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)

11 August

COVID-19 antivirals must be made available from community pharmacies
The Australian and all State and Territory Governments must as a matter of urgency make the COVID anti-viral medicines available from community pharmacies without a prescription. National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey, said the current GP shortage meant patient wait times were endangering those with COVID-19. 'This is backed by recently revealed Healthengine data. For example, in 2019 the average wait time in Victoria was 1.98 days and now it's 3.33 days. WA and NSW are the worst- performing States, where a patient has to wait an average of 4 and 4.17 days respectively to see a GP,' Professor Twomey said.
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NT: NT COVID-19 update
The Northern Territory Government is reporting the death of a man in his 70s with COVID-19. The man was from Alice Springs, had underlying health conditions and passed away at Alice Springs Hospital. The total number of COVID-19 related deaths recorded in the NT since the start of the pandemic is 59. There were 184 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the NT in the 24 hours to 4pm on 10 August 2022. There are currently 43 patients in hospital. There are four patients requiring oxygen and two patients are in ICU. The number of active cases in the NT is 1,361.
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TAS: Coronavirus update
'Tasmania has recorded 661 new cases overnight. The total number of active cases currently stands at 3,741 and we now have more than 235,000 Tasmanians who have recovered from COVID-19. There are currently 21 people in hospital being treated specifically for COVID. There are three patients in ICU. Sadly, I can confirm a man In his 80s has passed away in the South. I extend my sincere condolences to the man's families, friends, and loved ones. While case numbers continue to fluctuate day to day as we progress through this current wave, we must continue to act to reduce the risk to ourselves and others safe from COVID- 19,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 11 August 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 2,739 new cases to 6pm August 10. There are currently 15,664 active cases in Western Australia. Latest figures show, there were 323 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 11 in ICU. Sadly, this report includes seven deaths, which were reported to WA Health - dating back to 29 July - Two women and a man in their 80s, a man and woman in their 70s, a woman in her 60s and a woman in her 50s. Of the 2,739 cases, 914 were confirmed via PCR test, the remaining 1,825 were self-reported positive rapid antigen tests. A total of 5,644 PCR tests were conducted at either state-run or private pathology clinics.
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10 August

Failed COVIDSafe app deleted
'The Albanese Government has acted to delete the wasteful and ineffective COVIDSafe app,' said Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler. 'The former Government wasted more than $21 million of taxpayer's money on this failed app. Since it was launched in April 2020 only two positive COVID-19 cases were identified through the app, which were not found by manual contact tracers. The app only identified 17 close contacts that hadn't already been identified through manual contact tracing. There was a total of 7.9 million registrations of the COVIDSafe app between April 2020 and May 2022, but fewer than 800 users consented to their data being added to the National COVIDSafe Data Store for contact tracing.'
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2San Pty Ltd fined $66,600 for allegedly failing to provide ongoing evidence to support the performance of its COVID-19 rapid antigen tests
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued five infringement notices totalling $66,600 to 2San Pty Ltd for allegedly failing to provide information to the TGA to demonstrate the ongoing minimum level of sensitivity of two COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs). All sponsors of medical devices approved by the TGA are required by law to provide this evidence to the TGA when requested and within the specified timeframe. This helps ensure medical devices are safe and perform suitably for their intended purpose.
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Pharmacy antiviral push a recipe for disaster
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has warned that allowing over-the-counter dispensing of COVID-19 antiviral treatments could jeopardise patient safety. It comes following the Pharmacy Guild calling for over-the-counter COVID-19 antiviral access without a prescription across Australia. RACGP President Adj. Professor Karen Price said that patient safety must come first. 'We must do more to get these treatments in the hands of those who need them, but over-the-counter pharmacy dispensing is not the answer,' she said. 'While oral antivirals are critical for the management of COVID-19, they are not without risks to patients, so any changes to access must guarantee patient safety.'
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Controversial COVIDSafe app is finally scrapped
The controversial COVIDSafe app has been scrapped by new Health minister Mark Butler, who deemed it 'no longer required' to control the spread of coronavirus, reported InnovationAus. Launched two years ago with much fanfare, the app has only discovered 17 unique close contacts. Mr Butler exercised a clause in the COVIDSafe legislation to end the collection and storage of data late last month. The determination was published Tuesday, along with an update to the contact tracing app that removes data collection and advises users to uninstall the app. 'The COVIDSafe app will longer collect or transmit data. Data is no longer collected and will be deleted from the National COVIDSafe Data Store.'
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09 August

