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)
28 July
Rapid Antigen Test cancellations not due to the failure to detect the COVID-19 Omicron variant
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is aware of several incorrect recent media reports asserting that some COVID-19 rapid antigen tests have been removed from the market by the TGA for failing to detect the Omicron COVID-19 variant. To date, four RATs have been cancelled from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), but this was not because they have failed to detect the Omicron variant. One product was cancelled by the TGA because the sponsor didn't provide sufficient data to demonstrate the sensitivity of the test for COVID-19 detection with the required guidelines.
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WA: COVID-19 update 28 July 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 4,961 new cases to 6pm July 27th. There are currently 28,316 active cases in Western Australia. To 6pm July 27th, there were 418 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 16 in ICU. Sadly, this report includes five deaths, which were reported to WA Health - dating back to 11 June - a woman in her 80s, a woman in her 70s, a man in his 90s, a man in his 50s and a man in his 40s.
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26 July
TAS: Coronavirus Update
'Tasmania has recorded 1,328 new cases overnight. The total number of active cases currently stands at 8,217 and we now have more than 215,000 Tasmanians who have recovered from COVID-19. There are currently 40 people in hospital being treated specifically for COVID. There are 3 patients in ICU. Sadly, I can confirm a woman in her 90s and a man in his 80s has passed away in the State's South. I extend my sincere condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones,' said TAS Premier Jeremy Rockcliff.
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WA: COVID-19 update 26 July 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 4,409 new cases to 6pm July 25th. There are currently 31,321 active cases in Western Australia. To 6pm July 25th, there were 457 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 17 in ICU. Sadly, this report includes four deaths, which were reported to WA Health - dating back to 19 July - a woman in her 90s, a man in his 80s, a woman in her 70s and a man in his 50s.
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25 July
Post-market review of antigen and rapid antigen tests
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is reviewing all COVID-19-specific laboratory antigen tests and rapid antigen tests (RATs), including point-of-care and self-tests, included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The purpose of the review is to determine if tests have been impacted by the current known variants of SARS-CoV-2, with ongoing activity to assess their ability to detect emerging variants. In addition, the post-market review includes laboratory testing of all point of care (PoCT) and self-test RATs included in the ARTG to validate their performance in detecting the Delta and Omicron variants (and other emerging variants of concern).
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TGA provisionally approves the Biocelect Pty Ltd (Novavax) COVID-19 vaccine, NUVAXOVID, for use in individuals aged 12-17 years
The TGA has provisionally approved the Biocelect Pty Ltd (on behalf of Novavax Inc.) COVID-19 vaccine, NUVAXOVID, for use in individuals aged 12-17 years. The decision follows provisional approvals on 19 January 2022 for the use of NUVAXOVID in adults, on 9 June 2022 the NUVAXOVID booster dose for use in adults. As with adults, the vaccine should be administered in adolescents intramuscularly as a course of 2 doses 21 days apart.
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Covid-19 reinfections add to the risk of acute complications and long Covid
'In the early days of the pandemic, it was rare to hear of people catching Covid twice. The Omicron variant that emerged in late November has changed that. As new variants have emerged, and immunity from previous infection and immunisation has reduced, reinfection with Covid-19 is becoming increasingly common. Some people have been infected four times in the past two years. A study published in March from the South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis found the risk of reinfection has 'increased substantially',' said Gardian Tech.
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TAS: Coronavirus Update
'Tasmania has recorded 1,025 new cases overnight. The total number of active cases currently stands at 8,450 and we now have more than 215,000 Tasmanians who have recovered from COVID-19. There are currently 49 people in hospital being treated specifically for COVID. There are 2 patients in ICU. Sadly, I can confirm a man in his late 70s has passed away in the State's South. A man in his 40s has also passed away in the South with COVID a contributor. I extend my sincere condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones,' said TAS Premier Jeremy Rockcliff.
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22 July
New campaign to promote COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments
The Government launched a new advertising campaign to encourage eligible Australians to access life-saving COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments, announced Minister for Health Mark Butler. The new antiviral treatments are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme with eligibility now opened up to include more people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Those who can now receive Government subsidised COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments include:
- people aged 70 years and over
- people 50 years and over with two risk factors
- First Nations people 30 years and over with two risk factors, and
- immunocompromised people 18 years and older
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COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments
The Australian Government has launched the latest phase of the COVID-19 campaign to inform Australians that COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments are available for eligible cohorts, announced the Department of Health and Aged Care. New, lifesaving oral antiviral treatments are now available for people at high risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19. Australians are encouraged to check their eligibility and speak to their healthcare professional about COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments that can be taken at home, as they need to be started early after testing positive. While vaccination against COVID-19 is the first and best defence, some people are at higher risk of becoming very unwell if they contract the virus.
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VIC: Clearer language recommended for pandemic orders
'The Government should improve the way it communicates pandemic orders to the public, the Pandemic Declaration Accountability and Oversight Committee has found. The Committee set up to review restrictions under the pandemic orders has tabled two reports as part of its ongoing review of orders made by the Minister for Health. The Pandemic Declaration Accountability and Oversight Committee's reports review the Visitors to Hospitals and Care Facilities Orders and the Quarantine, Isolation and Testing Orders. Since the pandemic declaration came into effect 15 December 2021, there have been many changes to restrictions under the pandemic orders,' said the Parliament of Victoria.
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WA: COVID-19 update 22 July 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 6,056 new cases to 6pm July 21. There are currently 36,412 active cases in Western Australia. To 6pm July 21, there were 452 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 24 in ICU. Sadly, this report includes one death, which was reported to WA Health - A man in his 90s. Of the 6,056 cases, 2,232 were confirmed via PCR test, the remaining 3,824 were self- reported positive rapid antigen tests. A total of 7,444 PCR tests were conducted at either state-run or private pathology clinics July 21. WA has recorded 1,025,545 cases since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
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Aged Care
28 July
Capability review of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
The Government has announced it will conduct a capability review of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells confirmed that the capability review would proceed after the former Morrison Government failed to act on the Royal Commission recommendation. 'Australians told us that quality and safety in aged care is of utmost importance, and the Government is progressing this review,' Minister Wells said. 'The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is responsible for protecting and improving the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life for older Australians receiving funded aged care services. It is critical that the Commission is fit for purpose.'
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Getting In-Home Care back on track
The Government has listened to older Australians and the aged care sector and is getting reforms to the in-home care program back on track. Minister Wells said the previous government altered the timeline for the new in-home program, against the recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. 'In the past two months, I have heard repeatedly that the Morrison government's rush-job on home care put people in who are receiving home care at risk. I've heard this from peak bodies such as ACCPA, COTA and OPAN, and from individual providers.'
