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)
17 February
Extension of biosecurity measures to protect remote communities in the NT
The Australian Government is extending measures in place to protect remote communities during the current COVID-19 outbreak in the Northern Territory, in line with the local requirements and at the request of the Northern Territory Government and the Indigenous Land Councils. As Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt has therefore extended this determination for zones in the Northern Land Council under section 477 of the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act 2015 until 11:59pm AEST 3 March 2022. An extension to the determination, for some zones, is needed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to continue current efforts to increase vaccinations in remote communities in the NT.
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Hours worked fall with more people sick or on leave
Seasonally adjusted hours worked fell by 8.8 per cent between December 2021 and January 2022, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The changes in hours worked were more pronounced than for other key indicators, with employment increasing by around 13,000 people, unemployment by 6,000 people and the unemployment rate remaining at 4.2 per cent. Bjorn Jarvis, head of labour statistics at the ABS, said the large fall in hours worked in January 2022 reflected more people than usual taking annual leave and sick leave in the first two weeks of January.
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Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine (SPIKEVAX) provisionally approved for use in individuals 6 years and older
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, SPIKEVAX, for use in individuals aged 6 years and older. The decision follows the provisional approvals granted by the TGA to Moderna for the use of SPIKEVAX in individuals aged 12 years and older on 3 September 2021, and on 7 December 2021 the SPIKEVAX booster dose for use in adults 18 years and older. As for other age groups, the use of this vaccine in children aged 6-11 years should be administered as 2 doses at least 28 days apart.
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Free RATs in schools: Union calls for six-week extension
The Independent Education Union (IEU) of Australia NSW/ACT Branch urges the NSW Government to immediately extend free rapid antigen testing (RATs) in schools beyond Week 4 for a further six weeks. Victoria has extended free testing by six weeks, and the ACT extended free testing by four weeks. The IEU represents more than 32,000 teachers, principals and support staff in non-government schools throughout NSW. 'With the ABC reporting today that more than 20,000 NSW students caught COVID in the first two weeks of Term 1, it is clear that ongoing testing is essential,' IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Acting Secretary Carol Matthews said.
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Victorian Restrictions removal welcomed but more to be done
The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) has welcomed the Victorian Government's decision to remove some COVID restrictions and allow Victorians to return to a more normal way of life. However, Ai Group has called on the government to move more quickly in determining the return to work policy and the removal of masks in offices. 'There is no reason to go slow on making these policy decisions. Let business know now that a return to work change will be made next week and help them to prepare,' Tim Piper, the Victorian Head of peak employer association Ai Group said.
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NSW leading the way to COVID-normal and unleashing 'the great reunion'
'Today's announcement by the NSW Premier bringing forward the removal of many of the remaining COVID restrictions in New South Wales is leading the way for our community and businesses to move towards living with COVID as a normal part of our lives and work,' Helen Waldron, NSW head of the peak employer association Ai Group said . 'Businesses, whose offices have been shut for many months in some cases, can now plan with greater confidence to bring their people back to their workplaces.'
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VIC: Extending CovidSafe measures to keep classrooms safe
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that after a safe and successful start to the school year, the Government will extend its COVIDSafe measures in schools and early childhood settings until the end of Term 1. Initially set to run for the first four weeks of Term 1, the measures - including rapid antigen surveillance testing - will continue until the end of term, and the Government will more than double the number of air purifiers in schools to keep protecting students and staff. The Government will distribute an extra 24 million RATs to schools and early childhood services to continue the program until the end of Term 1.
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VIC: Density limit, dancefloor & QRcode restrictions to ease
Victorian Premier Andrews and Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley have announced that with hospitalisation numbers and community transmission decreasing and more than half of Victorians aged over 16 now vaccinated with three doses, a number of common-sense restrictions and recommendations in place during the state's Omicron surge can be safely eased. From 6pm Friday, 18 February as part of new pandemic orders to be signed by the Minister for Health, density quotients of one person per two square meters in place at hospitality and entertainment venues will be removed. Indoor dancefloors at these venues can also re-open.
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16 February
Urgent funding required for teaching and learning post Covid-19
An urgent investment in public school funding is required now more than ever to ensure students are not educationally disadvantaged as a result of COVID-19, the Australian Education Union (AEU) has recommended in their pre-budget submission. AEU Federal President, Correna Haythorpe described the forthcoming Federal Budget as a critical opportunity for the Federal Government to ensure all students have the opportunity to overcome any impacts the pandemic may have had on their learning. 'Public school principals, teachers and education support staff are still in urgent need of funding to help alleviate the challenges faced by schools and students during COVID-19,' Ms Haythorpe said.
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RACGP releases new, user-friendly online home care guide for managing COVID-19 at home
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has launched a new interactive online guide to help people with COVID-19 manage their symptoms at home. The RACGP's Managing COVID-19 at home with assistance from your general practice site now includes a dynamic new, user-friendly interactive online version which has been adapted for people who do not require additional support from their GP while self-managing their illness at home. RACGP Vice President Dr Bruce Willett encouraged people to take advantage of the information. 'This new and improved online resource is just what the doctor ordered,' he said.
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VIC: Final steps to resume all elective surgery
All elective surgery across public and private hospitals can resume by the end of the month, as the impact of the Omicron wave continues to subside and stabilise. The Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley has signed off on a plan that balances the health system response and workforce pressures with ensuring Victorians can access important surgery they've been waiting for. From Monday, 21 February public hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne will be able to perform Category 2 surgery. The Minister will also consider further changes to allow all surgery to resume from 28 February, subject to supporting streaming sites, with a focus on treating Cat 1 and Cat 2 patients within recommended time.
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15 February
Health facility visitor restrictions to ease
The Department of Health has announced that health facility visitor restrictions in the ACT are being eased from to allow two visitors per patient per day, but only one visitor at a time. The decision to ease restrictions follows careful consideration of the current COVID-19 situation. Visitors to clinical areas where patients are at higher risk of severe disease will still need to apply directly to the health facility for an exemption. Patients who need assistance to access hospital care can continue to be supported by their carer. Visitors per day can be in addition to active participants in care.
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TAS: COVID-Care continues to support Tasmanians
'The health and safety of Tasmanians remains our number one priority as we continue to make the transition to living with COVID-19 in our community, and our COVID-care package continues to support not only Tasmanians but also our vital community sector organisations which are delivering help to those in need.' said Tasmanian Minister for Community Services and Development Jeremy Rockliff. 'Our COVID Care community sector supports have been very well received, with CEO of TasCOSS Adrienne Piccone commenting that our initiative and quick response to the outbreak has been described as 'nation leading', backed up anecdotally by other community organisations, including the CEO of Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania.'