COVID Data Hub now available
Over the past two years, the 45 and Up Study has helped inform the NSW pandemic response with its COVID Insights surveys and related questionnaires. This data is highly valuable to researchers and will soon be available through a new resource - the COVID Data Hub. In 2020, more than 45,000 participants completed COVID questionnaires, with around 32,000 people then enrolling in a series of five surveys (the COVID Insights surveys) which continued to March 2022. The Sax Institute have combined all this data in the COVID Data Hub. Sax Institute said the COVID Data Hub will be available to approved research in the coming months. It can be linked with all 45 and Up Study data along with other administrative data.
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VIC: Free masks to keep Victorians safe this winter
The Government will provide free N95 and KN95 masks to protect some of the most vulnerable members of the community and help reduce transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced that more than three million masks will be handed out to the community through state-run testing sites, community health services across Victoria and across the public transport network. Over the next four to six weeks every person that presents for either a free rapid antigen or PCR test will receive one box of 10 N95 masks, along with instructions on how best to wear them to reduce transmission.
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WA: Measured approach to scaling back WA hospital COVID processes
Following the continued decline of Western Australian COVID-19 cases, the WA Health system will transition all public hospitals to a new phase of pandemic response. The move will free up frontline staff to return to clinical duties, and provide greater access for community members to see loved ones in hospital. Under the System Alert and Response (SAR) framework, a new Blue alert level will begin on 15 August 2022, scaling down from the current Red level. Key changes include some reduced screening requirements, targeted testing, and changes to mask rules for staff.
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WA: COVID-19 update
WA Health is reporting a total of 2,965 new cases to 6pm August 8. There are currently 17,306 active cases in Western Australia. Latest figures from overnight show, there were 358 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 11 in ICU.
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08 August

NT: Pop up Vaccine Clinic opens in Casuarina
The Territory Government has opened a pop up COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic to further boost the vaccine rollout across the Territory, announced NT Chief Minister and Minister for Health Natasha Fyles. The clinic will be located at the Casuarina Plaza and will run until 28 August to encourage Territorians to access their fourth booster dose - the clinic will also be open to all people aged five years and over so they can stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. Territorians can also get their COVID-19 vaccine from across the Territory at participating GP clinics, pharmacies, respiratory clinics, urban and remote health clinics and Aboriginal health clinics.
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TAS: Expanding access to antiviral medications
'The Tasmanian Liberal Government is expanding antiviral access for Tasmanians at high-risk from severe COVID in a potentially live-saving gamechanger to provide treatment sooner and ease pressure on hospital admission. While not a replacement for vaccination or covid-safe behaviours, antivirals have been shown to reduce both the severity of illness and the likelihood of hospitalisation, or death, for people with risk factors for more severe outcomes of COVID infection. In Tasmania, antivirals are currently available at pharmacies with a prescription from your doctor, or alternatively by calling the COVID@homeplus program,' said Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
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07 August

TAS: Strengthening the testing regime
While COVID-19 case numbers continue to fluctuate day to day as Tasmania progresses through this current wave, Tasmania must continue to work to keep itself and others safe during the winter period, from not only COVID, but other contagious diseases. Tasmanian Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff said from Tuesday August 9, Tasmanian laboratories will test all samples collected from state-run PCR clinics for COVID-19, as well as Influenza A, Influenza B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Testing for all four illnesses will be done using the single swab taken from you at the testing clinic. This enhancement of the testing regime will provide additional protection from outbreaks of disease as Tasmania navigates through the extra demand placed on the health system throughout the winter months.
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05 August

WA: COVID-19 update 5 August 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 3,239 new cases to 6pm August 4th. There are 20,872 active cases in Western Australia. To 6pm August 4th, there were 351 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 14 in ICU. Sadly, this report includes one death, which were reported to WA Health - dating back to 31 July - a man in his 40s. Of the 3,239 cases, 1,107 were confirmed via PCR test, the remaining 2,132 were self-reported positive rapid antigen tests. A total of 6,257 PCR tests were conducted at either state-run or private pathology clinics.
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Aged Care

