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)
17 December
Preparing Australians for the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out
An important education campaign will be rolled out to inform Australians ahead of the COVID-19 vaccination program. The vaccination roll-out will be a complex task and it will be important that people understand the process with the first vaccinations on track for early next year. Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Outlook 20-21 (MYEFO) reinforces the Government's commitment to continue to protect the community and get lives back to normal through this pandemic. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said the Government was quickly implementing recommendations from the Royal Commission's special report on COVID-19, released in October 2020.
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Man fined $10,656 for alleged unlawful advertising of cannabidiol including COVID-19 claims
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, has issued four infringement notices totalling $10,656 to a West Australian man, for alleged unlawful advertising of cannabidiol (CBD) under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act). The man allegedly advertised, on websites and a social media platform, various oils containing CBD that were prescription only medicines. The Act prohibits consumer advertising of substances included in Schedule 4 (prescription only medicine) or Schedule 8 (controlled drug) of the Poisons Standard.
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Government must release reports into St Basil's and Epping Gardens COVID outbreaks
'The Government must immediately release independent reports it commissioned into outbreaks of COVID-19 in St Basil's and Epping Gardens aged care homes,' said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins. 'Why aren't these reports being made public immediately when we know the tragic risks of COVID-19 in aged care? What is the Government hiding? Families who lost loved ones in these aged care homes deserve answers. It is vitally important that all aged care providers across the country have the benefit of these reviews so lessons can be learnt and applied.'
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16 December
Client-facing disability workers still require face masks in Vic
National Disability Services (NDS) stated guidance for the he PPE for disability services providers for prevention of coronavirus. The latest PPE update from DHHS advises that surgical face masks are still required for client-facing disability workers. Organisations that also provide Aged Care and Community Services should direct staff to the specific DHHS guidelines for each service, as variations apply depending on the level of vulnerability and risk of infection.
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NSW: Stay COVID Safe during the Christmas shopping rush
With the Christmas shopping rush now in full swing, NSW Health reminded the community about the importance of maintaining physical distancing and other COVID safe practices at shopping and retail venues. NSW Health's Dr Chatu Yapa said there are many ways to keep safe while still managing to cross off your shopping lists. 'This year we're asking people to avoid crowded shopping centres. If the shopping centre is too crowded, you should consider returning at an off-peak time, doing your gift shopping online or shopping locally at community businesses,' Dr Yapa said.
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15 December
Five Australian health services receive international recognition for their Covid-19 response
Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) said the Five Australian health services have been recognised in the International Hospital Federation's (IHF) Beyond the Call of Duty for COVID-19 (link is external) recognition program. Beyond the Call of Duty for COVID-19 acknowledges hospitals and health services around the world that proactively implemented outstanding and innovative actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV)(link is external), Heathcote Health(link is external) & Energesse (link is external), Pathology Queensland(link is external), Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital(link is external) and SA Pathology(link is external) were among the 100 health services from 27 countries that received international recognition for their responses to the pandemic.
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NT: Positive COVID-19 case update
The NT Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet said that two new positive COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the Northern Territory in the past 24 hours. A 32 year old male and a 63 year old female who arrived on the repatriation flight from Frankfurt on 13 December 2020 have tested positive for COVID-19. They remain under the care of the AUSMAT team at the NT Centre for National Resilience. The total number of cases diagnosed in the Northern Territory is 67. All cases have been related to international or interstate travel, with no cases of community transmission.
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14 December
Testing of face masks and respirators
COVID-19 has caused a rapid rise in demand for the manufacturing, importation and sale of face masks and respirators, and there has been an associated increase in medical device inclusions in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). There has also been a growth in concerns regarding the quality and performance of these kinds of devices. The TGA Laboratories has developed capabilities to test surgical masks and respirators, to assess compliance with the requirements of key performance criteria. This testing, in conjunction with the Post-market Review of face masks, will provide the Australian community with information about the suitability of available face masks and respirators.
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Hurry up and then stop
Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) said that Australia is not following the science. The decision to dither on the Covid-19 vaccines will not delay the economic recovery but could risk lives and undermine faith in immunisation. The United Kingdom became the first country on the planet to approve the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine. This week rollout began. The United States is expected to do the same in the coming days. This is a momentous occasion for humanity - from new disease to safe and effective vaccine in less than a year. Millions of lives will be saved. The Australian government has responded by painting our friends in Old Blighty as reckless. Australia's Therapeutic Goods Agency (TGA) will wait for approval.
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How Medibank's health professionals are supporting the COVID-19 national response
Medibank's health services team has handled 328,000 COVID-19 related interactions on behalf of its clients this year, by leveraging its team of 1,500 health professionals across Australia. By leveraging its team of 1,500 health professionals across Australia, Medibank has been instrumental in delivering large-scale COVID-19 telehealth services, as well as supporting two state governments with the second outbreak. This year Medibank has provided its customers with more than $185 million in COVID-19 assistance including financial hardship support, extending health cover, postponing premiums and developing customised health support programs. Medibank also donated $5 million to Beyond Blue to help establish its new Coronavirus Mental Health Support Line.