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ACCPA welcomes decision to defer start of new home care program for aged care
Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) has welcomed the Federal Government sensible decision to defer the start of the Support at Home Program to mid- 2024. ACCPA Interim CEO Paul Sadler, 'The new start date for the Support at Home Program aligns well with the original Aged Care Royal Commission recommendation and will free up providers to focus on the current challenges of the Winter Omicron wave. ACCPA supports creation of the Support at Home Program.'
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FECCA welcomes Government's plans to deliver better aged care
The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) welcomes Government's bill introduced in Parliament to address aged care reforms. Some of these measures include having registered nurses on-site and on duty in residential aged care 24/7, capping of home care charges, and more transparency in the costs service providers claim. 'We are pleased that the Aged Care Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Bill 2022 puts the wellbeing, health and safety of older persons front and centre where they rightfully belong,' said Mary Patetsos, FECCA Aged Care spokesperson and immediate past Chairperson.
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27 July
Delivering the Government's plan to fix aged care
The Government has introduced legislation to deliver their commitments to fix the crisis in aged care, and usher in a new funding model for residential aged care. The Aged Care Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Bill 2022 will require a qualified registered nurse to be on site in every residential aged care home 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring older Australians living in residential aged care receive immediate care when needed. 'We are also delivering on our election commitment to improve transparency in the aged care system,' said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells.
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Cost of living relief for older Australians
More than 50,000 additional self-funded retirees will be helped to ease their cost of living pressures with the Government taking action to enable more Australians to access the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, said Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth. Legislation introduced into Parliament on Wednesday will see the Government deliver on its commitment to raise the income thresholds for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card to provide medical and pharmaceutical concessions for those who have reached age pension or veteran pension age. Pending the passage of legislation, the income limits for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card will increase from $57,761 to $90,000 for singles and from $92,416 to $144,000 for couples (combined).
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Solid foundations laid for aged care reform
The Health Services Union welcomes Minister Anika Wells' introduction of two aged care bills that represent an important step forward after nine years of abject neglect. The laws, which arise from the Royal Commission, introduce staff time standards to promote high-quality, person-centred care. They also give effect to the Australian National Aged Care Classification care model funding and other essential measures, such as star ratings, financial oversight and improved provider governance. HSU National President, Gerard Hayes said the laws were an important step forward. 'After a decade of abject neglect the first pillars of decency are being laid,' Mr Hayes said.
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ACCPA welcomes prioritisation of aged care reform
Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) has welcomed the tabling in Federal Parliament of two new pieces of legislation which show the Government recognises that fixing aged care is a key priority. ACCPA Interim CEO Paul Sadler said ACCPA urges Parliament to quickly pass the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Bill 2022 which among other things establishes an Independent Pricing Authority to recommend the price of aged care services and introduces a new residential care funding model called the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC).
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25 July
Australian defence force support to be extended in residential aged care
Residential aged care homes experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks will be able to receive help from Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel until the end of September, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles and Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells. The Australian Government will extend and increase the ADF support for aged care beyond the current end date of 12 August 2022. The extension, till 30 September 2022, complements the Government's existing surge workforce resources provided by commercial suppliers that remain in place until 31 December 2022.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
None this edition.
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Allied Health
None this edition.
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Children's Health
None this edition.
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Clinical Governance
28 July
Chief Medical Officer's statement declaring monkeypox a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance
'I have declared the unfolding situation regarding monkeypox (MPX) in Australia to be a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance,' said Professor Paul Kelly, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health and Aged Care. 'This follows the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the global situation regarding MPX to be a public health emergency of international concern. The latest data from 1 January to 28 July 2022 as reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) indicates there have been 20,311 MPX cases in 71 countries (including Australia) that have not historically reported MPX.'
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Strapit Medical and Sports Supplies Pty Ltd undertakes to comply with advertising rules for therapeutic goods
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has accepted a court enforceable undertaking by Strapit Medical and Sports Supplies Pty Ltd in relation to alleged advertising breaches that implied face masks advertised on their website were approved by the TGA. It is alleged that Strapit Medical and Sports Supplies Pty Ltd advertised face masks on their website in a way that indicated they were included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), however the advertising referred to two cancelled ARTG entries. The undertaking is enforceable for a period of three years, and under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 is required to be published.
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Call on Government to follow Plibersek's lead in supporting gay blood ban review
Senior federal MP, Tanya Plibersek, has written to the Let Us Give campaign saying she supports a review of the Red Cross Lifeblood's ban on whole-blood donation from gay men, and bisexual men, trans women and some non-binary people who have sex with men. Let Us Give spokesperson, Andrew Badcock, said, 'We welcome Tanya Plibersek's support for a review and call on the Labor Government to follow her lead.' 'If Australia adopts a new system that assesses the individual risk of all donors regardless of the gender of their sexual partner, it will open up an important new source of blood to help Australians in need.'
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27 July
Health Minister and opposition counterpart to face a 'question time' at AMA conference
The Australian Medical Association (AMA)'s National Conference begins in Sydney with highlights including a 'question time' session with Health Minister Mark Butler and his opposition counterpart Anne Ruston to take questions from conference attendees. The conference is a COVID-safe event with masks provided to attendees each day. National Conference is a 'hybrid' event allowing speakers and attendees to participate remotely as well as in-person. With Australia's health care system still under enormous strain from the COVID-19 pandemic the opening plenary session will look at how the medical profession's governing and regulatory bodies have dealt with the pressure resulting from the pandemic.
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Court proceedings initiated against Vapor Kings Pty Ltd and its director for alleged unlawful advertising of nicotine vaping products
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has commenced Federal Court proceedings against Vapor Kings Pty Ltd and its sole director, Amir Kandakji, for alleged unlawful advertising of nicotine vaping products. It is alleged the company and its director were responsible for unlawful advertising of nicotine vaping products on their websites and social media pages. Despite being warned about alleged non-compliant advertising, the company and Mr Kandakji continued to advertise and sell the products for some months. Nicotine vaping products are prescription only medicines which are prohibited from being advertised to the Australian public.
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26 July
Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Amendment Rules (No. 2) 2022
This circular from the Department of Health and Aged Care provides information for stakeholders about the amendment to the July 2022 Prostheses List. The delegate of the Minister for Health and Aged Care has made the Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Amendment Rules (No. 2) 2022 (the Amendment Rules) to amend the Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules (No. 2) 2022. The Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Amendment Rules (No. 2) 2022 (the Amendment Rules) were registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 27 July 2022 and commence on 1 August 2022.
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25 July
TGA approval to change blood donation rules relating to vCJD deferral
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the removal of the geographical deferral of blood and plasma donors from the UK, which was put in place to minimise the risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), commonly known as 'mad cow disease'. This decision follows an application made to the TGA to remove the deferral which is applicable to donors having spent a cumulative length of time of 6 months or more in the UK between 1980 and 1996. The TGA concluded that the modelled risk is reliable and by removing the deferral of vCJD the risk of transfusion transmission of vCJD would remain very low.
