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)
26 November
EU-Australia Leaders' Virtual Meeting
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison held a Leaders' Virtual Meeting on 26 November 2020. The leaders reconfirmed their resolve to work together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and underlined their commitment to take effective measures to protect health and build more innovative, sustainable, inclusive and resilient economies. The leaders reaffirmed the shared values that underpin the bilateral relationship as enshrined in the EU-Australia Framework Agreement.
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Implement COVID-19 alert system - Time to catch up with trans-Tasman counterparts on preparedness
With Queensland reopening its border to people from Victoria and all of New South Wales, it is time for an Australian COVID-19 Alert system similar to the New Zealand model, Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said. An alert system would provide greater information to the community about where COVID-19 is present, what precautions people should take, and the policy measures that will be taken to tackle the virus's spread according to each alert level.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded no new cases of locally acquired COVID-19. No cases were reported in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine. The total number of cases in NSW since the start of the pandemic remains at 4,363. NSW last publicly reported no locally or overseas acquired cases on 27 September. There were 14,885 tests reported, compared with 16,291. NSW Health is treating 81 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases, 96 per cent, are being treated by NSW Health in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.
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25 November
Better hand sanitiser information to keep COVIDsafe
Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar said that consumers will be able to better identify the effectiveness of different hand sanitiser products under new laws designed to help Australians stay COVIDsafe. The Government has accepted the recommendations of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that requires hand sanitiser manufactures to improve product information and safety. The new Consumer Goods (Cosmetics) Information Standard 2020 includes specific requirements for alcohol-based hand sanitisers to display the percentage of alcohol contained in the product, as well as safe use and storage warning information. The Government expects suppliers to provide safe and effective hand sanitiser products, in appropriate packaging, with relevant warnings at all times.
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ACT: Check In CBR rolls out across the Northern Territory
Following the successful launch of the Check In CBR app in September, ACT Health has been working closely with their Northern Territory counterparts to implement the platform across the NT. The Territory Check In app will use the same platform with its own branding to provide a contactless, secure and simple way for customers and visitors to sign into venues. Details will be securely stored by NT Health to ensure contract tracing can occur quickly and effectively if it is required. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said ACT Health developed the app for the NT and will provide ongoing support to deliver and maintain the app.
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NT: Positive COVID-19 case update
The NT Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet said that there have been two new positive cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory in the past 24 hours. A 64 year old female and 59 year old male arrived on the repatriation flight that landed from New Dehli and remain under the care of the AUSMAT team at the Centre for National Resilience. The total number of cases diagnosed in the Northern Territory is 50. All cases have been related to international or interstate travel, with no cases of community transmission.
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SA: Government acts swiftly and decisively to further strengthen medi-hotel system
South Australia's medi-hotel system will be strengthened based on expert health advice to ensure the state remains Safe and Strong throughout this pandemic. The SA Government will be implementing eight specific actions to further strengthen South Australia's medi-hotel system. SA Premier Steven Marshall said the State Government would continue to act swiftly and decisively on the health advice to keep South Australia Safe and Strong. 'We must put as many shields as possible between the virus and the South Australian community,' Premier Marshall said.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 25 November 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported two new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The confirmed cases - a woman in her 20s and a man in his 50s - travelled to Perth from overseas. They are both in hotel quarantine. The State's total number of cases is now 810. WA Health is monitoring 27 active cases and 774 confirmed cases have recovered from the virus in WA. 690 people presented to WA COVID clinics - 678 were assessed and swabbed. There have been 541,826 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those tested, 89,731 were from regional WA.
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24 November
NT: Positive COVID-19 case update
The NT Department of the Chief Minister said that there has been a new positive case of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory. This case relates to repatriation flights into the Northern Territory and the patient remains under the care of the AUSMAT team at the Centre for National Resilience. The total number of cases diagnosed in the Northern Territory is 48. All cases have been related to international or interstate travel, with no cases of community transmission.
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23 November
COVID-19 (coronavirus) information
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety published new visitation guidelines on personal welfare and mental health of aged care residents as Australia moves towards becoming COVIDSafe. AHPPC has endorsed COVID-19 Escalation Tiers and Aged Care Provider Responses guidance document, October 2020. These 'three-tier' escalation guidelines, endorsed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), will assist aged care providers to consider proportionate actions to take depending on the level of COVID-19 epidemic in the community, and ramp the response up or down as needed.