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VIC: Independent expert voices to oversee pandemic response
Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley appointed a panel of independent experts to provide oversight and advice as part of Australia's most transparent and accountable pandemic management framework. The Independent Pandemic Management Advisory Committee (IPMAC) will include members with knowledge and experience in fields such as public health, infectious diseases, primary care, emergency services, critical care, business, law and human rights. Multiple members will also represent the interests and needs of traditional owners and Aboriginal Victorians as well as other vulnerable communities, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. More than half of the Committee's inaugural members are women.
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14 February
Joint statement on the need for free and accessible rapid antigen tests to protect public health and the economic recovery
Not-For-Profit & Charity Community Consultants and Foundation For Young Australians (FYA) said that as Australia faces the reality of Omicron ripping through communities with devastating consequences for both public health and the economy, the Federal Government needs to provide free and accessible rapid antigen tests (RATs) for the entire community. Rapid Antigen Tests are an essential tool in managing this pandemic and stopping the spread of the virus, allowing us to keep COVID-19 out of homes, workplaces and public venues.
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11 February
Pandemic emergency measures extended to April
Minister Hunt has announced that the human biosecurity period under the Biosecurity Act 2015 has been extended for a further two months. The emergency period, which has been in place since 18 March 2020, will now continue until 17 April 2022. The extension, declared by the Governor-General , was informed by specialist medical and epidemiological advice provided by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer. The AHPPC has advised the current wave of Omicron cases in Australia warrants a further extension of the emergency period.
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Novavax - first protein vaccine now available
'Australia's first protein vaccine, Novavax will join the national rollout from Monday through select general practices, community pharmacies and state clinics across the country.' said Minister Hunt. The Australian Government has secured 51 million doses of Novavax to compliment the vaccine rollout. Novavax is the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine to be provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). One of five vaccines now approved for use in Australia, Novavax has been proven safe and effective in protecting against severe illness or death associated with COVID-19 infection. Protein vaccines use a non-infectious protein component of the virus manufactured in a lab.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health said that across NSW, more than 95 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 94.1 per cent have received two doses to Wednesday 9 February 2022.
- Of children aged 12 to 15, 83.5 per cent have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 78.8 per cent have received two doses
- Of children aged 5 to 11, 44.6 per cent have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Of people aged 16 plus, 46.5 per cent have now received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This represents 50.9 per cent of the eligible population that received their second dose more than three months ago.
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WA: COVID-19 update
WA Health reported a total of 51 local cases and 48 travel-related cases to 8pm last night. ONE death has been reported. The patient had underlying medical conditions and WA Health does not have a record of vaccination. The patient is not connected to the Juniper Aged Care outbreak. It's the second death of a Western Australian who acquired the virus locally since the start of the Pandemic. Of the new local cases, 44 are linked to close contacts, and seven are being investigated. The new cases include 23 self-reported RATs, primarily interstate travellers.
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Aged Care
17 February
Communique
All directors of the Aged Care Industry Council send their heartfelt thanks to those aged care workers, who, under the most trying circumstances, have continued to serve those most frail and vulnerable. 'We recognise the grief and suffering experienced by many in the sector over recent months. As we have seen, without the aged care workforce there is no aged care sector. Your efforts have saved lives.' The Council also acknowledges those in the aged care sector who are responding to the current situation and developing solutions. There are many examples from around Australia of proactive, creative approaches that have enabled continuity of excellent care.
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Sustained funding needed to ensure quality care for people living with dementia
Dementia Australia is calling for support of three crucial initiatives to build on existing measures designed to deliver quality care and inclusion for people living with dementia. The three initiatives outlined in Dementia Australia's 2022-23 Federal Pre-Budget Submission are focused on the introduction of compulsory dementia education for aged care workers, the establishment of a national dementia palliative care program and renewed funding for the award-winning Dementia- Friendly Communities program. Speaking at an online Parliamentary Friends of Dementia event, Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said there is still much to be done.
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11 February
Government proving they've learnt nothing from their previous mistakes in aged care
'The Morrison-Joyce Government's shocking incompetence means they are repeating the same mistakes from the initial vaccine rollout in residential aged care during their botched booster rollout.' said Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Clare O'Neil. 'Thousands of booster clinics visited aged care homes across the country but didn't vaccinate staff at the same time as residents. This is a missed opportunity after an announcement that staff will require a booster shot to continue working. This missed opportunity to booster staff at the same time as residents is a mistake which almost perfectly mimics what happened in the initial vaccine rollout.'
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Annual Report 2019-20: residential aged care quality indicators
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) said that this release is a revised edition. The revision aligns the methodology used to calculate QI rates in this Residential Aged Care Quality Indicators Annual Report 2019-20 with the methodology applied in the 2020-21 Annual Report. Quality indicators measure aspects of service provision that contribute to the quality of aged care given by residential aged care services. Data on pressure injuries, use of physical restraint and unplanned weight loss were published on GEN Aged Care Data for each of the four quarters of 2019-20. Quarterly indicators have been re-compiled for this Annual Report, using a more complete data extract that became available after the end of the reference year.
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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
17 February
NSW: Program helping register First Nations births on last legs
With government funding due to run out at the end of the month, Pathfinders Australia is pleading for external funds to keep their doors open In this day and age, having a birth certificate might seem like a given. Many First Nations people face barriers to birth registration such as high costs, tracking down paperwork, and in some cases, a distrust of government agencies. Over the past few years, NSW-based organisation Pathfinders Australia has been working hard to turn the problem around, registering and providing more than 10,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with birth certificates nationally through its Pathfinders National Aboriginal Birth Certificate program.
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11 February
Youth organisations discuss mental health support at youth roundtable
Organisations directly assisting young people met with decision makers to discuss issues that affect them most at the latest in a series of Australian Government's Youth Roundtables, with the online event focusing on mental health support. Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Service Luke Howarth said Youth Roundtables give young people and organisations a chance to share their stories, experiences and ideas on the latest developments in Government policy and programs that affect them. Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said the Government is strongly committed to safeguarding the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians.
