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)
29 May
$2 million investment to extend Reclink National Program
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that the Australian Government is investing $2 million to extend the Reclink National Program to deliver sport and recreation activities to people who may miss out on the health benefits of regular physical activity. Reclink will receive $2 million to continue providing structured team-based and individual sport and recreation activities for people who may experience:
- A high degree of socioeconomic disadvantage.
- High levels of youth unemployment.
- High levels of domestic and community violence.
- Low sport and recreation participation rates.
This funding will also help Reclink work on new ways to deliver their activities because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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28 May
QLD: Major funding boost for First Nations COVID-19 response
The Queensland Government has made more than $21 million available to support the health and wellbeing of First Nations Queenslanders and communities during COVID-19. Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the measures aim to combat the spread of COVID-19 amongst First Nations Queenslanders to ensure the coronavirus does not adversely impact their communities or amplify existing health inequalities. 'From the moment the virus appeared in Australia we have been working to prevent outbreaks in Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities where we know it would have a devastating impact,' said Mr Miles.
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NT: Changes to Quarantine Arrangements to put Territorians First
The Northern Territory Department of Health said that arrivals will be able to undertake the 14-day quarantine period in their own home, in private accommodation, or in appropriate commercial accommodation, at their own cost. This change will not apply to people arriving from overseas, including overseas arrivals transiting from interstate. Monitored quarantine will continue to apply for this cohort, given the much higher risk associated with international arrivals. This decision applies to all domestic interstate arrivals, but it has been made for Territorians - to help Territorians return home.
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27 May
Record flu vaccines in 2020 to protect Australians
An additional two million flu vaccines will be available, bringing the total number available in 2020 to a record 18 million, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. This is up from 13.2 million flu vaccines in 2019, 11 million in 2018 and almost 10 million more than the 8.3 million flu vaccines provided in 2017. Vaccinating against the flu saves and protects lives and is particularly important this year due to COVID-19. Whilst flu vaccination does not prevent against COVID-19, a flu vaccination is critical to protecting the general health of Australians from influenza.
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VIC: Equality Starts Locally - New Partnership Between the VLGA & GenVic
Gender Equity Victoria (GenVic) and the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) launch their partnership for gender equity, with a webinar featuring world leading Gender & Disaster experts from across the globe providing advice to local prevention partnerships across Victoria. COVID-19 is resulting in poor economic, health and social consequences for Australian women, including a higher jobless rate and lower mental health and wellbeing in lockdown. That's why GenVic and VLGA have signed onto a Gender Equity & COVID-19 Joint Statement, with another 88 organisations calling for the road to recovery to be gender equal.
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WA: DETECT Snapshot testing to begin
People not showing any symptoms of COVID-19 from vulnerable groups in the community now have the opportunity to be tested for the virus under the WA Government's DETECT Snapshot, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook. Healthcare workers, WA Police staff, meat workers, supermarket and retail staff, and hospitality workers who are asymptomatic can undergo a swab test for COVID-19 from Thursday May 28 to Wednesday June 10, 2020.
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26 May
Remote travel restrictions lifted in the Northern Territory
Travel restrictions across remote communities in the Northern Territory will be lifted from Friday, 5 June 2020. The Government has taken this action in response to a request by the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Hon Michael Gunner MLA, to withdraw from the Emergency Determination under the Biosecurity Act 2015. Minister Hunt said that ensuring the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander is a Government priority and remains a focus of the COVID-19 National Emergency Response Plan and the Management Plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations. Senator for the Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon has welcomed the lifting of regional travel restrictions in the Northern Territory.
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Australians relax attitudes to COVID-19 behaviours as restrictions ease
Australians are already relaxing their attitudes towards COVID-19 social restrictions and hygiene practices, Monash University's research enterprise BehaviourWorks Australia has found. BehaviourWorks Australia, part of the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, is leading the Australian chapter of the Survey of COVID-19 Responses to Understand Behaviour project in partnership with the Victorian Government. The project provides policy makers with actionable insights into public attitudes and behaviours relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and involves more than 120 international collaborators. A new 'wave' of information is released every two weeks, with wave 3 results collected in mid-May.
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Calls for palliative care reform in post COVID-19 world
A new report has called for an overhaul of the palliative care system in Australia, calling for an additional annual investment of $365 million to bring the system up to speed in a post COVID-19 world. The report is also calling for a national agreement on palliative care between the Commonwealth and the states and territories, and a new full-time Palliative Care Commissioner, to help create the best experience possible for those with life-limiting conditions and those around them. 'All Australians who need palliative care are simply not having access to services when they need to, particularly at home and in community settings,' Palliative Care Australia Chair Professor Meera Agar said.
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Supporting prevention and management of COVID-19 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), the Lowitja Institute, and the Australian National University (ANU) are working together to provide practical and timely advice for primary healthcare teams supporting prevention and management of COVID-19 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. An expert committee guiding the work is providing recommendations for healthcare workers operating in Aboriginal community controlled health services and other primary care settings. The first set of recommendations are being released on National Sorry Day 2020, a day to acknowledge and recognise members of the Stolen Generations as part of an ongoing process of healing.
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QLD: Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Queensland has one new confirmed case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to report. Some restrictions have been lifted in Queensland allowing more travel, more activities, and larger gatherings. Further restrictions are planned to be lifted in June and July, however everyone needs to continue playing their part to protect themselves and the more vulnerable in the community, said Queensland Department of Health. Queensland's testing criteria has been expanded so that anyone in the state who has a fever (or history of fever) or acute respiratory symptoms can get tested. A total of 1,039 Queenslanders (98 per cent of total cases) have now recovered from COVID-19.
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25 May
QLD: COVID-19 - Mon May 25: Back to school / cases reduced / restaurant talks
Queensland
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has thanked school communities for getting ready for back to school, as zero new cases of COVID-19 and a revision of previous figures show a drop in the overall number of confirmed cases. There are now 12 active cases, 1038 recovered and six deaths for a revised total of 1056. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that was good news as Years 2 to 10 joined other students back at school.
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24 May
World-leading COVIDSafe app working and delivering
The Government's COVIDSafe app has reached six million downloads less than a month after being launched by Australia's health leaders. Minister Hunt said the COVIDSafe app is playing a significant role in Australia's world-leading health response to the coronavirus pandemic, with several countries having expressed interest in learning from its positive impacts in Australia. Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert said the uptake of the COVIDSafe app and its use by state health officials, demonstrates the app is doing its job as part of Australia's health response to the coronavirus pandemic.
