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.
The next edition of this newsletter will be published on Thursday, 1 April 2021, due to the Good Friday public holiday on 2 April 2021.
Major Announcements
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
25 March
ATAGI statement for health care providers on suitability of COVID-19 vaccination in people with history of clotting conditions
Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) notes that the World Health Organization (WHO) and regulatory agencies including the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have been reviewing data from tens of millions of people given the AstraZeneca and other COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. This shows that there is no increase in the rates of general thromboembolic disorders after vaccination over expected rates, noting these conditions occur commonly in the absence of vaccination.
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Changes to WA legislation enable pharmacist-administered COVID-19 vaccinations
Legislation changes in Western Australia have enabled pharmacies to take part in the COVID-19 Phase 2a vaccination program when the rollout commences from May 2021. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia WA President Dr Fei Sim welcomed the Government's legislation changes, saying pharmacists had an important role to play in ensuring the WA community received their vaccinations across the State in a safe and secure process.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm. Five new cases were acquired overseas, and two previously reported cases were excluded following further investigation. This brings the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,086. There were 10,158 tests reported to 8pm, compared with the previous day's total of 12,322. NSW Health is treating 61 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in ICU.
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TAS: Vaccine update and wastewater testing in Tasmania
'I am proud of the job Tasmanians have done in working together to keep on top of COVID. It has been an exciting time in recent weeks as we've kicked off the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, with Phase 1B now well underway in our communities. There have now been more than 10,000 vaccinations delivered through the State Government program, with new clinics online this week, and Phase 1A on track to be completed next month,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney.
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VIC: Delivering a safe and secure quarantine system
International passenger flights to Victoria will resume following comprehensive expert reviews into the management of new highly-infectious, rapidly changing variants of coronavirus. From Thursday 8 April, international passenger arrivals will be able to resume, starting at an arrivals cap of 800 people per week and scaling up to 1,120 per week subject to capacity and the completion of ventilation works, said Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino and Victorian Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services Danny Pearson.
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24 March
Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccine rollout is underway: Indigenous people 55 and over
Around 87,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 55 or older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in phase 1B of the national rollout strategy. Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt made time to attend Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Service to receive his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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NSW: COVID-19 restrictions to ease but compliance must increase
24 MAR: A number of COVID-19 restrictions across NSW will be eased as the State continues to move forward in a COVID-Safe way. Businesses and other organisations must continue to ensure they keep accurate records of all attendances, including through QR Codes, to enable fast contact tracing in the event of any community transmission. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the easing of restrictions is a significant step forward as NSW continues its COVID-19 recovery.
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23 March
VIC: Victoria to further relax COVID-Safe settings
Victoria will further relax its COVID-Safe settings, allowing for more visitors in the home, reduced mask wearing and an increase in the number of people allowed in live music venues and other settings. Acting Premier Merlino and Minister for Health Martin Foley announced that following reduced exposure risk and low community transmission, new COVID-Safe settings would be implemented. Victorians will be able to host up to 100 people in their home per day. Outdoor gatherings in public places - the beach, the park - can also increase to 200 people.
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22 March
Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccination rollout begins
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said: 'Today is a momentous day for Australia's fight against COVID-19, with the rollout of Phase 1B of the Australian Government's vaccination plan. The COVID-19 vaccine rollout out is one of the largest logistical exercises ever undertaken in this country and we are particularly encouraged by the enthusiastic response from Australians in getting vaccinated. Australia's vaccination rollout will help reduce the health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.'
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COVID vaccination program needs the community to be patient and well-informed
The Consumers Health Forum welcomed the start of the 1b phase of the COVID vaccination roll out to older people and other vulnerable groups, urging the importance of the need for community patience and two-way communication between health authorities and consumers. The success of Australia's response so far in keeping the spread of COVID to relatively low levels should not make us complacent about the priority of prompt vaccination of all Australians in the interests of health and of the economy.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
The Department of Health said that NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm. Five new cases were acquired overseas, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,077. There were 8,337 tests reported to 8pm, compared with the previous day's total of 15,783. NSW Health is treating 55 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in ICU. Most cases (91 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.
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21 March
QLD: Hotline answers more than 20,000 calls during COVID-19 pandemic
It's been one year since the Queensland Government established the Community Recovery Hotline during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then it has received more than 20,000 calls for information, advice and assistance. Queensland Minister for Communities, Housing and Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said Hotline (1800 173 349) had been a central point of contact for Queenslanders, including seniors and people with disability, who needed support accessing groceries, medicines and other essential items during the pandemic.
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19 March
AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S COVID-19 vaccine
Independent expert review of recently reported cases of suspected anaphylaxis following the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S COVID-19 vaccine has concluded that there is no increased risk of anaphylaxis associated with the vaccine above the expected rate for any other vaccine, said the Department of Health. Anaphylaxis is a very rare side effect that can occur with any vaccine. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) convened a meeting of experts drawn from the TGA's Advisory Committee on Vaccines and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation to review the individual cases in detail.
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QLD: Visiting rules removed as Brisbane COVID cases successfully managed
Restrictions at hospitals and other high-risk facilities in Greater Brisbane have been eased thanks to the excellent public response to the three cases at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Hotel Grand Chancellor. From midday 19th March, hospital patients, aged care and disability accommodation residents, and correctional facilities in the Greater Brisbane area can resume receiving visitors as normal. Non-essential visits ceased in the local government areas of Brisbane City, Ipswich City, Logan City, Moreton Bay Region and Redland City, said Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath.
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Aged Care
25 March
New video for health workers illustrates culturally safe advance care planning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Encouraging conversations around end-of-life is challenging, but a new video, Discussing Choices - Indigenous Advance Care Plans - A Learning Resource featuring the Groote Eylandt community, has demonstrated that conducting culturally safe end-of-life discussions is a skill that can be learnt. Palliative Care Australia (PCA) is proud to launch the Discussing Choices - Indigenous Advance Care Plans video during Advance Care Planning Week, an annual initiative by Advance Care Planning Australia that encourages all Australians, regardless of their age or health status, to make their future health care preferences known.