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Aged Care
26 November
Aged care employees find spirit in song at the end of a long year
Launched at the Anglican aged care provider's annual Industry Breakfast, Benetas employees raised their voices in a powerful rendition of Vanessa Amorosi's hit song, Absolutely Everybody, to mark what can only be described as an incredibly hard year. Reflecting on a significant outbreak at their Western Melbourne aged care home, the Benetas team got together to consider what really matters and recall on what got them through the long year.
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25 November
TAS: Better palliative care for all Tasmanians
The Tasmanian Government is committed to ensuring that people have the best possible quality care at end of life and that their families and carers receive the support they need. Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney said that the Tasmanian Government has taken important new steps in implementing the palliative care policy framework, Compassionate Communities - through the release of the second Palliative Care Progress Report. The Compassionate Communities framework is a five-year strategy that provides whole-of-community approach to palliative care and aims to embed national standards and best practice approaches to palliative care.
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24 November
Communications and visitation in aged care ready to 'take off'
Ensuring you can easily facilitate visitor access within your Residential Aged Care Facility without diverting your experienced staff from providing quality care is now easier than ever. Streamlining the communication and visitation for aged care residents is being assisted through the training of Visitation Assistants, thanks to a program developed by Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), in partnership with Altura Learning and DASH Group recruitment. The Residential Aged Care Visitation Assistant (RACVA) role promoted by the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (VACRC) is based on the Aged Care Assistant (ACA) role which commenced earlier this year by LASA, Altura and DASH, to give additional staff to support aged care professionals.
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23 November
Operational update - Victorian Aged Care Response Centre
The last Victorian residential aged care facility in an active outbreak has now been cleared. A facility is categorised as having an active outbreak up to 14 days after the most recent case was cleared of COVID-19. Enhanced surveillance is conducted throughout this period, including testing on the 11th day after the last cleared case. The last COVID-19 case notified in an aged care facility resident was on 26 September 2020. Since that date, there has been a small number of facilities that have recorded positive cases in staff and close contacts. The cases have been well managed by the facilities, with support from the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (VACRC), in partnership with the Department of Health and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Public Health Unit to meet the ongoing needs of residents and staff.
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20 November
New visitation guidelines as aged care moves to COVID-normal
Visitation guidelines for aged care will be adjusted to better protect senior Australians and those who care for them as the nation returns to COVID-normal. In a move that is likely to bring relief to aged care residents, families and staff, a new three-tier escalation plan, backed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, will outline how providers can respond to the COVID-19 threat level in the local community and ramp the response up or down as needed. Where there is no community transmission or locally acquired cases (Tier 1) fewer restrictions on visitors, excursions, small gatherings and outdoor exercise are advised, said Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
None this edition.
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Allied Health
None this edition.
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Children's Health
25 November
NSW: Hospitals to conduct domestic violence screening
NSW has taken another step to improve women's safety and wellbeing, launching a $1.8 million pilot program to screen for domestic violence in six hospital emergency departments. NSW Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the program offers the widest scale of domestic violence screening of its kind in Australian emergency departments. 'This program will help identify domestic violence so that crucial steps can be taken to protect victim-survivors from harm. And we couldn't launch it at a better time - as the 16 Days of Activism to help eradicate gender-based violence continues,' Mr Speakman said.
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23 November
New organisation tackling childhood dementia - a fatal disease that's long gone under-researched, underfunded and highly neglected
As covered by ABC Breakfast, this event will reveal a troubling health system blind spot. Childhood Dementia Initiative are launching their organisation at this event, along with the release of a Burden of Disease and White Paper report, to detail the extent, impact and horrific nature of childhood dementia. These reports expose that a disease that is usually only associated with the elderly has fatal impacts on children across Australia and the world. Childhood Dementia Initiative are circulating these reports to uncover the shocking impacts of childhood dementia, and also showcase the significant need to transform the way research and clinical care is currently delivered for childhood dementia disorders.
