operations
The rollout of electronic prescriptions has expanded significantly over the past few months, with 97 per cent of all PBS-approved pharmacies now dispensing electronic prescription tokens. The next phase in the rollout of electronic prescriptions is the Active Script List (ASL) in which a patient's electronic prescriptions are consolidated in a digital list and can be accessed at any pharmacy without the need for tokens. The ASL has multiple benefits for patients and pharmacists, particularly for those who take multiple medications. The ASL framework has progressed through beta testing and will be available to pharmacies over the coming months, said the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
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Education and Training

None this edition.

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Funding

5 May

Investment in health crucial
As Australia finds its way out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lessons learned about its health systems must not be lost. The Australian Government must use the Federal Budget to commit to measures that ensure its health systems are resilient and effective now and beyond COVID-19. 'We know areas of our health system are failing Australians, and we cannot continue the business as usual approach to funding,' Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Omar Khorshid said. 'There continues to be unmet need for health services in the community, and the ongoing need for further investment in our health care system to ensure services are accessible and affordable for patients is only going to increase.'
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NSW: NextSense secures new home at Macquarie University
The peak organisation for hearing and vision loss will relocate its headquarters to Macquarie University after the NSW Government approved plans for its new $74.5 million state-of-the-art facility. NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said NextSense Centre of Excellence - formerly known as the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children - will boost the university's position as a leading hearing hub and strengthen its research, audiology and healthcare assets. 'This move will bolster the strong partnership and collaborative relationship that exists between NextSense and Macquarie University,' Mr Stokes said.
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Health Professionals

6 May

Leading Aged Services Australia shows strong support for nurses in aged care
On International Nurses Day, 12 May 2021, Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), the voice of aged care, is supporting extra nurses in aged care and a workforce program to attract and retain nursing talent in the industry. LASA CEO Sean Rooney said the value of qualified nurses in aged care should not be underestimated and is calling on the Government to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
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5 May

ACT: International Day of the Midwife
Midwives across the ACT are being acknowledged for their compassion, commitment, and professionalism this International Day of the Midwife. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said there are 725 registered midwives across the ACT.''Midwives make an invaluable contribution to our health system, providing care to thousands of expectant and birth parents every year. Between 5000 and 6000 babies are born in the ACT each year, with around 30 per cent involving midwifery continuity of care in the public health system, one of the highest proportions in Australia' said Minister Stephen-Smith.
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QLD: Health Minister celebrates Queensland's Midwives on International Day of the Midwife
Midwives across Queensland will be recognised for their commitment and efforts in celebration of International Day of the Midwife. Visiting Longreach Hospital in Central West Queensland, Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath commended midwives for their professionalism and care during challenging times. 'Queensland's midwives play an important role in caring for us and our communities every single day,' said Minister D'Ath. 'The global pandemic has placed unprecedented burden on our health workforce but through it all, our midwives have shown utmost resolve and courage.'
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30 April

More GPs for rural areas increases access for patients in the bush
Increasing numbers of doctors are training to become GPs in regional, rural and remote areas, which will deliver significant benefits to patients and communities in the bush. The Government's 2021 Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program selection process has seen the largest number of acceptances - 1,434 doctors - in several years, more than 100 additional doctors than last year's intake, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt. Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said almost 700 of these doctors will undertake their training in regional, rural and remote locations across the country.
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Hospitals

6 May

ACT: Latest plans for Canberra Hospital Expansion released for public comment
The ACT Government is one step closer to delivering a bigger and better Canberra Hospital with the release of the Development Application for six weeks of public consultation. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said consumer, community and clinician engagement has been critical throughout the project and the Development Application (DA) reflects feedback received over more than a year of engagement. 'We've made design and scope updates over the life of the Canberra Hospital Expansion project and the designs released today follow a ten-week pre-DA consultation period earlier in the year,' said Minister Stephen-Smith.
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5 May