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Over 27,000 Australians die waiting for home care in two and a half years
The Department of Health Officials revealed 27,278 Australians have died while waiting for a Home Care Package that had been approved in the last two and a half years. Officials also confirmed the huge waiting list for home care still sits at 96,859 people. This Government has neglected the entire aged care sector and these shameful statistics show no progress on essential home care, said Shadow Minister for Senior Australians Clare O'Neil and Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler.
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23 March
VIC: Dementia friendly aged care unit opens in Creswick
The Government is delivering more high-quality public sector aged care services for older Victorians, with the completion of a new $3.2 million dementia friendly unit in Creswick. Victorian Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan visited the Creswick Nursing Home to officially open the new unit and meet residents who call the new facility home. The upgrade has delivered 12 private rooms complete with en suites, situated around a central courtyard and landscaped gardens. Based on best practice principles for dementia-specific care, the new stand-alone unit provides a safe, home-like environment adaptable to individual residents' needs.
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22 March
Nominate now for LASA's Retirement Manager of the Year Award - Making lifestyles better
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), the voice of aged care, is calling for final nominations now for the Retirement Manager of the Year Award, which closes on 9 April 2021. The LASA Retirement Village Manager of the Year Award aims to promote and recognise excellence across the retirement living and senior's housing industry. 'This award celebrates the passion and achievements of individuals who exemplify and continually maintain top standards of customer service,' said LASA CEO Sean Rooney. 'It is about making better ageing futures for older people, using innovation, satisfaction, dispute resolution and efficient management processes across retirement societies.'
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Get the care you want, not the care you don't want, at the end of life
National Advance Care Planning Week (22-26 March 2021) is the perfect time to make plans and discuss with loved ones the care you want at the end of your life, the AMA said. Advance care planning can help you clarify what 'living well' means and consider who you'd like to speak for you, if you can't speak for yourself. 'Thinking about a time when you can no longer speak for yourself can be very confronting but that's why it's important to start having these challenging conversations now,' said AMA Vice President, Dr Chris Moy, who is also an ambassador for Advance Care Planning Australia (ACPA),
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
None this edition.
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Allied Health
None this edition.
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Children's Health
22 March
Vital improvements needed to Australian immunisation register
Several targeted vaccine programs introduced to the Australian National Immunisation Program (NIP) in 2020 exposed the limitations of the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), according to the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). Dr Jane Tuckerman, from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and colleagues wrote that particularly, the AIR's inability to collect information on medical risk factors to monitor vaccine uptake in at-risk groups was highlighted. 'As of 1 July 2020, Bexsero (GSK), the meningococcal B vaccine, was funded by the NIP for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged under 2 years and for other populations with specific medical risk factors,' Tuckerman and colleagues wrote.
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Clinical Governance
25 March
TAS: Health dashboard data shows the extent of Tasmanian Government's failures
Health dashboard data presents the grim reality facing Tasmania's health sector. Shadow Minister for Health Bastian Seidel said the numbers show the Government has lost control of the health system. 'The Health dashboard shows the elective surgery wait list has increased 71% since the 2018 election, blowing out to 12,086,' Dr Seidel said.
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24 March
ACT: Territories being left behind in voluntary assisted dying laws discussion
'Last night I welcomed the news that Tasmania has legalised voluntary assisted dying. However, it is another stark reminder that the ACT and Northern Territory cannot even debate legalising voluntary assisted dying in our parliaments. With the news last night, now half of the Australian states have legalised voluntary assisted dying. The ACT Government urges the Federal Government to restore our Territory rights - and end this needless, senseless treatment of citizens within its own country as second-class,' said Labor Member for Ginninderra Tara Cheyne.
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TAS: Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill passes both Houses of Parliament
'I welcome the passing of the End of Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020 in the Legislative Council, last night. This Bill, I believe, will ensure that Tasmanians who are experiencing intolerable suffering due to an advanced, incurable and irreversible medical condition that is expected to cause death, are empowered to make an informed choice about their end of life, while ensuring rigorous safeguards are in place to protect the vulnerable in our community,' said Tasmanian Liberal Member for Bass Sarah Courtney.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
None this edition.
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Dental
20 March
VIC: Healthier smiles for Aboriginal kids in Loddon Mallee
The Victorian Government is ensuring Aboriginal children in the Loddon Mallee region have strong and healthy teeth, said Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley and Victorian Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan. The $360,000 Loddon Mallee Fluoride Varnish program will help protect 600 Aboriginal children in schools, Aboriginal-specific early years services and Aboriginal childcare organisations at heightened risk of tooth decay. Fluoride varnish applications reduce tooth decay in young children by 37 per cent by providing a protective covering. The varnish also prevents an existing tooth decay from progressing further. The preventive oral health program provides including twice-yearly fluoride varnish applications, oral health promotion and free tooth packs to Aboriginal children.
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Disabilities
25 March
The Disability Royal Commission needs more time to stop violence and abuse of people with disability
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) has written to the Acting Attorney- General Michaelia Cash and Prime Minister Scott Morrison supporting calls made by the Hon. Ronald Sackville, Chair of the Disability Royal Commission, requesting the Australian Government extend the commission to September 2023. 'This extension is needed urgently if the commission is to properly fulfil its role investigating the violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability,' said PWDA chief executive officer Sebastian Zagarella.
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NDIS Independent Assessment process subject to massive conflicts of interest
The Government is allowing corporations with massive conflicts of interest - including one run by former NDIA CEO Robert De Luca - to begin cashing in on planned Independent Assessment changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme before they've even been introduced. Australian Greens Disability spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said proposed independent assessment changes were ripe for corruption.
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19 March
QLD: Queensland Government's ART-ful boost to NDIS access in Queensland
Far North Queensland residents with disability will now receive extra support to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), with a new team established to boost participant numbers in the region. Queensland Minister for Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford announced the launch of the Assessment and Referral Team (ART) in Far North Queensland at the Disability Connect and Outreach Program Forum in Cairns. Mr Crawford said the program was helping to bridge the gap for more equitable access to the NDIS and improve outcomes for Queenslanders living with disability.