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TAS: Crucial LGH child abuse questions remain unanswered
Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney cannot explain why a formal investigation into serious child sex abuse allegations at the Launceston General Hospital was not launched for more than a year after claims were first made. Tasmanian Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Lovell said the Minister put all of her efforts into dodging questions at the Estimates hearing, highlighting her firm commitment to secrecy at all costs. 'It's not good enough that Ms Courtney failed to act and now cannot explain why she failed to act,' Ms Lovell said.
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Clinical Governance
22 November
Australia to lead in antimicrobial resistance
The World Health Organisation has announced the appointment of Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley to the first One Health Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, which will promote urgent action to combat the threat of antimicrobial resistance worldwide. In accepting her appointment, Minister Ley said she would be a strong advocate for awareness and global action to protect human health, animal health and our natural environment. Minister for Health Greg Hunt welcomed Minister Ley's appointment, and said the Government was taking strong steps to address the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
23 November
WA: Joondalup Health Campus Development enters new design phase
WA Minister for Health Roger Cook said that progress on the Joondalup Health Campus Development Stage 2 Project is advancing, with new artist impressions released. Early works have finished to relocate the emergency department administration unit to make room for the major expansion within the hospital. Having progressed the concept design, the project now moves into the detailed design phase. The designs have been informed using feedback from various areas within the hospital, as well as consumers. Consumers have been consulted throughout the work to date, and this will continue during the project. The next priority is the appointment of the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) builder.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
26 November
National partnership to promote Australians with disability
The Government has partnered with the ABC to promote the work and contribution of Australians with disability ahead of International Day of People with Disability on 3 December. Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the Government has committed $120,000 to the joint initiative to showcase media products and creative materials produced by people with disability on ABC platforms. 'People with disability have wide skill sets and there's a huge number of people with disability who are keen to, and capable of, making a significant contribution in the workforce,' Minister Ruston said.
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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
25 November
PHI 80/20 National joint replacement registry - delay to levy date and consultation on proposed increase to levy amount
The Department of Health said that
the Minister for Health Greg Hunt has decided to defer the National Joint Replacement Registry (NJRR) levy date to 31 March 2021 to provide for an annual increase in the levy for ongoing contemporary cybersecurity measures, and the inclusion of annual indexation into the levy formula. The draft CRIS includes the financial results for 2019-20, changes to the financial estimates to reflect the proposed increase to the levy amount, the levy date for 2020-21 and key forward dates to report on the NJRR cost recovery arrangements in accordance with the Australian Government's cost recovery policy.
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Education and Training
23 November
Call for Academy to empower consumer voice
A new report has called for a Consumer Health Leaders Academy to strengthen the role of consumers in health system decision-making. The Academy would equip consumer advocates and advisers within health consumer networks and who work with governments, government agencies and other organisations where consumer involvement is vital to further develop their skills as leaders. 'We need to empower consumers to have impact and influence to ensure their interests are not squeezed or in fact squeezed out of health decision making,' the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum Leanne Wells said.
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CALD assist app simplifies COVID-19 screening for non-English speaking communities
A free mobile app developed by Western Health in Victoria and Australia's national science agency CSIRO will help support vital COVID-19 screening efforts with patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. The CALD Assist app was initially developed in 2017 to support communication between CALD patients and healthcare workers including nurses, dietitians, speech pathologists, podiatrists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The Victorian Government contributed $454,000 to the development of the app. A new update to the app allows non-English speakers to be asked COVID-19 screening questions, where interpreters are unavailable, and is designed for use by all health professionals involved with COVID-19 screening, including doctors.
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Funding
23 November
TAS: Progress on the new Burnie Ambulance Station
Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney said that the Tasmanian Government is committed to building a better health system, supporting staff, driving better care and delivering the best possible outcomes for patients in Tasmania. The Department of Health have confirmed the preferred location of the new $6 million Burnie Ambulance Station in Burnie. The Department and Ambulance Tasmania have identified a greenfield site at the North West Regional Hospital, following a comprehensive process of site analysis. Importantly, locating the new station next to the Hospital will mean that funding for construction can be maximised, to deliver the new state-of-the-art facility for our Burnie Ambulance Tasmania paramedics and staff, instead of spending resources on securing a new location.