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Clinical Governance
17 February
National Pharmaceutical Services Association (NPSA)
On 6 September 2021, the National Pharmaceutical Services Association (the NPSA) lodged an application for re-authorisation on behalf of itself, its members and Community Service Obligation Distributors (the Participants) to enable them to have discussions, enter into or give effect to arrangements, or engage in conduct for the purpose of facilitating the supply of, and access to, medicines and pharmacy products. In addition, the NPSA has sought authorisation to allow for collective bargaining by the NPSA. On 10 September 2021, the ACCC granted interim authorisation to allow the Conduct to continue while the ACCC completes its assessment of the application for authorisation, as well as to allow for collective bargaining by the NPSA
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
None this edition.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
17 February
NDIS Commission seeks feedback on risk approach
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Commission is seeking feedback on its approach to identifying and responding to risk for NDIS participants. The work is informed in part by findings from the Robertson Review into the death of Ann Marie Smith. A consultation paper includes outlining the information sharing between the NDIA and the NDIS Commission, which is aimed at identifying participants at risk. According to the new proposal, the interplay between participant characteristics and factors in their support environment may create risk. This includes the nature of their disability and their individual circumstances, and also where supports are provided, the range of people involved, and the extent to which a person relies on formal supports.
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15 February
Disability advocates hit Canberra to demand improved response to omicron crisis in disability community
People With Disability Australia (PWDA) said that demanding better outcomes for people with disability and disability support workers affected by the current COVID Omicron crisis is the focus of a delegation from community, industry and union groups that has descended on Parliament House in Canberra . Australia's peak disability advocacy organisation People with Disability Australia (PWDA) has joined with industry groups to directly brief the Federal Government and other federal parliamentarians about urgent action that needs to be taken to protect people with disability and the disability workforce.
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Joint statement on disability sector support - COVID-19
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) said that the disability sector is in crisis because of the COVID-19 pandemic. People with disability, service providers and disability workers cannot face the latest Omicron wave alone. The sector needs urgent support from the Commonwealth Government so that essential services can continue and be delivered safely. Personal Protective Equipment, including masks and Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs), and oximeters must be free and accessible for all people with disability and their support workers. While ACTU welcomes the recent announcement of 1.2 million RATs to be distributed to Supported Independent Living (SIL) NDIS participants and workers, this excludes hundreds of thousands of people with disability and their workers.
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14 February
Disability advocates hit Canberra to demand improved response to omicron crisis in disability community
Demanding better outcomes for people with disability and disability support workers affected by the current COVID Omicron crisis is the focus of a delegation from community, industry and union groups that has descended on Parliament House in Canberra . Australia's peak disability advocacy organisation People with Disability Australia (PWDA) has joined with industry groups to directly brief the Federal Government and other federal parliamentarians about urgent action that needs to be taken to protect people with disability and the disability workforce.
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11 February
Secret NDIS cuts destroying lives
'The Government must come clean on the undeclared campaign to slash the NDIS funds of people with disabilities across Australia,' said Shadow Minister For The National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten. 'Millions of dollars have been cut from NDIS plans in recent months without explanation, with some participants seeing hundreds of thousands of dollars wiped from individual plans overnight. Having failed to slash the NDIS through the front door, the Morrison-Joyce Government is embarking on an undeclared program to roll back funding, including funding for severely autistic children and people with cerebral palsy. My office has been contacted by more than a hundred Australians telling their stories of these recent cuts by stealth.'
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Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (Pbac) Intracycle Meeting Agenda May 2022 Pbac Intracycle Meeting
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
PBAC Intracycle meetings are held between the main PBAC meetings. Submission items considered by the PBAC at these meetings typically relate to matters arising from previous submissions but can also relate to new medicines. Consumers have the opportunity to provide comments on new medicine submissions. Consumer comments already received in relation to medicines subject to a resubmission have been retained and will be considered. Please note that all items included in this agenda are subject to change at short notice and, when possible, an updated agenda will promptly be published.
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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
QLD: Schools celebrated their libraries - 'at the heart of learning'
14 FEB: Schools have the opportunity to celebrate Queensland School Library Week (February 14-18). QLD Minister for Education Grace Grace said libraries in schools are 'At the Heart of Learning' - the theme for School Library Week 2022. 'The library helps instill in students a lifelong love of learning and reading, and has a direct influence on positive learning outcomes,' Ms Grace said. 'A great school library plays a central role in helping children and young people gain the knowledge, skills and attributes required for learning, life and work.'
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Funding
14 February
New CGM device for Australians with diabetes
Australians with diabetes will now have access to the next-generation Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), ensuring they can use the latest technology to manage their diabetes. From 1 March, 58,000 eligible Australians participating in the CGM Initiative will have the option of using the new Dexcom G6 CGM device, as the current Dexcom G5 CGM device is phased out. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said around 1.8 million people in Australia live with diabetes and more than 120,000 Australians have developed diabetes in the past year.
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SA: Another milestone reached at revitalised Repat
South Australians will get better health services, closer to home, following the opening of a new Statewide Rehabilitation Services Building at the Repat, as part of the $125 million revitalisation of the health precinct. SA Premier Steven Marshall said the building's opening marked another important milestone in the Government's revitalisation of the Repat. SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said rehabilitation patients will access the family-centred service in a newly built 24-bed Brain Injury Rehab Unit and 24-bed Spinal Rehab Unit, where all patients will have single rooms with an ensuite.
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Health Professionals
14 February
NSW: Ms Percy McCarthy - Registered Nurse - Cancellation for professional misconduct and unsatisfactory professional conduct
The Health Care Complaints Commission prosecuted a complaint against Ms Percy McCarthy, a registered nurse, before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. In its December 2021 decision, the Tribunal found the complaint proven and that Ms McCarthy was guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct. On 11 February 2022, the Tribunal determined protective orders at a further (Stage 2) hearing. The Tribunal ordered that the respondent's registration be cancelled with a non-review period of 4 years and the respondent be prohibited from providing any health services during this period.
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QLD: New south Brisbane satellite hospital to be built in Eight Mile Plains
The final location for the Queensland Government's Satellite Hospitals Program has been locked in, paving the way for work to begin soon on the crucial project to deliver improved healthcare services for growing communities. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Eight Mile Plains would be home to the south Brisbane facility, adding to the six other locations already identified across the south-east. The Satellite Hospitals Program will deliver healthcare facilities at Eight Mile Plains, Caboolture, Redlands, Pine Rivers, Tugun, Bribie Island and Ripley. The Premier said the site marked an important milestone in the progress of the $265 million Satellite Hospitals Program - an Australian first initiative.
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Hospitals
17 February
NT: Statement on Royal Darwin Hospital capacity management - Code yellow
'The current infection prevention and control measures to manage and isolate COVID-19 positive patients at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) has exacerbated capacity issues.' said NT Health. A Code Yellow enacts a number of practices and will allow the hospital to closely manage the situation and implement measures to ease pressures on the hospital system. Patient safety is a priority and the dedicated staff at RDH work hard to ensure Territorians continue to receive the best patient-centred care possible. NT Health urges people who have non-emergency health needs to see their GP as soon as they become sick to try to avoid becoming acutely unwell and needing hospital attendance.