09 August

Older Australians to benefit from commitment on aged care pay
Anglicare Australia has said that the Government's commitment to fund pay increases for aged care workers is good news for hard working staff, the aged care sector, and most importantly, for older people. 'Everyone deserves quality care as they get older. All of us should be able to get quality care, with dignity, when we need it. The only way to deliver that care is with a strong workforce,' said Anglicare Australia Executive Director Kasy Chambers.
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UnitingCare Australia welcomes Government submission to aged care wages case
UnitingCare Australia has welcomed the Government's action to give aged care workers a pay rise through a submission to the Fair Work Commission. 'Aged care workers provide some of the most valued work in caring for our loved ones, yet they are among the lowest paid workers in our community. Older Australians deserve the very best care and an adequately remunerated workforce is critical to achieving this,' said National Director, Claerwen Little. 'We welcome the Government's re-stated commitment to fully fund a wages increase, as detailed in the submission.'
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08 August

Fighting for a pay rise for aged care workers
The Government is delivering on its promise to fight for a pay rise for Australia's aged care workers. The Government has made a submission to the Fair Work Commission that unequivocally supports a wage increase for aged care workers. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommended the Government contribute to this work value case that aims to raise workers' wages. 'We're fighting for a better future for aged care workers and residents,' said Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Tony Burke, Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, and Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells.
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Federal Government submission to work value case
Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) has welcomed the Federal Government's submission to the Fair Work Commission Work Value case which was lodged with the Commission . ACCPA Interim CEO Paul Sadler said the submission, while not nominating the size of the wage increase, reaffirms the Government's commitment made during the election campaign to fully fund the outcome of the case. 'We are also pleased the Government supports a staged implementation of any wage increase which would be determined by the Fair Work Commission consulting with the parties to the case,' Mr Sadler said. 'ACCPA supports higher wages and improved working conditions for aged care staff working across the sector.'
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HSU commends Commonwealth aged care submission
The Health Services Union has commended the Commonwealth Government for formally supporting its application to lift wages in the sector by making a submission to the case. The Union's work value case before the Fair Work Commission seeks a 25 per cent pay rise for personal care workers, recreational activities officers, catering, cleaning, administration, and other support staff. The starting rate of pay for a personal care worker is $23.55/hr, while a qualified personal care worker earns $24.76/hr. The HSU argues the work of aged care has changed over time, becoming more complex as the needs of an ageing population and community expectations of care have evolved.
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Pay rise support a crucial step in aged care reforms
A Federal Government submission supporting a 'significant, meaningful' pay rise for aged care workers is a crucial step to restoring a functioning aged care sector, United Workers Union said on 8 August. The Federal Government is due to make a submission to the Fair Work Commission's aged care work-value case in which unions are seeking a 25 per cent increase to low-paid aged care workers' wages. 'The Federal Government's submission to the work value case is a significant step to address the continuing workforce crisis in aged care, and the commitment to fund any recommended pay rise is welcome,' United Workers Union Aged Care Director Carolyn Smith said.
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07 August

Celebrate aged care staff and say 'thanks for caring'
Workers in aged care services around Australia are being celebrated and thanked for their dedication and compassion on Aged Care Employee Day. Aged care service providers are marking the day with staff barbecues, morning and afternoon teas, gifts including chocolates and movies tickets, all to say 'thanks for caring' for beloved older Australians. Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) Interim CEO Paul Sadler said 7 August has become an important date in the calendar signalling a time to reflect on the critical role played by the aged care workforce.
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05 August

Board directors nominations 2022 open for Palliative Care Australia Limited Board
Palliative Care Australia (PCA) is a dynamic peak national health organisation that advocates for high quality palliative care for all Australians who need it. At the 2022 Palliative Care Australia Limited Annual General Meeting an election will be conducted for three (3) vacant positions on the PCA Board. The AGM will take place on Tuesday 29th November 2022 via Zoom at 12:30pm AEDT. A Board position at PCA offers the opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction, governance, and effectiveness of PCA, at a key time when the country is having important conversations around aged care and health care reform, and end-of-life care.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

None this edition.