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QLD: Queensland novel coronavirus (COVID-19) update
24 MAY: Queensland has one confirmed case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to report, said the Queensland Department of Health. The case is from the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service. Some restrictions have been lifted in Queensland allowing more travel, more activities, and larger gatherings. Permitted activities include:
- Up to five people can visit from separate households for day visits
- Up to 10 people can gather for non-contact outdoor activities
- Travel up to 150km radius from your home (or 500km if in Outback Queensland) for recreational activities.
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VIC: Statement from the Victorian Premier
'The whole way through this pandemic, our advice to Victorians has remained the same: 'stay home',' said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. 'Now, as we begin to settle into a new normal, our message is 'stay safe'. That means maintaining your physical distance. Using common sense. And as we ease restrictions, each of us playing our part to keep one another safe. With the rate of community transmission remaining low, and the rate of testing remaining high, we're in a position to make a number of additional changes. As always with these things, there will be questions about why we can do this, but not that. Why one activity is okay, but another might not be.'
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WA: COVID-19 update - 24 May 2020
The WA Department of Health has again reported no new active cases of COVID-19, with the State's total remaining at 560 cases. There are two active cases in Western Australia, and no active cases in regional WA. To date, 549 people have recovered from the virus in WA and there are no confirmed COVID-19 patients in Perth hospitals. There have been 76,644 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those, 13,605 tests were carried out in regional WA.
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23 May
TAS: Next Steps in Tasmania's Testing
The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians is the Tasmanian State Government's number one priority as they continue to deal with COVID-19, said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney. They have now delivered almost 24,000 tests, but maintaining a strong COVID-19 testing response is going to be crucial as they look to cautiously remove restrictions into the future. This is why the Tasmanian State Government will be renewing their testing focus over the coming weeks, with more mobile testing sites and new cohort categories for targeted testing. There are mobile testing sites at George Town, Oatlands and Nubeena.
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22 May
Company issued $12,600 infringement notice for alleged COVID-19 advertising breach
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued an infringement notice to Melbourne based company NutriPATH Pty Ltd for the alleged unlawful advertising of a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test collection kit in breach of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act). The value of the infringement notice is $12,600. The advertisement that appeared on the company's website in April 2020 included a reference to COVID-19, which is a restricted representation under the Act. A restricted representation refers to a serious disease, condition or disorder. The use of restricted representations in advertisements for therapeutic products is unlawful without the express permission of the TGA.
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QLD: COVID-19 - Fri May 22: Public transport COVID-safe / no new cases again
COVID-safe public transport measures have been highlighted, as the Queensland public's co-operation with COVID-19 health directions continues to result in encouraging figures, with no new infections confirmed again and only three new cases in the past six days. There remain 12 active cases, 1040 recovered and six deaths for a total of 1058. The COVID-safe public transport plan outlines the measures in place to ensure the health and safety of customers and transport staff, said Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
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Aged Care
28 May
National survey shows home care dedicated to increasing support and reducing COVID-19 distress
A national study by Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), the voice of aged care, highlights the extensive work of home care providers in increasing support and combating COVID-19 distress among their clients, even as some postponed services. The survey shows that almost 90 per cent of providers have increased regular telephone contacts, 84 per cent have implemented special grocery shopping, 75 per cent have put in place video monitoring and social support, and 41 per cent are working digitally to connect friends and family.
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A wise move: Provisional registration to make retirement living code adoption easier
The Retirement Living Code of Conduct, an industry initiative supported by the Retirement Living Council (RLC) and Leading Aged Services Australia (LASA), has launched a new provisional registration stage, to support retirement communities that want to start the process of becoming Code compliant. Ben Myers, Executive Director of the Retirement Living Council, has expressed his enthusiasm for what this next step foreshadows for the future of the Code. 'This is a great step towards making the Code even more accessible and it will especially help to extend the benefits of the Code to residents in many smaller retirement communities,' he said.
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26 May
Calls for palliative care reform in post COVID-19 world
A new report has called for an overhaul of the palliative care system in Australia, calling for an additional annual investment of $365 million to bring the system up to speed in a post COVID-19 world. 'All Australians who need palliative care are simply not having access to services when they need to, particularly at home and in community settings. As we prepare for an ageing population and other unexpected stresses to our health care system, like COVID-19, we must look seriously at reforming our system to ensure it can meet people's needs into the future,' Palliative Care Australia Chair Professor Meera Agar said.
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25 May
Government invests $57 million to improve palliative care
The Australian Government is investing $57.2 million to improve palliative care in aged care facilities across Australia. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck says the funding will help reduce the physical and emotional distress for individuals who require palliative care and their families. Under the signed agreements, the Commonwealth has committed funding of more than $3.8 million to South Australia, $925,000 to the ACT, $5.7 million to Western Australia and $396,000 to the NT. In principal agreements are in place for remaining States including Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland which have all indicated they will commit funding.
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Palliative care workers stand by patients at critical time
During National Palliative Care Week 2020, the Australia Medial Association (AMA) recognises and thanks healthcare workers around Australia - and the world - who are supporting patients at their end of life, and their families. AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said that palliative care is about ensuring that physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of a patient with a life-limiting illness are met, while helping patients to live as well as possible. 'Palliative care workers are there, caring for patients with respect and compassion, and doing their best to support families,' Dr Bartone said.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
None this edition.
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Allied Health
None this edition.
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Children's Health
None this edition.
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Clinical Governance
27 May
VIC: Managing Support and Safety Hubs
Family violence causes lasting physical and psychological harm and can lead to death, said the Victorian Auditor-General's Office (VAGO). In 2016, the Royal Commission into Family Violence found that people affected by family violence were not getting the services and support they needed. It recommended that the Government establish 17 support and safety hubs (hubs) in communities throughout Victoria to make it easier for people to find the help they need. The government committed $448.1 million to open the hubs by 2021. Family Safety Victoria (FSV), overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is coordinating the delivery of the hubs-now branded as The Orange Door. FSV opened the first five hubs in 2018, and plans to open the remaining 12 by the end of 2022.
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26 May
Health impacts of bushfires a warning sign for climate change inaction
New data on the health impacts resulting from the 2019/20 bushfire season has sounded a clear alarm for the Government to take real action and add climate change as a National Health Priority Area, said Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Mark Butler. Evidence provided at the hearing of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements (the Bushfires Royal Commission) has calculated 445 lives were tragically lost prematurely due to smoke from the latest bushfire season, said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Murray Watt.
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24 May
World-leading COVIDSafe app working and delivering
The Government's COVIDSafe app has reached six million downloads less than a month after being launched by Australia's health leaders. Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the COVIDSafe app is playing a significant role in Australia's world-leading health response to the coronavirus pandemic, with several countries having expressed interest in learning from its positive impacts in Australia. Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert said the uptake of the COVIDSafe app and its use by state health officials, demonstrates the app is doing its job as part of Australia's health response to the coronavirus pandemic.