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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
24 March
AMA raises alarm over data sharing plan
The Australian Medical Association has sounded the alarm over the federal government's flagship new data-sharing scheme, warning there are no minimum privacy protections and that private health information could be shared with insurance firms. The Government introduced the Data Availability and Transparency Act to Parliament in December last year, after nearly three years of development and consultation. The legislation facilitates a significant expansion of the sharing of public sector data between agencies and private organisations, sometimes without consent.
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22 March
Good things happening to support digital health literacy
A digital health literacy initiative funded by the Australian Digital Health Agency last year is reaping significant rewards and helping bridge the digital divide that precludes many Australians accessing improved health services. Last year, 71 community organisations across Australia were selected by the Good Things Foundation to teach digital health literacy skills through the Health My Way program and improve digital inclusion. Good Things Foundation is a social change charity that supports people to improve their lives through the use of technology and builds understanding and skills to allow Australians to realise the benefits of the evolving digital health system.
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Education and Training
None this edition.
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Funding
24 March
Taking new medical devices from discovery to manufacture
Australia's best and brightest researches can apply for the fourth and final round of the $45 million BioMedTech Horizons (BMTH) program, which has been successful in bringing cutting edge medical devices to market. The Australian Government, through the BMTH program, offers $3.2 million in partnership projects to help get innovative new medical devices to the next steps of starting human trials and early stage manufacturing. The funding is available for up to four well-developed projects that can be completed within a year, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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$2.1 million to support Australians with diabetes
The Australian Government is investing $2.1 million over four years, making it easier for Australians with diabetes to monitor their condition. From November 1, point-of-care glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) tests will be listed on Medicare, funding 19,000 tests for Australians with previously diagnosed diabetes. Around one in twenty Australian adults have diabetes. The condition accounts for 11 per cent of all hospitalisations, which can result in a range of health complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, blindness and lower limb amputation, said Minister Hunt.
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23 March
Life-improving research for brain cancer survivors
Minister Hunt said that the Government is providing $2.6 million to researchers at the University of Melbourne to use the latest information technology to improve the lives of people who have survived brain cancer. Funded by the Government's Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Australian Brain Cancer Mission - 2020 Brain Cancer Survivorship Grant Opportunity, the three-year grant opportunity will allow researchers to develop and demonstrate the impact of an online survivorship platform to better connect patients - and their families and carers - with the health care teams providing treatment.
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19 March
QLD: Wide Bay to benefit from $12.13 million funding injection
Fraser Coast patients will benefit from a $12.13 million injection to boost health services in the region. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said the funding would go towards employing more frontline healthcare workers and improving patient outcomes at both Maryborough and Hervey Bay hospitals. This includes opening up an extra ward at Maryborough Hospital and increasing emergency department staffing at both hospitals to meet rising demand. 'We are committed to delivering free, world-class health care to all Queenslanders no matter where they live,' said Minister D'Ath.
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Health Professionals
25 March
TAS: New program to provide 600 Tasmanians with aged care and disability support training
The Tasmanian Government is committed to ensuring Tasmania has the skilled workforce to meet the needs of growing businesses as part of the plan to secure Tasmania's future. Applications will open this Saturday for the new training fund, announced in the Premier's State of the State address, to skill people to work in the growing Aged Care and Disability Support sectors as part of the $20.5 million package to help Tasmanian workers into jobs, said Deputy Premier of Tasmania Jeremy Page Rockliff.
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Hospitals
25 March
Golden staph bloodstream infections continue to fall in Australian public hospitals
The national rate of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (SABSI) in public hospitals remains under the benchmark, according to a report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Staphylococcus aureus or 'golden staph' bacteria are commonly found on the skin and in the nose. However, a serious infection may occur if this bacteria enters a person's bloodstream. These infections can be associated with hospital care and are often related to the use of indwelling medical devices, or surgery.
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QLD: Ambulance ramping is back in Queensland.
'The State Government is losing control of healthcare, meaning Queenslanders are losing access to vital services. Today's emergency meeting called by the Health Minister must work towards implementing genuine solutions,' said the Queensland Opposition Leader David Crisafulli.
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24 March
SA: Pharmacy robot goes live at Lyell McEwin Hospital
A new in-pharmacy robot is modernising how medicines are delivered at the Lyell McEwin Hospital (LMH). The new installation is the result of a $1.6 million investment from the Marshall Liberal Government, supporting the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) and SA Pharmacy to reduce potential medication errors and reduce waiting times for patients. SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the investment was an innovative way to enhance patient care.
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22 March
NSW: Westmead's world-class hospital officially opens
More operating theatres, patient rooms and world-class services, including two new Emergency Departments, are all part of Westmead Hospital's new 14-storey clinical tower officially unveiled. Staff and services began relocating to the new hospital building in February, with both the adult and children's Emergency Departments now open to the public. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Central Acute Services Building is the centrepiece of the more than $1 billion Westmead Health Precinct. 'This new state-of-the-art health facility will serve Western Sydney's health needs for generations to come, with world-class research and education capacity embedded on every floor,' Ms Berejiklian said.
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21 March
QLD: Queensland's healthcare supported to meet increasing demand
Public hospitals across the State are seeing more patients that ever before, and despite increasing demand 100 per cent of the most urgent Category 1 cases are being treated within recommended timeframes. Across Queensland, ED presentations in January 2021 were up 32,000 on the same time last year - with more than 212,000 presentations in total. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said that demand was increasing across the state for healthcare. 'Our public hospitals are seeing more patients presenting to emergency departments than ever before,' said Minister D'Ath.
Queensland
Sunshine Coast
Bundaberg
Mackay
Cairns
Rockhampton
Fraser Coast
Gladstone
Townsville
Gold Coast
19 March
QLD: Wide Bay to benefit from $12.13 million funding injection
Fraser Coast patients will benefit from a $12.13 million injection to boost health services in the region. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said the funding would go towards employing more frontline healthcare workers and improving patient outcomes at both Maryborough and Hervey Bay hospitals. This includes opening up an extra ward at Maryborough Hospital and increasing emergency department staffing at both hospitals to meet rising demand. 'We are committed to delivering free, world-class health care to all Queenslanders no matter where they live,' said Minister D'Ath.