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Health Professionals
25 November
NT: Recognising Excellence: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Awards
NT Minister for Health Natasha Fyles said that the three outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners have been recognised at an awards ceremony at Parliament House for excellence in their fields. Due to COVID-19, a decision was made early in the year to change the format of the ceremony and the award categories, with two categories recognised in 2020. The student award recognises the ongoing dedication and commitment of Northern Territory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to their studies in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Primary Health Care training program.
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23 November
'Speaking up' associated with reduced likelihood of unprofessional behaviour in health care
Hospital staff with self-reported 'speaking-up' skills experienced less incivility and bullying from their colleagues, leading researchers to suggest that training in speaking up would help eliminate unprofessional behaviour. Published online by the Medical Journal of Australia, the authors surveyed staff in seven metropolitan tertiary hospitals operated by one health care provider in three states between December 2017 and November 2018 about their experience of unprofessional behaviours, their perceived impact on personal wellbeing, teamwork and care quality, as well as about their speaking-up skills.
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Hospitals
25 November
PHI 81/20 Private hospital revocation
The following private hospital have had their declaration revoked under Section 121-5 of the Private Health Insurance Act 2007:
Name: The Victorian Cosmetic Institute
Address: Suite 2, Level 1, 18-24 Clyde Road Berwick VIC 3806
Provider Number: 0036920W
Effective Date: 25 November 2020
Hospital Closed: 31 January 2020
Second-tier Category: Category G
The Department of Health was contacted by the VIC State Authority and advised the hospital has closed and the license is no longer required. The commonwealth list of declared hospitals has been amended to reflect this change.
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24 November
WA: St John of God Midland Public Hospital celebrates fifth birthday
WA Minister for Health Roger Cook said that the St John of God Midland Public Hospital (SJGMPH), which has become a vital part of the local community, celebrated its fifth birthday. The hospital is operated by St John of God Health Care under a service agreement with the State Government and provides a range of services including intensive care, allied health, aged care and rehabilitation, maternity, paediatric, mental health services and an emergency department with dedicated paediatric area. The new MHEC is anticipated to open in 2022 and has been developed with the support of both the State and Commonwealth Governments.
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23 November
NT: Partnership sees additional plastic surgery services at Top End hospitals
The NT Department of Health is working in partnership with the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons to facilitate additional plastic surgery procedures at the Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) and Palmerston Regional Hospital (PRH). The partnership sees Territorians able to access to some of Australian's best and brightest specialist surgeons in their time of need here at home across both hospital campuses. Surgeons from the Society have raised their hands to participate in a two-year rolling roster of specialist plastic surgeons from across Australia, said NT Minister for Health Natasha Fyles.
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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
26 November
VIC: Better mental health support for Victorian workers
Victorian workers who suffers a work-related mental health injury will soon be able to access early treatment and support, thanks to new legislation introduced into Parliament, said Victorian Minister for Workplace Safety Ingrid Stitt. The Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Provisional Payments) Bill 2020 delivers on a key election commitment from the Government - ensuring no worker has to wait to get urgent care, said Victorian Minister for Mental Health James Merlino. Under the new laws, Victorian workers who seek compensation for a mental health injury under WorkCover will receive payments to cover reasonable medical expenses while they await the outcome of their claim, said Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville.
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25 November
QLD: Construction set to commence on new mental health inpatient unit in Hervey Bay
Queensland Minister for Health Yvette D'Ath announced that construction on a new acute mental health inpatient unit at Hervey Bay Hospital is set to start this week, marking the beginning of $39.6 million worth of investment to more than double mental health bed capacity on the Fraser Coast. Following completion of the unit's detailed design and the awarding of the main construction contract to Woollam Constructions, early works are set to get under way at the site, which sits next to the new emergency department, facing Urraween Road.
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23 November
ACT: Mental health report highlights importance of early intervention
ACT Minister for Mental Health Emma Davidson has welcomed the recent Productivity Commission report into the mental health system as a valuable contribution to the sector. 'The report adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the social determinants of mental health - how our mental health is connected to so many other parts of our lives. When our wellbeing suffers in one area, our mental health is at greater risk,' Minister Davidson said. 'The report calls for a focus on early intervention and for governments to work in a coordinated way, which is certainly our goal in the ACT.'