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NT: Positive COVID-19 case update
The NT Department of Health said that an 88 year old male who arrived on the repatriation flight from India on 28 November 2020 has tested positive for COVID-19. The man is in isolation at the Royal Darwin Hospital as he is being treated for other non-COVID related health issues. An 18 year old male who arrived on the repatriation flight from London on 1 December 2020 has tested positive for COVID-19 and remains under the care of the AUSMAT team at the NT Centre for National Resilience. The man was travelling alone and returned a positive test on exit screening which is undertaken in the last 72 hours of quarantine. The man is asymptomatic.
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13 December
Bulk billing rates at record high through COVID-19
Almost nine out of ten visits to the GP across Australia over the year to September were provided at no cost to the patient, said Minister Hunt. For GP services, the bulk-billing rate for the 12 months to September 2020 was 88.7 per cent. This was 2.6 percentage points higher than over the previous year. In total, Medicare services increased to 433.3 million with total benefits reaching $25.3 billion. The figures show the Government's rapid response to the pandemic allowed Australians to access the health care they needed, despite the challenges of COVID-19.
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11 December
UQ/CSL vaccine hurdle made worse by Government dragging their heels on vaccine deals
'It's unfortunate for all the researchers involved that the UQ/CSL vaccine has been terminated,' said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen. 'But it means our health authorities are doing their job, putting confidence and safety at the top of the agenda. This news about the UQ/CSL vaccine being terminated means we're essentially one deal less. It was unlikely all four of our deals would come off. Despite reasonable suggestions from myself and others that we should be closer to best practice which is six vaccines, the Minister would say - nothing to see here.'
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Aged Care
17 December
Record funding for aged care infrastructure
Senior Australians in regional, rural and remote areas will benefit from the single largest investment in residential aged care infrastructure in Australia's history. The Government will invest up to $150 million in capital grants as part of the 2020 targeted Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR), focussed on key areas of demand. The 2020 ACAR will also make available 2000 residential care places targeting providers in a position to bring new beds onto the market quickly. Additionally, 1028 short-term restorative care (STRC) places, will also be made available, said Minister for Aged Care Richard Colbeck.
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Aged care sector report highlights focus on spot checks during COVID
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission's Sector Performance Report for July- September 2020 highlights the Commission's focus on containing COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care facilities, including by stepping up infection control monitoring spot checks. The Commission prioritised these spot checks to assess whether providers of residential aged care services had taken all necessary steps to ensure that their staff were trained and proficient in infection control practices and procedures, and were appropriately using personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, face masks, face shields and gowns.
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Government must release reports into St Basil's and Epping Gardens COVID outbreaks
'The Government must immediately release independent reports it commissioned into outbreaks of COVID-19 in St Basil's and Epping Gardens aged care homes,' said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins. 'Why aren't these reports being made public immediately when we know the tragic risks of COVID-19 in aged care? What is the Government hiding? Families who lost loved ones in these aged care homes deserve answers. It is vitally important that all aged care providers across the country have the benefit of these reviews so lessons can be learnt and applied.'
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16 December
Home funding acknowledged but residential care and workforce needs more than Band-Aid response
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) acknowledged the MYEFO $850 million investment in another 10,000 Home Care Packages but is calling for a plan for home care and a comprehensive response to residential care, plus a big increase in workforce development across the sector. 'We welcome the new packages - it's a significant funding commitment - but many more are needed, with the Aged Care Royal Commission rightly describing the home care waitlist as cruel,' said LASA's Acting Chief Advocate, Tim Hicks. 'We want to work with the Government on a detailed plan to reduce the waitlist and increase the number of high-level packages.
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10,000 extra home care packages in MYEFO is great news for older Australians, who are Safer at Home
10,000 new home care packages worth over $850 million announced ahead of the MYEFO have been welcomed by Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia as another positive response to its advocacy for reducing wait times for older Australians in need of support to keep living at home. COTA Chief Executive Ian Yates thanked the Federal Government for responding to COTA's call for more packages in MYEFO, and also supporters of the Safer at Home campaign, which is asking for a maximum one month waiting period for home care by the end of 2021, as proposed by the Aged Care Royal Commission.
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ACOSS welcomes new investment in home care packages
The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) welcomed the $850 million investment by the Federal Government in 10,000 new home care packages as a great step along the way to reducing the wait list for home care packages. ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said: 'This investment of $850 million is an important step towards ensuring that older people can stay in their homes for longer and get the care they need to do so. Unfortunately too many people are entering residential aged care when, with the right support, they could remain at home. We must continue to invest so that older people can remain at home and get the support that they need to do so.'
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14 December
Enabling aged care residents and their families to come together over the holidays
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission called on all aged care providers to enable and support their residents to be visited safely by family members and friends - especially over the holiday period when we are all looking to reconnect with people who matter to us. The Commissioner Janet Anderson said it was very important for providers to take proactive steps to enable people in aged care to enjoy the company of their loved ones in person, given that restrictions on visitor access can lead to loneliness, anxiety and depression.