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Allied Health

09 August

New report shows critical need for allied health workers, as wait lists grow across the country
A new report has revealed alarming shortages and increasing staff turnover rates of allied health workers across the country, which could put people with disability at risk. The data, released by the peak body for disability, National Disability Services (NDS), is part of its latest Workforce Census Report and found difficulty accessing allied health services was a contributing factor to underutilisation of NDIS funds, particularly for remote areas. The report also states the data may point to the long-term national neglect of allied health workforce needs, which it finds the NDIS National Workforce Plan is unlikely to effectively address.
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05 August

Board directors nominations 2022 open for Palliative Care Australia Limited Board
Palliative Care Australia (PCA) is a dynamic peak national health organisation that advocates for high quality palliative care for all Australians who need it. At the 2022 Palliative Care Australia Limited Annual General Meeting an election will be conducted for three (3) vacant positions on the PCA Board. The AGM will take place on Tuesday 29th November 2022 via Zoom at 12:30pm AEDT. A Board position at PCA offers you the opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction, governance, and effectiveness of PCA, at a key time when the country is having important conversations around aged care and health care reform, and end-of-life care.
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New workshops aim to help providers improve retention of Allied Health workers throughout the employment life cycle
Dr Susan Nancarrow from Health Work AHP Workforce is joining National Disability Services (NDS) to run a three-part series that will explore ways to enhance the retention of allied health professionals. The three sessions will be of particular interest to disability service providers:
- Session 1: Six-stage employee-life cycle. To provide an overview of the six-stage employee-life cycle and discuss the importance of considering the whole employee journey.
- Session 2: Staff onboarding and development. Focus on ensuring that staff are clear on agreed expectations, and to help prepare workers to optimise productivity.
- Session 3: Staff retention. Will explore strategies to optimise staff retention.
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Children's Health

None this edition.

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Clinical Governance

11 August

Free falling bulk-billing rates a sign of things to come
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has warned that general practice care needs a much-needed shot in the arm. It follows reports of an increasing number of GPs ditching bulk billing, with a key underlying factor being inadequate Medicare rebates for patient consultations. A HealthEd survey of almost 500 GPs found 22% had recently changed their billing model, meaning patients are facing higher out-of-pocket costs to see a GP. One-third of those who changed their billing model moved from bulk billing to mixed billing (a combination of bulk billing and private billing), and 67% changed from mixed billing to completely private billing.
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Let's ensure the future of general practice care for all
The RACGP has urged the new federal Government to secure the future of general practice care by delivering on the college's advocacy priorities. It comes following Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler speaking candidly about the 'terrifying trend' of not enough future doctors opting for a career in general practice, leaving primary care 'in worse shape than it's been in the entire Medicare era.' RACGP President Adj. Professor Karen Price said that GPs and general practice teams must be front of mind for the new Government.
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TAS: Expanding GP After Hours Initiative to support our most vulnerable
The Tasmanian Government is committed to working with the primary health sector and GPs to ease the demand on public hospitals and serve the needs of all Tasmanians. 'We know that by treating people in the community where safe and appropriate to do so, we're not only able to reduce pressure on our hospitals, but also provide patients with more comfortable and accessible care closer to home. That's why we are delivering a third round of our Government's successful GP After Hours Support Initiative which will prioritise support for vulnerable Tasmanians across the State who may find it particularly tough to access a GP,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff.
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10 August

Enviro Tech Holdings and company officers ordered by the Federal Court to pay $96,000 for unlawful importation of surgical face masks
The Federal Court of Australia has ordered(link is external) Enviro Tech Holdings Pty Ltd to pay $80,000 for unlawful importation of surgical face masks. In December 2020, the TGA issued an infringement notice to Enviro Tech for $13,320. As the company did not pay the fine, court proceedings were commenced. The Court found that Enviro Tech breached a condition of a special regulatory exemption in place during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic by importing surgical face masks that were not for supply to the National Medical Stockpile.
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Governments and the healthcare sector must lead on climate change
Australian doctors are pushing for greater buy-in from the health care sector to reduce its carbon footprint and are urging further action from medical colleges who signed up to a new communique for action. The second annual meeting of health leaders came together at a virtual webinar with 11 colleges signing up to the communique and sharing steps they've taken to combat climate change. Health Minister Mark Butler addressed the webinar, part of the partnership between the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) and moderated by DEA Chair, Dr John Van De Kallen.
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Accessing safe healthcare when cost is a barrier
In the latest of Taking care, guests discuss the cost barriers to accessing safe healthcare and how practitioners are working with consumers to ease these pressures, said the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Host Tash Miles is joined by consumer advocate, Renate Hughes, dentist, Dr Chris Sanzaro, and Associate Professor, Amanda Neil, health economist from the University of Tasmania's Menzies Institute for Medical Research. Renate Hughes, who lives with a disability and multiple chronic conditions, understands all too well the choices between healthcare and other essentials like food or paying rent.
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08 August

