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)
22 October
Australians less likely to take up COVID-19 vaccine if they're unhappy with the government
Australians who are less satisfied with the government are less willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19, according to new research from the Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research at the University of Melbourne. According to the latest Taking the Pulse of the Nation survey, only 3 in 4 Australians are willing to be vaccinated, should a vaccine be successfully developed. It also found that satisfaction with the government has fallen to its lowest level since April. Led by the Melbourne Institute, the fortnightly survey tracks changes in the economic and social wellbeing of Australians.
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ACT: COVID-19 Update - 22 October 2020
There has been one new case of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT, bringing the ACT's total to 114. There is one active case in the ACT. A total of 110 cases have recovered from COVID-19 in the ACT. There are no COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. The ACT has recorded three (3) deaths. The number of negative tests recorded in the ACT is now 103,205, said ACT Health.
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21 October
WA: COVID-19 update - 21 October 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported one new case of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The confirmed case is a Filipino crewman in his 40s on board the bulk carrier, Key Integrity. There are now two positive cases on this vessel which is docked at Fremantle Port - both are isolating in their cabins. The remaining 18 crew have returned negative tests and remain on board. The AL Messilah also remains docked in Fremantle and a deep clean of the vessel is underway.
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19 October
COVID-19 Roadmap needs redirection
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is calling on National Cabinet to review its May 2020 COVID-19 Roadmap at its meeting. AMA Federal President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said that with COVID-19 successfully eliminated in many parts of the country - something that was considered unlikely when the plan was first developed - it is time to assess whether the roadmap remains fit for purpose. 'We have learnt a great deal about COVID-19 since May, with both local and overseas experience showing just how hard it is to keep infection numbers in check,' Dr Khorshid said.
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Infection Control Expert Group (ICEG) statement on masks and Victoria
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Infection Control Expert Group (ICEG) has consistently recognised the potential for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via aerosols in specific circumstances. ICEG advice recommending the use of particulate filter respirators for aerosol generating procedures performed on COVID-19 cases was first published on 5 March 2020. ICEG has also recognised broader circumstances in which there may be potential for aerosol transmission in clinical care.
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ACT: Confirmed cases update
There have been no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours, leaving the ACT's total at 113. There are no active cases in the ACT. A total of 110 cases have recovered from COVID-19 in the ACT, said the ACT Department of Health. There are no COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. The ACT has recorded three (3) deaths.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health has reported no new cases of locally transmitted COVID-19. The last time there were no new locally transmitted cases in NSW was the 24 hours to 6 October. Four cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,153. There were 6,952 tests reported, compared with 12,985 in the previous 24 hours. Testing numbers have dropped recently, which is a concern. NSW is at a critical point, and the only way to find new cases and prevent further transmission is to increase testing.
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SA: COVID-19 Update 19 October
There have been no new cases of COVID-19. There have been a total of 484 cases reported in South Australia. There are eight active cases in SA and 472 people have been cleared of COVID-19. There have been four reported deaths from COVID-19. More than 517,500 tests have been undertaken, said SA Department of Health.
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TAS: Questions about preparedness for border openings
With one week to go before Tasmania opens its borders to most other states and territories, the Director of Public Health said Tasmania needs to lift the level of COVID testing by more than 100 people a day. Tasmanian Labor Leader Rebecca White said it's astonishing that the Government hasn't been running a massive public information campaign to encourage more testing in light of the heightened risks associated with border restrictions easing.
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18 October
Victorian restrictions
'We welcome the continued and sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases in Victoria which has enabled the Government's announcement of a further easing of restrictions,' said Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Minister for Health Greg Hunt. 'It has been a very challenging time for Victorians. We understand the ability to now travel up to 25 kilometres, spend more time outdoors, go to the hairdresser and greater freedom to undertake a range of outdoor activities will be important to the economic and social wellbeing of the community. As we said at the time, it was regrettable such tough restrictions had to be implemented.'
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WA: COVID-19 update: Statement from WA Chief Health Officer
The WA Department of Health has reported three new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia . Two of these cases, associated with the Key Integrity and AL Messilah vessels were confirmed. The Key Integrity case remains on the vessel, and the AL Messilah case remains in a State-run quarantine hotel. The third case is also an international worker in a State-run quarantine hotel. The State total of confirmed COVID-19 cases now stands at 714.
