This Newsletter covers Federal and State policy and legislative developments in the area of health. Copies of documents referred to can be obtained by clicking on the reference in this Newsletter or through Capital Monitor's collection at www.capitalmonitor.com.au or from the source quoted.
Major Announcements
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
11 March
NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm. Six new cases were acquired overseas bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,037. There were 14,135 tests reported to 8pm, compared with the previous day's total of 15,534, said the NSW Department of Health.
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WA: COVID-19 update 11 March 2021
The WA Department of Health has reported one new case of COVID-19. The new case is a female in her 40s who has returned from overseas travel and is currently in hotel quarantine. The State's total number of confirmed cases now stands at 922. WA Health is monitoring eight active cases of COVID-19 and 905 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
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10 March
COVID-19 vaccines - safety and effectiveness in older adults
Data on real-world use of COVID-19 vaccines approved in Australia provides reassurance about their safety in older people. There is also encouraging new data on the effectiveness of the vaccines in older people. So far, more than 300 million people have received these vaccines worldwide. Reported suspected side effects have been consistent with those observed during clinical trials, said the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
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First Australian advice about COVID-19 Vaccines for cancer patients
Cancer Australia released the first evidence-based information about the COVID-19 vaccines for people affected by cancer in Australia The responses to 25 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from people with cancer and those affected by cancer are based on the latest evidence and guidance from around the world, and were developed in consultation with the cancer community and the Australian Government Department of Health.
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Rich nations vaccinating one person every second while majority of the poorest nations are yet to give a single dose
One year on from the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the People's Vaccine Alliance is warning that developing countries are facing critical shortages of oxygen and medical supplies to cope with COVID-19 cases yet the majority have been unable to administer a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. In contrast rich nations have vaccinated their citizens at a rate of one person per second over the last month, said Oxfam.
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ACTU calls on the Australian Government to support developing countries' access to vital COVID-19 vaccines
More than 85 developing nations will not have widespread access to COVID-19 vaccines until 2023, because of intellectual property laws that prevent the production of cheaper versions of new medicines. The ACTU stands with Australian civil society organisations in urging the Australian Government to support a proposal put forward by the Governments of India and South Africa, that would waive some provisions of these intellectual property laws to allow the production of COVID-19 vaccines to be ramped up and made accessible and affordable to all.
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ACT: Current Government-facilitated flight case update
There has been one new case of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT, bringing the ACT's total to 123. The new case is a male under 20 who is a close contact of a previous positive case. As such, there are now five (5) active cases in the ACT, all in hotel quarantine. A total of 115 cases have recovered from COVID-19 in the ACT. There are no COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals, said the ACT Department of Health.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm. Five new cases were acquired overseas bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,031. There were 15,534 tests reported to 8pm, compared with the previous day's total of 6,825, said the NSW Department of Health.
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SA: Operation COVID Shield Revs Up
A host of new sites will start administering COVID-19 vaccines to frontline healthcare heroes amid the largest scale-up of the rollout program to date. SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said it was expected more than 150 frontline healthcare workers, including paramedics, would receive COVID-19 vaccinations as clinics open at Oakden Ambulance Station, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Port Pirie Hospital, Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service and a second clinic at the Women's and Children's Hospital.
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SA: COVID-19 vaccine rollout begins for people with disability, front-line staff
More than 1400 people - including 500 people with disability and 900 frontline staff working in State Government-run disability accommodation - will receive their COVID-19 vaccinations over the next three weeks. With many disability support staff representing a wide range of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the SA Government is working closely with these communities to provide the information and confidence they need to roll up their sleeves and get the vaccine, said SA Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink.
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SA: COVID-19 Update 10 March
There has been one new case of COVID-19, reported from a medi-hotel. There have been a total of 621 cases notified in South Australia. The case is a man in his 30s who recently returned from overseas and has been in a medi-hotel since his arrival. Due to the presence of COVID-19 traces in wastewater in the Adelaide CBD, it's imperative that anyone who has been in the Adelaide CBD in the past week seek immediate testing if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, said the SA Department of Health.
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9 March
ACT: COVID-19 Update - 9 March 2021
There have been no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT, with the ACT's total remaining at 122. There are four (4) active cases in the ACT, all in hotel quarantine. A total of 115 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, said the ACT Department of Health.
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TAS: AstraZeneca vaccine rollout begins in Tasmania
Tasmania's vaccination program is continuing to progress with 6,720 AstraZeneca doses arriving in the state on Sunday, with vaccination clinics to begin in Southern Tasmania. Tasmanians in the 1B cohort include people aged 70 and over, remaining health care workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, adults with underlying medical conditions and critical and high-risk workers, including defence, police, fire, emergency services (including volunteers), meat processing and fish factory workers, said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney.
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VIC: Vaccine hubs continue to open across regional Victoria
The Government is continuing to work with the Commonwealth on their coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination program with the launch of additional hospital vaccination hubs in regional Victoria. Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley visited Latrobe Regional Hospital in Traralgon to launch the latest hub and congratulate local frontline health workers who were among the first in Eastern Victoria to be vaccinated. Two thirds of hospital vaccination hubs in Victoria are now regionally based, with hubs managed by Goulburn Valley Health and Albury Wodonga Health also commencing. Victoria's vaccine rollout will scale up according to the priority groups assigned to us by the Commonwealth, as has been the case from the beginning.
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8 March
Vaccine rollout to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Government is ensuring the COVID-19 Vaccination Program meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, said Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) acknowledged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have an increased risk of acquiring and developing serious outcomes from communicable diseases due to multiple factors. It is critical that the vaccine program is designed and delivered in a manner which is accessible, inclusive and culturally safe, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
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Department of Health responds to adverse COVID-19 vaccination
The Department of Health has responded to an incident in which a doctor administered an incorrect dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to two patients at the Holy Spirit Carseldine in Queensland. Healthcare Australia (HCA) initially assured the Department of Health that the doctor who incorrectly administered the vaccine had completed all of the required COVID-19 vaccine training. However, HCA later revealed that the doctor had not completed the necessary training prior to administering the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Scott Morrison needs to stand up to Clive Palmer on vaccine misinformation
Clive Palmer is spending thousands of dollars on vaccine disinformation in Western Australia. But the Government's silence on Mr Palmer's vaccine disinformation is deafening. Scott Morrison and Greg Hunt have been great at the vaccine photo-ops, but there has been no follow-up calling out disinformation from the likes of Clive Palmer, said Shadow Assistant Minister for Western Australia Patrick Gorman and Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, the 50th consecutive day without a locally acquired case. One new case was acquired overseas, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,021. There were 10,092 tests reported, compared with the previous day's total of 9,727. NSW Health thanks the community for continuing to follow public health advice and for coming forward for testing. It is important that everyone continues to watch out for any signs that could indicate COVID-19 and to get tested if they have even the mildest of symptoms.