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Insurance
22 March
PHI 16/21 Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 2) 2021
The Department of Health said that The Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No.2) 2021 (the Amendment Rules) amend the Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011 (the Benefit Requirements Rules) and the Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Rules 2015 (the Complying Product Rules). The Amendment Rules amend the Benefit Requirements Rules to change the minimum accommodation benefits payable by private health insurers per night for privately insured NHTPs accommodated in private hospitals nationally and public hospitals in some jurisdictions.
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Medicare
None this edition.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
19 March
Veterans' families deserve Royal Commission
Labor welcomes the Senate passing a motion that questions the suitability of Scott Morrison's planned National Commissioner into veterans' suicides. The motion to create a Royal Commission into veterans' suicides was cosigned by Labor and crossbench senators, and was agreed to by the Senate. Labor and crossbench senators have been calling for months to establish a Royal Commission into veterans' suicides, based on the sincere and often heart-wrenching stories from the families of veterans who have taken their lives, said Shadow Minister for Defence Brendan O'Connor and Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel Shayne Neumann.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
25 March
ATAGI statement for health care providers on suitability of COVID-19 vaccination in people with history of clotting conditions
Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) notes that the World Health Organization (WHO) and regulatory agencies including the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have been reviewing data from tens of millions of people given the AstraZeneca and other COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. This shows that there is no increase in the rates of general thromboembolic disorders after vaccination over expected rates, noting these conditions occur commonly in the absence of vaccination.
Download
Changes to WA legislation enable pharmacist-administered COVID-19 vaccinations
Legislation changes in Western Australia have enabled pharmacies to take part in the COVID-19 Phase 2a vaccination program when the rollout commences from May 2021. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia WA President Dr Fei Sim welcomed the Government's legislation changes, saying pharmacists had an important role to play in ensuring the WA community received their vaccinations across the State in a safe and secure process.
Download
24 March
Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccine rollout is underway: Indigenous people 55 and over
Around 87,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 55 or older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in phase 1B of the national rollout strategy. Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt made time to attend Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Service to receive his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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CW IP Pty Ltd fined $53,280 for alleged advertising breaches on the Chemist Warehouse and My Chemist websites
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, has issued four infringement notices totalling $53,280 to Melbourne-based online retailer CW IP Pty Ltd, trading as Chemist Warehouse and My Chemist (CW IP). The TGA issued the fines for alleged unlawful advertising of a complementary medicine.
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ePharmacy Group Pty Ltd fined $26,640 for alleged unlawful advertising on the ePharmacy website
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, has issued two infringement notices totalling $26,640 to Melbourne-based online retailer ePharmacy Group Pty Ltd (ePharmacy Group), trading as ePharmacy. The fines were issued for the alleged unlawful advertising of Fatblaster Clinical, a complementary medicine cancelled from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Fatblaster Clinical was not listed in the ARTG at the time of advertising, as the TGA cancelled the entry on 20 December 2019.
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23 March
Australian Public Assessment Report for Meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y, W) Polysaccharide Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reported that this AusPAR described the application by Sanofi-Aventis Australia Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register MenQuadfi ((meningococcal polysaccharide group A) 10 µg/dose, (meningococcal polysaccharide group C) 10 g/dose, (meningococcal polysaccharide group Y) 10 µg/dose and (meningococcal polysaccharide group W135) 10 µg/dose). MenQuadfi is indicated for active primary and booster immunisation for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W and Y. MenQuadfi is indicated for use in individuals 12 months of age and older.
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22 March
Industry Forum on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced the third GMP forum, which will be held over three (3) half days on Wednesday, 12 May - Friday, 14 May 2021. This will be a virtual event due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be free to attend. This Forum will be of interest to industry personnel involved in the quality assurance, regulation, risk assessment and good manufacturing practice of medicines and biological products. Further information, including registration details and a first draft of the Forum program will soon be published.
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19 March
PSA welcomes new Guild Leadership
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates the newly elected councillors on their appointment to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia National Council. PSA National President, Associate Professor Chris Freeman FPS, welcomed the announcement saying 'the National Council of the Guild has an important task - never before has the need for strong, inclusive and consistent leadership across all the pharmacy representative organisations been so necessary'. The global pandemic has shown Governments and the Australian public how vital pharmacists are to the health system.
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Research
25 March
QLD: Queensland clinicians testing new tool to help detect sepsis
Queensland's health experts are testing a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to help detect patients with sepsis, an illness that threatens the lives of up to 21,000 Queenslanders a year. Sepsis can be triggered by any infection. Queensland Health's Deputy Director General Clinical Excellence Queensland, Dr Jillann Farmer, said because sepsis can be difficult to diagnose, testing was underway to identify new methods to aid detection.
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23 March
Life-improving research for brain cancer survivors
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that the Government is providing $2.6 million to researchers at the University of Melbourne to use the latest information technology to improve the lives of people who have survived brain cancer. Funded by the Government's Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Australian Brain Cancer Mission - 2020 Brain Cancer Survivorship Grant Opportunity, the three-year grant opportunity will allow researchers to develop and demonstrate the impact of an online survivorship platform to better connect patients - and their families and carers - with the health care teams providing treatment.
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Under the microscope: Australia's efforts to curb antimicrobial resistance
The Australian Government has published the Final Progress Report for Australia's First National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy 2015-2019 detailing efforts to limit the incidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud and Minister Hunt, said that globally the use of antibiotics in livestock had been recognised as a potential source for antimicrobial resistance. 'Australia is a world leader in minimising the use of antibiotics in food-producing animals which means that there is a low risk of developing antimicrobial resistance from animals in this country,' Minister Littleproud said.