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WA: COVID-19 update
The WA Department of Health has reported two new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The State total of confirmed COVID-19 cases now stands at 711. There are 19 active cases and 683 people have recovered from the virus in WA. The Key Integrity vessel is alongside at Geraldton Port and a nurse in full PPE has boarded and obtained a swab from the previously symptomatic crew member.
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16 October
NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW has reported one new case of locally transmitted COVID-19. Four cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine were also diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,137. There were 16,391 tests reported. NSW Health would like to thank the community for coming forward for testing - please keep getting tested for even the slightest of symptoms. Of the five new cases:
- Four were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine
- One was locally acquired and linked to a known case or cluster The one new locally acquired case is a household contact of a previously reported case linked to the Lakemba cluster.
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NSW: Public health alert - Great Beginnings Childcare Centre
NSW Health is upgrading health advice for the Great Beginnings Child Care Centre at Oran Park after new cases of COVID-19 linked to the centre have been confirmed. The new cases, a family and an educator, attended the centre and are linked to a confirmed case previously reported on 13 October. Further information on the cases will be provided when they are counted. The new cases attended before the centre closed on October 13. The centre has not reopened since then.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 16 October 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported no new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The State total of confirmed COVID-19 cases stands at 709. There are 17 active cases and 683 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
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Aged Care
22 October
Aged Care RC final hearing backs in calls from regulator workers
The final hearings at the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Counsel Assisting has backed in workers at the Aged Care Regulator through the proposed recommendations. Staff at the regulator have been hamstrung by a complete lack of resourcing and powers, and this report details steps needed to rectify this. The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) made four recommendations to the Royal Commission focused on staffing and resources, increased regulatory powers, revising the operational structure, and the need for cultural diversity. All four of these recommendations have been addressed by Counsel Assisting.
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Skills boost and board overhauls a key part of proposed new governance standards for aged care sector
Governance Institute of Australia has backed calls for a new governance standard for the aged care sector following the release of 124 recommendations by the lawyers assisting the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The recommendations, that include an overhaul for boards and skills in the sector, cover many of the hallmarks of leading governance practices, CEO of Governance Institute of Australia Megan Motto said. 'There is an urgent need for an overhaul of governance and risk management in the aged care sector and these recommendations lay a solid path for that transformation,' Ms Motto said
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Aged care shifts go unfilled as workers despair
More than 60 per cent of aged care workers report they face unfilled shifts at their facilities every single day, highlighting the urgency surrounding recommendations made to the Aged Care Royal Commission. 'A snap poll of more than 400 aged care workers shows aged care is stretched to breaking point,' United Workers Union aged care director Carolyn Smith said. 'Minimum staffing levels - as recommended by the counsel assisting the Royal Commission - is a necessary first step to addressing chronic understaffing across the sector.'
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21 October
Operational update
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre continues to provide the robust response effort required to protect the most vulnerable senior Australians living in aged care from the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of Category 1 facilities (critical outbreak) is now zero, from a high of 13 in early August. The work of the Response Centre has also seen the number of facilities with outbreaks continue to fall. The total number of aged care outbreaks since 1 January 2020 is 176; there are now 16 active outbreaks.
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New research highlights broken aged care system
New research commissioned by the Aged Care Royal Commission has again highlighted the terrible state of Australia's aged care system under the Government. Surveys commissioned as part of the new research reveal just one quarter of residents in aged care homes or receiving home care packages feel that their care needs are always met. Shockingly care needs are met only 'sometimes', 'rarely' or 'never' for 33.4% of people in aged care homes, said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins.
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18 October
QLD: More palliative care funding for Queenslanders and the Wish Ambulance
A re-elected Government will invest a further $171 million in palliative care funding to ensure Queenslanders get the highest quality care at the end of their lives, said Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Steven Miles. This follows the recent announcement of an additional $195,000 that the Government has invested with Palliative Care Queensland's beloved Wish Ambulance to continue to grant Queenslanders' dying wishes. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said caring for older Queenslanders was a top priority for the Government.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
22 October
Aged Care RC final hearing backs in calls from regulator workers
The final hearings at the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Counsel Assisting has backed in workers at the Aged Care Regulator through the proposed recommendations. Staff at the regulator have been hamstrung by a complete lack of resourcing and powers, and this report details steps needed to rectify this. TheCommunity and Public Sector Union (CPSU) made four recommendations to the Royal Commission focused on staffing and resources, increased regulatory powers, revising the operational structure, and the need for cultural diversity. All four of these recommendations have been addressed by Counsel Assisting.
