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, 14 April 2022, due to the Good Friday public holiday on 15 April 2022.

Major Announcements

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

07 April

VIC: Free rapid antigen tests for Victorians with disability
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that the Government will provide free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to eligible people with disability, supporting some of the most vulnerable of the community to be protected and live safely. The Government will make two million RATs available to all NDIS participants and disability support pensioners over the next three months. Given the higher risks associated with contracting COVID-19 for people with disability, the free tests will be a significant measure to help protect vulnerable Victorians by ensuring earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests that are approved in Australia
The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA)'s performance requirements for COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests are internationally aligned with technical specifications published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Commission. This includes a clinical sensitivity of at least 80% (for specimens collected within 7 days of symptom onset) and a clinical specificity of at least 98%. The included table provides an indication of the performance of COVID-19 rapid antigen self- tests, including information on the clinical sensitivity of each test. This is based on the studies performed by the manufacturer which show the positive percent agreement (PPA).
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TGA receives application for an increased dose of GlaxoSmithKline's COVID-19 treatment sotrovimab (XEVUDY) for the BA.2 Omicron sublineage
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has received an application from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Australia Pty Ltd for a higher (1000 mg) dose of its COVID 19 treatment, sotrovimab (XEVUDY). This higher dose will be considered for treatment of patients suspected to have infection caused by the Omicron BA.2 sublineage. Currently, this monoclonal antibody treatment is provisionally approved by the TGA for the treatment of adults and adolescents (aged 12 years and over and weighing at least 40 kg) with COVID 19 who do not require initiation of oxygen and who are at increased risk of progression to hospitalisation or death.
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Demand expected to soar for flu vaccinations ahead of winter
More than 2 million Medibank resident customers are now eligible for a free flu vaccination. It comes amid warnings of new influenza strains entering the country following the reopening of Australia's international border, which is why Medibank is making it easier for customers with hospital or extras cover to access a free flu shot. Medibank Chief Medical Officer Dr Linda Swan said it's important to protect ourselves from the most common strains of the flu as we enter the cooler months.
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06 April

TAS: Coronavirus update
Tasmanian Minister for Health Jeremy Rockcliff has announced that Tasmania has recorded 2,408 new cases with 2,592 people recovered and released from isolation. The total number of active cases currently stands at 12,720 and the total number of people who have recovered is now 88,696 Importantly, while case numbers are currently elevated associated with the BA2 variant outbreak, hospitalisation rates remain low. There are currently 39 people in hospital with COVID and of these, 19 are being treated specifically for COVID. There is currently one person being cared for in the ICU.
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Trend of higher than expected deaths due to COVID-19 continues in the lead up to winter
Australia continued to see high numbers of COVID-19 deaths in the first quarter of 2022, following the relaxation of public health measures to combat the pandemic. Actuaries Institute analysis of daily reported COVID-19 deaths showed a significant drop in the number of COVID-19 deaths in March 2022 compared to January and February, but still higher than any other month during the pandemic. Adjusting the figures to take into account ABS data on the proportion of 'with' COVID- 19 deaths, the Institute estimates 3,500 deaths were due to COVID-19 in the first quarter of 2022.
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Maxi Vaxi Bus brings vaccine to your doorstep
To support the great work already being done by Aboriginal Health Services and organisations, the Dept of Health have introduced the Maxi Vaxi bus, a vaccination bus that will travel to the Kimberley, Pilbara, Midwest and Goldfields regions during March and April 2022 to offer additional vaccination clinics. To support the great work already being done by Aboriginal Health Services and organisations, the WA government have introduced the Maxi Vaxi bus, a vaccination bus that will travel to the Kimberley, Pilbara, Midwest and Goldfields regions during March and April 2022 to offer additional vaccination clinics.
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05 April