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22 March
Vital improvements needed to Australian immunisation register
Several targeted vaccine programs introduced to the Australian National Immunisation Program (NIP) in 2020 exposed the limitations of the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), according to the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). Dr Jane Tuckerman, from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and colleagues wrote that particularly, the AIR's inability to collect information on medical risk factors to monitor vaccine uptake in at-risk groups was highlighted. 'As of 1 July 2020, Bexsero (GSK), the meningococcal B vaccine, was funded by the NIP for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged under 2 years and for other populations with specific medical risk factors,' Tuckerman and colleagues wrote.
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Australian screening guidelines for hydroxychloroquine retinopathy needed
Long term users of hydroxychloroquine are at greater risk of permanent visual loss than used to be thought, leading to a call for the development of Australian screening guidelines for hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. Writing in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA), authors from the University of New South Wales, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and Liverpool Hospital in Sydney, wrote that previous research which had estimated the prevalence of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy at between 0.5 and 2.0% was 'a large underestimation', and according to more recent studies was more like 7.5%.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
24 March
Multi-language radio ads to promote Indigenous health checks
Backed by a new radio advertising campaign delivered in five Aboriginal languages: Kriol, Yolngu Matha, Warlpiri, Arrente and Burarra, the Government is encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to see their GP and have a 715 health check. The health check, listed as item 715 on the Medicare Benefits Schedule, is tailored specifically to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages. It is free and available every nine to twelve months, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt and Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt.
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Critical care support for flood affected regions
24 MAR: NSW Health is deploying a specialist Medical Assistance Team to North Richmond to help provide emergency care for people cut off from hospitals due to flooding. 'We are stepping up our response to ensure patients in flood-affected areas who call Triple Zero are able to receive treatment, where road closures have cut off access to emergency care in hospitals,' NSW Health Deputy Secretary Deborah Willcox said.
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23 March
NSW: NSW Health provides additional support
NSW Health said it will provide additional healthcare support to communities which are isolated, or at risk of flooding, as part of the state's emergency response. Acting Deputy Secretary Deborah Willcox said, overall, patient services in flood-affected areas have been maintained, despite some disruptions due to the floods. 'NSW Health has been working collaboratively with emergency services and other agencies to ensure residents are able to safely access public hospitals and health services,' Ms Willcox said. 'We have put arrangements in place for vulnerable patients, such as those on dialysis or receiving chemotherapy, so they can access their treatment, including transport to alternative health facilities when required.
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Women's Health
None this edition.
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Transcripts
Department of Health
25 MAR: Transcript of Interview by Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Michael Kidd, with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News
Subjects: AstraZeneca, Pfizer, CSL manufacturing, Vaccine rollout & supply, COVID-19
Department of Health
25 MAR: Transcript of Interview by Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Michael Kidd, with Madeleine Morris & Lisa Millar, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, AstraZeneca, Vaccine production
Department of Health
25 MAR: Transcript of Interview by Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Michael Kidd, with Natalie Barr & David Koch, Sunrise
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, CSL manufacturing, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, COVID-19
Deputy Labor Leader in the Senate Kristina Keneally
25 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Marcus Paul, 2SM
Subjects: Allegations against NSW Nationals MP, PM, Cabinet reshuffle, Latest Newspoll, Vaccine rollout, JobKeeper
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
24 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Ray Hadley, 2GB
Subjects: COVID-19, Women, Parliament House Staff, Workplace harassment, Floods, Vaccine rollout, Vaccine supply, JobKeeper, JobSeeker
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
24 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Scott Emerson, 4BC Drive
Subjects: Phase 1B rollout, AstraZeneca doses, COVID-19 response in Europe, GPs, TGA, Vaccines
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
24 MAR: Transcript of Press Conference, Canberra
Subjects: Health, COVID-19, Vaccine, Maeve's law, TGA, Children
Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt
24 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service
Subjects: Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Indigenous health, ACCHO, GP clinics, Federal Dept of Health
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester
24 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Laura Jayes, Sky News
Subjects: Parliament House culture, Security, Workplace sexual harassment, Royal Commission into veteran suicide, Mental health
Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer
24 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Ross Stevenson, 3AW
Subjects: COVID-19, AstraZeneca, TGA, Vaccine rollout, Vaccine manufacturing
Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer
24 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Fran Kelly, ABC Radio National
Subjects: COVID-19, AstraZeneca, TGA, Vaccine rollout, GPs, ATAGI
Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer
24 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Neil Breen, 4BC
Subjects: COVID-19, AstraZeneca, TGA, Vaccine rollout, GPs
Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh
24 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Anna Vidot, ABC Canberra Drive
Subjects: Territory rights, Voluntary assisted dying, Religion, Aged care
Labor Member for Dunkley Peta Murphy
24 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Virginia Trioli, ABC Radio Melbourne Mornings
Subjects: Workplace culture, Sexual assault allegations, Breast Cancer, Health
Liberal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace and Labor Member for Dunkley Peta Murphy
24 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Virginia Trioli, ABC Radio Melbourne Mornings
Subjects: Workplace culture, Sexual assault allegations, Breast Cancer, Health
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
22 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Ben Fordham, 2GB
Subjects: NSW floods, Defence Force, NSW Government, Emergency payments, Royal Commission into the issue of veterans suicides
Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Department of Health
22 MAR: Transcript of Press Conference with Secretary of Department of Health Professor Brendan Murphy, Canberra
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, COVID-19, Public health, Community transmission
Chair of the Indo-Pacific Trade Taskforce Luke Gosling
22 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Sophie Ellis, 2SER FM
Subjects: Royal Commission for Veteran & Defence Suicides, Mental health, Veterans' affairs, Australian Defence Force
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
22 MAR: Transcript of Vice President, Dr Chris Moy's, Interview with Tom Oriti, ABC News Radio
Subjects: COVID vaccine rollout, Public health, Frontline workers, Therapeutic Goods Administration
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham
21 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News Live, Sunday Agenda
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, IR reform, Employment rate, JobMaker hiring credit, Parliamentary workplace independent review, Veterans suicide
Department of Health
21 MAR: Transcript of Interview by Department of Health Secretary, Professor Brendan Murphy, with Kieran Gilbert and Andrew Clennell, Sunday Agenda
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, AstraZeneca, International borders, COVID-19 in PNG
Member for Mackellar Jason Falinski and Shadow Assistant Minister for the Environment Josh Wilson
20 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Fauziah Ibrahim and Joanna Nicholson, ABC News Weekend Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccination rollout, GPs, NSW Premier, Women's equality, Parliament House workplace culture, Brittany Higgins
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
19 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News First Edition
Subjects: AstraZeneca vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine rollout, TGA, International borders, New South Wales Premier, General practices
Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Richard Marles
19 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Allison Langdon, The Today Show
Subjects: Vaccine rollout & distribution, Economic recovery, Unemployment, End of JobKeeper payments, Wage subsidy, Small business
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan
19 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Ross Stevenson, 3AW Breakfast
Subjects: Victorian COVID-19 restrictions, Tourism and aviation support package, COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Travel bubble with New Zealand and Singapore
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
19 MAR: Transcript of President Dr Omar Kashid's Interview with Sally Sara, Radio National Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19, Vaccine rollout, Immunisation, Safety concerns, AstraZeneca, GP clinics
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Reports
Australian Public Assessment Report for Afamelanotide
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Clinuve Pharmaceuticals Ltd (the sponsor) to register Scenesse (afamelanotide) 16 mg controlled release subcutaneous implant for the following proposed indication: Scenesse is indicated for prevention of phototoxicity in adult patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare condition caused by an inherited deficiency in activity of the enzyme ferrochelatase (FECH). FECH is involved in the terminal step of haem synthesis and reduced activity causes accumulation of the haem precursor, protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), in the blood and tissues of affected patients.