Download
Skills boost and board overhauls a key part of proposed new governance standards for aged care sector
Governance Institute of Australia has backed calls for a new governance standard for the aged care sector following the release of 124 recommendations by the lawyers assisting the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The recommendations, that include an overhaul for boards and skills in the sector, cover many of the hallmarks of leading governance practices, CEO of Governance Institute of Australia Megan Motto said. 'There is an urgent need for an overhaul of governance and risk management in the aged care sector and these recommendations lay a solid path for that transformation,' Ms Motto said
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Aged Care Royal Commission final hearings
'The final submission of the Counsel Assisting the Aged Care Royal Commission has confirmed that the Government mismanagement has transformed Australia's aged care system into a national shame,' said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins. 'Peter Rozen told the Commission one in five nursing home residents was receiving substandard care. That's not good enough. The Counsel Assisting's submission follows the deaths of more than 680 older Australians in residential aged care homes from COVID-19 this year. And it came as the Government Senators used today's Senate Estimates hearings to seek to undermine the Royal Commission's credibility by attacking a staffer's personal tweets.'
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21 October
What it's like for people inside the aged care system
Only around one-quarter of the people living in a residential aged care facility or receiving a home care package feel that their care needs are always met, according to new surveys by the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI). The share of people with care needs at least 'mostly' met is 39.0% in residential care and 32.5% in home care. Care needs are met only 'sometimes', 'rarely' or 'never' for 33.4% of people in residential care and 44.1% in home care. The surveys were undertaken by the NARI for the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
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19 October
VIC: Operational Update from the Response Centre
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre continues to provide the robust response effort required to protect the most vulnerable senior Australians living in aged care from the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of Category 1 facilities (critical outbreak) is now zero, from a high of 13 in early August. The work of the Response Centre has also seen the number of facilities with outbreaks continue to fall. The total number of aged care outbreaks since 1 January 2020 is 176; there are now 18 active outbreaks.
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Allied Health
None this edition.
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Children's Health
22 October
WA: Child health study with Telethon Trust
Hospital emergency departments are set to become better equipped to deal with children and adolescents experiencing severe agitation, thanks to new research funded by the State Government and Telethon Trust, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook. The research, being led by Perth Children's Hospital emergency doctor Professor Meredith Borland, will also improve the safety of young patients whose agitation is so severe that it can be managed only by sedation. The current treatment for children experiencing such agitation - known as acute severe behavioural disturbance (ASBD) - is less than ideal due to a lack of data on safe and effective medications for treating the condition in young patients.
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Clinical Governance
None this edition.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
None this edition.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
23 October
PLUM and HATS helping to save Indigenous kids hearing
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are being encouraged to use an Government toolkit to ensure young children are meeting their milestones for hearing and speaking, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The Government has made ending avoidable deafness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children a priority, with their rates of hearing loss and ear disease significantly higher than the non-Indigenous population. Between 2018-19 and 2022-23, almost $104.6 million will be provided for ear health initiatives to reduce the number of Indigenous Australians suffering avoidable hearing loss, and give Indigenous children a better start to education, said Minister for Indigenous Affairs Ken Wyatt.
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22 October
WorkSafe Victoria mental health support for workers
WorkSafe Victoria is running a trial service providing wellbeing support for people experiencing COVID-19 related stress and anxiety at work, said the National Disability Services (NDS). The wellbeing support trial aims to provide confidential support to people experiencing stress and anxiety in their workplace as a result of COVID-19. Four free sessions with a qualified psychologist, conducted by phone or online, may be available to workers where similar supports are not available from their employer. Please note: the service is a trial only and is not intended for long term usage.
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
20 October
Legislative reforms to provide greater privacy protections for participants in Disability Royal Commission
The Government is taking further measures to ensure that people with disability and their supporters will be able to recount their experiences and fully participate in the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation of People with Disability Amendments to the Royal Commissions Act 1902 (Cth) will protect the confidentiality of information given to this nationally significant inquiry. This comes on top of existing mechanisms for the Royal Commission to protect information provided and the identity of witnesses, said Attorney-General Christian Porter.