NT: NT COVID-19 update - CHO Direction changes
The NT Department of Health has announced that Changes are being made to Chief Health Officer (CHO) COVID-19 Directions in the Northern Territory. These changes are in line with the Territory's progression to living with COVID-19, which has seen health goals shift to managing the rate of spread and preventing serious illness. The Territory Vaccine Pass has been removed. This means proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter certain venues such as bars, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, casinos, cinemas and theatres. Infrastructure to support The Territory Check In-App will remain in place.
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QLD: COVID restrictions ease further
QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the further easing of COVID restrictions. As of 1am, Thursday April 14, most venues that have been open only to vaccinated staff and patrons will be open to all. The Premier said the settings have achieved their purpose: slowing the spread of COVID. 'More than 90 per cent of Queenslanders 12 and over have been fully vaccinated,' the Premier said. 'The Chief Health Officer advises we can now safely ease these settings and still maintain a high level of protection.' QLD Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said businesses and patrons are being given plenty of notice. 'These measures have done their job,' the Minister said.
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VIC: Supporting families with free RATs at school
Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino has announced that the Victorian Government will continue to provide free rapid test kids to families through schools and early childhood settings for the start of term 2, with further deliveries rolling out. "While Victoria’s surveillance testing system remains voluntary, we want parents to be confident sending their kids to school, kinder and childcare - and we know testing can help. To support families who choose to undertake voluntary surveillance testing, 16 million RATs will be distributed from this week for students, staff and children across the education system to use for at least the first four weeks of Term 2."
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04 April

Union outrage as workers are locked up with no pay after COVID scare
The Offshore Alliance has condemned oil and gas contractor Legeneering over the shoddy treatment of two workers, one of whom contracted COVID on a Woodside floating production storage and offloading facility. Two members of the Offshore Alliance who work for contractor Legeneering were recently removed from Woodside's Ngujima Yin FPSO after one tested positive for COVID and the other was deemed a close contact. The Offshore Alliance, a partnership between the AWU (Australian Workers' Union) and the MUA (Maritime Union of Australia), covers all workers in the offshore oil and gas industry in Western Australia.
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SA: Covid-19 update
SA Health has announced that There have been 4,595 new cases of COVID-19 reported in South Australia. There are currently 35,367 active cases in South Australia. There are 209 people with COVID-19 in hospital, including eight people in ICU. Of those hospitalised, 143 people are fully vaccinated, 44 people are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, and 22 have an unknown vaccination status. Due to a reconfiguration of the data, the total number of cases has been readjusted.
Total case breakdown
- 4,595 new cases
- 35,367 current active cases
- 278,548 total cases
- 264 deaths
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03 April

VIC: COVID catch-up plan to deliver for patients
A record number of Victorians will receive elective surgery as part of the Government’s COVID Catch-Up Plan - designed to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 25 per cent and get more Victorians the care they need, when they need it, Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino has announced. 'We know COVID-19 has disrupted care for many Victorians, while nurses and doctors focused on patients in the most critical conditions. As part of the plan, a $1.5 billion investment will boost surgical activity across Victoria to record levels, providing the care which was deferred because of the global pandemic. Designed with our hardworking healthcare workers front of mind, the plan will mean we’re training more nurses, and opening more theatres for longer - including nights and weekends.' said Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley.
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Aged Care

01 April

What the Budget means for aged care, mental health and women's leadership
From the National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA): The Government has announced plans to support the aged-care sector and the national Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan in the federal Budget 2022-23. The government is also investing $89.2 million to bolster the mental health workforce. National mental health and suicide prevention The government will continue to deliver structural reform and real change in mental health and suicide prevention by building on the $2.3 billion Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

None this edition.

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Allied Health

None this edition.

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Children's Health

None this edition.