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22 May
Australian first as WA breast screening results uploaded to My Health Record
BreastScreen WA has become the first breast screening service in Australia to connect to My Health Record. WA women, who have consented, will have their mammogram results uploaded to their My Health Record as soon as their test is assessed by two consultant radiologists, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. They can also choose to receive either an SMS or a letter. Regular breast screenings save lives but waiting for the results of the procedure can be challenging said Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
None this edition.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
27 May
Enactment of Victorian Gender Equality Act 2020
Providers should understand and prepare to meet their obligations under the recently enacted Gender Equality Act 2020, said the National Disabilities Services (NDS). After extensive public and stakeholder consultation, the Gender Equality Bill was passed on 25 February 2020 with the aim to improve workplace gender equality across the Victorian public sector, universities and local councils. The Act now applies to certain organisations that have 50 or more employees. Key reforms include the following requirements:
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26 May
Independent Review into Matters Related to the Death of Ann Marie Smith
The death of NDIS participant, Ann Marie Smith, in South Australia is absolutely shocking and the circumstances that led to her death must never be allowed to happen again, said Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert. As is appropriate, the circumstances of Ms Smith's death are being investigated by the independent bodies established to do just that. These independent bodies include the South Australia Police, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) and the South Australian Coroner.
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New online initiative to support people with intellectual disabilities in the criminal justice system
RMIT's Centre for Innovative Justice (CIJ) has created a critical new online resource designed to help people with cognitive impairment and intellectual disabilities receive fairer treatment in Victoria's criminal justice system. Supportingjustice.net was launched virtually by Victorian Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Luke Donnellan, and CIJ Director Rob Hulls on Tuesday 26 May. This critical new resource has been designed with input from people with disability and lived experience of the criminal justice system to help transform the way people with disability are treated in the court system.
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Broader probe must look at both in-home disability deaths
The devil will be in the detail but Labor broadly welcomes that the Government has heeded its calls for an independent investigation into the death of Ann-Marie Smith, said Shadow Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten. This inquiry should be truly independent, Minister Stuart Robert must guarantee the full findings will be released to the public, and it must be broadened to also look at what went wrong in the case of David Harris, an NDIS participant who was found dead in his house more than two months after his supports had been cut off.
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25 May
Minister missing as disability scandal deepens
The Government must launch an independent inquiry into deaths-by-neglect in the National Disability Insurance Scheme before more Australians with disability are left to die in their homes. New revelations in the tragic death of Ann-Marie Smith make clear the vast inadequacy of National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Stuart Robert's response so far to the deaths by neglect of NDIS participants. It has emerged that Ms Smith's carer had previously been banned by a State Government agency before being hired by Ms Smith's service provider Integrity Care, said Shadow Minister Shorten.
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22 May
Another NDIS death by neglect reveals national problem it's time for an independent inquiry
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a vital national service but after seven years of Government rule it has been slashed and mismanaged to such an extent that people are now dying of neglect in their homes, said Shadow Minister Shorten. David Harris was dead in his Parramatta unit for two months before his body was discovered by police. After he was found by authorities his grieving sister, based interstate, learned David's NDIS funding had been cut off because he missed an annual review meeting.
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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
26 May
Patients feeling better with Telehealth
The introduction of the expanded Telehealth Medicare benefit has drawn strong support from respondents to an Australia's Health Panel survey, an initiative of the Consumers Health Forum (CHF). The Telehealth services survey found that more than 80 per cent of those who were offered telehealth services used it. Of these a similar proportion viewed the service as excellent or good quality. 'This response gives us any early indication of the value of telehealth particularly at a time of health anxiety as we are experiencing at present with COVID-19,' the CEO of Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells, said.
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22 May
Australian first as WA breast screening results uploaded to My Health Record
BreastScreen WA has become the first breast screening service in Australia to connect to My Health Record. WA women, who have consented, will have their mammogram results uploaded to their My Health Record as soon as their test is assessed by two consultant radiologists, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. They can also choose to receive either an SMS or a letter. Regular breast screenings save lives but waiting for the results of the procedure can be challenging said Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino.
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Education and Training
28 May
AMSA Welcomed Funding for Medical Student Mental Health
Medical students have congratulated the Federal Government's decision this week to fund Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia to upskill medical students to provide support to peers. Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) President, Daniel Zou, said that the MHFA training support is a timely resource for medical students facing the mental health impacts of COVID-19. 'We know that students have been under significant duress during this period of time,' Mr Zou said. 'This program helps students to support themselves, their peers, and broader community members where appropriate.
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27 May
Mental health first aid training for medical students
Medical students across Australia will soon receive basic mental health first aid training to ensure they can recognise and respond to the extra stresses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The Government will provide $690,000 to the Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand to support mental health first aid training for all medical students. The Government recognises that many Australians are experiencing anxiety, loneliness, and financial and family stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures needed to contain it.
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Funding
29 May
$2 million investment to extend Reclink National Program
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that the Australian Government is investing $2 million to extend the Reclink National Program to deliver sport and recreation activities to people who may miss out on the health benefits of regular physical activity. Reclink will receive $2 million to continue providing structured team-based and individual sport and recreation activities for people who may experience:
- A high degree of socioeconomic disadvantage.
- High levels of youth unemployment.
- High levels of domestic and community violence.
- Low sport and recreation participation rates.
This funding will also help Reclink work on new ways to deliver their activities because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Download
28 May
Developmental language disorder-unexplained, surprisingly common
'Developmental Language Disorder is a surprisingly common condition unexplained by known biomedical factors', said Speech and Language Development Australia Board Chair Peter Seldon. Mr Seldon was commenting on Developmental Language Disorder-a disability, education and health challenge, an Evidence Brief published by the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association's Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research. 'Access to services funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is problematic because DLD has no known biomedical causes-so decisions about eligibility can be inconsistent depending on the jurisdiction, the time in a child's life when a claim is lodged, and who is doing the assessing,' said Mr Seldon.
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Health Professionals
None this edition.
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Hospitals
WA: Hospitals ramping up elective surgery
Elective surgery in Western Australian hospitals will increase to 75 per cent of normal activity on Tuesday, June 2, with the full resumption of elective surgery activity expected on Monday, June 15, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook. The State Government put a hold on all but the most urgent surgeries on March 23 to enable hospitals to prepare for a possible surge in COVID-19 patients. The decision to increase elective surgery activity to 75 per cent, with a view to returning to normal activity levels on June 15, has been made possible due to the success of WA's public health measures and acquisition of significant stocks of personal protective equipment.
