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)

20 August

COVID-19: New funding for clinical trials
The Government is providing $25 million for the best and brightest health and medical researchers to find breakthroughs in preventing and treating COVID-19. Research is a key weapon in the fight against COVID-19 - and funding will help to ensure that Australian researchers are on the frontline of the fight. The Government will provide funding for new COVID-19-specific clinical trials involving high quality research into the virus. Funding for this research will be made available through the Government's landmark Medical Research Future Fund under the Clinical Trials Activity initiative, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
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ACT: Public Health Emergency extended
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith has announced the extension of the ACT Public Health Emergency for a further 90 days, effective until 19 November 2020. This decision has been made based on advice provided by the ACT Chief Health Officer, in light of the unfolding situation across Australia. The extension of the emergency declaration will enable the Chief Health Officer to continue to take any action, or give any direction, considered to be necessary to protect Canberrans from and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the ACT.
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QLD: COVID-19 case identified in Ipswich
A massive contact tracing, testing and quarantining operation is underway after an Ipswich resident tested positive to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), said the Queensland Department of Health. The Bundamba woman in her 70's works at the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre. She has been admitted to Ipswich Hospital and currently has minor symptoms. Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the woman has indicated she had not travelled interstate or overseas and authorities have not yet identified any contact with a known or likely source.
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19 August

New deal secures potential COVID-19 vaccine for every Australian
Australians will be among the first in the world to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, if it proves successful, through an agreement between the Australian Government and UK-based drug company AstraZeneca. Under the deal, every single Australian will be able to receive the University of Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for free, should trials prove successful, safe and effective. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Oxford University trial was in a phase three stage and more work was needed to prove its viability.
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Deal or no deal: PM caught out on vaccine deal with AstraZeneca
The Government has spent boasting that a deal has been done on a COVID-19 vaccine with AstraZeneca. There's one problem. AstraZeneca has said there is no agreement that has been signed, only a letter of intent, and they are yet to confirm Australia has the manufacturing capacity to produce the vaccine. Just as CSL, who are essential to Australia being able to domestically produce this vaccine, are yet to confirm that they are able to manufacture this vaccine, said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen.
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WA: COVID-19 update
The WA Department of Health has reported four new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia, bringing the State's total to 651. The four new cases relate to one family who returned to Perth from overseas and are in hotel quarantine. WA has nine active COVID-19 cases - all are Western Australians who have returned from overseas travel. To date, 633 confirmed cases have recovered from the virus in WA.
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18 August

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health said that seven new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,768. There have been no new deaths, with the total number remaining at 54. There were 13,736 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 10,806 in the previous 24 hours. One locally acquired case is a close contact of a previously reported case linked to the funeral gatherings cluster, bringing the total cases associated with this cluster to 73. The source of infection for the other locally acquired case is under investigation, and contact tracing is under way.
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17 August

New mental health clinics to support Victorians during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Government will provide an additional $31.9 million to create 15 mental health clinics across Victoria and further enhance essential support during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Minister Hunt. The Government recognises the ongoing Victorian restrictions needed to stop the spread of the virus are having a significant impact on the mental health of individuals and communities in Victoria. $26.9 million of the new funding will establish 15 dedicated mental health clinics across Victoria, with nine clinics in Greater Melbourne and six in regional Victoria, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
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NSW: PPE manufacturing to skyrocket in NSW
The NSW State Government has ramped up its commitment to COVID safety, introducing a $5 million grants scheme to locally manufacture critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and create jobs. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro launched the program to support domestic manufacturing of PPE in NSW by providing grants to local companies to help fund equipment, raw materials and recruitment of skilled staff. 'This scheme is part of the NSW Government's commitment to ramping up domestic manufacturing in NSW, developing regular supply and creating vital jobs to meet the long haul challenge of COVID-19,' Mr Barilaro said.
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16 August

WA: COVID-19 update
The WA Department of Health has reported no new cases of COVID-19, leaving the State's total at 646. There are four active cases in WA. To date, 633 people have recovered from the virus in WA. 420 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 407 were assessed within the clinics and 406 were swabbed.
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15 August

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Nine new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,756. There were 27,389 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 29,696 in the previous 24 hours. As COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community, maintaining high rates of testing is vital at this time, and NSW Health urges anyone with even the mildest symptoms to come forward for testing. Of the nine new cases reported:
- one is a staff member of Chopstix Asian Cuisine in Smithfield RSL, whose source is unknown at this point
- one, another staff member at Chopstix Asian Cuisine, is likely a secondary infection from the above case.
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14 August