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Clinical Governance

07 April

Kardwi Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd fined $13,320 for alleged breaches of therapeutic goods legislation
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued an infringement notice of $13,320 to Perth-based company Kardwi Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd (Kardwi) for alleged contraventions of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 in relation to pharmacovigilance (activities monitoring the safety of medicines). The infringement notice relates to the alleged failure to provide information on a contact person responsible for medicine safety. Once a product enters the market, a pharmacovigilance system established by the responsible company (known as 'medicine sponsor') is necessary to detect, assess, understand and prevent adverse effects and other medicine-related problems.
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Senate backs scrapping mandatory reporting of doctors seeking mental health help
A Senate Committee has recommended the scrapping of mandatory reporting for all doctors seeking help for mental health to the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Authority (Ahpra). Mandatory reporting is currently required in all jurisdictions except West Australia and is a major barrier to doctors seeking help for their mental health. Australian Medical Association (AMA) President Dr Omar Khorshid said the AMA welcomed the work of the Community Affairs References Committee on the administration of registration and notifications by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and related entities under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law.
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RACGP calls on Government to 'show me the money' for the implementation of the Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is urging whoever forms government following the upcoming federal election to properly invest in general practice to ensure all people can access high-quality general practice care. It comes following the release of the Australia's Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan 2022-2032 the college warned that this year's budget failed to adequately address the fall-out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the future challenges of a fatigued health system. Vital components of the Plan didn't receive funding, meaning that significant gaps identified by the RACGP and other health groups remain.
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GPs urge stronger action on reducing tobacco use
The RACGP has urged the federal Government to set ambitious goals and act decisively to reduce tobacco use across the nation. It comes following the college's submission to the Government's draft National Tobacco Strategy 2022-2030 ('the Strategy'). The Australian National University will publish research commissioned by the Health Department that found vaping ''is causing addiction in a new generation of users'' and makes young people three times more likely to take up cigarette smoking. RACGP President Professor Karen Price said that the Government must set the bar high.
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06 April

Reform needed to ensure access to affordable antenatal care
The RACGP is calling on the Federal Government to ensure affordable access to antenatal care for expectant mothers. In a letter to Health Minister Greg Hunt, the RACGP said designated Medicare items for antenatal care - which pay $41.70 regardless of the duration of the consultation - do not reflect the growing complexity of antenatal consultations. This is making it increasingly unaffordable for many expectant mothers to access the care they need. RACGP President Dr Karen Price said antenatal care in general practice was critical and must be affordable for all mothers.
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04 April

Food Standards Australia New Zealand CEO appointed
The agency tasked with developing food standards across Australia and New Zealand has a new chief executive officer. Veterinarian Dr Sandra Cuthbert will take the reins of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) following the departure of Adjunct Professor Mark Booth. A former FSANZ general manager, Dr Cuthbert has experience in both the private and public sectors, across biosecurity, agriculture and food standards. Senator Richard Colbeck, who has portfolio responsibility for food, said Dr Cuthbert brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the important role of developing standards for Australia's and New Zealand's national food regulatory systems.
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Notification Circular 196-22
From Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ): This Notification Circular includes notices that are required to be given to the public, submitters and appropriate government agencies, under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (FSANZ Act). For information about progress on all current applications and proposals, including anticipated consultation opportunities, see the FSANZ Food Standards Development Work Plan. Calls for submissions FSANZ invites written submissions for the assessment of the following proposal by 6pm (Canberra time) 10 June 2022.
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Call for submissions on infant formula standards review
FSANZ is calling for submissions on its assessment of standards for infant formula products. FSANZ has reviewed infant formula standards in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) through Proposal P1028 - Infant formula. FSANZ interim CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the review covers infant formula (for use from newborn), follow-on formula (for use from six to 12 months of age) and infant formula for special dietary use. 'Our review aims to ensure regulation of infant formula is clear, reflects the latest scientific evidence and aligns with international standards."
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Call for comment on a new GM source for a dairy processing aid
FSANZ is calling for comment on an application to allow an already permitted processing aid to be produced from a new genetically modified (GM) source. FSANZ interim CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the application seeks approval to permit use of the enzyme chymosin sourced from a GM strain of the organism Trichoderma reesei. 'Chymosin is used as a processing aid in the manufacture of dairy products." Dr Cuthbert said. 'FSANZ's safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for consumers in Australia and New Zealand." Submissions close 6pm (Canberra time) 12 May 2022.
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01 April