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$20 million investment in respite services for senior Australians from diverse backgrounds welcomed
Carers Australia and the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia (FECCA) welcomed the Government's announcement of the $20 million in grants to be made available to deliver centre-based day programs tailored to the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse seniors. 'As testimony to the Aged Care Royal Commission has highlighted, mainstream aged care services do not always cater well to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who need services which are compatible with their own linguistic and cultural norms,' said Mary Patetsos, Chair of FECCA.
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Aged care homes 'must not ruin Christmas' by barring visitors
Many older Australians are at risk of a ruined Christmas with a minority of rogue aged care providers still preventing them from seeing their loved ones, or excessively restricting visiting, said Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia; warning providers that their residents have a right to spend part of their Christmas with family. Ian Yates AM, Chief Executive of COTA Australia, said while most providers are doing the right thing and ensuring good length in-person visits between residents and families, there are still disturbingly regular reports of aged care homes that are preventing residents from seeing their loved ones, or heavily restricting visits.
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NSW: Aged care visitor limits ease before Christmas
The NSW Department of Health said that more people will be able to visit loved ones in aged care facilities this Christmas, with the two-visitor rule removed. The public health order covering the aged care sector has been updated and the changes will take effect from the beginning of Tuesday, 15 December. NSW Health's Director of Aged Care, Stefanie Williams said there would now be no limit on the number of people allowed to visit each resident. 'The risk of transmission in the community is now low enough to facilitate the easing of restrictions for aged care, just as the NSW Government has eased restrictions across many other areas,' Ms Williams said.
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12 December
Additional $20 million to expand vital respite services
The Government has announced an additional $20 million investment under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme to deliver centre-based respite services for senior Australians from diverse backgrounds. Minister Colbeck said the funding would support our culturally and linguistically diverse senior Australians to live independently and safely in their own homes and local communities and help provide respite for carers. 'Social interaction and support is essential for older Australians living at home,' Minister Colbeck 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
15 December
QLD: Children's Hospital welcomes first patients to new ward
The first young patients have moved into a new 29-bed orthopaedic and neurosurgical ward, part of a $20 million expansion of the Queensland Children's Hospital. Queensland Minister for Health Yvette D'Ath said the new inpatient ward on Level 12 would ensure the hospital could meet the state's growing demand for specialist services for children. 'This will make a significant difference to the lives of the many children and families who use the Queensland Children's Hospital, as well as the staff who work there,' Minister D'Ath said. 'It has also supported 100 full time jobs during construction.'
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Clinical Governance
None this edition.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
None this edition.
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Dental
14 December
COVID-19 restrictions lead to poorer oral health and long-term problems
A new study published by the University of Melbourne and the eviDent Foundation highlights the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the provision of dental care to vulnerable children in Australia who already experience higher levels of dental disease and disadvantage in accessing dental care. Lead author and CEO of the Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB) A/Prof Matt Hopcraft said the research found that from March to September there were 881,454 fewer dental services provided in 2020 than 2019. 'Restrictions imposed on dentists to provide only emergency dental care effectively shut down dental practices in late March through April, and again when Victoria experienced a second wave from July to September,' said A/Prof Hopcraft.
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Disabilities
None this edition.
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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
None this edition.
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Education and Training
None this edition.
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Funding
None this edition.
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Health Professionals
17 December
Practise what you teach: AMA urges better employment conditions for GPs
General Practice is the cornerstone of health care in Australia and a well-trained general practice workforce delivers high-quality, equitable health care to individuals and communities. Yet GP training numbers continue to fall short of recruitment targets. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has released an update to its Vision Statement for General Practice Training, which comes at a critical time, with the Commonwealth Government considering further changes to General Practice Training. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said general practitioners are trained to provide a world leading service that is sustainable and responsive to changing community needs.
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16 December
Further investment boosts Indigenous medical education and enrolment
Funding announced in Newcastle will ensure the Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME) Network can continue to build capacity in Australia's Indigenous Health workforce. Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said the $680,000 of funding would enable the network to continue to increase the number of Indigenous people choosing to study medicine while ensuring a quality indigenous health curriculum is taught in medical schools. 'Growing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors and ensuring our health workforce has the culturally appropriate skills and training to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is an Australian Government priority,' Minister Coulton said.
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14 December
Medical school application test still favours men despite 2019 change
A change in one of the ways to assess undergraduate students for acceptance into medical school appears to have increased the gender gap between men and women, and reduced the efficacy of professional coaching, according to research published by the Medical Journal of Australia. The Undergraduate Medical and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT) was used to assess medical school applicants from 1991 until it was replaced by the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) used by applicants for the 2020 undergraduate medical school programs in Australia and New Zealand.
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Hospitals
17 December
How COVID-19 changed the way Australians used health services in 2019-20
Fewer Australians presented to hospital emergency departments with injuries and less elective surgery was performed, but more people filled prescriptions and had telehealth medical consultations after COVID-19 restrictions were first implemented in 2020, according to new data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). As 2020 comes to an end, the AIHW has reviewed the main impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Australian health system in a series of reports and updates. The releases include the annual MyHospitals emergency department and elective surgery updates for 2019-20 and special reports about the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
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Catholic Hospitals to work with Government on medical device reforms
Catholic Health Australia (CHA) welcomes the news that the Government is consulting with the wider health industry on how to improve the benefit setting process for medical devices. CHA will continue to support the Department of Health in its quest to find a sustainable solution that delivers the most affordable and best possible health outcomes for all Australians. CHA hospital members welcome the opportunity to engage with the Department which released its first consultation papers on prostheses reforms.