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals
26 November
Novartis signs US$50 million commercial deal with Australian biotech firm
Novartis has signed an exclusive US$50 million worldwide licence and collaboration agreement with Australian regenerative medicine company Mesoblast, said the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). The agreement would allow Novartis to develop, manufacture and commercialise Mesoblast'smesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) product remestemcel-L, a cellbased platform technology. The initial focus will be on developing a treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), including that associated with COVID-19. 'Novartis is committed to, and has demonstrated success with, cell-based therapies and transforming care for a spectrum of respiratory diseases,' said John Tsai, M.D., Head of Global Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer for Novartis.
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25 November
Variation of Inventory listing following revocation of CBI approval - 25 November 2020
The Department of Health said that the Executive Director varied the terms of the Inventory listing for the following chemicals because approval had been revoked for the proper name of the industrial chemical to be treated as confidential business information (CBI).
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23 November
Ethanol, 2][2](2]methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]], 1,1',1'']triester with boric acid (H3BO3)
The Department of Health
Ethanol, 2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]-, 1,1',1''-triester with boric acid (H3BO3) (CAS RN 30989-05-0) was assessed under a standard notification category by the NICNAS in 2013 and 2014. The notified chemical was listed on the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (the Inventory) in 2016 following an early listing application. The chemical was assessed for use as a component of finished brake fluid products for the after-care market under both assessments. Based on the data available at that time, it was not classified as hazardous to human health or to the environment.
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Research
26 November
Sax Institute showcases high-impact health research
Two hugely talented public health researchers were recognised at the Sax Institute's 2020 Research Action Awards, which was held this year as an online event due to COVID social distancing restrictions. Over 170 senior policy makers and research leaders registered to attend the awards ceremony and celebrate the achievements of two early- to mid-career researchers whose work has made a real difference in very different areas of public health.
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25 November
VIC: Malaria and immunology researchers win Burnet Prize
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) scientists Dr Rhea Longley and Dr Cyril Seillet have been jointly awarded the 2020 Burnet Prize, the institute's highest scientific honour. The prize recognises the researchers' recent discoveries about the immune system and how it responds to infections. Dr Longley's research focusses on using immune responses to detect malaria infections, while Dr Seillet studies a type of immune cell found at lung and gut surfaces, which can prevent infection and regulate inflammation. The Burnet Prize is awarded annually to early-career scientists at WEHI who have produced pioneering research. It was established in 1987 from a bequest of former WEHI director Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet.
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24 November
Outstanding cancer research fellow award for Dr Angela Chou
For her exceptional achievements in pancreatic cancer research Dr Angela Chou has been presented with Outstanding Cancer Research Fellow Award as part of the 2020 NSW Premier's Research Awards. Dr Chou completed her PhD and postdoctoral fellowship at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in the Personalised Cancer Therapeutics Lab, headed by A/Prof Marina Pajic, and in 2020 joined the Kolling Institute at Royal North Shore Hospital as a cancer researcher. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Sydney. 'Receiving this recognition is a great honour. The Cancer Institute support has helped me tremendously, giving me the autonomy to develop my research skills, confidence and ability as an independent researcher,' said Dr Chou.
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23 November
ARPANSA supports World Health Organization radio wave research
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) announced a $350,000 contribution to the World Health Organization's (WHO) research into the health impacts of radio waves, including those used in mobile telecommunications. The contribution is ARPANSA's first research commitment under the Federal Government's enhanced Electromagnetic Energy (EME) program. 'As Australia's national radiation protection and nuclear safety authority, ARPANSA is proud to support this gold-standard research project that will evaluate scientific evidence relating to radio wave safety,' said ARPANSA's Chief Executive Officer, Dr Carl-Magnus Larsson.