NSW: Free flu vaccine for those at higher risk
NSW Health is urging higher risk individuals including pregnant women, children aged under five years, seniors and Aboriginal people to book in now for a free flu shot. With international borders reopening, increased social mixing and lower exposure to influenza over the past two years, people will be more vulnerable to the virus. Executive Director, Health Protection NSW, Dr Richard Broome said the vaccine rollout commenced last month, as Federal Government supplies became available. 'Orders have already been distributed to many aged cared facilities, Aboriginal Medical Services and pharmacies, and will continue over the coming weeks,' Dr Broome said.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

07 April

Stand-alone Regional Cancer Care Centre at Taree to deliver comprehensive treatment and outreach services
Plans for the new Manning-Great Lakes Cancer CareCentre have been significantly bolstered with the centre to be built as a stand-alone facility, delivering comprehensive cancer care services including outreach services for the region. With Federal funding of $4.47-million, the centre will be built close to Manning Base Hospital in the centre of Taree and will complement and substantially expand the hospital's existing oncology services. Minister for Regional Health Dr David Gillespie joined operators Cancer Care Partners to announce the upgraded plans, with the facility expected to be in operational in the first half of 2023.
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04 April

VIC: Victorian biobank now globally recognised
Victoria is now home to a state-of-the art and globally accredited biobank featuring blood samples, plasma, saliva, tumour tissues, breast milk and mouth swabs, as the Government continues its record investment in medical research. Victorian Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford officially opened Biobanking Victoria, Australia’s first industry standard biobanking facility, poised to make critical discoveries and develop new treatments. Already housing 4.5 million biological specimens from six clinical trials, the $10 million facility developed by the Monash University School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health is backed with a $1.5 million from the Government’s Future Industries Fund granted in 2018. The facility is the first in Australia to be accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) cementing Victoria’s status as a world leader for medical research.
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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

07 April

$100 million to uphold the rights of people with disability
The Government will invest $100 million over three years to ensure people with disability continue to have access to advocacy and legal support. From 1 July 2022, more than $73 million in grants will enable 59 organisations across Australia to deliver the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP). Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the program provided people with disability access to advocacy services to promote their interests and protect their welfare. 'An advocate can identify the issues that the person needs help with, give them information about all of their available options and help them to express their views to other,' Minister Ruston said.
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Dedicated support for urban and rural First Nations Australians to engage with the NDIS
To increase support for First Nations Australians with disability, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has engaged the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to deliver the Aboriginal Disability Liaison Officer (ADLO) program until 30 November 2022. The program will provide dedicated support to First Nations Australians in urban and rural areas to access the NDIS and use their plans. Employed locally by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), ADLOs work at a local level to build understanding of NDIS.
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New NDIS checks for volunteers now available in Victoria
National Disability Services (NDS) said volunteers working in risk-assessed roles can now access a streamlined application process whenapplying for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Screening Clearance in Victoria. The new Volunteer Application Pack released by the Worker Screening Unit in the Department of Justice and Community Safety consolidates the previous two-step fee waiver and manual application process into one step. Volunteers now only need to fill out one form when applying for an NDIS check. This development comes after sustained advocacy by NDS and others for a faster and more user-friendly volunteer application system.
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06 April

Government improving home and living supports for NDIS participants including to SIL
The Government and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has announced new and significant changes to NDIS home and living supports, to improve the experience for participants. Minister for the NDIS, Linda Reynolds said that the changes were developed in consultation with participants and providers. 'I have listened to participants and providers and, after extensive engagement with the disability sector, we have identified short and medium term improvements that will improve the home and living experience for participants and providers,' Minister Reynolds said.
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05 April

Peak disability org seeks federal election commitments around safety, security and support for people with disability
Disability advocates want the next federal government to deliver people with disability better protection from COVID, better jobs and financial security, better housing and better support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The Federal Government is expected to call the upcoming federal election this week. In response, Australia's national peak disability rights and advocacy organisation People With Disability Australia (PWDA) has released it's 2022 Federal Election Platform which outlines issues across seven policy areas which the organisation will be advocating on throughout the election campaign.
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

05 April

Public Hearing Report Public hearing 13: Preventing and responding to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation in disability services (a case study)
Public hearing 13 examined the experiences of a group of people with disability living in disability residential accommodation in western Sydney provided by a non- government disability services provider, Sunnyfield Disability Services (Sunnyfield). The Royal Commission refers to the accommodation as 'the House' The hearing examined:
- The experiences of three people with disability residing in Sunnyfield disability residential accommodation over approximately four years
- Sunnyfield's policies, systems and operations.
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E-Health

None this edition.