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Insurance
None this edition.
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Medicare
16 December
Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Taskforce ignores role of nurses in providing frontline care
The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review Taskforce final recommendations to Government continued to entrench the under representation of nurses in the workforce, and their recommendations will do nothing to address ongoing challenges faced across the healthcare system, according to the Australian College of Nursing (ACN). ACN's detailed submission recommended a number of evidence-based changes to support improvements to patient care in community settings and reduce demand on emergency departments, but these recommendations were rejected by the Taskforce.
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Time to develop Medicare for the 21st Century
The most exhaustive inquiry into the mechanics of Medicare in its 36 years makes a compelling case for extensive reforms that must be commenced now if Australians are to retain access to best available 21st Century health care, the Consumers Health Forum said. The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Taskforce has reviewed more than 5,700 Medicare items and made more than 1,400 recommendations 'to strengthen, modernise and protect Australia's world class health system'. It has identified numerous opportunities to improve health outcomes for all Australians into the future, its final report states. 'CHF welcomes this deep and detailed report An MBS for the 21st Century and its advocacy of consumer-centred health care,' the CEO of CHF Leanne Wells, said.
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13 December
Bulk billing rates at record high through COVID-19
Almost nine out of ten visits to the GP across Australia over the year to September were provided at no cost to the patient, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. For GP services, the bulk-billing rate for the 12 months to September 2020 was 88.7 per cent. This was 2.6 percentage points higher than over the previous year. In total, Medicare services increased to 433.3 million with total benefits reaching $25.3 billion. The figures show the Government's rapid response to the pandemic allowed Australians to access the health care they needed, despite the challenges of COVID-19.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
16 December
MakingTime can make a difference to all Australians this summer after a year of unprecedented challenges
The National Mental Health Commission (The Commission) launched #MakingTime - a national conversation championed by people living with mental illness, and those who care for them, to support each other's mental health and wellbeing over summer, after a year of unprecedented challenges. National Mental Health Commission CEO, Ms Christine Morgan, said Australians living with mental illness and their carers had been significantly affected by the impacts of drought, bushfires, floods, and the global coronavirus pandemic.
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WA: Taking action on mental health to support young people
Expanding the telehealth emergency response services, piloting a one-stop shop system and working closely with local government and sport and art clubs are just some of the new initiatives the Western Australia Government are progressing this year to tackle the growing issue of mental health for young people in Western Australia. Concerned with the number of distressed parents and carers, WA Minister for Mental Health Roger Cook committed 2020 to listening and learning from parents and young people through a series of forums and webinars on youth mental health.
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VIC: New 'hope' suicide prevention service opens in Shepparton
Victorian Minister for Mental Health James Merlino announced the beginning of the Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE) service in the Greater Shepparton region. The Victorian Government has invested $27.3 million to expand HOPE services statewide, extend its service hours and referral pathways, and develop a new HOPE service for children and young people. The opening of the HOPE service into the Shepparton region will create 7 new local jobs and deliver a model of care that is individually tailored, culturally specific, and promotes healing and recovery.
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15 December
Research funding a further step towards improving the quality of care of people impacted by dementia
Dementia Australia has welcomed the federal government's announcement of $17.5 million to fund research into dementia and aged care. The federal government's announcement of a $311 million Medical Research Future Fund round will direct $17.5 million into desperately needed dementia and aged care projects that focus on improving diagnosis and support for people impacted by dementia. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said investing in dementia and aged care research was crucial to improving the health outcomes for both current and future generations of Australians. 'Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians, with an estimated 459,000 Australians living with dementia in 2020,' Ms McCabe said.
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11 December
Government kicks mental health action into long grass again
'Mental health is an urgent national priority,' said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen and Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride. 'But instead of action, we get more talk from the Morrison Government. Instead of responding to the Productivity Commission report into mental health, Scott Morrison has set up a parliamentary committee to consider it. Scott Morrison must not use his new Joint Select Committee on Mental Health as an excuse for further delay on this urgent national priority. The Health Minister has previously promised to respond to the PC review in next May's Budget.'
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals
17 December
New drug to combat 'untreatable' global killer sepsis
A promising new drug to combat sepsis has been developed by researchers at The Australian National University (ANU), potentially saving millions of lives each year. ANU Professor Christopher Parish and his team have been working on the drug for more than 10 years, with the drug being developed from compounds originally designed to fight cancer. There are some 11 million sepsis-related deaths worldwide each year, according to The World Health Organization (WHO) - accounting for almost 20 per cent of all global deaths. 'There is a huge medical need for a treatment for sepsis. It is surprising how many people die from sepsis and the medical profession hasn't yet found a treatment,' Professor Parish said.