WA: RPH beds open in promised 117-bed expansion in hospitals
Western Australian Minister for Health Roger Cook opened the first 26 of the new 36 beds at Royal Perth Hospital, part of 117 beds to be opened across Western Australia in the coming months. These new beds are part of 500 additional hospital beds being added to the health system, including 300 new inpatient beds of which 100 are mental health beds. This includes 95 new emergency department beds, one of the biggest expansions of ED capacity in the State's history. These Royal Perth Hospital beds are both medical (22) and surgical beds (14) and will make a significant contribution to patients requiring hospital care.
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Insurance

4 May

Getting a COVID vaccine will not invalidate your life insurance
The Financial Services Council (FSC) was reassuring Australians that taking a COVID-19 vaccine will not invalidate life insurance policies despite false rumours suggesting otherwise. FSC CEO Sally Loane said the false rumours, which have been circulating on social media, incorrectly suggest the COVID-19 vaccine is an 'experimental medical treatment' and therefore having the vaccine is a 'self inflicted injury' which could void life insurance policies. 'To be clear - the COVID-19 vaccine is not experimental treatment. Receiving approved treatment from a qualified medical professional at an approved medical facility is not a self-inflicted injury,' Ms Loane said.
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Medicare

None this edition.

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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

6 May

SA: Farmer-focused mental health toolkit funding boost
An online portal aimed at helping improve the wellbeing of farmers and their communities is being expanded, thanks to a $200,000 SA Government grant. The $200,000 funding injection from the $21 million Drought Support Package will be used to further develop the ifarmwell website, which provides practical information for farmers about ways of coping with challenging and difficult circumstances. SA Minister of Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said industry has embraced the online toolkit during these challenging times.
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SA: Immediate action to build on mental health reform
The Government took immediate action to build on mental health reform in South Australia, following the mental health workshop and national meeting of Mental Health Ministers. SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said while there was much more to be delivered in the medium and longer term, the Government considers that these immediate action items to support the state's mental health system. 'Last week's workshop was a key event for a broad range of stakeholders to come together to progress mental health reform - the Marshall Liberal Government shares this group's passion for mental health reform in South Australia,' said Minister Wade.
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5 May

Veterans encouraged to have their say on senate inquiries into TPI and DFRDB service pensions
Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel Shane Neumann and Chair of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee Kimberly Kitching said that: 'Veterans are being encouraged to provide input to two parliamentary inquiries into the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) veteran pension and the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) military superannuation scheme. Labor has listened to the concerns of these veterans and in March, we referred these issues to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for open and independent inquiries so veterans can have their say. We are calling on TPI veterans and DFRDB scheme members, and ex-service organisations, to make written submissions to the inquiries.'
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4 May

Upstream community-led actions reduce suicide rates by up to 17%
Suicide deaths leave families, friends, workplaces and communities devastated. But a new study conducted by the University of Melbourne for Wesley Mission demonstrates the effectiveness of community Networks to reduce the rate of suicide by seven per cent on average. Longitudinal analyses of national suicide data showed that this pattern of effects was most pronounced nine months after establishing the Network with a significant reduction of 17 per cent in suicide rates. Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Networks program was established in 2007 with support from the Government's National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program and has grown to launch more than 100 local community groups.
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ACTU, mental health groups and academics call on Cash to back reforms to protect mental health at work
The Australian Council Trade Unions has joined with mental health advocates and academics, releasing a joint statement calling on Minister Michaelia Cash and all Work Health and Safety Ministers to vote to support key reforms recommended in both the Boland Review of Model WHS Laws and the Respect@Work report on sexual harassment in the workplace at an upcoming meeting of state, territory and federal WHS ministers. Both reports, commissioned by the Work Health and Safety Ministers and the Federal Government respectively, recommended the inclusion of a psychological hazard regulations in the Model Work and Health Safety Act.
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3 May

Centre to help kids traumatised by homicide
Work has started on a new multi-million-dollar residential trauma centre to support children who have lost loved ones through homicide. NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said Grace's Place will provide counselling to children and young people to help heal their emotional scars. Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said Grace's Place will come into its own during the critical 72 hours after a homicide. Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman said it is difficult to think of a worthier cause than Grace's Place.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

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