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26 May
TAS: New arrivals in K-Block
The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians is the Tasmanian State Government's number one priority as they continue to deal with COVID-19, said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney. K-Block will welcome more women's and children's services into the new state-of-art health facility. They want all of their patients to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible at their hospitals and health services, and this is especially so for women and families accessing maternity and birthing services. 13 special care nursery bays will open in the Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on Level 8 East (K8E).
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22 May
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on restoration of elective surgery and hospital activity
The objective is to increase the availability of elective surgery and hospital activity in a safe and equitable way on a nationally consistent basis, said the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). Elective surgery to become available while ensuring surge capacity in the hospital system is maintained to respond to any localised COVID-19 outbreaks that occur. A large proportion of elective surgery and procedures have been deferred to ensure adequate hospital capacity to respond to COVID-19. Analysis of available data confirms there has been a substantial drop in hospital activity, across both public and private sectors in response to National Cabinet's decisions.
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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
28 May
Millennial mental health toll spikes during COVID
There has been a spike in severe psychological distress in young Australian adults under 35, according to new analysis from The Australian National University (ANU). The study - which tracked 3,155 Australians - is the first-of-its-kind to compare mental health data before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Young Australians aged 18 to 24 and those aged 25 to 34 are significantly worse off in terms of mental health than those who are older,' Associate Professor Ben Edwards, from the ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods, said.
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VIC: Young people at the table to discuss mental health
Victorian Minister for Youth Ros Spence will meet with young Victorian leaders to talk about the unprecedented mental health challenges facing young people during the coronavirus pandemic. Young people, together with experts from Orygen, Beyond Blue, headspace and Switchboard will discuss the impacts of coronavirus and how Victoria can work to improve mental health outcomes for young people in the immediate and long term. Young people have been disproportionately affected by coronavirus, with loss of employment, increased financial and housing insecurity and social isolation.
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27 May
Mental health first aid training for medical students
Medical students across Australia will soon receive basic mental health first aid training to ensure they can recognise and respond to the extra stresses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The Government will provide $690,000 to the Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand to support mental health first aid training for all medical students. The Government recognises that many Australians are experiencing anxiety, loneliness, and financial and family stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures needed to contain it.
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VIC: More time to design a better mental health system for Victoria
The Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System has been granted a three-month extension on the delivery of its final report due to the impacts of coronavirus, ensuring the Commission has the time it needs to engage with Victorians. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley announced the Royal Commission's final report will now be delivered in early February 2021. With a number of public hearings and community meetings cancelled due to coronavirus, the extension was granted after a request from the Royal Commission.
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VIC: Royal Commission starts publishing 2020 witness statements
The Victorian Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System started to publish witness statements online, marking its next important milestone. Commission Chair, Penny Armytage, said the witness statements are one example of how the Commission is continuing to gather evidence to inform the design of a responsive and contemporary mental health system. 'While the Royal Commission has cancelled its second and final round of public hearings due to coronavirus, we have continued to collect witness statements from consumers, families and carers, and a range of other individuals who were due to give evidence at the hearings,' Ms Armytage said.
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25 May
Additional $20 million for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Research
The Government is providing more than $20 million additional funding for research to improve mental health care and reduce suicide rates in Australia, said Minister Hunt. Mental health and suicide prevention remains one of the Government's highest priorities. Almost half of Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetimes and battling COVID-19 it's more important than ever that Australia prioritises mental health. The disruption to normal life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the required restrictions has had profound impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of many Australians.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals
28 May
Allpulse Technologies fined $50,400 for alleged advertising breaches
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued four infringement notices totalling $50,400 to Brisbane based company Allpulse Technologies Pty Ltd. the company allegedly advertised on its website a medicine containing hydrogen peroxide for internal therapeutic use that was not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Unless a specific exemption, approval or authority applies, therapeutic goods must be entered in the ARTG before they can be lawfully supplied or advertised in Australia.
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Warning about advertising that conflicts with stay at home when sick advice
The TGA is reminding advertisers that therapeutic goods advertising must not undermine public health campaigns, as the cold and flu season begins in Australia and COVID-19 restrictions are eased. Advertising to consumers for therapeutic goods must comply with all applicable requirements in the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act). This includes the requirement to comply with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (the Code). The Code prohibits advertising that is inconsistent with government public health campaigns, so that important public health messages are not undermined.
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Flu vaccination: community pharmacies were there for patients
Community pharmacies have vaccinated record numbers of patients against influenza this season, providing a significant boost to public health at a vital time. Flu vaccine supplies which were pre-ordered long before COVID-19 was a known threat, struggled to meet the sharp increase in demand, leading to many community pharmacies running out of stock and having to waitlist patients. The National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, George Tambassis, said: 'The fact is, it was community pharmacists and their staff who continued to turn up and keep their doors open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, serving patients face-to-face and providing influenza vaccination.
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27 May
Record flu vaccines in 2020 to protect Australians
An additional two million flu vaccines will be available, bringing the total number available in 2020 to a record 18 million, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. This is up from 13.2 million flu vaccines in 2019, 11 million in 2018 and almost 10 million more than the 8.3 million flu vaccines provided in 2017. Vaccinating against the flu saves and protects lives and is particularly important this year due to COVID-19. Whilst flu vaccination does not prevent against COVID-19, a flu vaccination is critical to protecting the general health of Australians from influenza.
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Super Slim Green Lean Body capsules pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tested a product labelled Super Slim Green Lean Body capsules and found that and found that the capsules contain the undeclared substance sibutramine. Consumers are advised that sibutramine is a prescription-only medicine (which was the active ingredient in Reductil). Sibutramine was withdrawn from the Australian market in October 2010 after a study showed an increased risk of major cardiac events. The supply of Super Slim Green Lean Body capsules containing undisclosed sibutramine is illegal.
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COVID-19 test kits included in the ARTG for legal supply in Australia
The TGA has approved the following tests for inclusion in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Only the approved Sponsor (i.e. importer) listed in the table below, or a person acting on their behalf (ie, the person has a distribution arrangement with the sponsor), can supply the device.
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Receipt of licence application from Biocelect Pty Ltd for the commercial supply of a genetically modified cholera vaccine, Vaxchora®
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application from Biocelect Pty Ltd (Biocelect) for import, transport, storage and disposal of a genetically modified (GM) cholera vaccine, Vaxchora®. The use of Vaxchora® as a human vaccine will be assessed separately by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Biocelect propose to distribute the vaccine to medical facilities, such as travel clinics, pharmacies and general practitioner surgeries throughout Australia, where it would be available under prescription for travellers, subject to approval and conditions imposed by the TGA.