Pandemic highlights urgent need for Medicare rebate change to cover parents of children struggling with mental health
Leading child protection expert Daryl Higgins has joined a list of prominent health academics calling for an urgent change to Medicare rebates to cover families seeking parenting advice to protect their children's mental health. 'Currently Medicare rebates are only available for services to be provided to the person with the health problem,' Professor Higgins, director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) said. 'This means, that if children are struggling with mental health problems, services must be provided directly to the child.'
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Government failure on global vaccine action shocking
Greens questioning in the Senate COVID Committee has confirmed the Government has failed to join the COVAX global vaccine initiative despite the Prime Minister saying the world needs to share the vaccine. Under questioning by Greens Senator Richard Di Natale the Secretary of Health confirmed the government had not signed up to the main international effort to secure vaccine access globally, nor contributed a single dollar. Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt said, 'After all the rhetoric about supporting the global vaccine push, it is shocking that the Morrison government has failed to sign up to the international effort to ensure access to a vaccine and failed to put any money in.'
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Nine new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,747. There were 29,696 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 24,621 in the previous 24 hours. As COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community, maintaining high rates of testing is vital at this time, and NSW Health urges anyone with even the mildest symptoms to come forward for testing.
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Aged Care

19 August

Call for stimulus payment for pensioners after indexation goes backwards
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia has urged the Federal Government to provide an additional $750 stimulus payment to pensioners in consideration of the increased costs incurred due to COVID-19, after it was revealed pension payments would not rise in September as a result of the indexation formula actually going down. COTA Chief Executive, Ian Yates, wrote to Anne Ruston, Minister for Families and Community Services, acknowledging that the plateauing of the pension rate was not a government decision, but warning that age and disability pensioners nevertheless require additional fiscal support.
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VIC: Operational update - Victorian Aged Care Response Centre
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre continues to deploy resources and expand its operations in the fight against COVID-19 in aged care. The Response Centre is working hard to ensure continuity of care for aged care residents, with a dual focus on rapidly responding to known outbreaks and preventing new infections in COVID-free facilities. The Response Centre is fully engaged with aged care facilities that have cases of COVID-19 and need direct support in PPE, infection control, staffing, general management, and clinical and care support.
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18 August

New Parliamentary inquiry: New drugs and novel medical technologies
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has commenced an inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia. The Chair of the Committee, Mr Trent Zimmerman, said that the Committee looks forward to receiving information on how Australia can continue to be well positioned to access new drugs and novel medical technologies, with a particular focus on access to the treatment of rare diseases and conditions where there is high and unmet clinical need. Mr Zimmerman commented that the Committee will examine processes in place for establishing and conducting clinical trials in improving the lives of patients and increasing investment in Australia's research and development sector.
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Immediate coordinated action needed to save lives of people living with dementia
Dementia Australia called for immediate action to prevent neglect or worse - premature death - and ensure appropriate support and care of people living with dementia in residential aged care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said while a discussion about the current systemic breakdowns is both valid and necessary, the focus must be on the crisis at hand in Victoria. 'With more than 50 per cent of people living in residential aged care having a diagnosis of dementia, and many more undiagnosed, anyone being deployed and trained to provide care must be trained in infection control, and also in the very basics of dementia care,' Ms McCabe said.
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14 August

Scott Morrison cannot wait to act on aged care disaster
Scott Morrison must act on the recommendations of the Royal Commission immediately to keep older Australians in aged care safe from COVID-19, said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins. 'After the closing address from Counsel Assisting, Commissioner Tony Pagone QC urged the Federal Government to create an aged care-specific national coordinating body. Labor urges the Government to act on this as a matter of urgency. Reports indicate the Government will 'discuss' aged care preparedness at National Cabinet next week - but why isn't action being taken now?'
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Prime Minister must take responsibility for aged care debacle
The Greens said evidence given to the Royal Commission into Aged Care and statements of the Prime Minister have become utterly contradictory. 'The aged care disaster in Australia lands squarely at Scott Morrison's doorstep,' Greens Leader Adam Bandt said. 'The Greens, aged care advocates and now the special council to the Royal Commission have pointed out, in no uncertain terms, that this was a predictable outcome of government inaction and neglect. Scott Morrison must not just take responsibility, he must now unwind the privatisation of aged care.'
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

19 August

Urgent risk assessment for all aged care homes
Urgent improvements in aged care and a coordinated response by Federal, State, and Territory governments are needed to prevent the pandemic outbreak in Victorian aged care homes spreading into residential aged care nationwide, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) warned. In its seventh submission to the Royal Commission on Aged Care Quality and Safety, the AMA called for every residential aged care home in Australia to be urgently and comprehensively assessed for its ability to safely care for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Allied Health

None this edition.