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QLD: AstraZeneca expands vaccine rollout into more Queensland regions
With the first supplies of the AstraZeneca vaccines due to touchdown on Queensland soil soon, more Hospital and Health Services are preparing to launch their vaccination hubs. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said the regional vaccination hubs would come online in the coming weeks with AstraZeneca vaccines to continue vaccinating the Phase 1a cohort. 'Another week, another milestone for Queensland's COVID-19 recovery,' Ms D'Ath said. 'The AstraZeneca vaccine is easier to store, move and share, so we can bring more hubs online much faster.'
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QLD: Renewed calls for mask wearing at airports
Queensland's Chief Health Officer is issuing an important reminder about mask wearing in airports and on flights, following three recently positive COVID-19 cases transiting through Brisbane Airport. Dr Jeannette Young said the mask wearing direction is in place for exactly this reason. Queensland Minister D'Ath reminded Queenslanders to remain vigilant by following health directives to stay safe. 'Queenslanders have done an incredible job of following the health advice of our Chief Health Officer,' said Minister D'Ath. 'We must not be complacent, and I ask everyone to continue to keep up with the measures that we know keep us safe.'
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TAS: Vaccination rollout on schedule, as AstraZeneca clinics get underway
The Tasmanian Government's focus continues to be on protecting the health and safety of Tasmanians and with the vaccination program in full swing, Tasmania is in a good place. 'Today marks the conclusion of the second week of our state-based vaccination program with 2327 Tasmanians vaccinated over the first two weeks, including frontline health workers, paramedics, quarantine and border staff including police officers,' said Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein.
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VIC: Victorian women leading COVID-19 research charge
Victoria's female scientists have been celebrated for their dedication and excellence as they spearhead the medical research response to coronavirus. Almost 60 per cent of Australia's medical research community are women and Victorian Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said that on International Women's Day, it was appropriate to recognise the leading role played by so many women researchers. As vaccines roll out around the world, there remains an urgent need to better understand the long-term impacts of the virus on the body, and to find new practices that will limit the damage this virus can cause.
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WA: COVID-19 update 8 March 2021
The WA Department of Health has reported two new cases of COVID-19. The State's total number of confirmed cases now stands at 919. One male is in his 30s and the other male in his 50s who have returned from overseas travel and are currently in hotel quarantine. WA Health is monitoring seven active cases of COVID-19 and 903 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
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6 March
Local GPs on board to roll out COVID-19 vaccines
More than 4,500 accredited general practices will participate in Phase 1b of Australia's COVID-19 rollout, one of the greatest logistical challenges in the nation's history. The plans were announced by Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt with the collaboration of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). Minister Hunt said the Government is committed to bringing on board all eligible practices as quickly as possible, with vaccination start dates set to be staggered and dosage allocation to be dependent on vaccine availability.
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WA: Child with meningococcal disease
The WA Department of Health reported that a child has been diagnosed with meningococcal serogroup B disease and has been discharged from hospital. Meningococcal disease is an uncommon, life-threatening illness caused by a bacterial infection of the blood and/or the membranes that line the spinal cord and brain, and occasionally of other sites, such as the throat, lungs or large joints. To date in 2021, three meningococcal cases have been reported in WA; all three cases were serogroup B.
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5 March
National Cabinet
The National Cabinet met to discuss Australia's COVID-19 response and the Australian COVID- 19 Vaccine Strategy. National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions to the health and economic consequences of COVID-19. The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, provided an update on the latest epidemiological data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19. There have been 29,020 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 909 people have died. There are currently 24 people in hospital. More than 14.5 million tests have been undertaken in Australia, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
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Urgent explanation needed on AstraZeneca supply
The Government must urgently explain what it is doing to ensure supplies of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine reach Australia. Just last month, Greg Hunt assured Australians that: 'The [European Union] regulatory steps are not aimed at Australia, and not expected to affect Australia'. But now, Australia has become the only country in the world to be impacted by the EU's export controls, said Acting Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen.
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Blocked vaccine shipment makes the case for domestic production
The Greens say that halted shipments of Astra Zeneca vaccines from Europe show the risks of relying on international supply chains to inoculate Australians, extending their call for the government to establish a publicly-owned vaccine production centre, said Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.
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QLD: COVID-19 Vaccine rollout in Cairns
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout is well underway in the Far North, with Cairns Hospital on track to vaccinate its 1000th person. Queensland Minister D'Ath has visited the Cairns Hospital Pfizer hub. 'It has been an incredible two weeks and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to see our hardworking staff in action at the Cairns vaccination hub,' Minister D'Ath said.
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QLD: Positive wastewater detections across multiple catchments
Fragments of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected at the Luggage Point (servicing the Brisbane Metro North area and some inner-city suburbs on the southside), Marlin Coast (Cairns) and Kawana (Sunshine Coast) wastewater treatment plants, said the Queensland Department of Health. Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said anyone with symptoms, no matter how mild, should come forward and get tested. 'Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, and loss of taste or smell,' Dr Young said.
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SA: Leads the Nation with AstraZeneca vaccine
At the vanguard of the national vaccination program, Australia's first AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are being administered to regional frontline healthcare workers at Murray Bridge Soldiers' Memorial Hospital. SA Premier Steven Marshall said more than 40 frontline staff from the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network are expected to receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on the first day they are rolled out in Australia. SA Minister Wade said the expansion of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout to regional areas was an important step towards protecting the whole of South Australia.
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SA: COVID-19 Update 5 March
There are no new cases of COVID-19. There have been a total of 618 cases notified in South Australia. The case is a man in his 60s who returned from overseas and has been in a medi-hotel since his arrival. Serology is underway to determine if this is an old infection, said the SA Department of Health.