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NPS MedicineWise and CHF partnership reinforces the primacy of consumers in healthcare
A new working together agreement between the Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) and NPS MedicineWise has been launched setting out how they will partner and build on their collaboration over the past 20 years to ensure consumers are at the centre of quality use of medicines and better health decision-making. 'Consumers are at the centre of the health system, and the decisions they make and actions they take are a vital component of ensuring that society achieves good health outcomes, better care experiences and safe and high-quality health care,' says Ms Leanne Wells, CEO of CHF.
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25 May
Public submissions on scheduling matters
This Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) document contains public submissions made in response to:
- the delegates' proposed amendments to the Poisons Standard published on 29 August 2019 and 19 September 2019 and received before the first closing date under regulation 42ZCZK of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990 (the Regulations); and
- the delegates' interim decisions and invitation to comment published on 6 February 2020 and received before the second closing date under regulation 42ZCKP of the Regulations.
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22 May
Advisory Committee on Vaccines
The ACV provides independent medical and scientific advice to the Minister for Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on issues relating to the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines supplied in Australia including issues relating to pre-market assessment, post-market monitoring and safe use in national immunisation programs. The Committee is established under Regulation 39F of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990 and the members are appointed by the Minister for Health. The ACV was established in January 2017, following consolidation of previous functions of the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Vaccines (ACSOV) and the pre-market functions for vaccines of the Advisory Committee on Prescription Medicines (ACPM).
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Research
27 May
New mortality statistics and other information to measure COVID-19 impacts
Commencing in the second half of June, the ABS will release monthly mortality statistics to provide more timely information about mortality patterns. The first release in June will include deaths occurring from January to March 2020. The monthly mortality information will include:
- the total provisional number of deaths as certified by doctors;
- deaths by key causes for all deaths certified by doctors. These data will be compared to baseline measures derived from historic data; and
- COVID-19 deaths in Australia, including basic demographic information and the presence of other health conditions.
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COVID-19: Local 3D-printed nasal swabs may solve supply chain problems
A Melbourne company has designed and 3D-printed nasal swabs which have been shown to be the equal of two commercially available swabs when recovering SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, according to the authors of research published by the Medical Journal of Australia. 'Rapid upscaling of laboratory testing for SARS-CoV-2 has led to an acute global shortage of nasal swabs,' wrote the authors from the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne Health, the University of Melbourne, the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Austin Health, 3DMEDitech and the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory.
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25 May
WA: $2.9m to boost local researchers' quest for COVID-19 answers
Twelve Western Australian research projects have been boosted with funding from the Government. $1.9 million in research grants has been awarded to support COVID-related research projects. Another $1 million has been provided for infrastructure support which will cover costs of consumables, staffing and site set-up for local COVID-19 research The funding for the 12 research projects will go towards treatments, studies of at-risk groups, development of less invasive tests, study of mental health impacts and tests that will more accurately inform us about immunity of COVID-19, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
28 May
A creative focus on mental health in rural Australia - through song!
The National Rural Health Alliance and singer-songwriter Josh Arnold are proud to launch 'Build 'em up!', a song written in collaboration with Friends of the Alliance and people in rural and remote communities across Australia. Josh and the Alliance asked people from across Australia to contribute lyrics and ideas focusing on the resilience and fighting Aussie spirit of people who live in the country. The song is dedicated to those doing in tough in rural Australia. National Rural Health Alliance CEO Dr Gabrielle O'Kane said that it was great to work with Josh and thanked everyone who contributed lyrics or ideas.
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Affordable and nourishing food for rural and remote communities
The National Rural Health Alliance, the peak body for rural health in Australia, will hold a free virtual conversation on food security in rural and remote communities on Monday 29 June at 12 noon, which is now open for registration. The virtual conversation, 'Affordable and nourishing food for rural and remote communities during COVID-19 and beyond', will feature Professor Danielle Gallegos, Chair, Woolworths Centre for Child Nutrition Research, Ms Ronni Kahn, CEO and Founder of OzHarvest, Dr Josie Douglas, Policy Manager, Central Land Council and Ms Khia de Silva, Dietitian, Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation. National Rural Health Alliance CEO Dr Gabrielle O'Kane, who will facilitate the virtual discussion, said that access to affordable and nutritious food was vital for rural communities.
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QLD: Major funding boost for First Nations COVID-19 response
The Government has made more than $21 million available to support the health and wellbeing of First Nations Queenslanders and communities during COVID-19. Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the measures aim to combat the spread of COVID-19 amongst First Nations Queenslanders to ensure the coronavirus does not adversely impact their communities or amplify existing health inequalities. 'From the moment the virus appeared in Australia we have been working to prevent outbreaks in Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities where we know it would have a devastating impact,' said Mr Miles.
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27 May
WA: Remote Aboriginal community digitally connected to metro medical experts
For the first time, patients in Bidyadanga - Western Australia's largest remote Aboriginal community - have access to medical specialists in the metropolitan area at the touch of a button thanks to a partnership between the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) and the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS), said WA Deputy Premier Roger Cook. The partnership, which involves a 12-month trial of connection of the KAMS-run Bidyadanga Health Clinic to the WACHS Command Centre, has already seen specialist emergency care accessed 28 times in the first five months, said WA Treasurer Ben Wyatt.
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26 May
Remote travel restrictions lifted in the Northern Territory
Travel restrictions across remote communities in the Northern Territory will be lifted from Friday, 5 June 2020. The Government has taken this action in response to a request by the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Michael Gunner, to withdraw from the Emergency Determination under the Biosecurity Act 2015. Minister for Heath Greg Hunt said that ensuring the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander is a Government priority and remains a focus of the COVID-19 National Emergency Response Plan and the Management Plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations. Senator for the Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon has welcomed the lifting of regional travel restrictions in the Northern Territory.
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Patients feeling better with Telehealth
The introduction of the expanded Telehealth Medicare benefit has drawn strong support from respondents to an Australia's Health Panel survey, an initiative of the Consumers Health Forum (CHF). The Telehealth services survey found that more than 80 per cent of those who were offered telehealth services used it. Of these a similar proportion viewed the service as excellent or good quality. 'This response gives us any early indication of the value of telehealth particularly at a time of health anxiety as we are experiencing at present with COVID-19,' the CEO of Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells, said.
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22 May
Australian first as WA breast screening results uploaded to My Health Record
BreastScreen WA has become the first breast screening service in Australia to connect to My Health Record. WA women, who have consented, will have their mammogram results uploaded to their My Health Record as soon as their test is assessed by two consultant radiologists, said Minister Hunt. They can also choose to receive either an SMS or a letter. Regular breast screenings save lives but waiting for the results of the procedure can be challenging said Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino.