ACT: Public Health Emergency Declaration extended
The Public Health Emergency Declaration has been extended until 11.59pm on 30 September 2022 to allow the Chief Health Officer to continue to take all necessary actions to reduce the threats to public health from COVID-19. This reflects the fact that the current epidemiological situation remains uncertain. 'While there is some positive news that new cases are now averaging less than 1000 per day, this level of community transmission still poses a risk to community members, particularly those who are more at risk of severe outcomes, including older Canberrans and people with underlying health conditions,' ACT Minister for Government Services and Procurement Rachel Stephen-Smith said.
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05 August

RACGP welcomes suspension of cash for vapes pharmacy scheme
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed news that a planned cash for vapes scheme will be halted in its tracks. It comes following reports that IT platform PharmaPrograms has paused the controversial program, which would have led to pharmacists receiving $275 from tobacco giant Philip Morris when they order its VEEV vapes. Pharmacists would also have received a $5 fee when they referred customers to a GP to obtain a prescription for a vaping product, a $10 fee for 'educating' a new patient about the VEEV device, and even a 'dispensing support payment' of $5 every time they dispense a new script of the vaping product.
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NSW: Community urged to stay alert for meningococcal symptoms
NSW Health is urging parents and young people to be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear. So far this year, there have been 15 cases of meningococcal disease reported in NSW. Sadly, a man in his 40s from Sydney has died with the disease. His infection was identified following his death and notified to NSW Health. NSW Health expresses its sincere condolences to his loved ones. While meningococcal disease is now uncommon thanks to vaccination, it can occur year round. There tends to be increases in late winter and early springe.
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WA: More than 15,000 nicotine vapes seized in compliance crackdown
A crackdown on illegal vapes in Western Australia has seen WA Health seize more than 15,000 disposable nicotine vapes from retailers, valued at more than $500,000, according to WA Minister for Health Amber-Jade Sanderson. Targeted operations have been conducted on retailers across the State to help minimise the health risks to the community, including young people who are increasingly using e cigarettes. Chemical tests on vapes thought to contain no nicotine, conducted by the ChemCentre in Bentley, have returned positive results for nicotine, a harmful and toxic drug, in two thirds of products tested.
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04 August

WA: Monkeypox virus update
WA Health has confirmed a case of monkeypox virus in a returned overseas traveller in Western Australia. The case is in isolation in Perth, with WA Health monitoring their condition and remains well. Public health has commenced contact tracing. While the risk to the community from this case is low, returned travellers are being urged to monitor for symptoms of the monkeypox virus. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate's Director, Dr Paul Armstrong said that returned travellers, particularly from areas with high numbers of monkeypox cases, should remain vigilant for symptoms. 'We are asking the community to continue to be vigilant and watch for signs of the virus,' Dr Armstrong said.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

None this edition.

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Dental

10 August

Have your say: Child Dental Benefits Schedule consultation
Submissions are now open to give feedback about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule to improve the service, said the Department of Health and Aged Care. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides eligible children with up to $1026 in basic dental cover over two consecutive calendar years. As of 30 June 2022, nearly 3.2 million Australian children have received more than $2.6 billion in benefits and around 42.7 million services. The CDBS is being reviewed to find out how the program can improve. The Department encourages recipients and providers of the CDBS to share their experiences.
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Disabilities

10 August

Delivering a functional NDIS eMarket
The 2011 Productivity Commission Report into Disability Care and Supports, which led to the establishment of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), identified the need for a NDIS eMarket to drive innovation across the economy, deeming this necessary for the scheme to scale and thrive, said InnovationAus. That is, the eMarket was identified at the very beginning as essential for scheme sustainability. The Productivity Commission determined that a key factor in the successful transition - from the old block-funded and service-centred models of delivery to a person-centred model - was the ability for participants to genuinely exercise choice and the development of a properly operating market of providers.
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09 August

Disability Ministers across Australia agreed that a return to the original objectives of the NDIS is needed to improve participant outcomes
At the second Disability Reform Ministers Meeting (DRMM) on 29 July, chaired by Minister Shorten, all Ministers agreed that the original objectives of the NDIS need to be restored, said the National Disability Services (NDS). Ministers also committed to consulting with the sector on the scope, principles, and approach to the review of the NDIS, which Minister Shorten has bought forward to this year. This review will be a crucial opportunity for the Minister to demonstrate his commitment to partnering with providers to improve the NDIS. National Disability Services (NDS) has been working with disability service providers and sector experts to identify proposed solutions to the current NDIS policy challenges.
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05 August