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16 December
Australian Public Assessment Report for Voretigene neparvovec
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) distributed an AusPAR that describes the application by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Luxturna (voretigene neparvovec) 5 x 1012 vg/mL, concentrated subretinal solution for injection for the following proposed indication: Luxturna is indicated for the treatment of adult and paediatric patients with vision loss due to inherited retinal dystrophy caused by confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutation who have sufficient viable retinal cells.
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Update to listed medicine ingredients in December 2020
TGA listed medicine ingredients and requirements for their use have been updated in the Therapeutic Goods (Permissible Ingredients) Determination (No. 4) 2020(link is external), which commenced on 16 December 2020. This determination replaces the previous instrument, the Therapeutic Goods (Permissible Ingredients) Determination (No. 3) 2020(link is external). This instrument is updated frequently and there may be a more recent version of the instrument. Ensure you are accessing the current version of the instrument through the Therapeutic Goods Determination page. A complete list of the 84 changed ingredients is below.
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15 December
Conviction for unlawful importation of cosmetic injectables following unpaid fines
Following an investigation by the TGA, part of the Department of Health, a woman from Melbourne was convicted for the unlawful importation of cosmetic injectables under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. The Magistrates' Court of Victoria convicted the woman on three charges of unlawful importation of therapeutic goods. The Court also ordered the destruction of the goods seized by the TGA during the investigation. In this case, the woman was convicted for importing dermal filler medical devices (pre-filled syringes containing hyaluronic acid) and hyaluronidase (enzymes that can be used to dissolve dermal fillers), a therapeutic good for cosmetic use in humans.
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Post-market review of face masks: Outcomes including market actions
The TGA undertook a post-market review of all face masks included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) to ensure the quality and effectiveness of face masks, including that they meet the legislative requirements for medical devices, and perform as intended. Our review has identified some face masks are not meeting all the necessary regulatory requirements (e.g. non-conformance with the Essential Principles including labelling, failed TGA laboratory testing) and/or not performing as intended, i.e. as claimed by the manufacturer.
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Over-the-counter access to low dose cannabidiol
The TGA announced a final decision to down-schedule certain low dose cannabidiol (CBD) preparations from Schedule 4 (Prescription Medicine) to Schedule 3 (Pharmacist Only Medicine). The decision will allow low-dose CBD containing products, up to a maximum of 150 mg/day, for use in adults that have been approved by the TGA, to be supplied over-the-counter by a pharmacist, without a prescription. The decision limits over-the-counter supply to only those products that are approved by the TGA and included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The decision also outlines additional limits on dosage form and packaging requirements, including pack size and child resistant closures.
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Research
17 December
$172.5 million funding top up to support Australian medical research
The Government is continuing its support for world leading medical research by contributing an additional $172.5 million to supplement the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) in 2021-22. The MRFF reached its $20 billion maturity in July 2020, however the historic low RBA cash rate has reduced the amount available through the MRFF to $455 million in 2021-22. The additional funding will bring the MRFF disbursement for 2021-22 back up to $627.5 million. This funding will maintain the Government's commitment to the 20 initiatives outlined in the $5 billion MRFF 10-Year Investment Plan, which focus on areas of unmet need or with potential for transforming health care and outcomes, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
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16 December
VIC: Bright ideas among $31M Australian Government funding boost
Waltzer & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)'s COVID-19, dementia and blood cancer researchers are among the beneficiaries of $10.9M of National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding announced this week by the Government. The new NHMRC Ideas Grants and Postgraduate Scholarships are part of a total of $31.5M of NHMRC funding grants received by WEHI's researchers in 2020. Associate Professor Ethan Goddard-Borger received an NHMRC Ideas Grant for his research towards developing new antiviral medicines which could help to treat COVID-19 as well as other globally significant and emerging viruses.
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QLD: Government delivers $4 million boost for clinical research
Clinician researchers around the state will receive a total funding boost of close to $4 million from the Queensland Government to investigate vital health issues. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said 14 clinician researchers had been awarded funding under round two of the Queensland Advancing Clinical Research Fellowship program. 'We launched these fellowships in 2019 because we know that research outcomes are critical to finding new and better ways of delivering healthcare and improving the health of Queenslanders,' she said.
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15 December
$300 million for the improvement of health for all Australians
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that the Government is investing $300 million in ground-breaking health and medical research projects across Australia aimed at delivering better treatments, diagnosis and care. The announcement includes $260 million for 283 research projects through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ideas Grants scheme. Associate Professor Tu'uhevaha Kaitu'u-Lino will receive $1.1 million to help improve pregnancy outcomes for women by developing a screening test to identify women at risk of preeclampsia. The funding will support thousands of researchers to pursue their goals over the next 3-5 years.
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Research funding a further step towards improving the quality of care of people impacted by dementia
Dementia Australia has welcomed the federal government's announcement of $17.5 million to fund research into dementia and aged care. The federal government's announcement of a $311 million Medical Research Future Fund round will direct $17.5 million into desperately needed dementia and aged care projects that focus on improving diagnosis and support for people impacted by dementia. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said investing in dementia and aged care research was crucial to improving the health outcomes for both current and future generations of Australians. 'Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians, with an estimated 459,000 Australians living with dementia in 2020,' Ms McCabe said.