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Women's Health
28 May
Funding boost for endometriosis research
The Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that the Government is continuing its strong support for women and girls with endometriosis, investing more than $9.5 million in five innovative research projects. The projects will lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis and a better understanding of its causes. They include creating an evidence base for clinical care, comparing treatment options to improve quality of life, and identifying early risk factors for endometriosis. Funding will go to five leading research institutions: Deakin University, Monash University, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The University of Melbourne and The University of Queensland.
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QLD: Commonwealth funding boost to address domestic and family violence during COVID-19
The Queensland Government has welcomed $5 million in Commonwealth funding to help address domestic and family violence (DFV) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Queensland Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said the funding would assist the Palaszczuk Government provide even more support to the most vulnerable in our community. 'The new National Partnership on COVID-19 Domestic and Family Violence Response delivers up to $130 million to the states and territories from the Commonwealth to boost domestic and family violence assistance during COVID-19,' Ms Farmer said.
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27 May
VIC: Equality Starts Locally - New Partnership Between the VLGA & GenVic
Gender Equity Victoria (GenVic) and the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) launch their partnership for gender equity, with a webinar featuring world leading Gender & Disaster experts from across the globe providing advice to local prevention partnerships across Victoria. COVID-19 is resulting in poor economic, health and social consequences for Australian women, including a higher jobless rate and lower mental health and wellbeing in lockdown. That's why GenVic and VLGA have signed onto a Gender Equity & COVID-19 Joint Statement, with another 88 organisations calling for the road to recovery to be gender equal.
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26 May
TAS: New arrivals in K-Block
The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians is the State Government's number one priority as Australia continues to deal with COVID-19. K-Block will welcome more women's and children's services into the new state-of-art health facility. 'We want all of our patients to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible at hospitals and health services, and this is especially so for women and families accessing maternity and birthing services,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney. 13 special care nursery bays will open in the Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on Level 8 East (K8E).
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25 May
NT: Investing in Health: New Mammography Machine for Palmerston
Palmerston BreastscreenNT reopens with a new $200,000 digital radiography mammography x-ray machine. The machine, which provides life-saving early detection for breast cancer, is located at BreastscreenNT which forms part of the Palmerston Health Precinct, said NT Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles. BreastscreenNT provides a free breast screening service for women who don't have any signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Each year, around 6,200 women are screened for free across the Northern Territory, with approximately 1,200 of them at the Palmerston clinic.
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Transcripts
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
28 MAY: Transcript of Press Conference, Canberra
Subjects: Funding, Endometriosis research, Public health, COVID-19, National Cabinet, Industrial relations, Job Keeper package, Dental National Partnership Agreement, Private hospitals
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert
27 MAY: Transcript of Interview with Leon Byner, FiveAA Adelaide
Subjects: Investigation into the death of Ann Marie Smith, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, Aged care providers
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert
27 MAY: Transcript of Interview with David Bevan, ABC Radio Adelaide
Subjects: Investigation into death of Ann Marie Smith, NDIA Quality and Safeguards Commission, Disability Reform Council
Department of Health, Deputy Chief Medical Officer
27 MAY: Transcript of Interview by Deputy CMO, Professor Michael Kidd with Allison Langdon & Karl Stefanovic, Channel 9 Today
Subjects: COVID-19, Schools, WA infections, Ruby Princess
Department of Health, Deputy Chief Medical Officer
27 MAY: Transcript of Interview by Deputy CMO, Professor Michael Kidd with Allison Langdon & Karl Stefanovic, Channel 9 Today
Subjects: COVID-19, Schools, Health restrictions, Outbreaks, Testing
Shadow Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten
27 MAY: Transcript of Interview with Jules Schiller, ABC Radio Adelaide
Subjects: Deaths of Ann-Marie Smith & David Harris, NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission, Structural accountability, Disability advocate funding
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
26 MAY: Transcript of Address to the National Press Club, Canberra
Subjects: Coronavirus, Government response, JobSeeker & JobKeeper, Australian economy, National Cabinet's three-step plan, JobMaker
Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins
26 MAY: Transcript of Interview Marcus Paul, 2SM In The Morning
Subjects: Senate Select Committee into COVID-19, Newmarch House outbreak, Health, Hospitals, NSW State Govt, Aged care
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Catherine King and Shadow Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten
26 MAY: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne Airport
Subjects: Coronavirus, COVID-19, JobKeeper program, Dnata, Airline employees, Unemployment rates, Regional Australia, Belt and Road Initiative
Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar
25 MAY: Transcript of Interview with Rafael Epstein, ABC 774 Drive
Subjects: COVID-19, JobKeeper & JobSeeker wage subsidy program, Treasury, Health outcomes, Large businesses, Economy, Employment
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
25 MAY: Transcript of Press Conference, Canberra
Subjects: Mental health research funding, COVID-19 update, Suicide prevention, State borders, COVIDSafe app, ICU capacity, Sporting matches, Re-opening of universities, COVID-19 Origin
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
25 MAY: Transcript of Interview with Natalie Barr, Channel 7, Sunrise
Subjects: Coronavirus, Flattening the curve
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
25 MAY: Transcript of Interview with Allison Langdon & Karl Stefanovic, Channel 9 Today
Subjects: Coronavirus, Number of cases, Schools reopening, Vaccine, AFL
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
25 MAY: Transcript of Deputy CMO Ruth Vine's Interview with Zoe Daniel, Radio National Drive
Subjects: COVID-19, Mental health, Medication, Predicted suicides increase, Genomic testing
Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan
22 MAY: Transcript of Press Conference
Subjects: COVID-19, Easing restrictions, Mental health, Unemployment, AHPPC
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Reports
Research Paper Series, 2019-20 - Australian and international case reporting and select resources on COVID-19: a quick guide
Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS), Parliamentary Library
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a quickly evolving situation that has seen a huge amount of information become rapidly available. This quick guide provides annotated links to a select number of national and international reports on COVID-19 that are regularly updated, with a primary focus on case reporting for Australia and the twenty countries with the highest number of COVID-19 cases as at the end of May 2020.
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Setting the Scene Partnership planning for the COVID-19 pandemic recovery
Government of Western Australia
Return Western Australia to a proper level of functioning following the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside opportunities for enhancement where they lead to increased resilience, efficiencies and effectiveness.
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Hospital revocations and second-tier updates
Private Health Insurance Circular
The included private hospitals have had their declaration revoked under Section 121-5 of the Private Health Insurance Act 2007.