SDA: new initiatives, clearer language, better resources
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) consulted widely with participants, families and carers, providers, key sector groups and stakeholders and identified initiatives they can make to improve specialist disability accommodation (SDA) whilst the broader home and living policy is codesigned and developed. They have:
- Updated the Guideline specialist disability accommodation with new information about how to make decisions about funding to support participants to live alone with shared on site supports.
- Published an SDA flowchart to explain their enrolment processes and new frequently asked questions for SDA providers to address SDA dwelling enrolment and vacancy questions.
Download

New workshops aim to help providers improve retention of Allied Health workers throughout the employment life cycle
Dr Susan Nancarrow from Health Work AHP Workforce is joining National Disability Services (NDS) to run a three-part series that will explore ways to enhance the retention of allied health professionals. The three sessions will be of particular interest to disability service providers:
- Session 1: Six-stage employee-life cycle. To provide an overview of the six-stage employee-life cycle and discuss the importance of considering the whole employee journey.
- Session 2: Staff onboarding and development. Focus on ensuring that staff are clear on agreed expectations, and to help prepare workers to optimise productivity.
- Session 3: Staff retention. Will explore strategies to optimise staff retention.
Download

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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

08 August

Western Sydney University, CDU and Menzies partner to establish the Northern Territory's own medical school
Charles Darwin University (CDU), Western Sydney University and Menzies School of Health Research have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the establishment of the CDU Menzies School of Medicine, and growth of the Northern Territory's medical workforce. Western Sydney University - an Australian Medical Council accredited medical program curriculum partner - will collaborate with CDU to establish a high quality, relevant curriculum for the CDU Menzies School of Medicine. This is a critical step to enable the teaching of a medical program in the Territory, for the Territory.
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Funding

None this edition.

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Health Professionals

11 August

2022 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year state finalists announced
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, National President, Professor Trent Twomey, announced the state finalists for the 2022 Pharmacy Guild of Australia / Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award (PATY). 'This year we received a record number of nominations, and were blown away by the high- quality nominees. Congratulations to the 64 finalists across Australia.' 'PATY is the premier award for pharmacy assistants in Australia. This prestigious award was created to recognise pharmacy assistants who go the extra mile to help patients and who are proactive in developing their own careers,' Professor Twomey said. 'In addition to the 2022 PATY Award, the Glucojel Super Star Award recognises outstanding customer service.'
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10 August

Interprofessional colloquium
The Australian Pharmacy Council and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council have launched their Interprofessional Colloquium 2022 program, said the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. The joint event brings together experts across health profession education to discuss links between education, training and practice. The theme 'Enlighten, empower, and emancipate: Planting the seeds to future proof our professions' focuses on transforming curriculum to produce resilient health professionals who can lead change in response to the needs of communities. The IPE Colloquium line-up boasts pharmacy leaders including Dr Liza Seubert, Dr Sarira El-Den, Amanda Bryce, and Professor Lisa Pont, alongside colleagues in nursing and allied health such as Associate Professor Deb Massey, Professor George Siemens, Julie Loveny, and Professor Marie Gerdtz.
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08 August

WA: Peel Health workers remain in unneceessary sick leave limbo
The Opposition said the WA Government must provide certainty to Peel Health Campus workers who fear they will lose their sick leave as a result of the new public hospital agreement and the transition of the Peel Health Campus from Ramsay Health to a State run facility in August 2023. 'Given it was the McGowan Govts decision to bring these services back into the public sector they should also ensure these workers are no worse off and enable them to retain their accumulated sick leave provisions,' said WA Shadow Minister for Health Libby Mettam.
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Hospitals

