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)
7 January
Government finally responds on vaccine timeline
'The Government's belated decision to bring forward the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is welcome - but shows yet again that Scott Morrison is more motivated by spin than substance,' said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen. 'Scott Morrison and Greg Hunt have spent the last week hysterically claiming that bringing forward the rollout would risk Australians' health. As part of this desperate campaign, Mr Morrison has even cast doubt on the UK Government and its independent vaccines regulator. Yet the Government has now brought forward Australia's vaccine rollout twice in two days: to early March, and to mid-late February.'
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QLD: Positive case confirmed with UK strain of COVID-19
Genome sequencing has confirmed the Queensland case of COVID-19 has the UK variant, said the Queensland Department of Health. Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young has enforced restrictions to vulnerable facilities in Greater Brisbane as a precaution, while contact tracing efforts continue. 'We're taking a very cautious approach with this case, now that we know for sure this person has the UK variant of the virus,' Ms Young said. 'Evidence shows that this variant is 70 percent more infectious than other strains. This is why I'm taking this firm action swiftly, to protect our most vulnerable facilities.'
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5 January
ACT: Update: restricted travel from COVID-affected areas still in place
The ACT Department of Health reported that there have been no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours, leaving the ACT's total at 118. There are no active cases in the ACT. A total of 115 cases have recovered from COVID-19 in the ACT. There are no COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. The ACT has recorded three (3) deaths. The number of negative tests recorded in the ACT is now 140,553.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
The NSW Department of Health said that the NSW recorded four new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours. Four cases were also recorded in returned travellers in hotel quarantine, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,784. There were 26,391 tests reported, compared with the previous day's total of 22,275. NSW Health urges people - especially those in western, south-western Sydney and Wollongong - to continue to come forward with even the mildest of symptoms. Every person who gets tested plays an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19.
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NSW: Public health alert - Western NSW venues
NSW Health has been notified of venues visited by a confirmed case of COVID-19 in western NSW. The case is a man from western Sydney who was infected at the Berala BWS on Christmas Eve before travelling to Broken Hill, Orange and Nyngan while unknowingly infectious. He was identified as a close contact and asked by NSW Health to be tested. Anyone who attended the following venues is a close contact who must get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result:
- Broken Hill: Gourmet Cribtin, 305 Argent St, Saturday, 2 January, 10.40am - 11.20am
- Orange: Birdie Noshery and Drinking est. 120-122 Summer Street, Sunday, 3 January, 12.30pm - 2pm
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NSW: Public health alert - New venues and revised times
NSW Health wishes to advise of a number of new venues in Sydney's west visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19, as well as revisions to potential exposure times at two previously announced venues in the state's west and far west. There are more than 350 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 clinics or contact your GP. NSW Health urges anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.
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WA: COVID-19 update
The WA Department of Health reported one new case of COVID-19 in Western Australia, bringing the State's total to 869. The new case is a male in his 30s who travelled from overseas and is in hotel quarantine. Following routine genome sequencing, the Department of Health has detected three cases of the UK variant strain of COVID-19. All three were previously announced cases and were returned travellers in hotel quarantine. This is the first time the UK strain has been detected in WA quarantine hotels. WA Health is monitoring 15 active cases and 845 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
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4 January
Importing personal protective equipment into Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Department of Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration said that an increased number of individuals and organisations have been seeking to import face masks and other types of personal protective equipment (PPE) into Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page outlines what you need to know before you seek to import PPE. We do not recommend buying PPE from overseas websites for preventing the transmission of disease. Products from overseas websites could be ineffective or unsafe.
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NSW: Public health alert
NSW Health has been notified of new venues in western Sydney, including a cinema, which have been visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19.Anyone who attended the 10:10am screening of 'The Croods: A New Age' at the below venue is a close contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days regardless of the result:
- Reading Cinema Auburn 100 Parramatta Rd, Auburn
Anyone else at the cinema at the above times is a casual contact and should get tested and immediately self-isolate until you receive a negative result. You should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again.
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SA: COVID-19 Update 4 January
The SA Department of Health said that there have been 4 new cases of COVID-19, all reported from a medi-hotel. There have been a total of 583 cases notified in South Australia. South Australian COVID-19 cases:
- 4 new cases
- 13 Active cases
- 0 people in hospital
- 583 cases in total
- 566 recovered cases
- 4 deaths
- 4,606 tests carried out
- 851,395 test in total
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3 January
$10 million for high potential COVID-19 related clinical trials
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that by mid-2021, volunteers aged between 18 and 75 years will be recruited for an accelerated clinical trial of two 'next generation' vaccines against COVID-19, developed by researchers at the University of Melbourne. These clinical trials are among six chosen to receive immediate funding totalling $10.1 million from the Morrison Government's Medical Research Future Fund's Clinical Trials Activity Initiative. These vaccines offer a number of potential advantages to 'first generation' COVID-19 vaccines, and do not require storage in the extremely low temperatures needed for the Pfizer vaccine.
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NT: Positive COVID-19 case update
NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner reported that one new positive COVID-19 case has been recorded in the Northern Territory in the past 24 hours. This case is the previously reported 36-year-old crew member from the livestock export vessel, Diamantina, who required further testing. He will remain in isolation and under managed safe care at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) until he returns two negative tests, having been in RDH. Additionally, Northern Territory COVD-19 statistics have been adjusted following a testing review of historical cases, two cases have been de-notified as further testing revealed that the initial tests were falsely positive. This takes the total number of cases diagnosed in the Northern Territory to 82. All cases have been related to international or interstate travel, with no cases of community transmission.