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End of mad cow blood ban prompts call to lift gay blood ban and adopt individual risk assessment
The Let Us Give campaign has welcomed the end of Australia's 22-year-old Mad Cow blood ban and has renewed its call for the gay blood ban to be lifted so there is a new source of safe blood for those in need. Australians who lived in the UK between 1980 and 1996 and who were banned from blood donation because of the outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy of Mad Cow disease, are able to donate.
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22 July
Alcohol and other drug problems are health issues
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has reiterated calls for a health-first approach to alcohol and other drug use. It comes following reports of Australia's first ever trial of a fixed-site pill and drug testing site opening in Canberra this week in a bid to reduce the harm caused by drugs. RACGP spokespeople have previously spoken about the importance of approaching alcohol and other drugs policy from a health-based perspective. In 2019, the college backed efforts to trial and consider pill testing following a spate of deaths at music festivals.
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13 Vape Pty Ltd directed to cease alleged unlawful advertising of nicotine vaping products
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a direction notice to 13 Vape Pty Ltd and an executive officer to cease promoting the use and supply of nicotine vaping products to Australian consumers. The TGA was of the view that when taken in the context of the whole advertisement, the website URL, trading name and website content collectively promoted the use and supply of nicotine vaping products. This is because 13 Vape Pty Ltd:
- used references to the therapeutic good in the trade name and website URL
- advertised the benefits of using liquid nicotine vaping over other methods for smoking cessation
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VIC: Clearer language recommended for pandemic orders
'The Government should improve the way it communicates pandemic orders to the public, the Pandemic Declaration Accountability and Oversight Committee has found. The Committee set up to review restrictions under the pandemic orders has tabled two reports as part of its ongoing review of orders made by the Minister for Health. The Pandemic Declaration Accountability and Oversight Committee's reports review the Visitors to Hospitals and Care Facilities Orders and the Quarantine, Isolation and Testing Orders. Since the pandemic declaration came into effect 15 December 2021, there have been many changes to restrictions under the pandemic orders,' said the Parliament of Victoria.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
27 July
TAS: Construction complete on new North West Antenatal Clinic
Construction of the new Antenatal Clinic at the North West Regional Hospital (NWRH) is now complete and set to open in the coming weeks following the final fit-out of furniture, fittings and equipment. The Tasmanian Government is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare services for mothers and their babies and has invested $5.8 million to deliver the purpose-built Antenatal Clinic as part of the Integrated North West Birthing Service, said Tasmanian Minister for Health, Jeremy Rockliff. The new facility has been built to contemporary standards and includes a dedicated reception and patient waiting area, six consulting rooms, staff offices, and a utility room as well as staff and patient amenities.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
27 July
Extension of pandemic leave disaster payments and new information
The availability of free rapid antigen tests for people with disability has been extended to 30 September 2022. Eligible people with disability in Victoria can access 20 free RATs per visit from state-run testing sites and from Disability Liaison Officers, according to the National Disability Services (NDS). Carers can also access the tests on behalf of eligible people with disability. Eligible people include NDIS participants, disability support pensioners, and people with a disability who receive a TAC benefit. Evidence of eligibility, such as an NDIS or TAC statement, is required. People unable to attend a state-run testing site can request Disability Liaison Officer support or email DLOcoordinator@dhhs.vic.gov.au
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
None this edition.
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E-Health
None this edition.
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Education and Training
22 July
Education Ministers to focus on teacher shortage
'On 12 August Education Ministers from around the country will meet in Canberra for the first in person Education Ministers meeting in more than a year,' said Minister for Education Jason Clare. 'The first half of this meeting will be a Teacher Workforce Roundtable focussed on tackling the nationwide teacher shortage. The Roundtable will include principals, teachers and education experts. It will be held prior to the Jobs Summit so that ideas generated can be fed into those discussions. Our teachers are incredibly important, and we don't have enough of them.'
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Funding
28 July
MTPConnect commercialisation program opens soon
The final round of a clinical translation and commercialisation program for SMEs delivered by federal government's MedTech and pharmaceutical growth centre MTPConnect will open for expressions of interest on September 9, announced InnovationAus. Funded through the federal government's long-term $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund, the Clinical Translation and Commercialisation Medtech (CTCM) Program will provide funding between $250,000 to $1.5 million for projects over a maximum of 24 months. Successful recipients must also provide co-contributions which will depend on the total CTCM funding requested. Round one of the programs requires recipients to co-contribute to the value of 50 percent of the CTCM funding request.
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27 July
VIC: Better healthcare delivered for Niddrie
More families in Melbourne's north-west will continue to receive the world-class treatment and care they deserve thanks to an investment from the State Government. Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas and Victorian Member for Niddrie Ben Carroll visited Cohealth in Niddrie to announce the not-for-profit health service has received more than $140,000 from the Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund (MHIF) to increase its physiotherapy and podiatry services. This investment has delivered a large physiotherapy open space for exercise and group work to support the growing demand for their services - providing a greater focus on rehabilitation and more support for low mobility clients.
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VIC: Delivering Coburg families the best possible care
Coburg families will continue to receive the best possible treatment and care they deserve faster at Merri Health thanks to an investment from the State Government. Minister Thomas and Victorian Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn visited Merri Health to announce the community health service has received more than $236,000 from the Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund (MHIF) for state-of-the-art clinical equipment. The Coburg not-for-profit clinic has received new audiology equipment and facilities to support speech and language skill growth for newborns which will help improve outcomes across all developmental areas.
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Health Professionals
28 July
Let's cut red tape and allow GPs to approve glucose monitors ASAP
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has called for GPs to be allowed to approve access to subsidised glucose monitors for their patients. In a letter to the federal Department of Health and Aged Care, the RACGP has strongly urged the Government to recognise that managing patients with type 1 diabetes within a specialist team is well within the scope of GPs across Australia. An estimated 130,000 people have type 1 diabetes in Australia and continuous glucose monitors allow people with diabetes to track blood sugar levels, an essential step that can help them effectively manage their condition.
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ACT: Supporting our health care workforce with more workers, safer workplaces
As the ACT's population continues to grow, the Government is growing and supporting the healthcare workforce with investment in 100 additional full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in 2022-23, growing to more than 170 FTE in 2023-24 announced ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith. Through the investments in this year's Budget, the Government will deliver on the commitment to employ 400 additional health care workers in this parliamentary term. It is the most significant investment the ACT Government has ever made in hiring even more health care professionals to support the community and each other.