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NHMRC funding for Garvan researchers
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has awarded seven Ideas Grants to researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research to continue their crucial work to find new treatments in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease and eating disorders. The NHMRC provides funding for health and medical research through a competitive, peer-reviewed grant system, with Ideas Grants providing Garvan researchers up to four years' of funding. Professor Chris Goodnow, Garvan's Executive Director congratulates the researchers who received funding from the NHMRC.
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14 December
$311 million for dementia, cancer and additional medical research
Twelve grant opportunities from the Government's Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), with a total value of almost $311 million, will launch on the 14th of December. The funding aims to generate improved health care and outcomes by supporting health and medical research and innovation projects in key areas such as dementia, aged care, and applied research led by clinicians. A total of $17.5 million is on offer for research into dementia and aged care. Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, and the number one cause of death for women, said Minister Hunt.
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Multidisciplinary teams key to best outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
A new consensus statement produced by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) Liver Faculty on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) will ultimately lead to better outcomes for Australian patients, according to the authors, published in the Medical Journal of Australia. The consensus statement has been written by specialists in hepatology, radiology, surgery, oncology, palliative care, and primary care, including medical practitioners and nurses. It addresses four main areas relevant to HCC management:
- epidemiology and incidence;
- diagnosis;
- treatment; and,
- patient management.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
16 December
Further investment boosts Indigenous medical education and enrolment
Funding announced in Newcastle will ensure the Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME) Network can continue to build capacity in Australia's Indigenous Health workforce. Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said the $680,000 of funding would enable the network to continue to increase the number of Indigenous people choosing to study medicine while ensuring a quality indigenous health curriculum is taught in medical schools. 'Growing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors and ensuring our health workforce has the culturally appropriate skills and training to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is an Australian Government priority,' Minister Coulton said.
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15 December
More time for remote clinics to upgrade imaging equipment
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that the Australian Government has extended the capital sensitivity exemption for medical imaging equipment in rural and regional Australia. This extra time for remote practices to replace older medical imaging equipment will ensure that patients in remote areas can continue to receive Medicare benefits for diagnostic imaging. Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items and rules related to diagnostic imaging services were amended in line with the recommendations of the MBS Review Taskforce and the Medical Service Advisory Committee. The changes ensure that diagnostic imaging services provided under Medicare are up to date and reflect best clinical practice.
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Funders request remedy for Bourke health service
Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) placed the Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (BACHS) under special administration. Originally incorporated in 1987 under the Corporations Act 2001, BACHS transferred its registration to the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) three months ago, amid concerns from funding bodies about the corporation's viability. BACHS is a primary health care service with around 1350 clients in the large Bourke shire of inland New South Wales. In 2019-20 it received funding of $2.8 million under the Commonwealth's Indigenous Australians' Health Programme (IAHP). It also receives funding from the New South Wales Ministry of Health.
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14 December
New teaching facilities for rural doctor training in Dubbo
New purpose-built teaching facilities that will train the next generation of rural GPs in Dubbo following the Government's investment of more than $9 million to start construction. Minister Coulton said the new facility will boost local training opportunities and in turn, improve the future distribution of Australia's rural medical workforce. 'A strong rural health workforce is central to improving the health of people living in rural, regional and remote Australia,' Minister Coulton said. 'We also know that when students train in rural settings, they are more likely to live and work in the regions at the end of their studies.'
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Rural health research: Local focus, local benefits
The Spinifex Network, a national rural health and medical research alliance, has published six rapid reviews in an Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) Supplement, The aim of the Supplement, coordinated by Associate Professor Sonya Osborne from the University of Southern Queensland's School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Dr Donella Piper, Program Manager for NSW Regional Health Partners, is to introduce the Spinifex Network and to showcase a few of the many rural, regional and remote health research priority areas.
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Rural health research: Local focus, local benefits
The Spinifex Network, a national rural health and medical research alliance, has published six rapid reviews in an MJA Supplement. The aim of the Supplement, coordinated by Associate Professor Sonya Osborne from the University of Southern Queensland's School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Dr Donella Piper, Program Manager for NSW Regional Health Partners, is to introduce the Spinifex Network and to showcase a few of the many rural, regional and remote health research priority areas.
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Women's Health
None this edition.
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Transcripts
Department of Health
16 DEC: Transcript of Acting Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's Press Conference, Canberra
Subjects: COVID-19, Pfizer vaccine, Canada, UK, US, TGA, Australians overseas, Airline crews
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
16 DEC: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Sydney
Subjects: Industrial relations, Aged care, Australia's relationship with China, Climate change, Wage stagnation, Economy, Medicare
Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins
16 DEC: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Hobart
Subjects: Aged care, Home care packages, Aged Care Royal Commission, MYEFO, Allied health services, Mental health services, Federal Aged Care Minister
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack
15 DEC: Transcript of Interview with Monique Wright, Sunrise
Subjects: Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble, New Zealand, COVID-19, Quarantine, Vaccine
Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
14 DEC: Transcript of Doorstop Interview with RACGP President, Karen Price
Subjects: COVID-19, $311mil funding for dementia & aged care research, Trans-Tasman travel bubble, Fed Cabinet
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Reports
Options for a revised framework for setting and reviewing benefits for the prostheses list
Department of Health
This report describes discussions by the Prostheses List Revised Benefit Setting & Review Framework Industry Working Group (BSRIWG). Building on these discussions and the outcomes of other reviews, this report also presents three options for a revised framework for setting and reviewing private health insurance benefits for medical devices listed on the Prostheses List (PL).The BSRIWG recommend that following publication of this report there be further public consultation and detailed and transparent examination of any preferred reform model (noting that a hybrid model might emerge during the broader consultation phase).