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WA: New city clinic to boost State vaccinations
A central COVID-19 vaccination clinic will open at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) this Sunday following the arrival of 21,000 doses of the Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine. WA Health's PCEC clinic will add significant capacity to the State's vaccination program, complementing clinics already operating at Perth Children's Hospital, Royal Perth Hospital, Fiona Stanley Hospital and Bunbury Health Campus. Clinics at further hospital and health campus sites will be opening up.
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Aged Care
9 March
LASA 2021 awards open: Honouring dedication, excellence and innovation in age services
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), the voice of aged care, has just opened its 2021 Excellence In Age Services (EIAS) awards to honour dedication, distinction and innovation in the aged care sector. 'These awards honour superior work and procedures to transform aged care, to ensure individuals have quality care, choice and respect right now and into the future,' said LASA CEO Sean Rooney. 'With the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety having issued its final report, highlighting leadership and excellence in aged care is extremely important.'
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
11 March
Aged Care Royal Commission and ALRC align on aged care reforms
After an extensive two-year consultation and submission process, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has published its much anticipated Final Report in which it makes 148 recommendations aimed at improving standards of care in the aged care sector. A number of the recommendations from the Royal Commission are not new and have been made in numerous past reports including by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) in its Elder Abuse - A National Legal Response Report in 2017.
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Aged Care Royal Commission report a chance to talk about improving medicines use in aged care
NPS MedicineWise has welcomed the publication of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety as an opportunity to talk about many of the issues facing the aged care sector, in particular the ongoing need to improve quality use of medicines. CEO Adj A/Prof Steve Morris said NPS MedicineWise is looking forward to continuing to work with the sector to improve quality use of medicines in aged care.
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10 March
Aged Care Royal Commission finds the solutions but not the money
The Aged Care Royal Commission delivered its final report Care, Dignity and Respect after an investigation of more than two years, said the Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association (CPSA). Overwhelmingly, the recommendations are good. While the two Commissioners could not agree on everything, both want an independent pricing authority for aged care; both want an (independent) Inspector-General of Aged Care; and both want an independent body to set and maintain aged care standards.
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5 March
Recommendations of and reactions to the aged care Final Report
Parliament has tabled the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, said the National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA). The Final Report, titled 'Care, dignity and respect', saw Royal Commissioners Tony Pagone QC and Lynelle Briggs AO call for fundamental reform of the aged-care system. The Chair of the Royal Commission, Commissioner Pagone, explained in his preface that many of the recommendations and observations in the report were made jointly, but there were some instances where the two Commissioners made differing recommendations and observations.
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Allied Health
None this edition.
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Children's Health
6 March
WA: Child with meningococcal disease
The WA Department of Health reported that a child has been diagnosed with meningococcal serogroup B disease and has been discharged from hospital. Meningococcal disease is an uncommon, life-threatening illness caused by a bacterial infection of the blood and/or the membranes that line the spinal cord and brain, and occasionally of other sites, such as the throat, lungs or large joints. To date in 2021, three meningococcal cases have been reported in WA; all three cases were serogroup B. In 2020, 11 meningococcal cases were reported in WA, including one death.
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Clinical Governance
11 March
Consultation is open on the draft National Preventive Health Strategy
Public consultation on the draft Strategy is open until 19 April 2021. The Strategy aims to improve the health of all Australians at all stages of life. Preventive health is a key part of Australia's Long Term National Health Plan alongside mental health. The Strategy aims to see Australians live an additional 2 years of life in good health by 2030. This includes people in low socioeconomic groups and in regional and remote areas, said the Department of Health.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
10 March
TAS: Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment
The Tasmanian Government has delivered Tasmania's largest ever health infrastructure project, and there are now patients being cared for in this modern, state of the art hospital, receiving top quality care. The management of the project is backed by the Tasmanian Audit Office's (TAO) findings in late 2019 that the Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment, one of Tasmania's largest ever health infrastructure projects 'has, in all material aspects, been managed effectively,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney.
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9 March
QLD: Queensland's first digital hospital reaches for the STARS
Queensland's new 182-bed 'digital ready' hospital, the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), is now treating patients in Brisbane. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Queensland Minister for Health Yvette D'Ath and Queensland Minister for Education Grace Grace visited the new $340 million facility for the important milestone. It's the first building to be completed as part of the $1.1 billion Herston Quarter redevelopment. 'STARS is set to become one of Australia's largest rehabilitation facilities to treat patients requiring general and complex rehabilitation care,' the Premier said.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
11 March
New data shows how a simpler, faster, fairer and more flexible NDIS will benefit all of Tasmania
Despite a year full of unprecedented challenges, the NDIS continues to support more Australians with significant and permanent disability in Tasmania. The NDIS is now supporting over 10,000 participants, in Tasmania - an increase of more than 2,300 Tasmanians in 2020 alone. This figure includes 9,868 active participants, and a further 241 children receiving early childhood early intervention supports, as at 31 December 2020, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Stuart Robert said.
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Disability sector statement on the Australian Government's planned reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The Australian disability sector holds significant concerns about the Federal Government's planned changes to how people with disability will access the NDIS and, most importantly, how they will receive support. Under the planned changes, all future NDIS participants will have to undergo a mandatory assessment in order to access the scheme. Existing participants will progressively be required to undergo the same assessment process before they receive their next NDIS plan and funds, said the Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA).
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NDS calls for rollout of compulsory NDIS assessments to cease
'This is not the NDIS that was promised' - peak body National Disability Services says planned independent assessments will 'fundamentally alter the individualised and personalised nature of the NDIS'. Can a stranger understand the complex nature of a person's disability in just a few short hours? That is the simple question surrounding the government's planned changes to how support is provided on the NDIS, said the National Disability Services (NDS).
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Opposes the NDIS independent assessments plan
Peak cross-disability body People with Disability Australia (PWDA) has joined more than twenty other disability organisations in the call to immediately cease a plan to introduce independent assessments and other changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The disability sector statement lists a raft of changes that government plans to implement over the coming months. They include a proposal that all NDIS participants will have to undergo a mandatory assessment in order to access their plans and funding, a move which advocates say will unfairly disadvantage many people with disability.