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Education and Training

07 April

Monash University the world's best (#1) for Pharmacy and Pharmacology in QS rankings
Monash University has ranked number one globally in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Pharmacy and Pharmacology for the first time, making it Australia's top-performing university. This is the first time an Australian university has taken the top position in this discipline, and Monash is the only Australian university to receive a number one position in this edition of the rankings making it the highest performing Australian university in the subject rankings this year. Consistently ranked in the top three for the last five years for Pharmacy and Pharmacology, the number one ranking is Monash's best result in the annual global subject rankings.
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06 April

Lake Cargelligo listed as a targeted recruitment location for 2022
Lake Cargelligo Family Practice is now a more appealing location to work for young doctors after the town became a targeted recruitment location under a Government pilot scheme that provides wage support and supports doctors to gain their GP qualification while living in a rural or remote area. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, and Regional Health Minister Dr David Gillespie said the RVTS is going from strength to strength in providing better access to doctors in the bush.
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01 April

Significant step for Wagga Wagga medical school
The $21 million Wagga Wagga Medical School has been given the green light to start works with development approval granted. Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said it was a red-letter day for regional and rural healthcare. 'The very first thing I did when I became Deputy Prime Minister was to establish the Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network, which comprises of schools in Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga in New South Wales and Bendigo, Mildura and Shepparton in Victoria,' Mr McCormack said. 'The Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network is about delivering health outcomes for regional and rural people."
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Funding

05 April

Latest MMI grant serves $23 million to precision medicine
InnovateAus: The latest grant under the Modern Manufacturing Initiative is worth $23 million and will support the production of precision medicine and theranostics in Australia. The MMI collaboration stream grant will support a $71.2 million Australian Precision Medicine Enterprise (APME) Project being jointly undertaken by Global Medical Solutions (GMS), Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Monash University. The facility is being built at Clayton in Victoria and will produce an estimated $461.8 million economic impact over 15 years, the government said. The centrepiece will be a high energy cyclotron to produce radioisotopes, which are useful in making diagnoses and treatments, but have been predominantly imported.
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04 April

Protecting Australian workers from dust diseases
The Government is investing an additional $11 million to better protect and improve supports for workers in dust generating industries and their families. The funding addresses key recommendations from the National Dust Disease Taskforce's final report on a national approach for the prevention, early identification, control and management of dust diseases in Australia. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, and Attorney General Michaelia Cash said the additional investment is a cornerstone of the Government's commitment to address the increased incidence of silicosis and other dust diseases.
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01 April

Medical students want answers: Where is the funding for LGBTQIA+ health?
The Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) is extremely disappointed by the lack of measures in the Federal Budget to improve the access to healthcare for LGBTQIA+ Australians. AMSA's Pre-Budget Submission called on the Government to fund the inclusion of gender-affirming healthcare, including surgical procedures, post-surgical care and other gender-affirming services under Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. 'Transgender and gender diverse Australians are in urgent need of support. The failure of the Government to direct funding to increase access to gender- affirming services will cause significant harm to patients who are unable to afford access,' Jasmine Davis, AMSA President said.
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Health Professionals

07 April

QLD: Townsville residents encouraged to consider becoming pharmacy assistants in community pharmacies
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, encourages eligible job seekers in and around Townsville to become qualified pharmacy assistants via the Queensland Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and work in Queensland's network of almost 1,200 community pharmacies. Course graduates enjoy the high prospect of employment in their new field, with participants from the previous Townsville based Community Work Skills course benefiting from almost a 60% employment outcome. The Fundamentals of Community Pharmacy course is fully subsidised for eligible participants through the Queensland Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program.
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New health centre at Campbell Barracks to provide high quality health care for ADF members
A new modern health centre at Campbell Barracks opened by Assistant Minister for Defence, Andrew Hastie will deliver high quality health care to Australian Defence Force (ADF) members posted to the Perth metropolitan area. The new health centre is part of a national project to provide new and upgraded health facilities at Defence sites. The project is worth more than $250 million. Assistant Minister Hastie said the health centre will enhance the delivery of health care to on-base and visiting ADF members in the Perth metropolitan area.
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06 April