08 August

ACT: Taking the next steps in ACT health services planning
The ACT Government has released a plan to shape the future of public health services for a growing population in the Territory and surrounding region. All Canberrans are now invited to have their say on the next steps in planning for new facilities and services. The ACT Health Services Plan 2022-2030 sets out the priorities for Government-funded health services over the next eight years. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the plan is another step towards a more integrated and sustainable health system for the Canberra community.
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VIC: Work begins on bigger, better ED at the children's
Australia's leading children's hospital will soon be able to treat thousands more patients - with a multi-million- dollar expansion of The Royal Children's Hospital's emergency department now underway. VIC Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced builders have officially started construction on stage two of the redevelopment with civil and earthworks beginning - paving the way for the major expansion. The Children's is home to Victoria's busiest paediatric emergency department - often seeing more than 300 children a day. The Victorian Government's nearly $50 million investment will ensure the hospital can see more patients and continue to meet increased demand for specialist paediatric treatment and care.
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WA: New 30-bed modular hospital ward boosts capacity at Rockingham General Hospital
A new 30-bed modular hospital ward will open at Rockingham General Hospital, part of the Government's commitment to deliver extra capacity in WA hospitals, announced WA Premier Mark McGowan and WA Minister for Health Amber-Jade Sanderson. Low to medium acuity medical patients undergoing a short term stay at the hospital will use the ward while their health improves. Close to 83 full time health professionals are employed in the new ward, including nurses, allied health professionals and doctors. The additional beds will free up other beds that can be accessed by those requiring emergency or elective surgery.
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Insurance

None this edition.

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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 August

Government welcomes royal commission into defence and veteran suicide interim report
The Australian Government welcomes the Interim Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide by Commissioners Nick Kaldas APM, the Hon James Douglas QC and Dr Peggy Brown AO, announced Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Minister for Veteran's Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh. The Government will carefully consider all the recommendations contained in the report and issue a full response in due course, but the Defence and veterans community should know that this Government is committed to taking action to reducing incidents of suicide in the Defence and veteran communities.
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Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Interim
Mental Health Australia welcomes the urgent and immediate recommendations in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Interim Report, particularly the focus on improved coordination of support services for veterans and their families. Mental Health Australia CEO, Dr Leanne Beagley said, 'This interim report puts the interests of serving and ex-serving Defence Force members, and their families, at the forefront of systemic reform.' 'Mental Health Australia commends the Commission's emphasis on ensuring the voice of lived experience has been integral to the Report.'
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Aussie cricket legend to share mental health journey at Mingenew
Australian cricketing legend Brad Hogg will be attending the Mingenew Midwest Expo on 12 August 2022, to share important messages about the importance of mental health. Brad will be catching up with local farmers and community members, as part of Grain Producers Australia (GPA)'s new national mental health awareness initiative. He is also scheduled to speak on the main stage at the Expo as part of the day's activities. GPA is also the peak national grain representative body for WAFarmers and the WA Grains Group and the three farmer organisations are proud to be sharing this important opportunity with their members and local farmers and community members.
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10 August

NSW: Have your say on the mental health line
People with lived experience of mental illness and their carers are helping shape the future of the Mental Health Line by sharing their experience with the NSW Government. Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the 1800 011 511 NSW Mental Health Line was a free phone service which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering specialist advice, support and referral to specialist NSW Health mental health services. NSW Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the events of the last few years have highlighted the importance and the need to invest in mental health services.
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R U OK? Day
R U OK?Day is Thursday 8 September 2022, and the annual national day of action is a reminder that every day is the day to check in with your friends, family and colleagues, said the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. Ahead of R U OK?Day 2022, organisers have launched 'Ask R U OK? No qualifications needed', to remind Australians they already have what it takes to support their family, friends and colleagues. 'Ask R U OK? No qualifications needed' comes in response to new research11] which found four in 10 Australians feel asking someone 'are you OK?' is a conversation better had with an expert.
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09 August

New headspace centre for Caloundra to open in 2023
A new headspace centre in Caloundra, which will deliver vital mental health and wellbeing support for young people in the region, is expected to open mid-2023. It is estimated that one in four people aged 16 to 24 experience some form of mental illness every year and that 75 per cent of mental health issues develop before the age of 25. Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston said the Oppositions' $2.3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan, established in 2021, continues to deliver landmark reform of the mental health system.
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08 August

VIC: Upgraded mental health facilities for young Victorians
The Victorian Government is ensuring young people in central and south-eastern Victoria have access to the mental health services they need, with designs revealed for upgrades to three community-based youth centres. VIC Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams, Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan, Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards and Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke released designs to refurbish and modernise existing Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centres in Bendigo, Dandenong and Frankston. As a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, YPARC services provide flexible, around-the clock clinical care for young people aged 16-25 - reducing pressure on hospitals by providing early intervention care, and an alternative to hospital admission with recovery-focused treatment.
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VIC: Boosting mental health support for diverse communities
Applications are now open for round two of the Diverse Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Grants, which are available for organisations that support and promote the mental health and wellbeing of Victoria's diverse communities. VIC Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams said the Victorian Government's grants will support communities including multicultural, LGBTIQ+ and disability groups - helping strengthen community connections and provide better pathways to the mental health system. VIC Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Emma Kealy who visited the Latrobe Valley recently labelled the Government disingenuous for cutting mental health funding. The grants also ensure all Victorians are part of Victoria's mental health reform and the new system includes people with lived experience at its heart - a key recommendation of the Royal Commission.
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VIC: Local agencies hit by cruel cuts to Mental Health support
Cruel cuts to community based mental health supports by the Government exposed during the Parliamentary Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) is placing local support services under pressure. Local mental services providers have closed due to a lack of state government funding while others are struggling to keep operating and remain viable. State Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath said it defies common decency for the Victorian Government to cut mental health funding when local communities continue to experience a surge in mental health emergencies post the Covid lockdowns.
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05 August