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9 March
Small Business Digital Champions contest extended
As a disability service provider in your own business, how has technology helped your business during COVID-19? National Disability Services (NDS) are looking for digital success stories. 'If COVID-19 caused a business problem and technology solved it, we want to know. Did you get a website, start using Social media, automate a system or process, or start using Zoom/Skype/Messenger Video etc for client meetings?' Entries close 18 March 2021.
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NSW Public Guardian COVID-19 Vaccine Consent Process
In response to questions from the NSW sector, NDS has sought clarification relating to the process for obtaining consent for the COVID-19 Vaccine for people with disability who have the Public Guardian appointed as their guardian with a medical and dental consent function. For NSW residents who have the Public Guardian appointed as their guardian, the giving or withholding of consent to the COVID-19 vaccine is considered a Minor Medical treatment in line with existing standard consent criteria based on Part 5 of the Guardianship Act 1987 (NSW).
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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
11 March
Extend temporary telehealth by end of month
The AMA has written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is the acting Health Minister, calling on the Federal Government to extend until the end of the year temporary telehealth arrangements under Medicare that have supported patients to have a consultation with their doctor either over the phone or by video. These arrangements, which were put in place as part of the Government's COVID-19 response and further extended last year, will end on 31 March if not extended.
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Uncertainty over future of telehealth
Once again, uncertainty hangs over the future of telehealth said Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler. In November, Health Minister Greg Hunt said: 'Telehealth will become a permanent part of the Medicare system,' but the arrangements will end in three weeks, on 31 March, if not extended. AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid said: 'The current uncertainty over the future of temporary COVID 19 Medicare telehealth items means that patients and practices can't plan consultations beyond the end of this month, even though we are still in the middle of the pandemic.'
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Education and Training
None this edition.
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Funding
None this edition.
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Health Professionals
12 March
First of two Deputy National Rural Health Commissioners announced
Australia's first Indigenous pharmacist, Associate Professor Dr Faye McMillan started in her new role as one of two new Deputy National Rural Health Commissioners that will play a key role in the Federal Government's agenda to increase access to rural health services and address rural workforce shortages. Minister for Rural Health Mark Coulton and National Rural Health Commissioner, Professor Ruth Stewart met with Dr McMillan in Wagga Wagga to congratulate her and discuss priorities for the role.
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11 March
General practices gearing up as COVID-19 vaccine rollout ramps up
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) says general practices participating in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout are gearing up to receive their first patients as the program ramps up. The Government announced on Sunday that more than 4,500 general practices would participate in Phase 1b of the rollout, with more than 1000 commencing from the week of 22 March 2021. The program will rapidly scale up and roll out to more practices over the following four weeks.
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SA: Government welcomes ambulance union mediation order
SA Treasurer Rob Lucas has welcomed a decision made by the President of the SA Employment Tribunal the Hon Justice Steven Dolphin to order the Ambulance Employees Association (AEA) to engage in mediation with the State Government over the union's ongoing industrial dispute. 'We welcome this development and hope that, ultimately, it leads to sensible discussions, which is something the Government has long been calling for,' Mr Lucas said.
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10 March
NSW: Breanna Ford - former Enrolled Nurse- Disqualified for Unsatisfactory Professional Conduct and Professional Misconduct
The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission prosecuted a complaint against Breanna Ford before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the Tribunal). Ms Ford, when aged 23, was working in a medical centre as an endorsed enrolled nurse. It was alleged that Ms Ford took prescription pads, forged prescriptions for herself and a relative, and provided false information to the authorities. She subsequently allowed her registration to lapse.
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8 March
Support needed for medical parents in training
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is challenging the medical profession and Government to change how Australia supports parents in medical training on International Women's Day. Releasing the AMA Position Statement on Medical parents and prevocational and vocational training, Chair of the AMA Equity Inclusion and Diversity Committee, Dr Helen McArdle, said that the medical profession had made considerable advances in promoting the careers of women doctors. Still, more can be done, especially in supporting parents and carers.
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6 March
Local GPs on board to roll out COVID-19 vaccines
More than 4,500 accredited general practices will participate in Phase 1b of Australia's COVID-19 rollout, one of the greatest logistical challenges in the nation's history. The plans were announced by Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt with the collaboration of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). Minister Hunt said the Government is committed to bringing on board all eligible practices as quickly as possible, with vaccination start dates set to be staggered and dosage allocation to be dependent on vaccine availability.
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Hospitals
8 March
NT: Maningrida Health Centre Handed Over to Mala'la
Manayingkarirra Primary Health Centre in Maningrida has been handed over to Aboriginal control, as part of the NT Government's commitment to local decision making, said NT Minister for Health Natasha Fyles. Mala'la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation are now overseeing the delivery of health care services for the community, and surrounding homelands in Central Arnhem Land. Maningrida is one of the Territory's busiest remote health centres. It carries out 4,000 consultations per month for more than 2,700 residents. NT Health has worked together with Mala'la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation and the Commonwealth to transition the delivery of acute and emergency illness management.
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6 March
ACT: Apology needed for hospital deaths
'The ACT Minister for Health must apologise after a coronial inquest found the Canberra Hospital failed its patients who died by suicide,' said ACT Deputy Leader of the Opposition Giulia Jones. 'It's tragic that these four deaths occurred while they were in care. The Health Minister must apologise on behalf of the ACT Government for these failings, and explain what action they have taken to address them. It is the moral duty of the elected government to take responsibility for these failures which occurred on their watch. The coroner has highlighted chronic staff shortages and insufficient training, practices and procedures at the hospital.'
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5 March
QLD: Non-urgent presentations place pressure on public EDs
More than a third of Queensland's emergency department presentations are ailments or injuries that could be treated by a GP or pharmacist, latest data shows. The state's hospital performance data for the October-December 2020 quarter shows there were 587,301 ED presentations. All 4,234 Category 1 patients - the most urgent cases - were seen by a clinician within two minutes of arriving, while 77 per cent of all cases were seen within clinically recommended times. The median wait time for all ED patients to be seen was 14 minutes. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said the performance of Queensland's EDs was sound given the challenges posed by the past 12 months.
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QLD: COVID-19 Vaccine rollout in Cairns
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout is well underway in the Far North, with Cairns Hospital on track to vaccinate its 1000th person. Queensland Minister D'Ath has visited the Cairns Hospital Pfizer hub. 'It has been an incredible two weeks and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to see our hardworking staff in action at the Cairns vaccination hub,' Minister D'Ath said.