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Children's Health

16 August

Essential childhood immunisation reaches record new high
Australia's childhood immunisation rates have risen to record levels, with coverage for all five year olds now at 94.77 per cent, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. Immunisation rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have increased even more. All six categories made positive gains, with coverage for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children at five years 96.90 per cent. This is higher than the national coverage rate for all five-year-old children. One-year-old and two-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander coverage rates also jumped significantly. The two-year-old rate climbed to above 90 per cent for the first time since December 2014, increasing to 90.03 per cent.
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14 August

Red Nose Day working towards saving little lives
The 14th of August is Red Nose Day, a day to remember loss and to spread the message to future mothers that the risk of stillbirth and neonatal death can be reduced, said Minister Hunt. While there has been a reduction in SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in Australia, almost 3,000 young babies still die suddenly and unexpectedly each year. Of 2,924 babies who died in the perinatal period in 2017, three quarters were stillborn. The others died within four weeks of birth. Every death of a baby is a devastating event for the family.
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Clinical Governance

19 August

TAS: Mersey Community Hospital update
The number one priority for the Tasmanian Health Service is the safety of staff and patients. 'In order to ensure high-quality care for patients, it is imperative that we only provide services in situations where appropriate staff levels are available,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney. Due to impacts on the THS's ability to source appropriate locum coverage caused by the national coronavirus situation, the opening hours of the Mersey Community Hospital's emergency department need to be altered.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

19 August

TAS: Over 50 new hospital beds delivered for Tasmanians
'The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians is the Government's number one priority as we continue to work through the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney. 'I am very proud to be part of a Government that accepted possession of the Royal Hobart Hospital's K-Block in March. The $689 million RHH Redevelopment is Tasmania's largest ever health infrastructure project and we are proud to have delivered it for the Tasmanian community. The Government and the THS have delivered on opening new and permanently funded beds in K-Block, following commissioning earlier this year.'
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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

21 August

NDIS update: Vic and NSW Providers to directly claim costs of PPE
Minister for the NDIS Stuart Robert has announced temporary changes to allow NDIS providers in Victoria and NSW to directly claim the costs of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from the NDIA. With community transmission of coronavirus evident in both states, and in line with current health advice, the changes will apply to providers who use PPE to deliver essential daily life services to participants. 'We're making it simpler for NDIS providers to claim the costs of PPE to continue safely delivering face-to-face services to participants,' Minister Robert said.
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20 August

Update on NDIS and COVID-19
Minister Robert reminds NDIS participants, disability support workers and NDIS providers of measures in place to support the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Victoria and New South Wales:
- NDIS participants can now use their NDIS funds to purchase PPE if they receive, on average, at least one hour a day of face-to-face daily living supports
- NDIS providers can claim for PPE used when delivering face-to-face supports to NDIS participants
- Self-managed participants and providers who are unable to source PPE through their normal channels can contact the National Medical Stockpile (NMS) to request face masks and other PPE.
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Carers Australia calls for additional carer payments
Carers Australia has urged the Government to consider providing an additional $750 stimulus payment to carers after the Government announced that pension payments would not rise in September as a result of the indexation formula going down. 'Carers continue to experience negative financial impacts as a result of the pandemic, and many carers in receipt of Carer Payments who were in employment have lost their jobs or have had to cut back their hours,' Carers Australia CEO, Ms Liz Callaghan said. 'Against this background, and in consideration of the news yesterday regarding pensions not rising in September, the Government should seriously consider adding a third $750 lump sum payment.'
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14 August

Australia's hearing services
The Government is committed to supporting Australians who are hard of hearing through improvements to its hearing services, said Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton. The social and economic impacts of hearing loss are significant, and it is vital the Hearing Services Program continues to keep pace with demand and improvements in technology. As the nation's population ages, the impact of hearing loss could double, with 7.8 million Australians predicted to be affected in 2060. In order to address the challenges faced by Australians who are hard of hearing, the Commonwealth is working with State and Territory authorities to implement the 2019 Roadmap for Hearing.
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

19 August

Commonwealth update on NDIS participants and COVID-19
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert announced the Commonwealth will commence providing data on infection rates of COVID-19 for NDIS participants and workers. The reporting will ensure accurate and timely information is being provided to the community. The data is collated through reporting mechanisms of the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission and compiled by the Commonwealth's NDIS Critical Response Group.
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Impact of COVID-19 on people with disability - report launch and hearing
Every Australian Counts Campaign Director Kirsten Deane gave evidence at the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse and Exploitation of People with Disability about the experiences of people with disability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every Australian Counts is the grassroots campaign that fought for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Ms Deane, who is also the parent of an NDIS participant, will talk to the Commission about people's experiences during the first wave of the pandemic and what needs to change so that people have what they need to stay safe and well during the second wave.
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E-Health