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15 February
End the logjam in public hospitals
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) launched a new public hospitals campaign, Clear the hospital logjam, to reform the way public hospitals are funded and make hospitals a vote-changing federal election issue. The campaign will highlight the impact of hospital logjams around the country, hear disturbing testimony from frontline ED doctors, and encourage Australians to vote for their public hospital at the federal election. It's the first time the AMA has elevated public hospital funding to a federal election campaign.
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SA: Hospital cleaners, orderlies and disability sector staff vote 'YES' to new pay deal
SA Treasurer Rob Lucas said that the South Australia Government has successfully settled another enterprise agreement, this time with approximately 6,600 weekly paid staff - most of whom work in hospitals and the disability sector, including disability services officers, hospital cleaners, orderlies, sterilisation technicians, and food services staff. An overwhelming majority (94 per cent) of those who participated in last week's ballot, voted in favour of the new 3-year enterprise agreement, which delivers 4 x annual increases of between $21 a week and increasing to $22.50 a week in July 2024.
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14 February
CHA called on government to stop incentivising wasteful junk health insurance policies
The peak body for Catholic not-for-profit hospitals called on the government to stamp out the rise of inefficient 'junk' health insurance policies by making 'bronze level' insurance the new minimum requirement for Australians seeking to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS). In its federal budget submission, Catholic Health Australia urged the federal government to reform the private health insurance system, which currently allows health insurers to sell virtually worthless insurance called 'basic' insurance - dubbed 'junk' by some - to consumers who are primarily interested in avoiding the MLS at tax time. CHA Health Policy Manager Alex Lynch said it was alarming that 'junk' policies had grown from a third of all policies sold in 2015, to nearly two-thirds.
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Insurance
17 February
PHI 09/22 Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules (No. 1) 2022
This circular by the Department of Health provides information for stakeholders about the March 2022 Prostheses List. The delegate of the Minister for Health and Aged Care has made the Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules (No. 1) 2022, to replace the Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules (No. 3) 2021. The Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules (No. 1) 2022 are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation and commence on 1 March 2022. The Prostheses List (Part A, Part B and Part C) and reports on changes from the November 2021 Prostheses List are provided in Excel and Portable Document Format at Prostheses List.
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Medicare
None this edition.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
11 February
Youth organisations discuss mental health support at youth roundtable
Organisations directly assisting young people met with decision makers to discuss issues that affect them most at the latest in a series of Australian Government's Youth Roundtables, with the online event focusing on mental health support. Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Service Luke Howarth said Youth Roundtables give young people and organisations a chance to share their stories, experiences and ideas on the latest developments in Government policy and programs that affect them. Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said the Government is strongly committed to safeguarding the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
17 February
Zostavax
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has published previous safety advice about avoiding the use of Zostavax vaccine in immunocompromised patients but continues to receive reports of such cases. This is a reminder that careful assessment and screening for immunocompromise is essential before administration of Zostavax, with resources to assist in the process. All patients for whom Zostavax is considered should be assessed for immunocompromise prior to vaccination. DO NOT administer Zostavax if the immune status of the patient is unclear. Zostavax is contraindicated in patients with current or recent severe immunocompromising conditions from either a primary or acquired medical condition or medical treatment.
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16 February
Medicinal cannabis in sport: An insight for athletes and support people
Sports Integrity Australia has announced that athletes prescribed cannabinoid-containing products by a Medical Practitioner to treat a medical condition may be able to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) allows prescription and dispensation of medicinal cannabis/cannabinoid products to treat and manage illnesses such epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and chronic pain. This means some athletes may need to use cannabis or cannabinoids while competing. The Chair of the Australian Sports Drug Medical Advisory Committee (ASDMAC), Dr Susan White, said these athletes may be granted a TUE to allow the athlete to continue to compete while taking a prohibited substance.
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15 February
New resources support pharmacists working with biologics and other specialised medicines
A range of evidence-based resources is now available from the Targeted Therapies Alliance (TTA) to help pharmacists keep up to date with the latest evidence on the management of inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and plaque psoriasis. New resources for pharmacists from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists Australia (SHPA) join the existing resources for rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, dermatologists, nurses and pharmacists on the management of these inflammatory conditions with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including biologics and other specialised medicines.
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14 February
Role of the ACCM
The Advisory Committee on Complementary Medicines (ACCM) provided expert advice at the request of the Minister or Secretary for Health, on the safety, efficacy and manufacturing quality of a complementary medicine in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. ACCM was formed in January 2010 under Regulation 39 of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990 and the members are appointed by the Minister for Health. ACCM supersedes the Complementary Medicines Evaluation Committee (CMEC) and has an increased focus on the advisory role within the regulatory framework of complementary medicines. Membership comprises of professionals with specific scientific, medical, clinical expertise as well as appropriate consumer health issues relating to complementary medicines.
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Recall - Presence of ethylene oxide
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said that consumers and health professionals are advised that SFI Australasia, in consultation with the TGA, has initiated a recall for one batch of Ellura capsules due to the presence of ethylene oxide. Ellura is a listed medicine used to support urinary tract health. The affected batch number is:
- N0121301 (expiry 01/2024)
and it was first sold into the Australian market on 1 July 2021. SFI Australasia is writing to all pharmacies and wholesalers who have purchased this product, advising to inspect stock immediately and quarantine units from the affected batch. All unsold units of the affected batch will be removed from the market
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11 February
Patent box legislation to promote Australian innovation
Medicines Australia noted the introduction of patent box legislation, Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Concession for Australian Medical Innovations) Bill 2022, in the Australian Parliament. In the 2021-22 Budget, the Government announced that it would introduce a patent box regime for eligible corporate income associated with patented inventions in the medical and biotechnology sectors. Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said that incentivising the commercialisation of innovative medical and biotechnology products in Australia through the patent box is an important first step in supporting home-grown innovation. 'This legislation is a welcome first step, and we will continue to encourage stronger and bolder incentives to promote and protect Australian innovation,' Ms de Somer said.
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Research
17 February
Molecular 'culprit' caught driving unwanted cell death
The Walter and Eliza Institute of Medical Research has announced that a WEHI-led study has identified a molecular 'culprit' responsible for causing damaging levels of cell death and inflammation in the body. The findings could lead to improved treatment options for a range of conditions driven by inflammatory cell death, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Cell death is an important part of the body's immune response to infection. When uncontrolled, however, it can cause harmful amounts of inflammation in otherwise healthy organs and tissue. The research team uncovered how an overproduction of the molecule nitric oxide, which the protein caspase-8 helps to produce, caused dangerous levels of cell death.