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15 October
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation of People with Disability
Transcript of Proceedings - Hearing Block 7, Day 4
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E-Health
None this edition.
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Education and Training
16 October
Optimistic incentives for rural medical workforce
Medical students have applauded the Government for committing to improve infrastructure for vocational training in rural and regional Australia. Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) Rural Health Chair, Sarah Clark, said she is hopeful that the $50.3 million Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) Federal Budget allocation will help facilities to attract and sustain medical students and doctors-in-training to join the workforce in rural and regional Australia. 'The AMSA National Survey reported that three out of four AMSA members are interested in rural practice. However, the rural specialty training bottleneck remains an obstacle to translating this motivation into spending the earlier years of our careers in rural and regional Australia.'
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Funding
22 October
$13.6 million to support the mental health of new and expectant parents
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the incidence and severity of perinatal depression and anxiety. Since March 2020, the number of new callers to the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) helpline has doubled. 43% of all calls to the PANDA helpline come from Victoria. The Government is supporting expectant and new parents providing $13.6 million through the $43.9 million Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing Program to extend vital national perinatal mental health services, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
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21 October
WA: $1.2 million support package to benefit Western Australians with incontinence
WA Minister for Water Dave Kelly announced that households with a recipient of the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) will be eligible for the Water Corporation's Medical Assist program. CAPS is an Australian Government scheme that helps cover the cost of continence products, such as bedding, clothing and towelling. Water consumption is typically significantly higher due to increased hygiene and laundry needs. According to the Continence Foundation of Australia, some health conditions, including chronic heart failure, Parkinson's disease and stroke, can increase the risk of developing severe incontinence, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook.
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Health Professionals
None this edition.
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Hospitals
22 October
NSW: Gunnedah Hospital upgrade on track
NSW Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has welcomed progress on upgrading important health services for the Gunnedah region. 'I was pleased to organise a community stakeholders meeting aimed at updating the community on the Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment, which will include new facilities and upgraded clinical services,' Mr Anderson said. 'The Clinical Services Plan is nearing its completion. 'It will focus on which clinical services the Gunnedah community needs well into the future, including medical, surgical, maternity and obstetric services. Consultations have been held with local clinicians as well as health service volunteers and community groups to achieve the best possible outcome for the local community.'
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21 October
QLD: Queensland Opposition delivers to build Cairns Uni Hospital
A Queensland Opposition Government will invest $180 million to fully fund stage 1 of the Cairns University Hospital project in a major boost to jobs and health services in Far North Queensland. Queensland Leader of the Opposition Deb Frecklington joined LNP candidate for Barron River Linda Cooper and LNP candidate for Cairns Sam Marino in Far North Queensland to make the announcement. The LNP's total commitment includes $160 million towards construction, $5 million for a business case and $15 million to acquire the site. The Cairns Health and Innovation Precinct will provide state of the art research and education infrastructure for the region.
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Insurance
21 October
DEPT OF HEALTH: Private Health Insurance Circular PHI 72/20 - Prostheses List - Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules (No. 3) 2020
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Medicare
None this edition.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
22 October
WorkSafe Victoria mental health support for workers
WorkSafe Victoria is running a trial service providing wellbeing support for people experiencing COVID-19 related stress and anxiety at work, said the National Disability Services (NDS). The wellbeing support trial aims to provide confidential support to people experiencing stress and anxiety in their workplace as a result of COVID-19. Four free sessions with a qualified psychologist, conducted by phone or online, may be available to workers where similar supports are not available from their employer. Please note: the service is a trial only and is not intended for long term usage.
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21 October
Steps toward better mental health for young Australians
The Government is ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of young people remains a priority during a challenging time. 21st October marks National headspace Day - an initiative aimed at helping youth take small steps every day to improve their mental health. Minister for Health, Greg Hunt and Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, encouraged young people to take time out for themselves. 'The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the lives of young people across Australia,' Minister Hunt said. 'There are professional teams and services like headspace available to offer support.'