20 August

COVID-19 priorities are delaying cancer care-but telehealth could help
'Emerging data show that cancer diagnostic and treatment delays due to COVID-19 priorities may lead to a substantial increase in the number of avoidable cancer deaths', said Alison Verhoeven, Chief Executive of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA). 'Numerous cancer care changes have been recommended and implemented to variable degrees. These include modification of treatment pathways, postponement of clinical trials, and delay in timely diagnosis, including suspension of screening programs.'
Download

17 August

Electronic prescriptions rolling out to support Melbourne
Department of Health, Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Royal Australian College Of General Practitioners (RACGP) said that to support those people most at risk from COVID-19, the rollout of electronic prescriptions across Greater Melbourne will be expanded beyond the current communities of interest. Given the current COVID-19 crisis in Melbourne the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia are working together with the Australian Department of Health and the Australian Digital Health Agency to support doctors and pharmacists in the Greater Melbourne area to access this new technology faster. This will support a safer and more convenient supply of medicines for patients.
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Education and Training

None this edition.

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Funding

20 August

COVID-19: New funding for clinical trials
The Australian Government is providing $25 million for the best and brightest health and medical researchers to find breakthroughs in preventing and treating COVID-19. Research is a key weapon in the fight against COVID-19 - and this funding will help to ensure that Australian researchers are on the frontline of the fight. The Government will provide funding for new COVID-19-specific clinical trials involving high quality research into the virus. Funding for this research will be made available through the Government's landmark Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) under the Clinical Trials Activity initiative, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
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QLD: Opposition funding boost for Noosa palliative care
A future Queensland Opposition Government will commit much needed funding to boost Noosa palliative care services for local residents if elected at the upcoming state election, following overwhelming feedback from the local community. Queensland Shadow Minister for Health Ros Bates joined Queensland Opposition Candidate for Noosa James Blevin at Katie Rose Cottage to make the funding commitment. Ms Bates said only the Opposition will deliver better local health services for Noosa. 'I'm delighted to be back here at Katie Rose Cottage to announce a future LNP Government will fund $600,000 to this vital service,' Ms Bates said.
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Health Professionals

21 August

NDIS update: Vic and NSW Providers to directly claim costs of PPE
Minister for the NDIS Stuart Robert has announced temporary changes to allow NDIS providers in Victoria and NSW to directly claim the costs of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from the NDIA. With community transmission of coronavirus evident in both states, and in line with current health advice, the changes will apply to providers who use PPE to deliver essential daily life services to participants. 'We're making it simpler for NDIS providers to claim the costs of PPE to continue safely delivering face-to-face services to participants,' Minister Robert said.
Download

17 August

Ensuring ongoing supply of medicines during Stage 4 restrictions in Victoria
The Medicine Shortages Working Party, comprising pharmaceutical industry, wholesaler and health professional groups and chaired by the Department of Health, supports Victorian State Government exemptions to allow continued medicine distribution during Stage 4 restrictions. Following the implementation of the Stage 4 restrictions on businesses in Victoria, the Working Party met to ensure that stakeholders understood the exemptions that apply to suitably licensed warehouses and distribution centres. These exemptions enable pharmacy supply chains to operate at 100% capacity, assisting with ongoing supply of medicines, as well as medical devices (including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)) and medical consumables, within Australia.
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NSW: PPE manufacturing to skyrocket in NSW
The NSW State Government has ramped up its commitment to COVID safety, introducing a $5 million grants scheme to locally manufacture critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and create jobs. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro launched the program to support domestic manufacturing of PPE in NSW by providing grants to local companies to help fund equipment, raw materials and recruitment of skilled staff. 'This scheme is part of the NSW Government's commitment to ramping up domestic manufacturing in NSW, developing regular supply and creating vital jobs to meet the long haul challenge of COVID-19,' Mr Barilaro said.
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Hospitals

20 August

COVID-19 priorities are delaying cancer care - But telehealth could help
'Emerging data show that cancer diagnostic and treatment delays due to COVID-19 priorities may lead to a substantial increase in the number of avoidable cancer deaths', said Alison Verhoeven, Chief Executive of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA). 'Numerous cancer care changes have been recommended and implemented to variable degrees. These include modification of treatment pathways, postponement of clinical trials, and delay in timely diagnosis, including suspension of screening programs. These changes were implemented to protect patients with malignant cancers who are considered to be a higher risk group for contracting COVID-19.'
Download