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15 February
Go8 renews call for collaboration premium for life saving clinical trials
Group of Eight Australia said that Australia's leading research-intensive universities, the Group of Eight (Go8), has renewed calls for a collaboration premium as part of an incentive package to encourage universities and industry to work together on life saving clinical trials. In its submission on the Government's Draft R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI) Determination on clinical trials for an unapproved therapeutic good, the Go8 said stronger incentives for researchers and partners to engage in clinical trials were of paramount importance to build sovereign capacity and enhance Australia's attractiveness as a preferred location for clinical trials.
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14 February
Clinicians leading change in health systems
Leadership in change management is a skillset health practitioners must learn to be effective advocates for their patients and colleagues, according to the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Professor Sabe Sabesan, Senior Medical Oncologist at the Townsville Cancer Centre and Clinical Dean at Townsville University Hospital, and Dr Lynden Roberts, a Senior Rheumatologist and Clinical Associate Professor at Monash University, have devised a practical guide and framework for clinicians wanting to effect change in their work environment. 'Contemporary approaches [to change management] understand that health systems are different from businesses,' they wrote.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
17 February
Record registrations recorded, despite COVID impacts on organ donations
The rate of new registrations for organ donation has reached record levels, with 87 per cent year-on year growth in Australians signing up as an organ donor. Data released reveals a substantial increase in new registrations on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR), in a report that also outlines the ongoing impact COVID-19 has had on donation and transplantation rates. Minister responsible for the Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA), Dr David Gillespie released the 2021 Australian Donation and Transplantation Activity Report, confirming that despite a further drop in donation and transplantation rates last year, public support for donation is increasing.
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New boost to specialist midwifery and obstetrics support in regional WA
The Government in partnership with the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) has launched a specialist emergency telehealth service providing 24/7 support to nurses, midwives, general practitioners and obstetrics teams across regional Western Australia. The Midwifery and Obstetrics Emergency Telehealth Service (MOETS) delivers specialist obstetric and maternity advice and support via videoconferencing through a central 'virtual' clinical hub. By supporting country doctors, nurses and midwives, MOETS is helping expectant mothers and their families access care closer to home.
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11 February
SA: New Marree health clinic officially opens
SA Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said that residents and visitors in South Australia's far north will receive better health care with a new $2 million health clinic in the outback town of Marree officially open. The precinct includes a 250m2 purpose-built medical facility, additional staff accommodation and overall site upgrades to create a state-of-the-art medical facility for the far north community. In any given year the remote service will provide more than 3,000 community nurse consultations, 300 after-hours telehealth consultations, 60 maternal/child health vaccinations and 10 emergency ambulance retrievals.
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QLD: Maiden journey for state-of-the-art Queensland-built mobile health unit
A world-first mobile health unit developed between the Queensland Government and Heart of Australia will help with the early detection of mine dust lung diseases in regional Queensland workers. Queensland Minister for Resources Scott Stewart farewelled the state-of-the-art Queensland-built HEART 5 vehicle from Brisbane. 'Delivering HEART 5 was a commitment of the Palaszczuk Government and I'm thrilled to announce it's hitting the road,' Mr Stewart said. 'HEART 5 is a revolutionary piece of technology that will bring high quality respiratory health screenings to mine and quarry workers in regional and remote parts of the state.'
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Women's Health
None this edition.
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Transcripts
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham
17 FEB: Transcript of Interview with Scott Emerson, 4BC Drive
Subjects: Employment figures, Pinkenba quarantine facility, National security, COVID-19, Underemployment, Economy, China, Federal Opposition
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham
17 FEB: Transcript of Interview with Jim Wilson, 2GB Drive
Subjects: Employment figures, Inflation, Economy, National security, China, Underemployment, COVID-19, Interest rates, Russia and Ukraine, Family budgets
Member for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain
17 FEB: Transcript of Interview with Simon Lauder, ABC South East NSW Breakfast
Subjects: Currawarna Aged Care in Bombala, Rural regional communities, Aged care crisis, Workforce shortages, Foreign interference, National security
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
16 FEB: Transcript of Speech to Regulatory Reform Conference, Canberra - 'Regulatory Reform Conference, Canberra'
Subjects: Regulation, Reform, Covid-19, Economy, Deregulation, Economic recovery, Technology and business
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart Robert
16 FEB: Transcript of Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News Live Afternoon Agenda
Subjects: Federal Opposition national security policy, Aged care workforce, Sino-Australian relations, Trade relations, Sanctions, National security
Senator for South Australia Karen Grogan
16 FEB: Transcript of Interview with Narelle Graham, ABC SA Regional
Subjects: Aged care crisis, Grace Stokes, Industry standards, Cuts to Aged Care budget, Minimum staffing levels, NDIS
Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services, Luke Howarth
16 FEB: Transcript of Interview with Sandra Moon, ABC Goulburn
Subjects: Employment, Job fairs, Skills, Training, Apprenticeships, Business, Transition to work, JobSeeker, Covid-19, Casual work, Part-time work
Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Clare O'Neil
16 FEB: Transcript of Interview with Laura Jayes, Sky News AM Agenda
Subjects: Aged care crisis, ADF deployment into aged care, Aged care worker pay, Federal Opposition support for aged care workers
Treasury
16 FEB: Transcript of Speech by Secretary to the Treasury, Steven Kennedy, to the Economics Legislation Committee, Canberra - 'Opening statement to the Economics Legislation Committee'
Subjects: Covid-19, Supply, Labour, Macroeconomics
Lieutenant General John Frewen
16 FEB: Transcript of Opening Statements by Lieutenant General John Frewen, Senate Estimates
Subjects: National vaccination rollout, Vaccine rates, Booster shots, Novavax, Vaccine hubs, Aged care facilities
WA Nationals
15 FEB: Opinion Piece - 'Regional hospitals on the chopping block as health crisis worsens'
Subjects: COVID-19, Emergency care, Vaccinations, Testing capacity, Staffing shortages in regional healthcare settings, Education, G2G
Member for Oxley Milton Dick
15 FEB: Transcript of Interview with Scott Emerson, 4BC Drive
Subjects: Federal Education Minister, Cost of living, COVID 19, Economy, Public health, Anti-corruption body bill, Federal Minister for Defence
Shadow Minister for The National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten
15 FEB: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: Disability workers roundtable, People with disability, Disability workers, Urgent COVID support, NDIS, JobKeeper, National disability strategy
Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain
14 FEB: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: State by-elections, Federal Government popularity, Nurses striking, Yass hospital, Religious Discrimination Bill, 2020 bushfire recovery
Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Murray Watt
14 FEB: Transcript of Interview with Matt Webber, ABC Gold Coast
Subjects: Four Corners, Anthony Albanese, QLD infrastructure projects, COVID-19, TAFE, Aged care crisis, Jeta Gardens nursing home, NSW by-election, Senate Estimates