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Entrectinib - Proprietary Product Name: Rozlytrek - Sponsor: Roche Products Pty Ltd
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Roche Products Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Rozlytrek (entrectinib) 100 mg and 200 mg, hard capsule for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as follows: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) Rozlytrek is indicated for the treatment of patients with ROS1-positive, locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. In a concurrent submission, the sponsor also applied for provisional registration of the following solid tumour indication relating to the same products.
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Provider sentiment and satisfaction survey - Report Attached
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
The NDIA monitors provider sentiment and satisfaction annually as part of the 2020-21 annual goals set out in the NDIS 2020-24 Corporate Plan. In addition to measuring sentiment and satisfaction, we use the survey responses to identify and prioritise actions that would improve the provider experience. Providers are essential to participants achieving their goals and the NDIA continues to make a significant effort to resolve concerns raised by providers to improve the Scheme.
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Embryo Research Licensing Committee - Report to the Parliament of Australia - For the period 1 March to 31 August 2020
National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
The Commonwealth Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002 and Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 (RIHE Act) were developed to address community concerns, including ethical concerns, about scientific developments in relation to human reproduction and the utilisation of human embryos in research activities. The legislation prohibits human cloning for reproductive purposes and a range of other practices relating to reproductive technology.
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Advertising therapeutic goods that are only sold to health professionals
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This fact sheet explains how advertisers can make it clear in publicly available content that a therapeutic good is only available to health professionals, while still ensuring compliance with the therapeutic goods advertising requirements.
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Maternal deaths in Australia
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Findings from this report:
- The MMR for Australia in 2018 was the lowest in the past decade
- Maternal death was more common in women of higher parity
- The most common cause of maternal death for 2018 was cardiovascular disease
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have a higher incidence of maternal death than non-Indigenous women
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Stillbirths and neonatal deaths in Australia
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Findings from this report:
- Every day in Australia, 6 babies are stillborn and 2 die within 28 days of birth (neonatal death)
- There were 9.6 perinatal deaths for every 1,000 births in 2017
- More than 30% of deaths were caused by a congenital anomaly
- Nearly 2 in 5 perinatal deaths (38%) occurred before 22 completed weeks' gestation
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Volume 213 No 11
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
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Public hearing 10: Education and training of health professionals in relation to people with cognitive disability
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation of People with Disability
The hearing will examine the education and training of health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and psychologists, in the health care and treatment of people with cognitive disability.
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Positive CALD Ageing Network (PCAN) Newsletter - 9th Edition
Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA)
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Hansards
None this edition.
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
None this edition.
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
New South Wales
11 DEC 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 369: Government Notices - Health and Education
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Consolidated Legislation
Health Insurance (Section 3C Diagnostic Imaging - Nuclear Medicine Services) Determination 2019
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C01107
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Section 3C Diagnostic Imaging - Nuclear Medicine Services) Amendment Determination 2020.
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National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement 2011 (PB 79 of 2011)
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C01105
PB 79 of 2011 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 10) (PB 116 of 2020).
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National Health (Listed drugs on F1 or F2) Determination 2010 (PB 93 of 2010)
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C01098
PB 93 of 2010 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Listed drugs on F1 or F2) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 11) (PB 117 of 2020).
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National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C01094
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 10) (PB 114 of 2020).
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National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme-Exempt items - Section 84AH) Determination 2017 (PB 81 of 2017)
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C01092
PB 81 of 2017 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme-Exempt items - Section 84AH) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 3) (PB 120 of 2020).
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New Bills
Federal
Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Improved Home Care Payment Administration No. 1) Bill 2020 - Received Assent 15/12, Act No. 124 of 2020
National Emergency Declaration Bill 2020 - Received Assent 15/12, Act No. 128 of 2020
National Emergency Declaration (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2020 - Received Assent 15/12, Act No. 129 of 2020
Aged Care Amendment (Aged Care Recipient Classification) Bill 2020 - Received Assent 17/12, Act No. 147 of 2020
Health Insurance Amendment (Compliance Administration) Bill 2020 - Received Assent 17/12, Act No. 150 of 2020
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New Acts
Federal
Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Improved Home Care Payment Administration No. 1) Act 2020
An Act to amend the law in relation to home care payments, and for related purposes.
The purpose of the Act is to change the payment of home care subsidy to approved providers from being paid in advance to being paid in arrears. Paying home care subsidy in arrears will introduce a more contemporary business practice into home care subsidy payment arrangements and bring these arrangements into alignment with other Government programs. The Act will not affect the eligibility of consumers to home care subsidy or the amount of home care subsidy payable for eligible home care consumers. The Act amends both the Aged Care Act 1997 (the Act) and the Aged Care (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 (the TP Act).