Lake Cargelligo listed as a targeted recruitment location for 2022
Lake Cargelligo Family Practice is now a more appealing location to work for young doctors after the town became a targeted recruitment location under a Government pilot scheme that provides wage support and supports doctors to gain their GP qualification while living in a rural or remote area. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, and Regional Health Minister Dr David Gillespie said the RVTS is going from strength to strength in providing better access to doctors in the bush.
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WA: St John's Ambulance pressure result of a whole system at capacity
St John's Ambulance WA's decision to change its workforce structure to fill a shortfall in paramedics a sign of a whole system at capacity, according to WA Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam. 'To have crews filled with lesser qualified ambulance officers is obviously less than ideal but it is a result of a health system that has been at capacity for a number of years before we entered the pandemic,' Ms Mettam said. 'While increased calls to 000 and time constraints associated with changing PPE will account for some of the current pressure, it is only one small part of the overall situation.'
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05 April

Primary health care will fail Australians if not funded properly said AMA
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has said if GP funding is not addressed a return of widespread GP shortages across Australia is inevitable. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said the recommendations of a Senate report into primary health care recently released made clear current Medicare funding for general practice services is inadequate. Dr Khorshid said the interim report from the Community Affairs References Committee called for across the board increases in funding for general practice. 'The committee has been inquiring into the provision of general practitioner and related primary health services to metropolitan, rural, and regional Australians."
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01 April

NSW: Greens to Introduce Bill for nurse to patient ratios
As nurses and midwives go on strike for a second time in a decade, NSW Greens MP and health spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has given notice in the NSW Upper House of her intention to introduce a bill to legislate nurse-to-patient ratios in NSW, a key demand of striking nurses and midwives. The Safe Patient Care (Nurse-to-Patient and Midwife-to-Patient Ratios) Bill 2022 will be based upon the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association's Ratios, Pay and Conditions Award Claim 2022 and consultation undertaken with key stakeholders before being introduced and debated. 'Nurses and midwives are at breaking point. It's time for the government to listen to their calls for safe nurse to patient ratios so that patients get a safe level of care,' said Ms Faehrmann.
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Hospitals

None this edition.

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Insurance

None this edition.

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Medicare

06 April

RACGP slams ECG Medicare rebate call
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has called on the federal Government to act decisively and reverse the Medicare rebate cut for electrocardiograms or ECGs. An ECG records the electrical signals in the heart and is a common and painless test used to quickly detect heart problems and monitor a heart health. In July 2020, the RACGP warned that changes to Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for ECGs, which came into effect in August that year, would effectively restrict these services to non-GP specialists and consultant physicians. In an April 2021 submission, the college argued that the changes to ECG items threaten patient access to timely diagnosis and management of heart conditions.
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04 April

Increasing Medicare rebates the key to increasing rural health care access for consumers - but how can we offer more?
The Consumers Health Forum welcomes the recommendations in the Community Affairs References Committee's interim report into the provision of general practitioner and related primary health care services to outer metropolitan, rural and regional Australia. CHF CEO, Leanne Wells said that the report focused on some of the major issues encountered by regional health consumers; access to health care services, and high out of pocket costs for medical consultations and procedures. In particular, CHF welcomes the recommendation to investigate substantially increasing Medicare rebates for general practice consultations.
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Men's Health