Shadow Assistant Minister for Western Australia Patrick Gorman
14 FEB: Transcript of Interview with Tom Connell, Sky News
Subjects: Vaccine mandates, Donation disclosures, Real time disclosure, No Jab No Pay intiatives
Senator for New South Wales Tim Ayres
14 FEB: Transcript of Interview with Monte Irvine, 2NZ Inverell
Subjects: Valentines Day, Senate Estimates, National security, Federal ICAC, Religious Discrimination Bill, Rapid Antigen Tests, Newspoll, Vaccine rollout, COVID-19, Economy
Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy
14 FEB: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: Senate Estimates, Sports grant, Safer Communities Program funding, Newspoll, Vaccine rollout and supply, 60 Minutes
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
12 FEB: Transcript of Press Conference by AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid
Subjects: Launch of AMA Campaign Clear the Hospital Logjam, Public hospitals, Investing in healthcare
Shadow Minister for National Reconstruction, Employment, Skills and Small Business Richard Marles
11 FEB: Transcript of Interview with Allison Langdon and Karl Stefanovic, Today Show
Subjects: National Cabinet, Vaccine mandate, Border reopening, Religious Discrimination Bill, Prime Minister, Tourism, China, National security
Member for Banks David Coleman
11 FEB: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Learning Links, Peakhurst, Sydney
Subjects: Learning Links, Employment, Education, Mental health included in National Curriculum, Religious Discrimination Bill
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Reports
Public hospitals Cycle of Crisis
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
Chronic underfunding of public hospitals has led to declining performance, putting lives at risk. In the first half of 2021, AMA has heard stories of people dying waiting to be seen in public hospitals that are operating at breaking point, and ambulance ramping outside public hospitals because there aren't enough beds and staff to cope with demand. There are both human and financial costs to public hospitals operating in crisis mode. Access block and emergency department (ED) overcrowding appear to be getting worse, and this is associated with increased mortality, morbidity and length of hospital stay.
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NDIS Workforce Final Report
Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme
This second and final report for this inquiry makes eight recommendations to further address such matters. The recommendations relate to:
- increasing NDIS workforce data collection
- consulting NDIS workers and other key stakeholders in all NDIS pricing review processes
- improving employment opportunities for people with disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the workforce
- addressing the funding and resourcing implications of new training and upskilling initiatives
- increasing student placement opportunities within the workforce
- developing clear and measurable outcomes for the initiatives in the NDIS National Workforce Plan 2021-2025; and
- developing a comprehensive consultation strategy for the implementation of measures under the Workforce Plan.
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COVID-19 Mortality in Australia
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Key Statistics:
- 2,639 deaths where people died with or from COVID-19 that occurred by 31 January 2022 have been registered and received by the ABS. The ABS expects to receive further registrations for this period from the jurisdictional Registries of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
- The majority of deaths had an underlying cause of death of COVID-19 (2,556).
- There were 83 people who died with COVID-19.
- Chronic cardiac conditions were the most common pre-existing chronic condition for those who had COVID-19 certified as the underlying cause of death
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Meeting Agenda May 2022 PBAC Meeting
Dept Of Health, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
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Annual Report 2019-20: Residential Aged Care Quality Indicators
Australian Institute Of Health And Welfare (AIHW)
This Annual Report provides descriptive material about the quality indicators (in this Section), insights into data completeness and data quality (Section 2), an outline of future QI Program developments (Section 3) and presentation of alternative weight loss indicators (Section 4). This report uses recompiled quality indicator data for the four quarters of 2019-20, including source data that were not complete when compilations were first made to meet quarterly reporting timetables (in published quarterly reports on GEN).
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AMA Pre-Budget Submission 2022-23
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
This chapter of the AMA Pre-Budget Submission 2022-23 draws on a recent paper by the AMA - Public hospitals: cycle of crisis - with some of the modelling adapted to give estimates of impact over the four year forward estimates. More detail is contained in the paper.
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Alcohol retail during COVID-19 (2020-2021)
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE)
A new report by FARE has confirmed more alcohol is flowing into the homes of Australians than ever before, causing concerns for increased harms to families and communities. Reviewing newly released Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) retail trade data, the report found a $3.6 billion (29 per cent) increase in alcohol retail turnover in Australia between 2019 to 2021. Total alcohol retail sales for 2021 was $15.9 billion, while December was the highest month on record at $2.1 billion. These figures exceeded alcohol retail turnover for 2020 by more than $300 million.
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Health Research at Medibank 2021
Medibank
One positive outcome of the COVID pandemic is an exponential increase in recognition and appreciation for Australia's researchers and scientists. What they all have in common is a focus on enhancing the quality of life and health outcomes for the benefit of all Australians. Medibank supported researchers to explore, assess and test areas relevant to Australians from all walks of life. From cancer and cardiac tele-rehabilitation, injuries in young female football players, chronic knee pain, diabetes and osteoarthritis - these projects make a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge on important health conditions.
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Submission: Federal Budget 2022 - 2023
National Disability Services (NDS)
NDS's submission makes six key recommendations. These include:
- To refund NDS to perform peak body activities to support providers and the sector
- Address loomingmarket failure through establishing an independent pricing mechanism
- Strengthen quality and safeguards for NDIS participants
- Invest in growing and developing the required workforce
- Increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities
- Invest in improved outcomes for all people with disabilities
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) - An update on policy and practice in Australia - CFCA Paper No. 65
Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS)
This paper outlines developments for the prevention of FASD and the diagnosis and support of children and young people living with FASD in Australia. It describes some of the key policy and practice initiatives since 2016, including the National FASD Strategic Action Plan 2018-2028, and considers further opportunities for responding to the needs of children and families affected by FASD. This paper is intended to provide an overview of the key issues for child and family practitioners who may encounter children and families living with FASD
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2021 Australian Donation and Transplantation
Organ & Tissue Authority, Australia & New Zealand Organ Donation Registry (ANZOD)
Despite the pressure that COVID-19 put on the Australian health care system, the lives of 1,174 Australians were changed by receiving an organ transplant, due to the generosity of 421 deceased organ donors and their families. There were 1,472 deceased eye donors, 313 deceased tissue donors, as well as 203 living organ donors and 2,994 living tissue donors who saved or transformed the lives of thousands of Australians this past year. Donation rates across jurisdictions varied from 8.1 donors per million population (dpmp) to 28.2 dpmp, with South Australia the only jurisdiction to exceed the national target of 25 dpmp.