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Bloodstream infections associated with hospital care 2019-20
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, or 'golden staph') bloodstream infections (SABSI) associated with hospital care can be serious, particularly when bacteria are resistant to common antimicrobials. In 2019-20, all states and territories had public hospital SABSI rates below the national benchmark of 2.0 cases per 10,000 patient days. Over the past 5 years, the SABSI rate has fluctuated at around 0.7, for instance, 0.74 in 2015-16 and 0.71 in 2019-20.
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Oral health outreach services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the Northern Territory
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
This report mainly presents data from the NTRAI OHP from July 2012 to December 2019, but includes some longer term analyses for 2009 to 2019. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more likely than non-Indigenous children to experience tooth decay. Several factors contribute to the poorer oral health of Indigenous children, including social disadvantage and lack of access to appropriate diet and dental services.
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Health system expenditure on cancer and other neoplasms in Australia 2015-16
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
This report provides estimates of Australia's health system expenditure on treatment and care for those with cancer, as well as on cancer screening. The report presents estimates of cancer expenditure by age group, sex, Indigenous status, geography, and over time; by area of expenditure and for a range of types of cancer, as well as expenditure on cancer as a result of health risk factors.
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Cancer screening and COVID-19 in Australia
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
As a part of COVID-19 restrictions, many health care services suspended or changed the way they delivered their services. Due to this, and the potential for people to change their behaviour whilst under restrictions, there was increased public interest around the effects of COVID-19 on Australia's three national cancer screening programs - BreastScreen Australia, the National Cervical Screening Program, and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
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Baseline outcomes for NDIS participants
National Disability Insurance Scheme
This report summarises baseline results for NDIS participants entering the Scheme during the four year period from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2020. A separate report covers longitudinal change for participants who have been in the Scheme for one year or more at 30 June 2020. The focus of this report is on baseline results for participants entering the Scheme in the most recent financial year (2019-20). However, brief comparisons with results for prior year entrants are also provided.
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Innovations in Care for Chronic Health Conditions
Productivity Commission
This is the second report in a series of case studies on productivity reforms across the Australian Federation. The aim of the case studies is to inform and diffuse knowledge and practices across all jurisdictions, and to identify reform opportunities. They are not accountability mechanisms or benchmarking exercises that judge the performance of jurisdictions, or comprehensive investigations into broad areas of policy.
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Submission to ACCC regarding Infant Nutrition Council application for revocation of authorisations & substitution of new authorisation
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF)
The ANMF supports a reduction of the re-authorisation period as identified in the draft determination. However, the request the proposed five years be further reduced to 2 years, to align with the Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy 'review of the regulatory arrangements for restricting marketing of breastmilk substitutes'.
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QLD: Report 16: 2020-21 - Planning for sustainable health services - Performance Audit Report
Queensland Audit Office (QAO)
Healthcare demand is increasing as the population ages and grows, health technology advances, and communities develop higher expectations about what health services they can access. Hospital and health services are also experiencing increased financial pressures. This places pressure on providers to meet demand within available resources. To achieve this, they must plan well.
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QLD: Report No. 6, 57th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled on 26 November 2020
Health and Environment Committee
This report summarises the committee's findings following its examination of the subordinate legislation within its portfolio areas tabled on 26 November 2020. It reports on any issues identified by the committee relating to the policy to be given effect by the legislation, its consistency with fundamental legislative principles (FLPs), its compatibility with human rights, and its lawfulness. It also reports on the compliance of the explanatory notes with the Legislative Standards Act 1992 (LSA), and the compliance of the human rights certificate with the Human Rights Act 2019 (HRA).