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19 October
Arms wide open to more veterans two years on
19th of October, marks two years since Australia's leading provider of high quality mental health support services for veterans and their families was renamed Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling. Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester said the Vietnam Veterans' Counselling Service was first established by the Vietnam veterans in 1982 who recognised a need for specialist support. 'Over the years this service has evolved and improved to provide vital services to more people in the serving and ex-serving communities, and it was two years ago that our Vietnam veterans graciously allowed us to rename this vital and life-saving service,' Mr Chester said.
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18 October
NT: Triple-0 co-response election commitment commences
A new NT Health led initiative Mental Health Co-Responder Project will commence in the Top End. Under the trial, a mental health clinician will respond to mental health triple-0 emergencies with a police officer or a paramedic to provide specialised care on a call-out, said NT Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles. The program has seen success in other jurisdictions and will see the onsite management of mental health call-out's not requiring hospital admission appropriately managed in the community.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals
22 October
Updated statement on nuclear medicine supply
The following can be attributed to a spokesperson from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO): 'Last Friday a batch of nuclear medicine generators did not pass routine quality checks and therefore were not dispatched to customers,' the spokesperson said. 'Generators contain molybdenum-99, which decays to technetium-99m, about 12,000 potential doses of which are sent to hospitals and nuclear medicine centres around Australia each week. On Friday, one of several routine checks identified that an amount of the parent molybdenum-99 isotope was in the final quality control sample, which is why ANSTO didn't distribute those generators.'
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20 October
Information for medical practitioners on pending up-classification of surgical mesh devices
On 1 December 2018, amendments to the Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices) Regulations 2002(link is external) commenced. These amendments require surgical meshes previously classified as Class IIb medical devices to be re-classified as Class III medical devices. The amendments respond to safety concerns relating to mesh products. They also bring the regulatory framework closer to the European Union (EU) for these devices. The Australian Government has decided to reclassify these devices ahead of the EU in order to address the serious concerns about the risks associated with the devices, said the Therapeutic Good Administration (TGA).
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Information for Australian manufacturers of medicinal cannabis products
Manufacturers of medicinal cannabis products, including dosage forms, should ensure their TGA Licence to Manufacture Therapeutic Goods includes the authorisation/s to manufacture medicinal cannabis products. Manufacturers should note that existing TGA licenses with authorisations with the Product Category of 'Registered Therapeutic Good' do not authorise the manufacture of medicinal cannabis products for supply as unapproved medicines, supplied under the SAS, APS & clinical trial frameworks.
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19 October
New compliance dashboard for post-market medical device reviews
From 19 October 2020, the process by which the TGA engages with sponsors will change. A new Post Market Review Compliance Dashboard has been developed to replace the existing process of responding to a post-market review and sending associated documentation by email to the TGA. Sponsors will be able to directly respond to post-market reviews in the new dashboard that can be accessed through TBS.
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Phenelzine (Nardil)
Consumers and health professionals are advised that the TGA has authorised two sponsors to supply an overseas-registered brand of phenelzine under Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. This action has been taken to ease the effects of the discontinuation of the only phenelzine product registered in Australia, which was marketed under the brand name Nardil. Phenelzine is used to treat major depression.
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Research
19 October
New service for equity in preservation of fertility for young cancer patients
A recently developed national transport and cryopreservation service will improve equity of access to fertility care for young cancer patients across Australia, according to the authors of a Perspective published online by the Medical Journal of Australia. Loss of fertility is a well-recognised complication of cancer treatment and is ranked as one of the top survivorship concerns. Fertility preserving options are now recognised as a mandatory part of cancer management, however, barriers still remain.
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Repeat liver transplantation in children is justified
Repeat liver transplantation in children is justified on both medical and ethical grounds , according to potentially practice-changing research published online by the Medical Journal of Australia. According to current guidelines, repeat liver transplantation is not routinely considered because of poorer recipient survival and the shortage of donor organs, but research led by Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth and the University of Western Australia has found that 'survival for children following retransplantation is excellent '.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
20 October
NSW: New cancer centre for border communities
NSW Health is providing a $1 million boost to a new cancer and wellness centre in Echuca to help deliver chemotherapy and dialysis to cross-border communities. The Echuca Cancer and Wellness Centre will be part of Echuca Regional Health, which services about 44,000 people in Murray River Council and the shires of Hay, Deniliquin, Moama, Balranald in NSW, and Campaspe Shire in Victoria. NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government invests millions of dollars in services and infrastructure across the state to ensure regional communities can access the best health care possible.