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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
8 March
TAS: Mental health support for Tasmania's tourism businesses
The mental health of Tasmania's tourism businesses is the focus of a new $100,000 support package. The program has been developed in recognition of the financial and mental impact of COVID-19 on the State's small businesses and their employees. As part of the recently announced $20 million COVID-19 Small Business Sustainability and Recovery Assistance Package, $1 million will go towards mental health support for Tasmanian small businesses in recognition of the financial and mental health impact on them and their employees, said Tasmanian Minister for Small Business, Hospitality and Events Sarah Courtney.
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6 March
ACT: Apology needed for hospital deaths
'The ACT Minister for Health must apologise after a coronial inquest found the Canberra Hospital failed its patients who died by suicide,' said ACT Deputy Leader of the Opposition Giulia Jones. 'It's tragic that these four deaths occurred while they were in our care. The Health Minister must apologise on behalf of the ACT Government for these failings, and explain what action they have taken to address them. It is the moral duty of the elected government to take responsibility for these failures which occurred on their watch. The coroner has highlighted chronic staff shortages and insufficient training, practices and procedures at the hospital.'
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
10 March
COVID-19 vaccines - safety and effectiveness in older adults
Data on real-world use of COVID-19 vaccines approved in Australia provides reassurance about their safety in older people. There is also encouraging new data on the effectiveness of the vaccines in older people. So far, more than 300 million people have received these vaccines worldwide. Reported suspected side effects have been consistent with those observed during clinical trials, said the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
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First Australian advice about COVID-19 Vaccines for cancer patients
Cancer Australia released the first evidence-based information about the COVID-19 vaccines for people affected by cancer in Australia The responses to 25 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from people with cancer and those affected by cancer are based on the latest evidence and guidance from around the world, and were developed in consultation with the cancer community and the Australian Government Department of Health.
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ACTU calls on the Australian Government to support developing countries' access to vital COVID-19 vaccines
More than 85 developing nations will not have widespread access to COVID-19 vaccines until 2023, because of intellectual property laws that prevent the production of cheaper versions of new medicines. The ACTU stands with Australian civil society organisations in urging the Australian Government to support a proposal put forward by the Governments of India and South Africa, that would waive some provisions of these intellectual property laws to allow the production of COVID-19 vaccines to be ramped up and made accessible and affordable to all.
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5 March
TGA adopts Access Consortium guidance for fast-tracking authorisations of modified COVID-19 vaccines for variants
TGA has adopted guidance developed by the Access Consortium - a coalition of regulatory authorities from Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The guidance lays out what information the medicines regulators would need in order to approve any modifications to authorised COVID-19 vaccines, should virus mutations make them less effective at preventing the disease. This guidance is in addition to the earlier Access Consortium statement on COVID-19 vaccines evidence.
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Research
11 March
New natural answers for killer allergies
Researchers have discovered a function in the immune system that could hold the key to treating allergic conditions like asthma and stop life-threatening anaphylaxis. Experts from the Australian National University (ANU) have unearthed a natural way the body prevents autoimmune disease and allergies. The process is driven by a protein in the body called neuritin.
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Australian Academy of Science honours Prof Joseph Powell
For his pioneering work in cellular genomics, Professor Joseph Powell has been awarded the prestigious 2021 Ruth Stephens Gani Medal from the Australian Academy of Science. Professor Powell, who is Director of the Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics and Deputy Director of the UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, is among 24 researchers to be recognised with honorific awards by Australia's most prestigious scientific organisation, said the Garvan Institute Executive of Medical Research.
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9 March
Transitions a part of life and health care
A report by the Consumer Health Forum's (CHF) Youth Health Forum focuses on transitions young people experience in health care and what can be done to address them. The challenges facing young people in accessing and affording the right care as they move from parental shelter to adulthood are not widely discussed or addressed. Young people identified multiple barriers to health services, with cost being at the top. The report has injected a fresh perspective into this field of health care with recommendations such as health care concessions for young people and support to navigate the health system.
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8 March
VIC: Victorian women leading COVID-19 research charge
Victoria's female scientists have been celebrated for their dedication and excellence as they spearhead the medical research response to coronavirus. Almost 60 per cent of Australia's medical research community are women and Victorian Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said that on International Women's Day, it was appropriate to recognise the leading role played by so many women researchers. As vaccines roll out around the world, there remains an urgent need to better understand the long-term impacts of the virus on the body, and to find new practices that will limit the damage this virus can cause.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
10 March
New way to access Medicare, Centrelink services in Meekatharra
The Meekatharra community will have a new way of accessing Medicare and Centrelink services with the opening of a new Services Australia Agent later this year. Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen said a full-time Agent service would replace the existing Meekatharra Centrelink Service Centre. 'The Agent service will provide the Meekatharra community with a consistent and daily face-to-face service,' Mr Jongen said.
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9 March
Community comes first in new health model for Forbes & Parkes
Forbes, Parkes and surrounding communities will benefit from new primary health care models to improve access to local health care and provide better continuity of care for rural patients. Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the trial is one of five new primary care models being tested in western and southern New South Wales. Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said regional experts - NSW Rural Doctors Network, Western NSW Local Health District and Western NSW Primary Health Network - are working closely with local councils, community and health professionals to design an innovative solution for the area.
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New medical school taking shape in Dubbo
Construction of the University of Sydney medical program's new teaching facilities in Dubbo has begun, with work expected to be completed in October. The first cohort of 24 Year 1 Sydney Medical students (Dubbo Stream) are expected to commence in early February next year. These students will be able to complete all of their four-year Doctor of Medicine degree in the brand new, world-class facility. Minister Coulton visited the site and congratulated the university on the start of construction, after plans were approved last December.
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8 March
NT: Maningrida Health Centre Handed Over to Mala'la
Manayingkarirra Primary Health Centre in Maningrida has been handed over to Aboriginal control, as part of the Territory Labor Government's commitment to local decision making. Mala'la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation are now overseeing the delivery of health care services for the community, and surrounding homelands in Central Arnhem Land. Maningrida is one of the Territory's busiest remote health centres. It carries out 4,000 consultations per month for more than 2,700 residents, said NT Minister for Health Natasha Fyles and Local Member Lawrence Costa.