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Hansards
Federal
24 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Constituency Statements - Swan Electorate: St John Urgent Care
24 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Constituency Statements - Aged Care
24 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Matters of Public Importance - Aged Care
24 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Bills - Mitochondrial Donation Law Reform (Maeve's Law) Bill 2021 - First Reading, Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
24 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Constituency Statements - Euthanasia
24 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Vaccination
24 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Statement By The Speaker - COVID-19: Vaccination
23 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Adjournment - COVID-19, Vaccination
23 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Grievance Debate - COVID-19, Young People
23 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19, Papua New Guinea
23 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19, Vaccination
23 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Grievance Debate - Mental Health
23 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Veterans, Suicide
22 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Petitions - Vaccination
22 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Petitions - Health Care
22 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Petitions - National Disability Insurance Scheme
22 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Statements By Members - COVID-19: Vaccination
22 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Adjournment - COVID-19: Vaccination
22 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Adjournment - World Down Syndrome Day - Menzies Electorate: Disability Services
22 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Statements By Members - World Down Syndrome Awareness Week'
22 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Petitions - International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
22 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Vaccines
22 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Constituency Statements - Mental Health
22 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Statements By Members - COVID-19: Vaccination - John Curtin School of Medical Research
22 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Petitions - COVID-19: Vaccination
22 MAR 2021: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19
12 MAR 2021: REPS COMMITTEE HANSARD: Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care & Sport - Approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia - Sydney
11 MAR 2021: REPS COMMITTEE HANSARD: Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care & Sport - Approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia - Sydney
Northern Territory
25 MAR 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Bills - National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Clearance) Amendment Bill 2021 (Serial 21) - Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
25 MAR 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Dialysis Facility - Galiwinku
24 MAR 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Bills - Health Services Bill 2021 (Serial 18) - First Reading, Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
23 MAR 2021: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - COVID-19 - Vaccine Roll-out
NSW
24 MAR 2021: NSW ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Private Members' Statements - Port Stephens Electorate Healthcare Services
24 MAR 2021: NSW ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Private Members' Statements - Banksia Mental Health Unit
Queensland
24 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Gold Coast, Ambulance
24 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Allegation of Workplace AssaultServices
24 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Disability Advocacy Services, Funding
24 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Health System, Infrastructure
24 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Disability Advocacy Services, Funding
24 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Regional Queensland, Health Services
24 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Hospitals, Access
Tasmania
19 MAR 2021: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - End-Of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020 (No. 30) - Bill Returned
17 MAR 2021: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Endometriosis Awareness Month
17 MAR 2021: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Medical Cannabis Access Scheme
17 MAR 2021: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Medicinal Cannabis
16 MAR 2021: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Mental Health Services in Tasmania
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
Insurance (Medicare Benefits Payable in Respect of Professional Services - General Practice Assessing Patient Suitability for COVID-19 Vaccine) Direction 2021
Notifiable Instrument - F2021N00052
This Direction shall have effect from the date of signature until 31 December 2021 inclusive, unless earlier revoked.
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Aged Care (Form of Identity Card) Approval 2021
Notifiable Instrument - F2021N00051
This section is made for the purposes of subsection 96-2A(3) of the Act and sets out the approved form of an identity card to be issued to a person (the delegate) to whom the Secretary's powers and functions under section 29C-3 of the Act are delegated under subsection 96-2(15) of the Act.
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Therapeutic Goods (Medicines - Standard for Serialisation and Data Matrix Codes) (TGO 106) Order 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00333
The purpose of the Order is to establish a ministerial standard for medicines in relation to serialisation and the use of data matrix codes. The Order specifies the minimum requirements for the formatting of data matrix codes and the information that must be encoded if medicines, other than those that are identified as not being subject to the Order, include a data matrix code on their labels or are serialised.
Explanatory Statement
Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Health Measures No. 1) Regulations 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00290
Section 32B of the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997 (the FF(SP) Act) authorises the Commonwealth to make, vary and administer arrangements and grants specified in the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997 (the FF(SP) Regulations) and to make, vary and administer arrangements and grants for the purposes of programs specified in the Regulations. Schedule 1AA and Schedule 1AB to the FF(SP) Regulations specify the arrangements, grants and programs. .
Explanatory Statement
Classes of Electronic Payment System Transactions Exempt from Being Reported in Third Party Reports Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00278
This instrument is made under subsection 396-70(4) of Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (TAA). This instrument exempts administrators of a payment system (within the meaning of the Payment Systems (Regulation) Act (1998) from having to include specified classes of transactions in reports prepared and lodged in relation to item 9 in the table in section 396-55 of Schedule 1 to the TAA.
Explanatory Statement
Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Overseas Travel Ban Emergency Requirements) Amendment (No. 1) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00268
The Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Overseas Travel Ban Emergency Requirements) Amendment (No. 1) Determination 2021 (the Amendment Determination) amends the Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Overseas Travel Ban Emergency Requirements) Determination 2020 (the Determination) so that travel to New Zealand is no longer prohibited by the Determination.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Extend Cessation Date of Temporary COVID-19 Items) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00267
The Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical - Expansion of GP and Allied Health Mental Health Services) Determination 2020 (Principal Expansion of GP and Allied Health Services Determination) lists mental health treatment items provided by eligible general practitioners, other medical practitioners, clinical psychologists, psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers.
Explanatory Statement
Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 2) 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00264
The Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No.2) 2021 (the Amendment Rules) amends Schedule 4 of the Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011 (the Benefit Requirements Rules), to update the minimum benefits payable by private health insurers per night for nursing-home type patients (NHTPs) at public hospitals in some states and at private hospitals nationally. The changes take account of the indexation applied to Adult Pension Basic Rate and Maximum Daily Rate of Rental Assistance.
Explanatory Statement
New South Wales
19 MAR 2021: NSW, HAZZARD: Legislation - Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments - Public Health Amendment (Miscellaneous) Regulation 2021 - Public Health Act 2010 - 2021-120
19 MAR 2021: NSW, HAZZARD: Legislation - Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments - Private Health Facilities Amendment (COVID-19 Prescribed Period) Regulation 2021 - Private Health Facilities Act 2007 - 2021-119
19 MAR 2021: NSW, HAZZARD: Legislation - Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments - Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Amendment (COVID-19 Vaccine) Regulation 2021 - Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 - 2021-118
19 MAR 2021: NSW, SPEAKMAN: Legislation - Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments - Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Regulation 2021 - Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 - 2021-117
19 MAR 2021: NSW, SPEAKMAN: Legislation - Proclamations commencing Acts - Commencement Proclamation - Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 No 12 - 2021-116
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
Federal
24 MAR 2021: GOVERNMENT NOTICES GAZETTE: Private Health Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2015 - Subsection 21(1) - Registration Cancellation - Grand United Corporate Health Limited
Victoria
22 MAR 2021: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 130: Health Services Act 1988 - Section 40C(1) - Appointment Of A Delegate To The Board Of Directors Of Yarram And District Health Service
23 MAR 2021: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 133: Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 - Section 22G - Public Health Emergency Order
Western Australia
26 MAR 2021: WA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE: General Gazette No. 53 - Health
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Consolidated Legislation
Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00249
Rules/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 2) 2021.