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26 July
TAS: Government offers to commence early negotiations on new agreement for nurses and midwives
The Tasmanian Government acknowledges the continued dedication and commitment of all employees working in the health system as the State continues to respond to the enormous challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. 'As a Government, we understand the extra burden the pandemic has placed on health staff, and their commitment to helping Tasmanians is clear,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff. While they have continued to provide care to Tasmanians in hospitals and other health care settings, their additional valuable contributions to the State's vaccination program have helped to ensure nation-leading vaccination rates have been delivered in Tasmania.
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25 July
Joint statement by the Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA
'Poor culture is associated with poor patient outcomes, which places the issue firmly within the scope of regulators. Doctors in training have told us in the Medical Training Survey that there are serious cultural problems in medicine, including bullying, harassment, racism and discrimination. Results of many other surveys across medicine and the wider healthcare sector reveal similar problems. There is no place for bullying and harassment in healthcare because it harms the lives and careers of doctors and it harms patients,' said the Medical Board of Australia and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
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Hospitals
27 July
ACT: More investment to support Canberra hospitals
The ACT Government will fund more critical healthcare in hospitals through this year's Budget, said ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen- Stephen. With the continued growth in the ACT's population, coupled with the impacts of COVID-19, hospitals and healthcare facilities are experiencing increased demand. Through the Budget they will provide additional investment to deliver more health services in response to these circumstances. The ACT Government will invest almost $30 million to deliver more elective surgeries, helping to deliver on the target of 60,000 elective surgeries over the four years to 2024-25.
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TAS: Construction complete on new North West Antenatal Clinic
Construction of the new Antenatal Clinic at the North West Regional Hospital (NWRH) is now complete and set to open in the coming weeks following the final fit-out of furniture, fittings and equipment. The Tasmanian Government is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare services for mothers and their babies and has invested $5.8 million to deliver the purpose-built Antenatal Clinic as part of the Integrated North West Birthing Service, said Tasmanian Minister for Health, Jeremy Rockliff. The new facility has been built to contemporary standards and includes a dedicated reception and patient waiting area, six consulting rooms, staff offices, and a utility room as well as staff and patient amenities.
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26 July
PHI 43/22 Private hospital revocation
Notice of new or amended hospital declaration status and/or second-tier default benefit eligibility. The following private hospital have had their declaration revoked under Section 121-5 of the Private Health Insurance Act 2007: Epworth Cliveden, 29 Simpson Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Category C. The Department of Health were contacted by the VIC State Authority whom advised the license was no longer active. The Commonwealth list of declared hospitals has been amended to reflect this change. A full list of declared hospitals with second-tier categories can be found on the Department of Health and Aged Care's website.
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VIC: Home based care already easing pressure on our hospitals
Tens of thousands of Victorians are taking up the home-based care programs across the state - easing pressure on the health system - with nearly 56,000 people receiving care from the comfort of their home since Better at Home started last year. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas visited St Vincent's Hospital, which has one of the fastest growing home-based care programs in the state - with a 95 per cent increase in home-based care in the last year. Better at Home allows Victorians to access experienced nurses, clinicians and allied health professionals at home.
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Insurance
None this edition.
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Medicare
28 July
Strengthening Medicare Taskforce appointed
The Australian Government is making it easier for Australians to see a doctor by strengthening Medicare, the critical foundation of the health system. Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said the Federal Government is making it easier for Australians to see a doctor by strengthening Medicare, the critical foundation of the health system. After a decade of Opposition cuts and attacks on Medicare, primary health care is in crisis in Australia. The Federal Government is delivering on a key election commitment, the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce. The Strengthening Medicare Taskforce is bringing together Australia’s health policy leaders.
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Strengthening Medicare Taskforce welcome
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) welcomed the federal government's announcement on the establishment of a Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, which will decide priority areas for primary care funding. AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid said the taskforce will provide recommendations on what high priority investments are required to support implementation of Australia's Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan 2022-2032. 'Following AMA advocacy during the election campaign the then opposition committed to providing almost $1 billion in funding to address issues in primary care - a commitment that was sorely needed,' Dr Khorshid said.
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ANMF Appointed to Medicare Taskforce
The country's largest union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), is pleased to announce that its Federal Secretary Annie Butler has been appointed to the Federal Government's new Strengthening Medicare Taskforce. Health Minister Mark Butler said members of the Taskforce would work together to identify key recommendations for the Government to deliver on its pre-election pledge to strengthen Australia's universal healthcare system. Ms Butler joins a range of health professionals on the Taskforce, including consumer, rural and regional and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives from across the country.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
28 July
COVID-19 and mental health: what we've learned from the 45 and Up Study
An aspect of COVID-19 that governments are looking at closely is the effect of the pandemic and associated public health measures on Australians' mental health. The Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study - a long-term project exploring healthy ageing in over a quarter of a million older men and women from New South Wales - is a unique resource for exploring a broad range of mental health issues in older people during these difficult times. In 2020, around 60,000 Study participants completed questionnaires related to COVID-19, including its impact on mental health.
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26 July
Mental health and suicide in Australia
'More than 3,000 Australians died by suicide in 2020, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's (AIHW) latest report: Suicide and Self-Harm Monitoring. The report provides insight into the mental health and wellbeing of Australians at the start of the pandemic, with the country seeing an average of around nine deaths by suicide per day. The report indicates that males are three to four times more likely to take their own life than females, while females are more likely to attempt suicide or be hospitalised for intentional self- harm,' said Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride.
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25 July
$44 million to improve access to Headspace Services
Young people across the nation will soon benefit from additional access to mental health support at a number of headspace centres around Australia. The Australian Government will provide $44 million in grants to 57 headspace centres. Funds will be used for renovation, refurbishment, extension and relocation of premises, and ICT upgrades. Demand management grants will be used to increase young people's access to care, including additional staff, the introduction of group sessions, and brief intervention and single session therapy. Minister for Health, Mark Butler, said the funding demonstrated the Government's commitment to improving mental health services for young people.
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22 July
Major mental health study released
'More than two in five Australians experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. In 2020-21 more than 3.4 million Australians sought help from a health care professional for their mental health. These sobering statistics are from the Australian Bureau of Statistics' National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, with in-depth data from more than 5,500 people aged 16 to 85 years old. The study found that during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, 21.4 per cent of Australians had experienced a mental health disorder in the previous 12 months, with anxiety the most common disorder,' said Minister for Health Mark Butler.
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Response to release of National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020-21
While new ABS data does not indicate that the overall wellbeing of the Australian population is significantly worse, there is concerning elevated risk for young people, women and those who identify as LGBTIQA+, said the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC). The release of the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020-21 is welcomed. The last time such a study was undertaken was in 2007. While the data indicates that the general patterns reported in the 2020-21 study are broadly consistent with the 2007 findings, with lifetime and 12-month mental disorder rates at similar levels, there is cause for concern for some population groups that are at elevated risk.