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QLD: AstraZeneca expands vaccine rollout into more Queensland regions
With the first supplies of the AstraZeneca vaccines due to touchdown on Queensland soil soon, more Hospital and Health Services are preparing to launch their vaccination hubs. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said the regional vaccination hubs would come online in the coming weeks with AstraZeneca vaccines to continue vaccinating the Phase 1a cohort. 'Another week, another milestone for Queensland's COVID-19 recovery,' Ms D'Ath said. 'The AstraZeneca vaccine is easier to store, move and share, so we can bring more hubs online much faster.'
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Women's Health
None this edition.
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Transcripts
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
11 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Karl Stefanovic & Allison Langdon, Today Show
Subjects: Airlines, Tourism industry, Travel, Domestic state borders, Employment, COVID-19, Vaccines
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
11 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Samantha Armytage, Sunrise
Subjects: Tourism industry, Travel, Airlines, School holidays, Qantas, Virgin, Federal Chief Medical Officer, COVID-19, Vaccines
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
11 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Jase and PJ, KIIS 101.1
Subjects: Aviation & tourism industry support package, Subsidised domestic flights, Border restrictions, Regional small businesses, COVID-19 vaccine rollout
Leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese
11 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Tom Lewis & Lauren Temuskos, K Rock Fresh Daily
Subjects: Reclink Community Cup, Tourism package, Aviation sector, Surf Coast, Roundtable discussions, Aged care
Leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese, Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Clare O'Neil, Member for Corangamite Libby Coker
11 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Surf Coast
Subjects: Aged Care crisis, Tourism package, Regional tourism, Workplace culture, Parliament House, Vaccine rollout, International borders, Aviation, Tourism sector
Shadow Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher
11 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News Afternoon Edition
Subjects: Vaccine rollout timetable delay, Australian businesses, Efficacy of vaccines
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
10 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview with Secretary of the Health Department, Professor Brendan Murphy, Symonston
Subjects: COVID-19, Aged care, Vaccine rollout, Quad alliance, Border closures, Economy, Health
Minister for Tourism, Trade and Investment Dan Tehan
10 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News
Subjects: Quad alliance, Trade, International borders, International relations, Vaccine rollout, COVID-19, Economy
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan
10 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Michael Rowland, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Quad alliance, COVID-19, Sexual assault allegations, International students, Trade
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan
10 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Fran Kelly, ABC RN Breakfast
Subjects: Quad Alliance, Trade, International Relations, Border closures, COVID-19, Tourism, Climate change
Liberal Member for Reid Fiona Martin and Shadow Minister for Youth Amanda Rishworth
10 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC Afternoon Briefing
Subjects: Coronavirus, Vaccine rollout, Historical rape allegation, Workplace culture in Parliament House, Mental health
Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party Richard Marles
10 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Tom Connell, Sky News
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, COVID-19, Pandemic, Borders, Economy, Health, Constitution
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
09 MAR: Transcript of Address to AFR Business Summit
Subjects: Economy, COVID-19, JobKeeper, JobSeeker, International Borders, Health, Welfare, Public Service, Reserve Bank
Department of Health
09 MAR: Transcript of Interview by Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, with Leigh Sales, ABC 7.30 Report
Subjects: COVID-19, Vaccine rollout, International borders, Health, Disease, Pandemic, Economy
Leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese
09 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Dee Dee Dunleavy, 3AW Afternoons
Subjects: Victorian Premier fall, Historical rape allegation, Coronial inquest, Federal election, Vaccine rollout, International travel, Royal family
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
07 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview with Secretary of the Health Department, Professor Brendan Murphy, and Former Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, Melbourne
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, Vaccine safety
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health
05 MAR: Transcript of Press Conference, Sydney, NSW
Subjects: COVID-19 pandemic, Vaccination program, AstraZeneca vaccine, Recession, Economy, DFAT, Quarantine programs, Howard Springs
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
05 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, AstraZeneca supply chain, Royal Australian College of General Practices, European Commission, Aged care, TGA
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham
05 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Laura Jayes, Sky News Live, AM Agenda
Subjects: AstraZeneca vaccine, Parliamentary workplace culture, Attorney-General, European Union, CSL facility, World Trade Organisation
Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton and Shadow Minister for Science Richard Marles
05 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Karl Stefanovic, The Today Show
Subjects: Import of AstraZeneca vaccine, Vaccine rollout & distribution, Historic sexual assault allegations against Attorney-General, Minister for Defence
Acting Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen
05 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Thomas Oriti, ABC News Radio
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, Supply & distribution, AstraZeneca shipment from European Union, Misinformation
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Reports
Final Report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety: a quick guide
Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS), Parliamentary Library
This quick guide provides an overview of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. It is the second of the Parliamentary Library's quick guides on the Royal
Commission (the first was published in 2019), and focuses on the Commissioners'
recommendations for a new aged care system in the Final Report, released on 1 March 2021. It is
intended to assist with understanding the key recommendations and does not include additional
commentary. It provides some background information on the establishment and earlier work of
the Royal Commission, including its Interim Report.
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Patient Experiences in Australia - Summary of Findings
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
16.6% of people saw 3 or more health professionals for the same condition. 30.4% of people delayed or did not see a dental professional when needed. 56.5% of people had private health insurance.
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Measuring excess mortality in Victoria during the COVID-19 pandemic
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Since the emergence of COVID-19, the number of deaths has been monitored closely in Australia and around the world in order to provide estimates of excess mortality that may potentially be related to the pandemic. Excess mortality is typically defined as the difference between the observed number of deaths in a specified time period and the expected numbers of deaths in that same time period. Measures of excess mortality can account for deaths due to COVID-19, any potentially misclassified or undiagnosed COVID-19 deaths and other mortality that may be indirectly related to the pandemic.
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Australian prescription medicine decision summary
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Ruxience is indicated for treatment of patients with:
- CD20 positive, previously untreated, Stage III/IV follicular, B cell non Hodgkin's lymphoma,
- CD20 positive, relapsed or refractory low grade or follicular, B cell non Hodgkin's lymphoma,
- CD20 positive, diffuse large B cell non Hodgkin's lymphoma, in combination with chemotherapy.