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QLD: Annual Report 2020-21 - A report on the operations and systemic findings of the Queensland Child Death Review Board
Child Death Review Board (CDRB)
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VIC: Report on procedures for joint sittings under section 165AU of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008
Standing Orders Committee
The Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (Pandemic Management) Act 2021 was passed by the Parliament on 2 December 2021 and received Royal Assent on 7 December 2021. The Act amended the Parliamentary Committees Act 2003 and established the Pandemic Declaration Accountability and Oversight Committee (the Committee). The function of the Committee is the function conferred on it by Division 4 of Part 8A of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 in relation to scrutiny and disallowance of pandemic orders and instruments that extend, vary or revoke pandemic orders.
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Hansards
Federal
17 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Aged Care
17 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Morrison Government
17 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Economy
16 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Bills - Appropriation (Coronavirus Response) Bill (No. 1) 2021-2022 - Appropriation (Coronavirus Response) Bill (No. 2) 2021-2022 - Assent
16 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Bills - Health Insurance Amendment (Administrative Actions) Bill 2022 - First Reading, Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
16 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Statements By Members - Barker Electorate: Mental Health
16 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Constituency Statements - Mayo Electorate: Health Care
16 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Bills - Electoral Legislation Amendment (COVID Enfranchisement) Bill 2022 - Second Reading, Consideration in Detail, Third Reading
16 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Constituency Statements - COVID-19:
Healthcare Workers
16 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Constituency Statements - Health Care
16 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Statements By Members - Lyons Electorate: Medical Workforce
15 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Constituency Statements - Medical Workforce
15 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Morrison Government
15 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Bills - Electoral Legislation Amendment (COVID Enfranchisement) Bill 2022 - Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
15 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - COVID-19: Corangamite Electorate
15 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - Covid-19: Testing
15 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Grievance Debate - International Mother Language Day - Covid-19: Aged Care - Morrison Government
14 FEB 2022: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Statements by Members - Ryan Electorate: headspace
ACT
10 FEB 2022: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19 - Workplace Safety
10 FEB 2022: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statement - Mental Health - Safe Haven Pilot
09 FEB 2022: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial statement - COVID-19 pandemic - Emergency services support
Northern Territory
15 FEB 2022: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - COVID-19 - Tender for Rapid Antigen Test Kits
15 FEB 2022: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Speaker's Statements - COVID-19 Safety Measures
15 FEB 2022: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - COVID-19 - Management
15 FEB 2022: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - COVID-19 - Booster Vaccine Mandate
15 FEB 2022: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - COVID-19 - Media Conferences
15 FEB 2022: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - COVID-19 - Hospitals Code Yellow
15 FEB 2022: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - COVID-19 Vaccines - Access for Communities
15 FEB 2022: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Speaker's Statement - COVID-19 Safety Measures - Update
New South Wales
17 FEB 2022: NSW ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Announcements - COVID-19
17 FEB 2022: NSW ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Private Members' Statements - COVID-19 and Healthcare Workers
17 FEB 2022: NSW ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Community Recognition Notices - Chris Rose - Breaking Down the Stigma of Mental Health
Western Australia
17 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Vaccination Status - Dumas House Visitors
17 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Vaccinations - Prisoners
17 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Statement by Minister for Tourism - Coronavirus - Tourism - Government Support
17 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - State Economy
17 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Omicron Modelling
17 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Statement - Legislative Council - Coronavirus - Mandatory Vaccination Policy
17 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Air Services
16 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Interstate Border Restrictions
16 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Small Business - Government Support
16 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Statement by Minister for Small Business - Coronavirus - Small Business - Regions
16 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Rapid Antigen Tests
16 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Ruling by President - Legislative Council - Coronavirus - Mandatory Vaccination
16 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - ServiceWA App
16 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Vaccination Efficacy
16 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Vaccination - Aged Care
16 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Question Without Notice 14 - Answer Advice - Coronavirus - Mandatory Vaccination Policy
16 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions without Notice 8 and 23 - Answer Advice - Coronavirus - Mandatory Vaccination and Mask Wearing Police - Resources - Kimberley
16 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - International Students
16 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Question Without Notice 21 - Answer Advice - Coronavirus - Vaccinations - Bottle Shops
16 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Vaccination - Third Dose
16 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Regional Health Services
16 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Community Child Health Nurses
16 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Work Health and Safety Act - Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades
16 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Parliament - Health Advice
16 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Health Modelling - Omicron Variant
16 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Albany Health Campus - Staff
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Health - Mullewa Health Centre
15 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus care - Bunbury health campus
15 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Statement by President - Coronavirus - Legislative Council sitting arrangements
15 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Mandatory vaccination and mask wearing
15 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Exposure sites
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Elective Surgery
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Coronavirus - Hotel Quarantine
15 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Minister for Small Business - Coronavirus - Transition plan
15 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Motion - Legislative Council - Coronavirus - Mandatory vaccination - Debate Interrupted
15 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Statement by President - Legislative Council - Coronavirus - Mandatory vaccination
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Interstate Border Restrictions
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Vaccinations - Transition Plan
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Coronavirus - Mandatory Vaccination Policy
15 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Event suppliers support program
15 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Motions - Legislative Council - Coronavirus - Mandatory vaccination
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Testing Rates
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice 324, 326 and 339 - Answer Advice - Work Health and Safety Act - Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades WA Country Health Service - Child Development Services - Wait Times Hospitals And Health Campuses
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Health - Staff
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Mental Health - Emergency Department Presentations
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Minister for Health - North West Central Visits
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Health Modelling - Omicron Variant
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Mental Health - Hospital-In-The-Home Beds
15 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Rapid antigen tests
15 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Omicron modelling
15 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Mandatory vaccination policy
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Hospitals - Rapid Antigen Tests
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Coronavirus - Vaccinations - Media Campaign
15 FEB 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Premier - Coronavirus - Vaccination Strategic Coordination Group
15 FEB 2022: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Health - Elective Surgery
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Court Cases
New South Wales
In the matter of Quantum Health Group Limited (No 2) [2022] NSWSC 74
09 FEB: Catchwords: Corporations - Arrangements and reconstructions - Schemes of arrangement or compromise
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New Regulations
Federal
Biosecurity (Emergency Requirements-Remote Communities) Amendment (No. 2) Determination 2022
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00149
The Biosecurity (Emergency Requirements-Remote Communities) Amendment (No. 2) Determination 2022 (the Amendment Determination) amends the Biosecurity (Emergency Requirements-Remote Communities) Determination (No. 3) 2022 (the Determination) to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in remote communities in the Northern Territory. The Determination made requirements (referred to as remote communities requirements) to prevent or control the entry or spread of the listed human disease 'human coronavirus with pandemic potential' (COVID-19) in parts of Australian territory defined as designated areas. After amendment, the designated areas are described in Schedule 2 to the Determination, located in the Northern Territory.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Telehealth and Telephone Attendances) Amendment (Remote Audiometry Programming) Determination 2022
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00135
Item 11342 and 11345 will be listed to provide a service by telehealth and phone means respectively for a service rendered by, or on behalf of a medical practitioner. Item 82302 and 82304 will be listed to provide a service by telehealth and phone means respectively for a service rendered by an audiologist. This is an expansion of service options for auditory implant programming improving access and choice, particularly for rural and remote patients. The new telehealth and phone audiologist items do not require a request. Patients will benefit from more direct access to a clinically relevant service.