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21 July
Reform needed to address high rates of mental ill-health
The national independent peak for the mental health sector cites the findings of a national study of mental health and wellbeing in Australia released as further evidence of the urgent need for system reform. Mental Health Australia CEO, Dr Leanne Beagley welcomed the new data saying, 'The results are a stark reminder of how common mental ill-health is, and how imperative it is to reform our mental health system to meet the mental health needs of Australians.'
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
25 July
Post-market review of antigen and rapid antigen tests
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is reviewing all COVID-19-specific laboratory antigen tests and rapid antigen tests (RATs), including point-of-care and self-tests, included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The purpose of the review is to determine if tests have been impacted by the current known variants of SARS-CoV-2, with ongoing activity to assess their ability to detect emerging variants. In addition, the post-market review includes laboratory testing of all point of care (PoCT) and self-test RATs included in the ARTG to validate their performance in detecting the Delta and Omicron variants (and other emerging variants of concern).
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TGA provisionally approves the Biocelect Pty Ltd (Novavax) COVID-19 vaccine, NUVAXOVID, for use in individuals aged 12-17 years
The TGA has provisionally approved the Biocelect Pty Ltd (on behalf of Novavax Inc.) COVID-19 vaccine, NUVAXOVID, for use in individuals aged 12-17 years. The decision follows provisional approvals on 19 January 2022 for the use of NUVAXOVID in adults, on 9 June 2022 the NUVAXOVID booster dose for use in adults. As with adults, the vaccine should be administered in adolescents intramuscularly as a course of 2 doses 21 days apart.
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22 July
Medicines industry working to minimise medicine supply shortages
Medicines Australia and the Generic and Biosimilars Medicines Association (GBMA) are deeply concerned about medicine shortages that impact patients and have been working closely with the Government and stakeholders to minimise supply issues throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The TGA currently has listed 47 medicines that are experiencing critical shortages, with many having limited availability. CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer, said the ongoing issues of medicine shortages formed a significant part of the recent Strategic Agreements with the Commonwealth Government. 'Every Australian should be able to receive the life changing medicines they are prescribed without delay.'
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Trusted information about biosimilar medicines
NPS MedicineWise has launched a new hub of information about biosimilar medicines. There is a lot of information about these medicines online and people often find it confusing and hard to know what to trust. The NPS MedicineWise hub brings together trusted sources of information into one place. Biological medicines, also known as biologics, are complex medicines made using living cells. They treat inflammatory conditions of the joints, bowel and skin. They are also used to treat diabetes, some cancers and other conditions. The nature of biologics means they cannot be copied exactly. Biosimilar medicines are very close, but not exact copies of an original biological medicine.
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Submission on Consultation paper - Amendments to Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
The RACGP has significant concerns regarding the consultation process undertaken by Queensland Health as the feedback platform is very restrictive. The form included a single question with a 'yes/no' answer and limited options for 'no' responses with field character restrictions for free text answers. The feedback form has severely limited the ability of industry stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the consultation. The RACGP believes this feedback should have been undertaken prior to Queensland Government announcements about making this arrangement permanent.
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Research
28 July
Knowledge mobilisation symposia
The Sax Forum is a valuable initiative that allows the Sax Institute to share knowledge among its Members and help understand what Australia can do better together. On 22 June, the second in a series of Knowledge Mobilisation Symposia was held, organised by the Sax Institute with the NSW Ministry of Health. The series investigates how to make research evidence useable and accessible to decision makers. More than 100 people from the Institute's Member organisations and NSW Health met online to hear insightful and detailed presentations on the importance of evidence support systems.
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QLD: $3m for dust lung disease research
QLD Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace has announced more than $3 million of research grants for occupational dust lung disease have been awarded by the Queensland Government. Minister Grace Grace said the grants were part of an election commitment to fund $5m of medical research into occupational dust lung diseases, particularly coal workers pneumoconiosis (black lung) and silicosis. 'The Palaszczuk Government is proud of our strong record to protect the health and safety of Queensland workers, but we always want to do more,' Ms Grace said.
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27 July
VIC: WEHI and Monash drug discovery team nominated as finalists in prestigious Eureka Prizes
In recognition of their pioneering research, a team of Melbourne scientists from the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) and Monash University have been shortlisted as finalists in this year's Australian Museum Eureka Prizes. The team is in the running for the 2022 UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research for developing an entirely new and innovative approach to cancer treatment that essentially 'puts cancer cells to sleep', without the harmful side effects caused by conventional therapies. The research team have been exploring a new class of drugs that can stop the growth and spread of tumors, without damaging the cells' DNA.
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21 July
Australia's unique, ultra-early surgery trial to minimise stroke damage caused by bleeding in the brain
A stroke caused by bleeding into the brain is an intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). ICH causes just 30% of strokes. But ICH damage causes 55% of stroke-related lost life years. ICH also leads to 35% of stroke fatalities in 28 days after the stroke occurs, said the Department of Health and Aged Care. Nurse Consultant Jenni Cranefield, Royal Adelaide Hospital, saw her dad struggle to regain functions after his stroke. 'ICH is one of the few areas in stroke where we haven't made big jumps in treatment improvement,' Jenni learned. Professor Bruce Campbell from Royal Melbourne Hospital and University of Melbourne agrees.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
28 July
Doctors drain from the bush as policy kicks in
Rural medical practices report resignations and withdrawal of job applications as doctors working in rural and remote Australia begin their migration to larger centres. Changes brought in by the new government to work location eligibility for immigrant doctors means they are no longer required to spend time caring for rural and remote communities. Dr Megan Belot, President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) said that she thinks rural communities are headed for even tougher times when accessing medical care. 'Many rural and remote towns rely on the care of Overseas Trained Doctors (OTDs) who staff their general practices due to the Distribution Priority Area (DPA) system.'
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26 July
NSW: First sod turned for new Coffs ambulance station
The Coffs Harbour community is a step closer to a new ambulance station with NSW Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor and Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh turning the first sod to mark the beginning of construction at the Marcia Street site. Mr Singh said the new station will replace the existing station at Coffs Harbour Health Campus and boost frontline emergency care in the region. 'It is an exciting day for our community to see construction now underway on our new ambulance station which will be a game changer for our local paramedics,' Mr Singh said.
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22 July
RACGP warns policy change aimed to boost regional and outer metro GPs will impact rural communities
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is warning that a Federal Government policy change aimed to boost GPs in regional and outer metro areas will see GPs leaving rural and remote communities. It comes after the Federal Government announced on Thursday the expansion of distribution priority area (DPA) status - a system designed to boost the number of GPs in rural and remote Australia by channelling doctors there who are subject to location restrictions, including international medical graduates and those in bonded medical programs.