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ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS TRIBUNAL AAT: Bulletin Issue 5/2021
The experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse people with disability - March 2021
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation of People with Disability
The terms of reference direct the Royal Commission to have regard to:
the specific experiences of violence against, and abuse, neglect and exploitation of, people with disability are multilayered and influenced by experiences associated with their age, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, intersex status, ethnic origin or race, including the particular situation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culturally and linguistically diverse people with disability.
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Hospitalised Injury In Children And Young People 2017-18
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
This report provides information on hospitalised injury in children and young people in Australia aged 0 to 24 in 2017-18. Around 130,000 children and young people were hospitalised because of an injury in 2017-18, males outnumbering females by almost 2 to 1. Generally, rates of injury were higher for the older age groups. The overall rate was 1,747 per 100,000, and the highest overall rate was among males aged 18-24, at 2,946 cases per 100,000 population.
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Spinal cord injury, Australia 2017-18
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
This 19th report in the Spinal cord injury, Australia series presents national statistics on spinal cord injury (SCI) using data from case registrations to the Australian Spinal Cord Injury Register (ASCIR) for 2017-18. A total of 187 newly incident cases of traumatic SCI due to external causes were reported for 2017-18 among people aged 15 or over. Of these cases, 176 resulted in a persisting traumatic SCI; 2 died; 8 had no long-term neurological injury; and 1 was still to be discharged at the time of data compilation.
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VIC: Consultation Paper for State Disability Plan 2021-2024
Department of Health & Human Services
State disability plans should reflect the goals, interests, concerns and human rights of Victorians with disability. They should be designed and monitored together with people with disability. They should also help advocates, self-advocates and the broader community hold governments to account for what they do to make Victoria a more inclusive place to be in.
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Hansards
Australian Capital Territory
26 FEB 2021: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates - Inquiry into Annual and Financial Reports 2019-2020 and ACT budget 2020-2021 - Standing Committee on Health and Community Wellbeing - ACT Health Directorate - Canberra Health Services
26 FEB 2021: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates - Inquiry into Annual and Financial Reports 2019-2020 and ACT budget 2020-2021 - Standing Committee on Health and Community Wellbeing - ACT Health Directorate - Canberra Health Services
26 FEB 2021: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates - Inquiry into Annual and Financial Reports 2019-2020 and ACT budget 2020-2021 - Standing Committee on Health and Community Wellbeing - Community Services Directorate
Queensland
10 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus, Update; Coronavirus, Vaccine
10 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health System
10 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice -Torres Strait, Coronavirus Vaccine
10 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus, Vaccine; Coronavirus, Prevention
10 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Termination of Pregnancy
10 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Coronavirus, Vaccine; Beyond Duty Exhibition
09 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Matters of Public Interest - Health System, Performance
09 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus, Prevention
09 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus, Vaccine
09 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Matters of Public Interest - Rural and Remote Queensland, Health Services
09 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus, Update, Coronavirus, Vaccine
09 MAR 2021: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health System
NSW
04 MAR 2021: NSW COUNCIL ESTIMATES HANSARD: Portfolio Committee No. 2 - Health - Health & Medical Research
Victorian
22 FEB 2021: VIC ESTIMATES HANSARD: Public Accounts and Estimates Committee - Inquiry into 2019-20 Financial & Performance Outcomes - Department of Health - Department of Families, Fairness & Housing
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
Taxation Administration (Remedial Power - Certificate for GST-free supplies of Cars for Disabled People) Repeal Amendment Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00228
This instrument inserts a repeal provision into the Taxation Administration (Remedial Power - Certificate for GST-free supplies of Cars for Disabled People) Determination 2020 (principal instrument) so that the principal instrument is repealed at the start of 1 April 2024.
Explanatory Statement
Repatriation Medical Authority - Statement of Principles concerning deep vein thrombosis (Balance of Probabilities) (No. 36 of 2021)
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021L00224
The Authority is of the view that on the sound medical-scientific evidence available it is more probable than not that deep vein thrombosis and death from deep vein thrombosis can be related to particular kinds of service. The Authority has therefore determined pursuant to subsection 196B(3) of the VEA a Statement of Principles concerning deep vein thrombosis (Balance of Probabilities) (No. 36 of 2021). This Instrument will in effect replace the repealed Statement of Principles.
Explanatory Statement
Repatriation Medical Authority - Statement of Principles concerning deep vein thrombosis (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 35 of 2021)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00223
The Authority is of the view that there is sound medical-scientific evidence that indicates that deep vein thrombosis and death from deep vein thrombosis can be related to particular kinds of service. The Authority has therefore determined pursuant to subsection 196B(2) of the VEA a Statement of Principles concerning deep vein thrombosis (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 35 of 2021). This Instrument will in effect replace the repealed Statement of Principles.
Explanatory Statement
Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Serious Incident Response Scheme) Instrument 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00222
The purpose of the Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Serious Incident Response Scheme) Instrument 2021 (Instrument) is to prescribe arrangements relating to the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) in residential aged care, including flexible care delivered in a residential aged care setting. This includes arrangements relating to an approved provider's responsibility to manage incidents and take reasonable steps to prevent incidents.
Explanatory Statement
Statement of Principles concerning ASTHMA (Balance of Probabilities) (No. 32 of 2021)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00220
The Statement of Principles sets out the factors that must exist, and which of those factors must be related to the following kinds of service rendered by a person:
- eligible war service (other than operational service) under the VEA,
- defence service (other than hazardous service and British nuclear test defence service) under the VEA,
- peacetime service under the MRCA,
before it can be said that, on the balance of probabilities, asthma or death from asthma is connected with the circumstances of that service.
Explanatory Statement
Statement of Principles concerning Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia/Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (Balance of Probabilities) (No. 34 of 2021)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00216
The Statement of Principles sets out the factors that must exist, and which of those factors must be related to the following kinds of service rendered by a person:
- eligible war service (other than operational service) under the VEA;
- defence service (other than hazardous service and British nuclear test defence service) under the VEA;
- peacetime service under the MRCA,
before it can be said that, on the balance of probabilities, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoblastic lymphoma or death from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoblastic lymphoma is connected with the circumstances of that service.