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19 October
Rural doctor training boosted with the Nats
A new model to boost access to GPs in the Murrumbidgee region and make rural generalist training more attractive for young doctors has been rolled out thanks to the NSW Nationals in the Government. Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said the Murrumbidgee Model would show how new approaches can address gaps in health care and improve the attractiveness of rural medical training. Senator for NSW Perin Davey said the Murrumbidgee Model will see up to 20 new doctors trained over four years in the region. Sites include Cootamundra, Young, Deniliquin, Temora, Narrandera, Gundagai and an Aboriginal Medical Service in Wagga Wagga.
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16 October
Optimistic incentives for rural medical workforce
Medical students have applauded the Government for committing to improve infrastructure for vocational training in rural and regional Australia. Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) Rural Health Chair, Sarah Clark, said she is hopeful that the $50.3 million Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) Federal Budget allocation will help facilities to attract and sustain medical students and doctors-in-training to join the workforce in rural and regional Australia. 'The AMSA National Survey reported that three out of four AMSA members are interested in rural practice. However, the rural specialty training bottleneck remains an obstacle to translating this motivation into spending the earlier years of our careers in rural and regional Australia.'
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Women's Health
18 October
$8.5 million to continue long-term women's health study
The Government is funding the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH), the nation's largest health survey, for another three years. Partners in the ALSWH, the University of Queensland and the University of Newcastle, will receive $8.58 million over the next three years. This funding boost complements the Government's commitment to provide ongoing funding for this important project. Since 1996, the Government has funded the ALSWH to enable it to continuously collect important data on women's health status and trends from across the nation, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. Minister for Women Marise Payne said, 'The views of everyday women have never been more valuable.'
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Transcripts
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
22 OCT: Transcript of Interview with Samantha Armytage, Sunrise
Subjects: Coronavirus vaccine, AstraZeneca, Victoria, Impact of lockdowns on mental health service, ADF, Contact tracing, Postnatal and prenatal mental health services
Labor Member for Dunkley Peta Murphy
22 OCT: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Canberra
Subjects: Breast Cancer drug Faslodex, PBS, Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers
21 OCT: Transcript of Interview with Ian George, 101 FM
Subjects: 2020 Federal Budget, Employment, Childcare, Renewable energy, Aged care, Borrowing rates
Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer
19 OCT: Transcript of Press Conference, Canberra
Subjects: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Social distancing, Testing figures
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
19 OCT: Transcript of Interview by President, Dr Omar Khorshid, with Gareth Parker, 6PR
Subjects: Roadmap out of COVID-19 restrictions, COVID-19 in Europe, WA strategy, COVID-19 in Victoria, Contact tracing
Labor Senator for New South Wales Tim Ayres
17 OCT: Transcript of Interview with Kath Robinson & Fauziah Ibrahim, ABC News Weekend Breakfast
Subjects: Australians overseas, Repatriation flights, Quarantine scheme, Trans-Tasman bubble, Victoria, International travellers, Coronavirus
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Reports
Counsel Assisting's Final Submissions - Proposed Recommendations
Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety
Older people are entitled to receive support and care that acknowledges the aged care setting is their home and enables them to live in security, safety and comfort with their privacy respected. Older people should have equal access to support and care irrespective of their location or personal circumstances or preferences.
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Counsel Assisting's Final Submissions
Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety
The conduct of the complaints scheme by the designated complaints commissioner from within the Australian Aged Care Commission should be monitored by the Inspector- General of Aged Care. In addition to the Inspector-General receiving referrals from complainants who are dissatisfied with the handling or outcome of their complaint before the Australian Aged Commission, there should be no restriction on the ability of the Inspector-general to receive information from any source about systemic issues affecting aged care.
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Something Stronger: Truth-telling on hurt and loss, strength and healing, from First Nations people with disability - Report
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation of People with Disability
This research paper on the discourses of First Nation people with disability was commissioned by the Royal Commission into Violence Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. The purpose of this research paper is to support engagement with the First Nations disability community that is considerate of their cultural values and beliefs on disability and inclusion, and acknowledges the unique traumas arising from their experiences of social isolation, inequality and discrimination.