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Women's Health
25 July
Helping to ease the grief of stillbirth
The Government is providing a package of $6.8 million in targeted funding to help ease the grief of stillbirth for bereaved women and families, announced Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney. Women and families mourning the death of a baby or infant will receive support through funding of $4.2 million to Red Nose Australia's Hospital to Home program. A further $2.6 million will be for stillbirth education and awareness initiatives focusing on groups at higher risk of stillbirth, including First Nations women, women from cultural and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, and refugee and migrant groups. More than 2,000 women and families are impacted by stillbirth each year.
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Transcripts
Treasurer Jim Chalmers
28 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Natasha Exelby, Network Ten
Subjects: Inflation, Economic conditions, Interest rates, Cost of living, Child care, Medicines, Supply chains, Renewable energy, Skills, Economic recession
Treasurer Jim Chalmers
28 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Allison Langdon & Charles Croucher, Channel Nine
Subjects: Economic growth, Inflation rate, Electricity price, Child care, Medical care, Supply chains, Real wage growth, Stopgap
Minister for Aged Care and Sport Anika Wells
28 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Sarah Ferguson, ABC 730
Subjects: Aged care, COVID outbreaks, Residential aged care reforms, Vaccines, Antivirals, Fourth dose vaccination, Capability review, Outbreaks, Winter plan, Workforce shortages
Business Council of Australia (BCA)
28 JUL: Transcript of Interview of Chief Executive, Jennifer Westacott with Tom Connell, AM Agenda
Subjects: Inflation, Cost of living, Labour shortages, Wages, Migration, COVID-19, Skills, Regulations
Treasurer Jim Chalmers
27 JUL: Transcript of Press Conference, Canberra
Subjects: CPI increase, Inflation, Cost-of-living, Interest rates, Superannuation, Global growth, IMF, COVID Zero China, Invasion of Ukraine, Energy and food security, Unemployment
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth
27 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News Afternoon Agenda
Subjects: Cashless Debit Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Income Management, Alcohol bans, Domestic violence leave, Fuel excise, Cost of living
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King
26 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Steve Martin, ABC Ballarat
Subjects: Opening of Parliament, Legislation, Election commitments to Ballarat, COVID-19, Emergency department, Hospitals, Renewables Link, Climate change, Net zero
Minister for NDIS and Government Services Bill Shorten
26 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Charles Croucher & Scott Emerson, Today
Subjects: Manly Sea Eagles, Pride jersey boycott, Queensland Government quarantine facility, Parliament Sitting, COVID-19, Crisis accommodation
Minister for NDIS and Government Services Bill Shorten
26 JUL: Transcript of Speech to the Australian Financial Review Government Services Summit
Subjects: Opening of Parliament, Collaboration, Data for good policy, Integrated services, Expectations, COVID-19, Government services
Minister for Regional Development, Local Governments and Territories Kristy McBain
26 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Simon Lauder, ABC South East radio Breakfast
Subjects: Opening of 47th Parliament, Foot and mouth outbreak, 43 per cent climate change target, Aged-care, Mental health, Norfolk Island, Assisted dying
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
25 JUL: Transcript of Speech to the Federal Labor Caucus, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: Election results, Fed Govt's agenda, International discussions, Energy policy, FMD, Bills before parliament, Aged care, Jobs, Home affairs
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles
25 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Michael Rowland, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: ADF support to Aged Care, Monkeypox, Australian Building and Construction Commission, Foot-and-mouth disease, Australian Ambassador to the United States
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles
25 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News Australia First Edition
Subjects: ADF support to Aged Care, Australian Building and Construction Commission, Foot-and-mouth disease, Parliament resuming, AUKUS
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles
25 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Charles Croucher, Today Show
Subjects: Foot and mouth disease, Monkeypox, ADF support to Aged Care, Airport bioscecurity, Border closures, National Incident Centre, World Health Organization
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles
25 JUL: Transcript of Doorstop Interview
Subjects: ADF support to Aged Care, 47TH Parliament, Australian Building and Construction Commission, Fourth dosage coverage, Return of Parliament, Treasurer's update, Inflation
Minister for Aged Care and Sport Anika Wells
25 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Kim Landers, ABC Radio AM
Subjects: Return of Parliament, Aged care reform, Surging COVID-19 cases, Staff shortages, Australian Defence Force helping fill shortages, Fair Work
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley
25 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Peter Stefanovic First Edition, Sky News
Subjects: ADF in aged care, Vaccination rates, Secret cuts to manufacturing jobs, Fed Govt's attack on the ABCC, State of the Environment Report, Former Fed Govt
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
24 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News Sunday Agenda
Subjects: Siev 915 report, 47th Parliamentary sitting, Masks, Foot and Mouth Disease, USA alliance, China, Parliamentary culture, Aged care reform, Mental health
Minister for Sport and Aged Care Anika Wells
23 JUL: Transcript of Speech to the Brisbane 2032 Fundraising Luncheon, Brisbane
Subjects: 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, FIFA Women's World Cup, Women's sport teams, Community sports, Preventative health, Tourism
Minister for Education Jason Clare
22 JUL: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Sydney
Subjects: Teacher shortage, Role of teachers, Visas, Education Ministers forum, Teacher's pay, Covid-19, Schooling from home, Reputation of profession
Minister for Finance and Women Katy Gallagher
22 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC RN Breakfast
Subjects: Women's ministers meeting in Adelaide, Safe and affordable social housing, Abortion access, RBA, National Plan for Gender Equality, Women's Economic Security Task Force
Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts
21 JUL: Transcript of Remarks at the Launch of the Consul by Ian Kemish, Lowy Institute, Sydney
Subjects: Consular work, DFAT, 2002 Bali Bombing, China, Russia and Ukraine, COVID-19, Borders, Travel insurance, Mental health, Diversity
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Reports
Legislation List from Caucus Party Room Briefing
Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Bill
Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Bill
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Self-Employed Programs and Other Measures) Bill
Climate Change Bill
Climate Change (Consequential Amendments) Bill
Social Security Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) Bill
Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Amendment (Selection and Appointment) Bill
Jobs and Skills Australia Bill
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation and Other Legislation Amendment (in Capacity Payments) Bill
Treasury Laws Amendment No 1 Bill
Medicare Compliance and Other Measures Bill
Aged Care Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Bill
Aged Care Royal Commission Response Bill
Restoring Territory Right Bill
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Our Future World: Global megatrends impacting the way we live over coming decades
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
A once-in-a-decade report from CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, identifies seven global megatrends that hold the key to the challenges and opportunities ahead. With an outlook to 2042, Our Future World revisits CSIRO's ground-breaking 2012 report of the same name, exploring the geopolitical, economic, social, technological and environmental forces unfolding around the world, predicting their likely impact on Australia's people, businesses and governments. The seven global megatrends are: Adapting to climate change; Leaner, cleaner and greener; The escalating health imperative; Geopolitical shifts; Diving into digital; Increasingly autonomous and Unlocking the human dimension.