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Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Rules 2015
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00248
Rules/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 2) 2021.
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National Health (Electronic National Residential Medication Chart Trial) Special Arrangement 2018
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00243
Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Electronic National Residential Medication Chart Trial) Amendment (Approved Residential Care Services) Special Arrangement 1 of 2021.
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Aged Care (Subsidy, Fees and Payments) Determination 2014 Authoritative Version
Consolidated Legislative Instrument - F2021C00239
Determinations/Aged Care as amended, taking into account amendments up to Aged Care (Subsidy, Fees and Payments) Amendment (Cessation of Temporary Home Care Viability Supplement Funding Increases) Determination 2021.
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New Bills
Federal
A Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to human cloning and research involving human embryos, and for related purposes
The Bill provides for the legalisation and introduction of mitochondrial donation techniques for use in Australia under a national regulatory framework. This will allow women whose mitochondria would otherwise predispose their potential children to severe and life-threatening mitochondrial disease, to have a biological child who would not inherit that predisposition. The Bill also allows for further research and training to be undertaken to build the Australian evidence base and expertise for mitochondrial donation and enables further evidence and data to be gathered in relation to the safety and efficacy of mitochondrial donation techniques before allowing them to be introduced more broadly.
In addition, the Bill provides for a range of additional implementation considerations associated with introducing this technology, which have been identified through national and overseas consultation processes. This ensures that legalisation and introduction of this technology is undertaken in an ethically appropriate, safe and carefully controlled manner that adequately protects the health and wellbeing of any children born as a result of the use of these techniques.
Reps: Intro 24/03/21, 2R 24/03/21, Passed TBA
Senate: Intro TBA, 2R TBA, Passed TBA
Assent TBA, Act No. TBA
Commencement:
Sections 1 to 3 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table - The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.
Schedule 1 - A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. However, if the provisions do not commence within the period of 6 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the day after the end of that period.
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New Acts
NSW
COVID-19 Legislation Amendment (Stronger Communities and Health) Act 2021
An Act to amend a number of Acts and instruments to extend emergency measures implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; to amend the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 for particular purposes; and to repeal the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Amendment (Victims) Act 2018.
The objects of this Act are to -
(a) amend the following Acts and regulations to extend the operation of temporary provisions that were introduced because of the COVID-19 pandemic until 26 September 2021, and allow their further extension to a day not later than 26 March 2022 by regulation if necessary -
(i) Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012,
(ii) Child Protection (Working with Children) Regulation 2013,
(iii) Children (Community Service Orders) Act 1987,
(iv) Children (Community Service Orders) Regulation 2020,
(v) Children (Detention Centres) Act 1987,
(vi) Children (Detention Centres) Regulation 2015,
(vii) Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013,
(viii) Civil and Administrative Tribunal Regulation 2013,
(ix) Constitution Act 1902,
(x) Constitution (COVID-19 Emergency Measures Regulation 2020,
(xi) Court Security Act 2005,
(xii) Court Security Regulation 2016,
(xiii) Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999,
(xiv) Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Regulation 2014,
(xv) Criminal Procedure Act 1986,
(xvi) Criminal Procedure Regulation 2017,
(xvii) Evidence (Audio and Audio Visual Links) Act 1998,
(xviii) Evidence (Audio and Audio Visual Links) Regulation 2015,
(xix) Interpretation Act 1987,
(xx) Jury Act 1977,
(xxi) Jury Regulation 2015,
(xxii) Private Health Facilities Act 2007,
(xxiii) Public Health Act 2010,
(xxiv) Sheriff Act 2005,
(xxv) Sheriff Regulation 2016, and
(b) repeal temporary regulation-making powers in the following Acts that were introduced because of the COVID-19 pandemic -
(i) Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013,
(ii) Criminal Procedure Act 1986, and
(iii) Interpretation Act 1987, and
(c) amend the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (the Act) to -
(i) ensure the process for making orders relating to diversion of accused persons in the Local Court does not trigger the processes under the Local Court Act 2007 relating to the commencement of proceedings, and
(ii) clarify that the Mental Health Review Tribunal's power to extend of a statutory review period applies only to mandatory reviews for forensic patients, mandatory reviews for correctional patients and reviews of persons in custody who are subject to community treatment orders, and
(iii) provide for the transitional arrangements for criminal proceedings in the Supreme Court and District Court in which the court had imposed a limiting term in respect of the accused person and that were commenced before the commencement of the Act, and
(iv) clarify the transitional arrangements for summary proceedings before a Magistrate and that were commenced before the commencement of the Act, and
(d) repeal the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Amendment (Victims) Act 2018.
LA: Notice of Motion 17/02/21
LA: 1R 18/02/21, 2R 18/02/21, 16/03/21, Passed 16/03/21
LC: 1R 16/03/21, 2R 18/03/21, Passed 18/03/21
Assent 24/03/21, Act No. 4 of 2021
Commencement:
(1) This Act, except as provided by subsection (2), commences on the date of assent to this Act.
(2) Schedules 1.7[2] and 1.15[1] commence on 26 March 2021.
South Australia
An Act to amend the Coroners Act 2003, and to make a related amendment to the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993.
LA: 1R 14/10/20, 2R 14/10/20, 10/11/20, Passed 10/11/20
LC: 1R 10/11/20, 2R 12/11/20, 18/02/21, 02/03/21, 16/03/21, Passed 16/03/21
LA: Agreed to amendments 16/03/21
LC: Final Stages 16/03/21
Assent 25/03/21, Act No. 10 of 2021
Commencement: This Act comes into operation on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
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