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Hierarchies of power: Disability theories and models and their implications for violence against, and abuse, neglect, and exploitation of, people with disability - Report
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation of People with Disability
The rise of the disability rights movement in the latter half of the twentieth century was a political and theoretical advance. Activists and scholars developed new ways of thinking about disability to support their demand for social change; the best known being the distinction between the medical and social models of disability. Despite its ongoing significance, the social model is not without its limitations, and in the decades since its formulation, scholars and activists have continued to theorise disability and its meanings.
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Examining language and vocabulary used by people living with disability
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation of People with Disability
The aim of this study was to explore the use of language by people living with disability with respect to violence, neglect, abuse and exploitation and explore concepts such as safety, inclusion, belonging and self-determination. This research utilised co-design, focus group and targeted recruitment approaches in order to engage people living with disability from across South Australia. Participants self-identified as living with the following categories of disability types: physical disability, intellectual disability, autism, deaf/hard of hearing, blind or low vision, acquired brain injury and psychosocial disability.
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Vonicog alfa - Veyvondi
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Shire Australia Pty Ltd (the sponsor, now Takeda Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd) to register Veyvondi (vonicog alfa) 650 IU and 1300 IU powder for injection with solvent Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is one of the most common inherited bleeding disorders, potentially affecting 1% of the population, although in many cases remaining subclinical throughout life. It is characterised by the reduced levels, dysfunction or absence of von Willibrand factor (VWF).
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Venetoclax
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) is the most common form of adult leukaemia. It is a relatively rare condition, with approximately 1400 people diagnosed each year in Australia.2 CLL is largely a disease of the elderly, with around 80% of new CLL cases occurring in people over the age of 60, and is more common in men. CLL and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are generally described as different manifestations of the same disease, with the term CLL used when the disease manifests primarily in the bone marrow and blood and the term SLL used when involvement is primarily nodal.
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2019-20 Annual Report
Cancer Australia
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Annual Report 2019-20
Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR)
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Annual Report 2019-20
National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
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Annual Report 2019-20
Independent Hospital Pricing Authority (IHPA)
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Annual Report 2019-2020
Repatriation Medical Authority
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Annual Report 2019-20
Professional Services Review (PSR)
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Hansards
Federal
22 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health Care
21 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - headspace
21 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - National headspace Day
21 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Constituency Statements - headspace Day
21 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - Paterson Electorate: Health Care
21 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Mental Health
21 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Bills - National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2020 - Debate Resumed, Second Reading, Third Reading
21 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Bills - Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Improved Home Care Payment Administration No. 2) Bill 2020 - First Reading, Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
21 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Bills - Aged Care Amendment (Aged Care Recipient Classification) Bill 2020 - First Reading, Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
19 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Private Members' Business - Diabetes
19 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Adjournment - Endometriosis
19 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - COVID-19: Victoria
19 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Bills - Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Financial Transparency) Bill 2020 [No. 2] - First Reading, Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
19 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Statements By Members - National Disability Insurance Scheme
19 OCT 2020: REPS HANSARD: Private Members' Business - International Pregnancy And Infant Loss Remembrance Day
New South Wales
21 OCT 2020: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Motions - Mental Health Month
21 OCT 2020: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Wagga Wagga Mental Health Services
21 OCT 2020: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Orange Mental Health Services
21 OCT 2020: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Committees - Select Committee on the Provisions of the Public Health Amendment (Registered Nurses in Nursing Homes) Bill 2020 - Establishment
21 OCT 2020: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Take Note - Wagga Wagga Mental Health Services - Orange Mental Health Services
21 OCT 2020: NSW ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Community Recognition Statements - Headspace Liverpool
Western Australia
21 OCT 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates Committee A - Division 24: Mental Health Commission, $773 992 000
21 OCT 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates Committee A - Division 25: Health and Disability Services Complaints Office, $2 819 000
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
Health Insurance (Medicare Benefit Payable in Respect of Professional Services - Murrumbidgee Local Health District) Direction 2020
Notifiable Instrument - F2020N00119
This instrument directs that Medicare Benefits shall be payable in respect of:
- A professional service (as defined in Section 3 of the Health Insurance Act 1973) which has been agreed to be provided under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Health and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District in relation to the rural generalists innovative employment model trial within the Murrumbidgee region for which;
- items specified in Schedule A of this Direction; and of the general medical services table.