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How can technology help prevent a second wave of COVID-19
Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic & Social Research
The government enforced lockdown since mid-
March 2020 and the practise of social distancing has been very effective in helping reduce and manage the number of new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Australia. In May, the number of new daily cases have been maintained at about a dozen on average.1 The Federal and State Governments introduced a three-step plan for easing restrictions from early May, by slowly opening up schools, allowing larger social gatherings and permitting some recreational activities to resume.
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Guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak
Department of Health
This document was developed by the Infection Control Expert Group (ICEG) and endorsed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) to provide guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospital settings during the COVID-19 outbreak. These recommendations are based on current evidence, the current status of COVID-19 in Australia, risk assessment and expert advice. This guidance is intended for health care workers in hospital settings including emergency department (ED), intensive care unit (ICU), operating suite, surgery, general medical and surgical wards and obstetrics.
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Infection Control Expert Group - Use of Face Masks & Respirators in the Context of COVID-19
Department of Health
Like most respiratory viruses, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is principally spread by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes, and/or by contact via hands with a surface contaminated by virus-containing respiratory droplets, before touching the eyes, nose or mouth. A mask can be used by a person with a respiratory viral infection, including COVID-19, to protect others, by decreasing the spread of droplets. Masks (or, in selected circumstances, respirators) and eye protection are used by health care workers (and some other occupational groups) to protect themselves, when it is impracticable or inappropriate to maintain physical distancing from a person with a respiratory infection, including COVID-19.
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2019 My Aged Care Screening & Assessment Workforce Training Strategy
Department of Health
My Aged Care is the main entry point to the aged care system in Australia. My Aged Care aims to make it easier for older people, their families, and carers to access information on ageing and aged care, have their needs assessed and be supported to find and access services. The My Aged Care Screening and Assessment Workforce Training Strategy outlines the operational and minimum training requirements; as well as the training responsibilities for the My Aged Care Screening and Assessment Workforce, the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and the Department of Health.
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Information for health workers in Emergency Departments - Supporting people with intellectual or developmental disability during COVID-19 pandemic
Department of Health
Some people with intellectual or developmental disability may:
- be at higher risk of acquiring COVID-19 and of serious illness due to COVID-19
- be more likely to present late or with atypical symptoms, and their condition may deteriorate rapidly.
Listen to and involve the person and their family, carers and disability workers in assessments and decision-making as much as possible. The person may need a family member or carer present throughout their time in the ED.
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Information for primary health care staff - Supporting people with intellectual or developmental disability during COVID-19 pandemic
Department of Health
Primary health care services provide critical services to people with intellectual or developmental disability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this includes routine health care and health care related to COVID-19.
A person's regular GP and primary health care services are likely to:
- have extensive pre-existing knowledge about the person;
- be familiar with their support setting and their health vulnerabilities;
- be critical in coordinating the person's health care during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
- have a key role in transmitting the person's health information to others
involved in COVID-19 prevention, testing and treatment if necessary.
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Information for health workers - Supporting people with intellectual or developmental disability during COVID-19 pandemic
Department of Health
People with intellectual or developmental disability:
- are highly vulnerable groups and often have complex comorbidities and pre-existing health conditions;
- can experience difficulties accessing appropriate health care, and some conditions may be undiagnosed or undermanaged;
- and those around them may have an increased risk of infection and transmission due to comprehension, communication and behavioural issues; and
- have high rates of mental health and behavioural issues. These may be exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic because of extra stress around changes in routine, supports and community access.
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Restrictive Practices Issues Paper
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation of People with Disability
Restrictive practices are a key area of inquiry for the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (the Royal Commission). The purpose of this paper is to invite information and discussion from the public on the use of restrictive practices on people with disability. They understand that 'restrictive practice' is a term used in Australia to refer to any action, approach or intervention that has the effect of limiting the rights or freedom of movement of a person. Restrictive practices can be used across Australia, as a last resort, to prevent or protect people from harm.
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National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, 2018-19
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
More than four in 10 (46%) people had at least one chronic condition that posed a significant health problem in 2018-19, up from 40% in 2012-13. The proportion of people with asthma in remote areas (9%) was around half the proportion for people living in non-remote areas (17%). More than one in 10 people aged two years and over reported having anxiety (17%) or depression (13%). More than four in 10 (45%) people aged 15 years and over rated their own health as excellent or very good in 2018-19, up from 39% in 2012-13.
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Bulletin 149 - Disability support services: services provided under the National Disability Agreement 2018-19 - Report
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is expected to largely replace the disability services currently provided by states and territories to people with disability under the National Disability Agreement (NDA). This bulletin details the state, territory and Australian Government services used by people receiving support under the NDA in 2018-19-the last year for which data were collected under the Disability Services National Minimum Data Set. The Australian Capital Territory transitioned to the NDIS in 2016-17, and New South Wales in 2017-18. South Australia did not collect DS NMDS data in 2018-19 as most clients had transitioned to the NDIS.
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Submission to Senate Finance & Public Administration Committee - Lessons to be learned in relation to the Australian bushfire season 2019-20 - May 2020
Royal Australian College Of General Practitioners (RACGP)
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee Inquiry: Lessons to be learned in relation to the Australian bushfire season 2019-20. The RACGP is Australia's largest general practice organisation, representing more than 40,000 members working in or towards a career as a specialist general practitioner (GP). GPs are the frontline of Australia's healthcare system. Nine out of ten people visit their GP every year and GPs provide more than 2 million consultations to Australians each week.
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Bourke Street mall incident: Blood supply recommendations
Medical Journal of Australia.
The Bourke Street Mall mass casualty event highlighted the challenges involved in supplying blood and blood components, leading to a series of recommendations from the Victorian Blood User Group aimed at assisting plans for future incidents. 'Haemorrhage is a leading cause of mortality in mass casualty events (MCEs), accounting for almost 50% of deaths in the first 24 hours, and transfusion emergency preparedness is increasingly recognised as a critical element of an integrated approach to MCEs, with timely availability and appropriate delivery of blood components being an essential part of management,' wrote Dr Linda Saravanan, a haematologist with Melbourne Pathology, and Dr Amanda Ormerod, a clinical haematologist with Latrobe Regional Hospital and Dorevitch Pathology.
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Increase in food allergy-related presentations of children to Victorian hospitals
Medical Journal of Australia
The demand for emergency services associated with food allergy-related problems in Victorian children increased during 2005-15, but the reasons for the increase are unclear. Researchers from the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute analysed Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset (VEMD) data for the period 2005-06 to 2014-15. The VEMD is a statewide administrative dataset that includes non-identifiable patient-level data for all Victorian public emergency department encounters. They included all food allergy-related presentations by children and young people aged 0-19 years.