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22 November
$41.7 million boost to commercialise lifesaving medical discoveries
An innovative nasal treatment to fight COVID-19, common colds and flu is being taken to the next stage of testing, thanks to the Government's $500 million Biomedical Translation Fund. Developed by Australian biotech company Ena Respiratory, INNA-051 works by stimulating the innate immune system, the first line of defence against the invasion of pathogens into the body. Minister for Health Greg Hunt said successful outcomes of the projects will improve the lives of Australians and potentially millions of people around the world. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said this funding underpins the Government's determination to deliver better health outcomes, while also encouraging economic growth and creating jobs.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
21 November
Regional Australia hits 10 million telehealth services
Ten million telehealth services have been delivered to more than 3.2 million Australians in need of health care in regional, rural and remote Australia since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare data has shown. The Australian Government has introduced 283 new Medicare Benefits Schedule telehealth items since March this year, as the first wave of the coronavirus reached Australia to reduce exposure and the spread of COVID-19. Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said the milestone showed rural Australians were continuing to receive health advice and care via phone and video to manage illnesses, stay well and stay out of hospital.
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Women's Health
25 November
NSW: Hospitals to conduct domestic violence screening
NSW has taken another step to improve women's safety and wellbeing, launching a $1.8 million pilot program to screen for domestic violence in six hospital emergency departments. NSW Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the program offers the widest scale of domestic violence screening of its kind in Australian emergency departments. 'This program will help identify domestic violence so that crucial steps can be taken to protect victim-survivors from harm. And we couldn't launch it at a better time - as the 16 Days of Activism to help eradicate gender-based violence continues,' Mr Speakman said.
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Transcripts
Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton
26 NOV: Transcript of Speech to Regional Development Australia, Orana
Subjects: Regional development, Regional communications, Regional Connectivity Program, Rural health, Telehealth, Tax reform
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
25 NOV:Transcript of Interview with Ben Fordham, 2GB
Subjects: COVID-19, Social distancing, Public health, International travel, Brereton Report, War crimes, War Memorial Board, ADF
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
25 NOV: Speech at APS200 Virtual Forum
Subjects: Australian Public Service, Public sector, Services Australia, National Cabinet, National COVID-19 Co-ordination Commission, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Mental health funding, JobKeeper
Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Mark Butler
25 NOV: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Adelaide
Subjects: Fed Govt energy & emissions policy, Narrabri, Gas, RAAF, Aged care services, Paris Climate Accord, Carbon neutrality, Great Artesian Basin, Native title
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
24 NOV: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Sydney
Subjects: ResMed, Vaccines for COVID-19, Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, Qantas, Vaccine rollout, NSW Premier
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews
21 NOV: Transcript of Press Conference
Subjects: Melbourne, CBD, Rail, Congestion, National Cabinet, Economy, COVID-19
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology Jane Hume
20 NOV: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Treasury place, Melbourne
Subjects: Retirement Income Review, Elderly Australians, Superannuation contributions, Women, Australian War Memorial, China relations, SA COVID-19 outbreak
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Reports
Notice of final decisions to amend (or not amend) the current Poisons Standard
Department of Health
This web publication constitutes a notice for the purposes of regulation 42ZCZS and regulation 42ZCZX of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990 (the Regulations). In accordance with regulations 42ZCZS and 42ZCZX, this notice publishes:
- the decisions made by a delegate of the Secretary pursuant to regulations 42ZCZR and 42ZCZU
- the reasons for those final decisions; and
- the date of effect of those decisions.
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Report on the Operation of the Aged Care Act 1997 - 2019-20
Department of Health
This report details the operation of Australia's aged care system during the 2019-20 financial year. It is the twenty-second report in the series. Th e report is delivered to Parliament by the Minister in accordance with section 63-2 of the Aged Care Act 1997 (the Act). In addition to meeting the reporting requirements specified in the Act, the report provides an overview of the components of the Australian aged care system (including those not governed by the Act), in order to present a comprehensive snapshot of the system as a whole during the 2019-20 financial year.
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Measuring excess mortality in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
This report provides further analysis of 2020 mortality data. The first part of the report focusses on age-standardised death rates that take account of population changes (including age structure and natural increase) when making historical comparisons. The second part focusses on whether Australia has experienced excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, either at the all-causes level or among specific causes of death.
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Provisional Mortality Statistics
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Key statistics
- 92,015 doctor certified deaths occurred before 25 August.
- Deaths rose in the second half of winter but remain below average.
- Respiratory disease deaths have been lower than historical minimums since June.
- Australia had 48 excess deaths in the week beginning 30 March. See article for more.