The Act gives effect to the first stage of reforms to improve payment administration arrangements for home care packages announced by the Government in the 2019-20 Budget. An Act implementing the second stage of the reforms will be introduced at a later date to give effect to the remainder of the home care payment administration reforms announced by the Government in the 2019-20 Budget.
The reforms improve payment administration arrangements for home care packages and will improve financial integrity in home care.
Under the current payment system, the Government is wholly reliant on an approved provider for accurate reporting and the reconciliation of funds. This is because currently the subsidy associated with a home care package is paid to the approved provider in advance. The approved provider uses an online claiming system to report relevant information after the payment period including periods of leave a consumer has taken, or the consumer ceasing to receive home care, and the amount of Commonwealth unspent funds when a consumer ceases home care. These reforms will improve financial accountability and allow for better transparency over the actual use of funds for home care service delivery.
On 12 November 2020, the Senate Selection of Bills Committee referred the then-Bill to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 27 November 2020.
Reps: Intro 27/02/20, 2R 27/02/20, 05/03/20, 27/10/20, 28/10/20, Passed 28/10/20
Senate: Intro 09/11/20, 2R 09/11/20, 08/12/20, Passed 08/12/20
Assent 15/12/20, Act No. 124 of 2020
Commencement: The whole of this Act: A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. However, if the provisions do not commence within the period of 6 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the day after the end of that period.
Aged Care Amendment (Aged Care Recipient Classification) Act 2020
An Act to amend the Aged Care Act 1997, and for related purposes.
The Aged Care Amendment (Aged Care Recipient Classification) Act 2020 (the Act) amends the Aged Care Act 1997 (the AC Act) to introduce an additional, discretionary procedure for classification of recipients of residential aged care and some kinds of flexible care.
The amendments will allow for the introduction of a new classification system focused on independently determining the care needs of older Australians accessing residential aged care and some types of flexible care.
This classification system is an important step in the reform process, which will demonstrate what the Australian National - Aged Care Classification will do in practice and will inform residential aged care funding reform.
On 12 November 2020, the Senate Selection of Bills Committee referred the then-Bill to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 2 December 2020.
Reps: Intro 21/10/20, 2R 21/10/20, 08/12/20, Passed (with 2 Government amendments) 08/12/20
Senate: Intro 09/12/20, 2R 09/12/20, 10/12/20, Passed 10/12/20
Assent 17/12/20, Act No. 147 of 2020
Commencement: The whole of this Act - The later of: (a) 1 March 2021; and (b) the day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.
Health Insurance Amendment (Compliance Administration) Act 2020
An Act to amend the Health Insurance Act 1973, and for related purposes.
The Health Insurance Amendment (Compliance Administration) Act 2020 amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 (Health Insurance Act).
The Act supports the integrity of the Medicare program by modernising the circumstances in which the Commonwealth can recover a Medicare benefit or payment from a person when it should not have been paid under the Health Insurance Act. The amendment clarifies that a Medicare benefit or payment can be recovered as a debt due to the Commonwealth in circumstances where an incorrect amount is paid (purportedly by way of Medicare benefit or payment) as a result of a person giving false or misleading information. The amendment allows a Medicare benefit or payment under the Health Insurance Act to be recovered where it was not payable and/or a person was not entitled to be paid the Medicare benefit or payment.
This amendment supports current, emerging and future technological advancements to electronic Medicare claiming, which are aimed at achieving efficiencies in Medicare claiming and payment services. The amendment streamlines the way in which the Commonwealth identifies incorrect claiming of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and raises debts.
On 12 November 2020, the Senate Selection of Bills Committee referred the then-Bill to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 27 November 2020.
The committee tabled their report on 2 December 2020.
Reps: Intro 29/10/10, 2R 29/10/20, 08/12/20, Passed 08/12/20
Senate: Intro 09/12/20, 2R 09/12/20, 10/12/20, Passed 10/12/20
Assent 17/12/20, Act No. 150 of 2020
Commencement: The whole of this Act - The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.
Queensland
An Act to amend the Disability Services Act 2006, the Evidence Act 1977, the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000, the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 and the other legislation mentioned in schedule 1 for particular purposes.
The objectives of the Act are to:
- support nationally consistent worker screening for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the Intergovernmental Agreement on Nationally Consistent Worker Screening for the NDIS (the IGA);
- enable Queensland to operate a state disability worker screening system for certain disability services that it continues to fund, or deliver, outside of the jurisdiction of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission);
- streamline and strengthen the legislative framework for disability worker screening in Queensland; and
- ensure the blue card system operates effectively and efficiently alongside the disability worker screening system and the strongest possible safeguards are maintained in relation to persons working with children with disability.
Intro 26/11/20, Referred to the Community Support and Services Committee for consideration 26/11/20, Declared urgent 26/11/20, 2R 02/12/20, 03/12/20, 04/12/20, Passed 04/12/20
Assent 11/12/20, Act No. 39 of 2020
Commencement: This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
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