Explanatory Statement
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
Victoria
17 FEB 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 07: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 165AI - Guidance for the Pandemic (Open Premises) Order 2022 (No. 4) - 3 Notices
17 FEB 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 07: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 165AI - Guidance for the Pandemic (Quarantine, Isolation and Testing) Order 2022 (No. 5) - 3 Notices
17 FEB 2022: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 76: Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 - Section 11 - Proposed Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Psychological Health) Regulations - Notice of Preparation of Regulatory Impact Statement
17 FEB 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 07: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Guidance for the Pandemic COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Specified Facilities) Order 2022 (No. 4) - 3 Notices
17 FEB 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 07: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Guidance for the Pandemic COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Specified Workers) Order 2022 (No. 3) - 3 Notices
17 FEB 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 07: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Guidance for the Pandemic COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (General Workers) Order 2022 (No. 3) - 3 Notices
17 FEB 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 07: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 165CE(1) - Ministerial Order
17 FEB 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 07: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 165AI - Guidance for the Pandemic (Workplace) Order 2022 (No. 4) - 3 Notices
17 FEB 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 07: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 165AI - Guidance for the Pandemic (Victorian Border Crossing) Order 2022 (No. 4) - 3 Notices
17 FEB 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 07: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Health Services Act 1988 - Section 134A - Notice of Purchasing Policy Exemption - Health Purchasing Victoria
17 FEB 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 07: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 165AI - Guidance for the Pandemic (Additional Industry Obligations) Order 2022 (No. 5) - 3 Notices
17 FEB 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 07: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 165AI - Guidance for the Pandemic (Open Premises) Order 2022 (No. 4) - 3 Notices
17 FEB 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 07: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 165AI - Guidance for the Pandemic (Quarantine, Isolation and Testing) Order 2022 (No. 5) - 3 Notices
17 FEB 2022: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 76: Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 - Section 11 - Proposed Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Psychological Health) Regulations - Notice of Preparation of Regulatory Impact Statement
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Consolidated Legislation
Records Principles 2014
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00204
Principles as amended, taking into account amendments up to Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Vaccination Information) Principles 2022
Download
Health Insurance (General Practice COVID-19 Management Support Service) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00201
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (General Practice COVID-19 Management Support Service) Amendment (No. 1) Determination 2021
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National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00199
71 of 2012 Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2022 (No. 1)
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Health Insurance (Section 3C Pathology Services - COVID-19) Determination 2020 Authoritative Version
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00191
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Extension of Cessation Dates and Pathology COVID-19 Services Amendments) Determination 2021
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Primary Industries (Customs) Charges Regulations 2000 Authoritative Version
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00192
SR 2000 No. 131 Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Primary Industries (Customs) Charges Amendment (Cherries) Regulations 2021
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National Health (Price and Special Patient Contribution) Determination 2021 Authoritative Version
Consolidated Legislative Instrument - F2022C00190
PB 35 of 2021 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Price and Special Patient Contribution) Amendment Determination 2022 (No. 1)
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New Bills
Federal
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Authorisations) Bill 2022 cognate debate with Electoral Legislation Amendment (COVID Enfranchisement) Bill 2022 & Electoral Legislation Amendment (Foreign Influences and Offences) Bill 2022 - Reps intro 14/2, Reps 2R debate 15/2, Reps 2R debate 16/2, Reps passed 16/2
Health Insurance Amendment (Administrative Actions) Bill 2022 - Reps intro 16/2, Reps 2R 16/2
NSW
COVID-19 and Other Legislation Amendment (Regulatory Reforms) Bill 2022 - LA intro 15/2, LA 2R 15/2
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New Acts
Federal
Appropriation (Coronavirus Response) Act (No. 1) 2021-2022
and related Act:
- Appropriation (Coronavirus Response) Act (No. 2) 2021-2022
An Act to appropriate additional money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the ordinary annual services of the Government for the purposes of responding to circumstances relating to the coronavirus known as COVID-19, and for related purposes.
The Act seeks to appropriate money for the ordinary annual services of the Government. Accordingly, the Act performs an important constitutional function, by authorising the withdrawal of money from the CRF for the broad purposes identified in the Act.
Reps: Intro 09/02/22, 2R 09/02/22, Passed 09/02/22
Senate: Intro 10/02/22, 2R 10/02/22, Passed 10/02/22
Assent 14/02/22, Act No. 1 of 2022.
Commencement: The whole of this Act: the day this Act receives the Royal Assent.
Appropriation (Coronavirus Response) Act (No. 2) 2021-2022
and related Act:
- Appropriation (Coronavirus Response) Act (No. 1) 2021-2022
An Act to appropriate additional money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for certain expenditure for the purposes of responding to circumstances relating to the coronavirus known as COVID-19, and for related purposes.
The Act seeks to appropriate money for services that are not considered to be the ordinary annual services of the Government. Accordingly, the Act performs an important constitutional function, by authorising the withdrawal of money from the CRF for the broad purposes identified in the Act.
Reps: Intro 09/02/22, 2R 09/02/22, Passed 09/02/22
Senate: Intro 10/02/22, 2R 10/02/22, Passed 10/02/22
Assent 14/02/22, Act No. 2 of 2022.
Commencement: The whole of this Act: the day this Act receives the Royal Assent
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