1 April

NSW: Griefline ready to answer calls in NSW
NSW residents struggling to cope with the death of a loved one can access six free counselling sessions from Griefline, thanks to a $1 million investment from the NSW Government. NSW Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the telephone-based counselling will be invaluable for those people struggling to cope with everyday life and social activities as a result of grief and bereavement. 'There's no doubt that the death of someone close to us can be deeply upsetting and painful. It can be quite difficult to try to make sense of the world without our loved one in it,' Mrs Taylor said. 'For some people, grief is so profound and persistent that daily life feels too hard."
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Mental Health

05 April

New agreement to deliver more mental health and suicide prevention services for Queensland
Health Minister Greg Hunt and Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath announced that more than $260 million will be invested in mental health and suicide prevention support and services in Queensland over the next five years, following the signing of a landmark bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and Queensland governments. The Commonwealth will provide $150.9 million and Queensland will invest more than $109.5 million to expand mental health care services to where they are needed the most. New mental health services, particularly for people in the group known as the 'missing middle', and suicide prevention services, will be established.
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$40.6 million to support the mental health and wellbeing of Aussie kids
Australian parents will soon have access to new tools to better support the mental health and wellbeing of their kids, as part of a $40.6 million Australian Government funded Parenting Education and Support grant. Well-known positive parenting educator, Triple P, will deliver this support through their Triple P - Positive Parenting Program which provides free, universal, easily accessible and interactive online resources. Minister Hunt said the program will be available nationally and address different parenting needs as children progress through key development milestones from ages 0-11 years.
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04 April

Mental health experts to guide Million Minds Research Mission
Minister Hunt announced that the Government has appointed mental health experts to the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission, who will guide research into mental health, including looking at prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Almost one in four Australians experience some form of mental ill health in any given year, while almost one in two Australians will experience mental ill health in their lifetime. Mental illness significantly increases the risk of suicide, the leading cause of death of people aged 15-44. Research is essential to improve understanding of what causes and contributes to mental illness.
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200,000 kids exposed to serious levels of parental gambling
Almost 200,000 Australian children are exposed to moderate or serious levels of risky gambling by a parent each year, according to a new study from The Australian National University (ANU). The study is the first to report the number of families and children exposed to risky parental gambling across Australia. Lead author and Director of the Centre for Gambling Research at ANU, Dr Aino Suomi, said the study showed 10 per cent of all Australian parents had engaged in some level of risky gambling in the past year.
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03 April

VIC: One-stop mental health hubs for children and families
Victorian families will soon have access to a one-stop shop for mental health support for infants, children and the whole family - with a new network of Health and Wellbeing hubs to support the mental health of young Victorians. The three new hubs will deliver a range of specialist and allied health services - like paediatricians, psychologists, parenting support and speech pathologists - under one roof, making seeking support for mental health concerns easier for families, Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Mental Health, James Merlino, has announced. Providing tailored care, the hubs will deliver earlier and better outcomes for children aged 0-11 years who have developmental, behavioural and emotional challenges, as well as their families - including access to free assessments for development issues and autism.
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01 April

13YARN-24/7 national crisis line support for Indigenous Australians
Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders now have access to a new 24/7 national crisis support telephone service, ensuring they can receive culturally safe and appropriate health services where and when they are needed. Funded through a $16.6 million investment by the Government, 13 YARN (13 92 76) was co-designed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Minister Hunt, and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman said the service will be staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Prof. Ngiare Brown appointed as first Indigenous Chair of the National Mental Health Commission Advisory Board
Minister Hunt, with Assitant Minister Coleman and National Mental Health Commissioner CEO Christine Morgan announced that the Government is pleased to announce new appointments to the National Mental Health Commission, including the appointment of Professor Ngiare Brown as the new Chair of the Advisory Board. Prof. Brown becomes the first Indigenous woman to lead the Board since the Commission's inception. The National Mental Health Commission provides advice to Government on ways to improve mental health and suicide prevention.
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What the Budget means for aged care, mental health and women's leadership
From the National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA): The Government has announced plans to support the aged-care sector and the national Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan in the federal Budget 2022-23. The government is also investing $89.2 million to bolster the mental health workforce. National mental health and suicide prevention The government will continue to deliver structural reform and real change in mental health and suicide prevention by building on the $2.3 billion Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

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