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Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (2020 Measures No. 2) Regulations 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01330
The purpose of the Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (2020 Measures No. 2) Regulations 2020 (the Regulations) is to amend the GMST, PST and DIST from 1 November 2020. Parts one (chemotherapy services) and two (blood product services) of the Regulations implement decisions of Government taken in the 2019-20 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) under the Guaranteeing Medicare ¡X Medicare Benefits Schedule Review measure. These changes include:
- restructuring chemotherapeutic procedures;
- amending blood product services to reflect contemporary clinical practice and improve quality of care.
Explanatory Statement
Narcotic Drugs Amendment (Cannabis-Related Manufacture Licences & Permits) Regulations 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01328
The purpose of the Narcotic Drugs Amendment (Cannabis-Related Manufacture Licences and Permits) Regulations 2020 (the Regulations) is to update fees to complete the implementation of changes to cost-recovery arrangements for the medicinal cannabis scheme (the Scheme) under the Act, administered by the Department of Health. The Regulations amend the Narcotic Drugs Regulation 2016 (the Principal Regulation) to complete implementation of the findings from an extensive activity based costing review of fees and charges for the Scheme (the costing review) that was carried out in late 2019 and early 2020.
Explanatory Statement
Narcotic Drugs (Licence Charges) Amendment (Cannabis-Related Manufacture Licences) Regulations 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01327
The purpose of the Narcotic Drugs (Licence Charges) Amendment (Cannabis-related Manufacture Licences) Regulations 2020 (the Regulations) is to update licence charges to complete the implementation of changes to cost-recovery arrangements for the medicinal cannabis scheme (the Scheme) under the ND Act, administered by the Department of Health. The Regulations amend the Narcotic Drugs (Licence Charges) Regulation 2016 (the Principal Regulation) to complete implementation of the findings from an extensive activity based costing review of fees and charges for the Scheme (the costing review) that was carried out in late 2019 and early 2020.
Explanatory Statement
Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules (No.3) 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01322
The Prostheses Rules are made for the purposes of section 333-20(1) of the Act. Listed prostheses and their minimum benefits are set out in the Schedule to the Prostheses Rules. The list of prostheses in the Schedule is commonly referred to as the Prostheses List. The purpose of the Prostheses Rules is to update the list of the kinds of prostheses for which a benefit must be paid where the prosthesis is provided in the conditions and circumstances specified in the Act, and set out the minimum and, where applicable, maximum benefit payable.
Explanatory Statement
New South Wales
19 OCT 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT NOTICES GAZETTE No. 274: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 11 - Power to close public premises on public health grounds
15 OCT 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT NOTICES GAZETTE No. 273: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 5) Amendment Order 2020
15 OCT 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT NOTICES GAZETTE No. 263: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order (No 2) Amendment Order 2020
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
None this edition.
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Consolidated Legislation
Federal
Aged Care (Subsidy, Fees and Payments) Determination 2014
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00948
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Aged Care (Subsidy, Fees and Payments) Amendment (September Indexation) Determination 2020.
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National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement 2010
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00947
PB 116 of 2010 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 8).
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New Bills
Federal
Aged Care Amendment (Aged Care Recipient Classification) Bill 2020 - Reps intro 21/10
Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Financial Transparency) Bill 2020 [No. 2] - Reps intro 19/10
Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Improved Home Care Payment Administration No. 2) Bill 2020 - Reps intro 21/10
National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill 2020 cognate debate with National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2020 - Reps 2R debate 21/10, Reps passed 21/10
New South Wales
Drug Supply Prohibition Order Pilot Scheme Bill 2020 - LC Notice of Motion 20/10, LC intro, 1R, 2R 22/10
Health Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2020 - (LA passed) LC 2R debate, passed with amendments 20/10, LA agreed to amendments 21/10, awaiting assent
Work Health and Safety Amendment (Food Delivery Workers) Bill 2020 - LC intro, 1R, 2R 21/10
Work Health and Safety Amendment (Information Exchange) Bill 2020 - (LA passed) LC 2R debate, passed with amendments 22/10, awaiting LA consideration of amendments
Western Australia
Work Health and Safety Bill 2019 - (LA passed) LC in committee 20/10, LC in committee, passed with amendments 21/10, awaiting LA consideration of amendments
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New Acts
None this edition.
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