19 August

TAS: Mersey Community Hospital update
The number one priority for the Tasmanian Health Service is the safety of staff and patients, said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney. In order to ensure high-quality care for patients, it is imperative that they only provide services in situations where appropriate staff levels are available. Due to impacts on the THS's ability to source appropriate locum coverage caused by the national coronavirus situation, the opening hours of the Mersey Community Hospital's emergency department need to be altered. From next Monday (24th of August), the MCH's emergency department will be open from 8am to 6pm. This is instead of the 8am to 10pm opening hours it is currently operating on.
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Insurance

18 August

AMA prescription for private health
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) released a prescription for private health reform, drawing on demographic, wage, and membership data to propose a suite of policy solutions for Government to implement to reverse the decline of private health insurance. 'The AMA's Prescription for Private Health Insurance clearly shows the negative impact on premiums and affordability that young people leaving the system has had. AMA analysis indicates that the existing policy settings used by Government are outdated - no longer having the desired effect, due to: changes in the cost of premiums, young Australians earning relatively less than older generations, and Medicare and health fund rebates falling behind the cost of providing services.'
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Medicare

14 August

Pandemic highlights urgent need for Medicare rebate change to cover parents of children struggling with mental health
Leading child protection expert Daryl Higgins has joined a list of prominent health academics calling for an urgent change to Medicare rebates to cover families seeking parenting advice to protect their children's mental health. 'Currently Medicare rebates are only available for services to be provided to the person with the health problem,' Professor Higgins, director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) said. 'This means, that if children are struggling with mental health problems, services must be provided directly to the child.'
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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

20 August

WA: Suicide prevention support for the building and construction industry
MATES in Construction Western Australia has been provided with more than $520,000 in grants from the WA State Government through Lotterywest and the Mental Health Commission. Two grants from Lotterywest's COVID-19 relief package, totalling $231,467, will assist MATES to address the financial impact of cancelled events during the COVID-19 pandemic and help support mental health and suicide prevention for construction workers and their families. Furthermore, the Mental Health Commission has provided MATES with a grant of $288,559 for two full-time Case Manager positions until the end of the next year, said WA Minister for Mental Health Roger Cook.
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18 August

VIC: VTA awarded Commonwealth mental health funding
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) is one of 26 organisations to secure a share in $5.9 million of Commonwealth funding under Round 5 of the Federal Government's Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative. Recently announced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack and Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz, this funding will deliver safety benefits for the heavy vehicle industry and other road users. Over the past five years, the Initiative has provided $22.8 million for 89 HVSI grants.
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17 August

New mental health clinics to support Victorians during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Government will provide an additional $31.9 million to create 15 mental health clinics across Victoria and further enhance essential support during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The Government recognises the ongoing Victorian restrictions needed to stop the spread of the virus are having a significant impact on the mental health of individuals and communities in Victoria. $26.9 million of the new funding will establish 15 dedicated mental health clinics across Victoria, with nine clinics in Greater Melbourne and six in regional Victoria, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
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14 August

Mental Health Australia rolls out NDIS Psychosocial Community Connectors program
Mental Health Australia is delighted to announce their partner organisations who will deliver Community Connector services to support people with psychosocial disability to engage with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Mental Health Australia has undertaken a selective commissioning process to fund experienced organisations to provide Community Connector services. Mental Health Australia CEO Dr Leanne Beagley said she was very pleased with the outcome of the selection process. 'These organisations will provide NDIS access support for people who are living with psychosocial disability, particularly those experiencing or at risk of homelessness,' said Dr Beagley.
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Pandemic highlights urgent need for Medicare rebate change to cover parents of children struggling with mental health
Leading child protection expert Daryl Higgins has joined a list of prominent health academics calling for an urgent change to Medicare rebates to cover families seeking parenting advice to protect their children's mental health. 'Currently Medicare rebates are only available for services to be provided to the person with the health problem,' Professor Higgins, director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) said. 'This means, that if children are struggling with mental health problems, services must be provided directly to the child.'
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Life insurers should not dictate who receives mental health treatment
Slater and Gordon is warning Australia that allowing life insurers to fund mental health treatment is not a solution to the nation's growing mental health crisis and many people would still be left without rehabilitation. Slater and Gordon State Practice Group Leader Sarah Snowden said allowing life insurers to dictate and deliver treatments instead of paying disability income and lump sums would not prevent people falling through the cracks in the system, or help insurers better manage the increase in mental health TPD and income protection claims due to COVID-19.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals

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