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Mental health services in Australia
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
The report provides the most recent data available on the national response of the health and welfare system to the mental health care needs of Australians. Data are progressively published as it becomes available throughout the year. As well as the information presented on the web pages, readers can find detailed data for current and previous years in the Microsoft® Excel workbooks downloadable from each section.
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Managing Health Provider Compliance
Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)
The Health Benefit Compliance program aims to support the integrity of Australia's publicly subsidised health funding schemes by identifying and treating incorrect claiming, inappropriate practice and fraud by health providers.
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Experiences of First Nations people with disability and their families in contact with child protection systems: Witness list and expected order of witnesses
Royal Commission Into Violence, Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation of People With Disability
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Health Research at Medibank: July 2019 - June 2020
Medibank
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Hansards
New South Wales
24 NOV 2020: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice: Take Note - Mental Health - 19 NOV 2020
24 NOV 2020: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Suicide Prevention - 20 NOV 2020
24 NOV 2020: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice: Take Note - Suicide Prevention - 20 NOV 2020
Tasmania
25 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Launceston General Hospital - Commission of Inquiry into Child Abuse Claims - 18 NOV 2020
25 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Launceston General Hospital - Commission of Inquiry into Child Abuse Claims - 19 NOV 2020
25 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Budget 2020-21 - Community Health Support - 19 NOV 2020
24 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Ambulance Tasmania - Level 4 Escalation - 17 NOV 2020
24 NOV 2020: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions - Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment - Contamination - Supplementary Question - 19 NOV 2020
24 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Matter of Public Importance - Launceston General Hospital - 17 NOV 2020
24 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - COVID-19 - Contact Tracing Methods - 17 NOV 2020
24 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Launceston General Hospital - Commission of Inquiry into Child Abuse Claims - 17 NOV 2020
24 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - COVID-19 - Access to Information about Vaccines - 17 NOV 2020
24 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates Committee B - Division 5 - Department of Health
23 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates Committee B - Division 5 - Department of Health
Victoria
25 NOV 2020: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Adjournment - Albury Wodonga Health
25 NOV 2020: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Adjournment - Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Assistance Dogs
24 NOV 2020: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Mildura Base Public Hospital
24 NOV 2020: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Ministers Statements: Public Health Infrastructure
Western Australia
24 NOV 2020: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Mental Health Advocacy Service
24 NOV 2020: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Mental Health - Fly In, Fly Out Workers
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
Health Insurance (Quality Assurance Activity - Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry) Amendment Declaration 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01481
The Declaration of Quality Assurance Activity under section 124X of the Health Insurance Act 1973 - QAA 3/2017 (Principal Declaration) declares the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) to be a quality assurance activity to which Part VC of the Act applies. The purpose of the Declaration is to amend the Principal Declaration so as to include the collection of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in the description of the declared activity, being the AOANJRR.
Explanatory Statement
Dental Benefits Amendment Rules (No. 1) 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01480
The Dental Benefits Amendment Rules (No. 1) 2020 (the Amendment Rules) amends the Dental Benefits Rules 2014 (the Rules) to reflect indexation of the amount of dental benefit payable for dental service items in Schedule 1, and the benefit limits cap amount in Schedule 3 of the Rules, effective from 1 January 2021. The Rules provide for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which sets out items specifying dental services, the amount of dental benefit payable, and method for determining the amount, in respect of a dental service.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Botox Injection) Amendment Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01449
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Botox Injection) Amendment Determination 2020 (the Amendment Determination) is to amend the Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Botox Injection) Determination 2020 (the Principal Determination) from 1 December 2020.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Amendment (Indexation) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01444
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Amendment (Indexation) Determination 2020 (the EMSN Amendment Determination) is to amend the Health Insurance (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Determination 2017 (the Principal Determination) to apply an EMSN cap to attendance items, coronavirus (COVID-19) telehealth items, one cardiac item and index the EMSN benefit caps that are a fixed dollar amount.
Explanatory Statement
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
New South Wales
23 NOV 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 332: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 5) Amendment Order (No 3) 2020 - 20 NOV 2020
23 NOV 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 331: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order (No 2) Repeal Order 2020 - 19 NOV 2020
20 NOV 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 325: Government Notices - Health & Education
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Consolidated Legislation
National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement 2010 (PB 116 of 2010)
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C01039
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. 9) (PB 106 of 2020).