Suicide & self-harm monitoring
Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and the impacts on family, friends and communities are profound. Although suicide and intentional self-harm are complex issues, they can be prevented. The National Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring System (the System) has been established as part of the national effort to address suicide and self-harm in Australia. The system will improve the quality, accessibility and timeliness of data on deaths by suicide and on self-harming and suicidal behaviours. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) respectfully acknowledges those who have died or have been affected by suicide or intentional self-harm. AIHW are committed to ensuring that work continues to inform improvements in both community awareness and prevention of suicide and self-harm.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

11 August

New national lab boosts Australia's vaccine and drug sovereign capability
Australian biomedical innovations are receiving an extra boost as Australia's national science agency CSIRO contributes to filling in the 'missing link' in Australia's vaccine and pharmaceutical pipeline. Opening the new National Vaccine and Therapeutics Lab in Melbourne, Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said investing in skills and infrastructure is key to strengthening Australian manufacturing. 'Australia's competitive advantage in manufacturing lies in high-value, high-quality products where competitiveness, productivity and quality can be enhanced through advanced manufacturing processes and systems,' Minister Husic said.
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10 August

Pain Awareness Month
September is International Pain Awareness Month and this year, Painaustralia will again be working with the International Association for the Study of Pain to raise public awareness around pain, pain management and the work pain professionals do, said the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. This year's theme, #MyPainPlan, focuses on the importance of an individualised, multidisciplinary, multimodal approach to pain care. 'Everyone who has experienced pain knows what it is, but everyone's pain is different. Many different factors affect an individual's experience of pain and the exact contributors to pain are also different between individuals and between situations,' Painaustralia said.
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PA2022 program
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has released the program for the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference (PA2022) being held at the Sofitel Brisbane on 28-29 October 2022. The National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey, said the program focused on wellness and wellbeing and included sessions on product knowledge, management and operations, industry updates, and motivational content to inspire pharmacy assistants. 'In response to an extended period of uncertainty, fear, lockdown and disruption, the PA2022 program shines a spotlight on wellness and wellbeing for pharmacy assistants and includes sessions on managing stress and building practical resilience,' Professor Twomey said.
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Getting rid of 11m kg of unwanted medicines
The current cost-of-living pressures make us all very aware that Australians need to be a bit more frugal and not throw things away in case they need them, or can use them, at some stage later on, said the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. However, the big exception to this 'waste-not, want-not' adage is unused medicines. It is widely known that keeping expired or unwanted medicines in the home can be dangerous, particularly if small children are in the home or visit it. Children may accidentally access the medicines which can have serious implications which everyone wants to avoid.
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Kidney Kar Rally returns
Kidney Health Australia's Kidney Kar Rally begins 10 August in Cairns and continues for the next 10 days with cars finishing in Dubbo on 20 August, said the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. This month's event is the 33 rally and features a field of 40 rally cars, driven and designed by supporters of Kidney Health Australia who will travel a total of 5,040km to raise funds and awareness for Kidney Health Australia's Kids and Youth Programs. These programs help children and young people deal with the physical, emotional and psychological impacts of kidney disease.
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Walk to work day
Walk to Work Day supporting Diabetes Australia will be held on Friday, 2 September 2022. Diabetes is one of the major challenges confronting Australia's health system and is a major cause of heart and kidney disease, limb amputation, vision loss and severe COVID-19, said the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. There are 1.5 million Australians diagnosed with diabetes and another 500,000 living with silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. In addition, more than 120,000 people have been diagnosed with all types of diabetes in the past 12 months. Diabetes costs the economy more than $17.6 billion a year. Walk to Work Day supporting Diabetes Australia encourages employees and employers to build regular walking into their daily routines.
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