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Suicide & self-harm monitoring
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring brings together key statistical data on suicide and self-harm from multiple national sources that will be updated regularly as new data become available. Here, you can examine the data through interactive visualisations and read information on the demographics, trends, methods and risk factors of suicide and self-harm in Australia. This website represents only one part of a comprehensive program of work on suicide and self-harm in Australia by the AIHW (for more information visit About the Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring System).
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How do doctors assess life expectancy in context of voluntary assisted dying?
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
Doctors determining a person's eligibility for voluntary assisted dying must assess that person's life expectancy, an 'inherently uncertain and imprecise' task made more difficult by the inconsistent wording of each state's legislation, according to the authors of Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia. 'In Victoria and South Australia, a person may be eligible for VAD if they have a condition that is 'expected to cause death within weeks or months, not exceeding 6 months' and in Tasmania if the condition is 'expected to cause death within 6 months',' wrote Dr Sharon Nahm and colleagues.
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SGLT2 Inhibitors and type 1 diabetes: A lost chance?
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, such as empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin and ertugliflozin, have been game changers in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but their potential for closing the mortality gap in type 1 diabetes has been a regulatory minefield, according to the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Dr Jennifer Snaith and Professor Jerry Greenfield, both from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, wrote that the metabolic benefits of SGLT2 inhibition in type 1 diabetes were demonstrated across three clinical trial programs.
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National study of mental health and wellbeing
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Summary statistics on key mental health issues including the prevalence of mental disorders and the use of services. Key statistics:
- Over two in five Australians aged 16-85 years (43.7% or 8.6 million people) had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life
- One in five (21.4% or 4.2 million people) had a 12-month mental disorder
- Anxiety was the most common group of 12-month mental disorders (16.8% or 3.3 million people)
- Almost two in five people (39.6%) aged 16-24 years had a 12-month mental disorder
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Review of the pandemic (visitors to hospitals and care facilities) orders
VIC, Pandemic Declaration Accountability and Oversight Committee
This Chapter provides a historical overview of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Victorian Government's public health response. Whilst this Committee's remit is focused on reviewing pandemic orders made under the pandemic management framework, providing historical context to the pandemic is important. The Chapter provides an overview of the development of the pandemic (including the Victorian response) since January 2020, when the first case of COVID-19 was detected in Australia. This Chapter does not cover pandemic support packages or initiatives by the state or Commonwealth governments, such as JobSeeker or JobKeeper payments, Emergency Relief Packages or travel vouchers.
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Review of the pandemic (quarantine, isolation and testing) orders
VIC, Pandemic Declaration Accountability & Oversight Committee
On 15 December 2021, Victoria's pandemic management framework established under Part 8A of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 came into effect. The new framework replaced the COVID-19 pandemic State of Emergency declaration and introduced significant changes to how the Victorian Government managed the COVID-19 pandemic. The expiration of the Statement of Emergency declaration meant that all existing Chief Health Officer directions expired. Existing restrictions and requirements were reissued under the pandemic management framework as pandemic orders issued by the Minister for Health.
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Improving medication management in residential aged care - Consultation paper
VIC, Department of Health
The Victorian Government undertook a review in 2019 of the management of administration of medication as set out in the DPCS Act. The review suggested that consideration be given to legislative change. This consultation paper references findings from this review and provides an opportunity to consider and inform advice to government about potential changes to the Act. This consultation paper is structured in three key sections. The first part of the paper provides an overview, scope, and context for this project. The paper then includes two key topics for consideration with discussion points for you to consider and provide feedback.
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Australia's mothers and babies
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
The rate of women giving birth in Australia has gradually fallen, from 66 per 1,000 in 2007 to 56 per 1,000 in 2020, consistent with ABS findings. The AIHW report, Australia's mothers and babies captures data from the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and shows that the number of babies born declined by around 7,100 (2.3%) between 2019 and 2020. 'More than 9 in 10 of the almost 296,000 babies born in Australia during 2020 were born at term and at a healthy birthweight,' said AIHW spokesperson Deanna Eldridge.
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Maternity models of care in Australia, 2022
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
In 2022, nearly 900 maternity 'models of care' were reported as being in use across 251 maternity services in Australia. This report explores the characteristics of these models, including the 11 major model categories they fall into, the women they are designed for, the maternity carers involved in providing them, and the extent of continuity of carer within them. Around 61% of models are targeted at specific groups of women. Around 890 maternity models of care are in use across Australia and these fall into 11 major model categories. The most common major model category is public hospital maternity care (40% of all models).
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Briefing - Inquiry into the decriminalisation of certain public offences and health and welfare responses - Transcript of Proceedings
Community Support & Services Committee
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Understanding disability statistics in the Census and the Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
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November 2022 PBAC Meeting
Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)
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Younger onset dementia: New insights using linked data
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
Most people (95%) in the younger onset dementia cohort were living in the community when dementia-specific medication was first dispensed in 2011-2012, with 5% living in permanent residential aged care (PRAC) (Figure 1). By the fifth year after medication was first dispensed, 42% of people were still living in the community and 31% were living in PRAC. About one-quarter (27%) of the cohort had died within 5 years, predominantly those who had lived in PRAC.
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Australian public assessment report for Burosumab
Department of Health & Aged Care, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Kyowa Kirin Australia Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Crysvita (burosumab) 10 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL and 30 mg/mL, solution for injection for the following proposed indication: The treatment of X-linked hypophosphataemia in paediatric patients 1 year of age and older and adults. X-linked hypophosphataemia (XLH) is a rare, serious, chronically debilitating condition associated with a mutation in the PHEX (phosphate regulating endopeptidase homolog X-linked) gene on the X-chromosome.
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COVID-19 vaccine safety
Department of Health & Aged Care, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Four COVID-19 vaccines are currently in use in Australia - Comirnaty (Pfizer), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), and Nuvaxovid (Novavax). To be registered for use, these vaccines must have met the TGA's high standards for quality, safety and effectiveness. The TGA closely monitors reports of suspected side effects (also known as adverse events) to the COVID-19 vaccines. This is the most intensive safety monitoring ever conducted of any vaccines in Australia. the TGA encourages people to report suspected side effects, even if there's only a very small chance a vaccine was the cause. Learn more about causality activities.