Download
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New Bills
Victoria
Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment Bill 2020 - LA 2R debate 24/11, LA 2R debate 25/11
Western Australia
Guardianship and Administration Amendment (Medical Research) Bill 2020 - Committee report tabled 25/11
Public Health Amendment (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2020 - (LA passed) LC intro, 1R, 2R 24/11
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New Acts
Federal
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Strengthening Banning Orders) Act 2020
An Act to amend the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, and for related purposes.
This Act broadens the circumstances in which the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner may make a banning order against an NDIS provider or other person and clarifies the Commissioner's related powers.
It has become apparent that the circumstances in which the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner may issue banning orders (for the purposes of the NDIS) are too narrow. The Commissioner does not have power to issue a banning order against a person who is no longer employed or engaged by an NDIS provider. However, it is common for providers to dismiss staff who are not undertaking their roles appropriately, prior to the Commissioner being informed of the situation or having a reasonable opportunity to take appropriate action in relation to those staff. Additionally, even if a banning order is put in place for a provider's staff before they leave the sector, there is a risk the order may lapse as soon as the staff member leaves the sector. Under this Act, the Commissioner will be empowered to make a banning order against a provider's former employee or other staff. In addition banning orders made against staff of a provider would not lapse if they cease to be engaged by the provider or the provider leaves the sector.
The Commissioner also does not currently have power to make a pre-emptive banning order against a person (whether an individual or otherwise) who has been identified as unsuitable to work with people with disability as a result of their actions in another field, such as aged care or child care. If a person comes to the attention of the Commissioner, for example, because the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner has taken action in respect of the person, the NDIS Commissioner will similarly be able to ban the person from working with people with disability in the future.
If the Commissioner makes a banning order, the amendments will explicitly empower the Commissioner to include detail of the order, including enough information to identify the person, in the NDIS Provider Register. This is a publically available register, which people with disability and their representatives may search to ensure that providers they are using are appropriately registered and not subject to any banning order.
The amendments will apply immediately to any person, regardless of when they ceased to be engaged in working with people with disability.
Reps: Intro 12/06/20, 2R 12/06/20, 07/10/20, Passed 07/10/20
Senate: Intro 09/11/20, 2R 09/11/20, 11/11/20, 12/11/20, Passed 12/11/20
Assent 20/11/20, Act No. 103 of 2020
Commencement: The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.
Health Insurance Amendment (Administration) Act 2020
An Act to amend the Health Insurance Act 1973, and for related purposes.
The purpose of the Health Insurance Amendment (Administration) Act 2020 (the Act) is to make minor administrative changes to the Health Insurance Act 1973 (the HIA Act). These changes relate to Australian Government administrative processes only and do not affect the existing arrangements for patients or health professionals under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). The Act:
- removes the requirement in the Act for the MBS services tables to cease annually; and
- removes redundant provisions and definitions in the HIA Act.
Reps: Intro 03/09/20, 2R 03/09/20, 10/11/20, Passed 10/11/20
Senate: Intro 10/11/20 , 2R 12/11/20, Passed 12/11/20
Assent 26/11/20, Act No. 106 of 2020
Commencement: The whole of this Act - The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.
New South Wales
Drug Supply Prohibition Order Pilot Scheme Act 2020
An Act to establish a pilot scheme for drug supply prohibition orders.
The object of this Act is to establish a pilot scheme for drug supply prohibition orders in 4 pilot scheme areas. During the pilot scheme, a police officer will be able to seek the making of a drug supply prohibition order against a person who is over 18 years of age and has been convicted of a serious drug offence. The order, if made, will permit a police officer to stop, detain and search the person and search certain vehicles, vessels, aircraft or premises without the requirement for a warrant. These powers are only able to be exercised in a pilot scheme area.
LC: Notice of Motion 20/10/20
LC: 1R 22/10/20, 2R 22/10/20, 17/11/20, Passed (with amendments) 17/11/20
LA: 1R 18/11/20, 2R 18/11/20, Passed 18/11/20
Assent 25/11/20, Act No. 39 of 2020
Commencement: This Act commences on a day or days to be appointed by proclamation.
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