Explanatory Statement
Statement of Principles concerning Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia/Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (No. 33 of 2021)
Legislative instrument - F2021L00215
The Authority is of the view that there is sound medical-scientific evidence that indicates that acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoblastic lymphoma and death from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoblastic lymphoma can be related to particular kinds of service. The Authority has therefore determined pursuant to subsection 196B(2) of the VEA a Statement of Principles concerning acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoblastic lymphoma (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 33 of 2021). This Instrument will in effect replace the repealed Statement of Principles.
Explanatory Statement
Statement of Principles concerning Pulmonary Thromboembolism (Balance of Probabilities) (No. 38 of 2021)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00214
The Authority is of the view that on the sound medical-scientific evidence available it is more probable than not that pulmonary thromboembolism and death from pulmonary thromboembolism can be related to particular kinds of service. The Authority has therefore determined pursuant to subsection 196B(3) of the VEA a Statement of Principles concerning pulmonary thromboembolism (Balance of Probabilities) (No. 38 of 2021). This Instrument will in effect replace the repealed Statement of Principles.
Explanatory Statement
Statement of Principles concerning Pulmonary Thromboembolism (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 37 of 2021)
Legislative instrument - F2021L00213
The Authority is of the view that there is sound medical-scientific evidence that indicates that pulmonary thromboembolism and death from pulmonary thromboembolism can be related to particular kinds of service. The Authority has therefore determined pursuant to subsection 196B(2) of the VEA a Statement of Principles concerning pulmonary thromboembolism (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 37 of 2021). This Instrument will in effect replace the repealed Statement of Principles.
Explanatory Statement
Statement of Principles concerning ASTHMA (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 31 of 2021)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00211
The Statement of Principles sets out the factors that must as a minimum exist, and which of those factors must be related to the following kinds of service rendered by a person:
- operational service under the VEA;
- peacekeeping service under the VEA;
- hazardous service under the VEA;
- British nuclear test defence service under the VEA;
- warlike service under the MRCA;
- non-warlike service under the MRCA,
before it can be said that a reasonable hypothesis has been raised connecting asthma or death from asthma, with the circumstances of that service.
Explanatory Statement
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00208
The purpose of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2021 is to ensure the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is able to recover the cost of assessing licence applications under the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (the ARPANS Act) by implementing the annual review of fees and make other minor amendments.
Explanatory Statement
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
NSW
11 MAR 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 95: Extraordinary Gazette - Health and Education - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Amendment Order 2021
10 MAR 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 94: Extraordinary Gazette - Health and Education - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order 2021
10 MAR 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 93: Extraordinary Gazette - Health and Education - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Spitting and Coughing) Order 2021
Western Australia
09 MAR 2021: WA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE: General Gazette No. 041 - Health
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Consolidated Legislation
National Health (Take Home Naloxone Pilot) Special Arrangement 2019
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00224
PB 97 of 2019 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Take Home Naloxone Pilot) Special Arrangement Amendment (Program Extension) Instrument 2021 (PB 9 of 2021).
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National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits-early supply) Instrument 2015
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00220
PB 120 of 2015 Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits - early supply) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No. 2).
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Health Insurance Regulations 2018
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00218
Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (2020 Measures No. 3) Regulations 2020.
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Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices) Regulations 2002
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00217
SR 2002 No. 236 Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices) Amendment (Vaporisers for Smoking Cessation) Regulations 2020.
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Health Insurance (Pathology Services Table) Regulations 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00215
Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (2020 Measures No. 3) Regulations 2020.
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National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement 2011
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00213
PB 79 of 2011 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2021 (No.2) (PB 18 of 2021).
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Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Declaration 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00210
Declarations/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Variation (Extension No. 1) Instrument 2021.
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National Health (Price and Special Patient Contribution) Determination 2010 (PB 109 of 2010)
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00209
10 MAR: PB 109 of 2010 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Price and Special Patient Contribution) Amendment Determination 2021 (No. 2) (PB 20 of 2021).
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National Health Act 1953 - National Health (Commonwealth Price & Conditions for Commonwealth Payments) Determination 2019
Legislative Instrument - F2021C00207
PB 114 of 2019 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits).
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Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00194
Rules/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 1) 2021.
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Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Rules 2015
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00193
Rules/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 1) 2021.
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New Bills
None this edition.
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New Acts
Queensland
An Act to amend the Justice and Other Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Amendment Act 2020, the Mental Health Act 2016, the Public Health Act 2005 and the Public Health and Other Legislation (Public Health Emergency) Amendment Act 2020 for particular purposes.
On 29 January 2020, a public health emergency was declared under section 319 of the Public Health Act 2005 due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in China, its pandemic potential due to cases spreading to other countries and the public health implications within Queensland resulting from recently arrived travellers from the epicentre of the outbreak. The public health emergency was declared for all of Queensland. Under section 323 of the Public Health Act, the declared public health emergency has been extended until 31 December 2020 through the making of several regulations and may need to be further extended.
The Act achieves the policy objectives by amending various Acts to ensure that any sunset clauses or expiry provisions relating to the amendments made to Chapter 8 of the Public Health Act and Chapter 18B of the Mental Health Act do not take effect until the end of the day on 30 September 2021. The extension of these expiry dates will allow the Queensland Government's health response to continue for a further six months.
Intro 03/12/20, Referred to the Health and Environment Committee 03/12/20, Report tabled 12/02/21, 2R 24/02/21, Passed 24/02/21
Assent 08/03/21, Act No. 3 of 2021
Commencement: This Act commences on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, except that Part 4, division 3 commences on 1 October 2021.
Victoria
An Act to amend the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 in relation to state of emergency declarations in respect of the COVID-19 pandemic and for other purposes.
The main purposes of the Act are to amend the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 -
- to lengthen the total period for which a state of emergency declaration may continue in force in respect of the COVID-19 pandemic from 12 months to 21 months; and
- to extend the period of operation of the COVID-19 temporary measures under Part 13 to 16 December 2021.
LA: 1R 02/02/21, 2R 03/02/21, 18/02/21, 19/02/21, Passed 19/02/21
LC: 1R 19/02/21, 2R 19/02/21, 02/03/21, Passed (with amendments) 02/03/21
LA: Agreed to Council's amendments 03/03/21
Assent 10/03/21, Act No. 7 of 2021
Commencement: This Act comes into operation on the day after the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.
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