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Hansards
Federal
28 JUL 2022: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Medicare
28 JUL 2022: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - World Hepatitis Day
28 JUL 2022: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - Canning Electorate - Peel Health Campus
28 JUL 2022: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Aged care
28 JUL 2022: SENATE HANSARD: Committees - COVID-19 Select Committee - Report
28 JUL 2022: REPS HANSARD: Documents - Medical Workforce
28 JUL 2022: SENATE HANSARD: Bills - Aged Care And Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Bill 2022 - Second Reading
27 JUL 2022: REPS HANSARD: Bills - Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Lifting the Income Limit for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card) Bill 2022 - First Reading, Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
27 JUL 2022: REPS HANSARD: Bills - Aged Care Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Bill 2022 - First Reading, Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
27 JUL 2022: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - Indi Electorate: Hospitals
27 JUL 2022: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - Rural and Regional Health Services
27 JUL 2022: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - Disability Services
27 JUL 2022: REPS HANSARD: Bills - Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Bill 2022 - First Reading, Second Reading, Third Reading
27 JUL 2022: SENATE HANSARD: Statements - Abortion
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Court Cases
Queensland
CL [2022] QCAT 263
30 MAY- Catchwords: Health law - Guardianship, management and administration of property of persons with impaired capacity - Sterilisation of a child with an impairment
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Victoria
Re Ghosh [2022] VSC 410
25 JUL- Catchwords: Administration and probate - Application for disposal of body - Coroner concluded not a reportable death - Defendant brother appealing Coroner's conclusion
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New Regulations
Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Amendment Rules (No. 2) 2022
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022L01012
The Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules (Prostheses Rules) are made for the purposes of subsection 333-20(1) of the Act. Listed prostheses and their minimum benefits are set out in the Schedule to the Prostheses Rules. The list of prostheses in the Schedule is commonly referred to as the Prostheses List.
Explanatory Statement
Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 9) 2022
Legislative Instrument - F2022L01010
The Amendment Rules make consequential amendments to the Benefit Requirements Rules to implement changes to the private health insurance procedure type classification of items of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) to reflect the introduction of a new temporary substitute positron emission tomography (PET) item for use when the preferred service using gallium-67 (Ga-67) is unavailable due to Ga-67 supply disruptions. The new temporary MBS item 61527 takes effect 1 August 2022.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines-Cost Recovery) Amendment (Fees) Regulations 2022
Legislative Instrument- F2022L01009
The National Health Act 1953 (the Act) makes provision in relation to pharmaceutical, sickness and hospital benefits, and medical and dental services. Section 140 of the Act provides that the Governor-General may make regulations, not inconsistent with the Act, prescribing all matters which by the Act are required or permitted or are necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to the Act. The Act enables fees to be charged to recover the costs of certain services provided by the Commonwealth.
Explanatory Statement
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
Federal
25 JUL 2022: GOVERNMENT NOTICES GAZETTE: Private Health Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2015 - Subsection 21(1) - Notice of cancellation of registration 2022 - Nurses & Midwives Health Pty Ltd - Nurses & Midwives Health Pty Ltd
New South Wales
26 JUL 2022: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 338: Extraordinary Gazette - Mental Health Act 2007 - Section 109 - Declaration of Mental Health Facility
Victoria
28 JUL 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 30: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 - Notice of Order Revoking Approval of Communicating Occupational Health & Safety Across Languages Compliance Code
28 JUL 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 30: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Health Services Act 1988 - Section 134 - Healthshare Victoria - Health Purchasing Policy Amendments
Western Australia
26 JUL 2022: WA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE: General Gazette 115 - Health
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Consolidated Legislation
Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00753
SR 1990 No. 394 Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment (Fees and Other Measures) Regulations 2022
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Health Insurance (Allied Health Services) Determination 2014
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00751
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Section 3C General Medical Services - Eating Disorder and HCH Consequential Changes) Determination 2021
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National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00750
PB 71 of 2012 Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2022 (No. 6)
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Classification Principles 2014
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00746
Principles as amended, taking into account amendments up to Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Palliative Care Classification and Other Measures) Instrument 2022.
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National Health (Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services Program) Special Arrangement 2017
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00744
PB 107 of 2017 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services Program) Amendment Special Arrangement 2022 (No. 1)
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National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement 2021
Legislative Instrument Compilation
- F2022C00741
PB 27 of 2021 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (July Update) Instrument 2022.
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National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits-early supply) Instrument 2015
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2022L00738
PB 120 of 2015 Specifications as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits - early supply) Amendment Instrument 2022 (No. 6)
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Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Rules 2015
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F202200736
Rules/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 8) 2022
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Statement of Principles concerning osteoarthritis (Balance of Probabilities) (No. 62 of 2017)
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2022L00734
No. 62 of 2017 Determinations/Veterans' Entitlements as amended, taking into account amendments up to Amendment Statement of Principles concerning osteoarthritis (Balance of Probabilities) (No. 77 of 2022)
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Statement of Principles concerning Guillain-Barre syndrome (Balance of Probabilities) (No. 24 of 2018)
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2022L00733
No. 24 of 2018 Principles as amended, taking into account amendments up to Amendment Statement of Principles concerning Guillain-Barre syndrome (Balance of Probabilities) (No. 75 of 2022)
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Statement of Principles concerning Guillain-Barre syndrome (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 23 of 2018)
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2022L00732
No. 23 of 2018 Principles as amended, taking into account amendments up to Amendment Statement of Principles concerning Guillain-Barre syndrome (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 74 of 2022)
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Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Other Medical Practitioner) Determination 2018
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2022C00731
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Other Medical Practitioner) Amendment (Indexation) Determination 2022.
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Health Insurance (Section 3C Midwife and Nurse Practitioner Services) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00730
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Indexation) Determination 2022
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Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Telehealth and Telephone Attendances) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2022C00729
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Telehealth and Telephone Attendances) Amendment (Natural Disaster Exemption No. 2) Determination 2022.
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Health Insurance (General Medical Services Table) Regulations 2021
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2022C00728
Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (General Medical Services Table) Amendment (Pain Management Services) Regulations 2022.
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Continence Aids Payment Scheme
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00726
Schemes as amended, taking into account amendments up to Continence Aids Payment Scheme Amendment (Indexation of CAPS Payment) Instrument 2022
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Migration (LIN 18/036: Period, manner and evidence of labour market testing) Instrument 2018
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2022C00723
LIN 18/036 Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Migration (Labour market testing) Amendment Determination (LIN 22/064) 2022.
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Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00722
Rules/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 7) 2022
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Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Extracorporeal Photopheresis) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00720
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Indexation) Determination 2022
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National Health (Closing the Gap - PBS Co-payment Program) Special Arrangement 2016
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2022C00719
PB 9 of 2016 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Closing the Gap-PBS Co-payment Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (Continued Dispensing) Instrument 2022.
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New Bills
Aged Care Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Bill 2022 - Reps intro 27/7, Reps 2R 27/7
Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Bill 2022 - Reps intro 27/7, Reps 2R 27/7, Reps passed 27/7, Senate intro 27/7, Senate 2R 27/7, Senate 2R debate 28/7
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Lifting the Income Limit for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card) Bill 2022 - Reps intro 27/7, Reps 2R 27/7
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New Acts
None this edition.
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