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Emergence of Candida auris in Australia brings need for screening in healthcare facilities
Medical Journal of Australia
Two cases of Candida auris, an emerging, drug-resistant yeast, responsible for hospital outbreaks internationally, were found in one Melbourne hospital ward in 2018, and may be the first instance of transmission of C auris in Australia. Associate Professor Leon Worth, an infectious diseases physician at The Royal Melbourne Hospital's Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance Coordinating Centre at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, and the National Centre for Infections in Cancer and colleagues wrote that C auris was first recognised as a new species of Candida in 2009. Cases have been reported in over 30 countries, including the UK and United Arab Emirates.
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Live-streamed ward rounds a COVID-19 innovation
Medical Journal of Australia
Live-streamed ward rounds have been developed by the University of Newcastle as an alternative to face-to- face ward rounds for medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic when clinical access to hospitals has been limited. An article cowritten by Professor Craig Pennell, Chair in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Professor in Maternal Fetal Medicine at the University of Newcastle and John Hunter Hospital, and colleagues stated: 'Telehealth is now a common field, implemented and researched in most disciplines, especially to provide access to care in rural and remote areas.'
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Investing to save: The economics of increased investment in palliative care in Australia
Palliative Care Australia and KPMG
There is a clear need to improve the way Australia cares for people nearing the end-of-life, both for the elderly and those with a terminal illness. The majority of Australians die in hospital when most would prefer to spend more time at home. Talking about death can be difficult and seen as something to avoid. Government funded palliative care services are predominantly delivered over the last days and hours of life. Despite considerable reform over the past 30 years, palliative care has remained an optional extra rather than 'core business' within the health and aged care systems, which defaults to extending life, rather than improving the quality of the time left.
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Hansards
ACT
21 MAY 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Canberra Hospital - Infrastructure
21 MAY 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders - Mental Health
21 MAY 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - ACT Health - SPIRE Project
21 MAY 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statement - COVID-19 Pandemic Response - Update
Western Australia
27 MAY 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Al Kuwait
27 MAY 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Matter of Public Interest - Coronavirus - Al Kuwait
27 MAY 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions on Notice - Health - Paediatricians - Perth And South West
27 MAY 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Statement by Minister for Health - Palliative Care
27 MAY 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Statement by Premier - Coronavirus - Recovery Plan
27 MAY 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Detect Program
27 MAY 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Testing Regime
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code - Schedule 20 - Maximum residue limits Variation Instrument No. APVMA 4, 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00619
Subsection 82(1) of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 provides that the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) may vary the Maximum Residue Limits Standard to include or change a permitted maximum residue limit. The Maximum Residue Limits Standard in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Food Standards Code) is Schedule 20 - Maximum Residue Limits. Schedule 20 is the Principal Instrument being amended by this Amendment Instrument. It has existed in various forms since before the Food Standards Code was first published in 1997.
Explanatory Statement
Poisons Standard June 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00617
The purpose of this instrument is to make a new Poisons Standard, the Poisons Standard June 2020, in substitution for the previous Poisons Standard, the Poisons Standard February 2020 (which commenced on 1 February 2020, and which is repealed and replaced by this new Poisons Standard). The Poisons Standard June 2020 incorporates a number of changes compared to the Poisons Standard February 2020. These amendments principally involve changes to existing entries, and the inclusion of a number of specified substances in the Poisons Standard for the first time.
Explanatory Statement
Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Subsidies-COVID-19 Support) Instrument 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00615
The Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Subsidies-COVID-19 Support) Instrument 2020 (the Amending Instrument) amends the Aged Care (Subsidy, Fees and Payments) Determination 2014; the Aged Care (Transitional Provisions) Principles 2014; the Aged Care (Transitional Provisions) (Subsidy and Other Measures) Determination 2014; and the Subsidy Principles 2014 (the Subsidy Principles). The Act and the TP Act provide that an amount of residential care subsidy may include the amount of any relevant ' other supplements' (section 44-2 of the Act).
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Quality Assurance Activity - RANZCP - Peer Review Groups) Declaration 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00609
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Quality Assurance Activity - RANZCP - Peer Review Groups) Declaration 2020 (the Declaration) is to declare the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) - Peer Review Groups (PRGs) activity to be a quality assurance activity to which Part VC of the Act applies. The activity will be engaged in by the RANZCP, which is the organisation responsible for training, educating and representing psychiatrists in Australia and New Zealand. The quality assurance activity described in this declaration applies only to health services provided in Australia.
Explanatory Statement
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
Victoria
25 MAY 2020: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 253: Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 200 - Restricted Activity Directions (No. 8)
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Consolidated Legislation
Federal
Aged Care Act 1997
Act Compilation - C2020C00164
Act No. 112 of 1997 as amended, taking into account amendments up to Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Emergency Leave) Act 2020 An Act relating to aged care, and for other purposes.
Administered by: Health
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Health Insurance (Section 3C Co-Dependent Pathology Services) Determination 2018
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00442
Determinations/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Section 3C Co-Dependent Pathology Services) Amendment Determination (No. 1) 2020.
Administered by: Health
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Health Insurance (Section 3C Pathology Services - Archival Tissue Retrieval) Determination 2019
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00441
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Section 3C Pathology Services - Archival Tissue Retrieval) Amendment Determination 2020.
Administered by: Health
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Health Insurance (Health Care Homes) Determination 2017
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00439
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Section 3C - Medical and Diagnostic Imaging Services) Determination 2020.
Administered by: Health
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Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Heart Health Assessment No.2) Determination 2019
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00438
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Section 3C - Medical and Diagnostic Imaging Services) Determination 2020.
Administered by: Health
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Health Insurance (Optometric services) Determination 2016
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00435
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Section 3C - Medical and Diagnostic Imaging Services) Determination 2020.
Administered by: Health
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Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements for Cruise Ships) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2020C00431
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements) Amendment Determination (No. 2) 2020.
Administered by: Health
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Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - COVID-19 Telehealth and Telephone Attendances) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2020C00429
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - COVID-19 Telehealth and Telephone Attendances) Amendment (Expansion of Specialist Services) Determination 2020.
Administered by: Health
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Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services-Transvaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse and procedures for the excision of graft material) Determination 2018
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00420
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Section 3C - Medical and Diagnostic Imaging Services) Determination 2020.
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Health Insurance (Diagnostic Imaging Services Table) Regulations (No. 1) 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00418
Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Bulk-billing Incentive) Regulations 2020.
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Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00415
Rules/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 3) 2020.
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Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - GP and Allied Health COVID-19 Services) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00414
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Application of GP and Allied Health COVID-19 Services and Specialist, Consultant Physician and Consultant Psychiatrist COVID-19 Telehealth Services) Amendment Determination 2020.
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New Bills
None this edition.
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New Acts
None this edition.
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