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2 January
Good decision on masks - Now time to watch SCG test on TV
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's announcement that masks will be mandatory in most indoor settings in COVID-affected areas of the State is the right action, but more tough decisions must be considered, AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said. 'This is an important decision, and an acknowledgment that wearing face masks is one of our simplest weapons against the spread of coronavirus,' Dr Khorshid said. 'The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has been calling for mandatory mask wearing in NSW since the latest outbreak was first reported late last year.'
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30 December
Perth's quarantine escapee just tip of the iceberg of social media threat to Australia's COVID-19 response
Australia's COVID-19 response is under threat from unchecked social media companies, as public health authorities have little insight into the scale of the problem, said Reset Australia. News reports that a woman left quarantine in Perth after being indoctrinated by misinformation on Facebook is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to misinformation online, said Chris Cooper, executive director of Reset Australia. 'Social media has supercharged conspiracy theories and misinformation, pushing people into echo chambers where false information is all they see. Algorithms amplify the most sensationalist or conspiratorial content to keep us engaged and online longer, but that's often not factual or accurate information.'
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29 December
NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
The NSW Department of Health said that New South Wales recorded three locally acquired cases of COVID-19 with an additional six cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine. All three of the locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. They had all been identified as contacts of known cases and were in isolation when they tested positive. Investigations continue into the source of the Avalon cluster, which now numbers 129. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in NSW to 4,692 since the beginning of the pandemic. There were 16,329 tests reported, compared with the previous day's total of 15,364.
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28 December
NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
The NSW Department of Health said New South Wales recorded five locally acquired cases of COVID-19, with an additional nine cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine. Four of the locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. Investigations continue into the source of this cluster, which now numbers 126. The fifth local case is linked to a previously reported case on the Northern Beaches whose source of infection is not yet linked to the Avalon cluster and remains under investigation. All five locally acquired cases had previously been identified as contacts of known cases and were in isolation.
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24 December
Contracts signed for rollout of COVID-19 vaccine
Minister Hunt said that contracts have been signed with companies to partner with the Australian Government to safely distribute COVID-19 vaccines to all Australians from March next year. The contracts cover three vital aspects of the vaccine rollout:
- Distribution and logistics - industry leading providers DHL and Linfox will undertake COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
- Data-Accenture will provide tracking of vaccine doses as well as enabling overall program implementation monitoring. In addition, PwC will be the Department of Health's Program Delivery Partner for the vaccine rollout. Finalisation of these contracts confirms Australia is on track to achieve a well-ordered, efficient and safe rollout of COVID-19 vaccine.
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QLD: Queensland marks 100 days without community transmission
It's now been 100 days since Queensland last recorded a case of COVID-19 acquired in the Queensland community. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said the hard work of Queenslanders has helped to ensure Queensland continues to be in a strong position against COVID-19. 'Since 15 September 2020, we haven't had a single case of COVID-19 acquired in the Queensland community,' Minister D'Ath said. 'This is a remarkable achievement, and Queenslanders and visitors to Queensland should be very proud of the personal efforts they have made towards this milestone in the pandemic response.'
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23 December
NSW: Public health alert - New and updated venues
NSW Health has been notified of a number of new and updated venues attended by confirmed cases of COVID-19. Anyone who attended the Belrose Hotel, 5 Hughes Pde, Belrose, at any time in December, and developed symptoms at any time in December is asked to come forward for testing and isolate until a negative result is received. People who attended the following venues at the listed times are close contacts who must get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result:
- North Sydney: Cibo Cafe, 71 Walker St - Wednesday, 16 December, 11.30am-12.45pm. Please note that this time has been updated to cover 11.30am to 12pm.
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TAS: Helping seasonal workers stay on top of COVID
Tasmanian Attorney-General Elise Archer said the Tasmanian Government has released an induction video as part of the $1.9 million Agricultural Workforce Resilience Package, which shows agricultural workers what they need to do to be COVID safe. Developed by the Tasmanian Government's Safe Farming Tasmania program, in partnership with Fruit Growers Tasmania, the video uses simple graphics and real-life examples The Agricultural Workforce Resilience Package, announced on 19 August 2020, provided a boost to Safe Farming Tasmania to provide COVID safe workplaces and to ensure new agricultural employees are workforce ready. An additional adviser has also been assigned to Safe Farming Tasmania to provide education and advice to agricultural businesses and help them ensure they are COVID safe when seasonal workers arrive on farm.
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21 December
NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health recorded 15 locally acquired cases of COVID-19, and an additional eight cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine. All 15 locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. Investigations continue into the source of this cluster, which now numbers 83. The total number of cases in NSW is 4,582 since the beginning of the pandemic. There were a record 38,578 tests reported, compared with 28,210 in the previous 24 hours. This has been the highest amount of COVID-19 testing ever done in a single day.
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QLD: Queensland steps up border restrictions and re-emphasises safe behaviour
Greater Sydney will be declared a hotspot from 1am Monday the 21st of December 2020, and there will be a renewed focus on COVID-safe behaviour to ensure Queensland remains safe from the coronavirus pandemic. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the situation in New South Wales continues to escalate and as a result, border restrictions are being ramped up to protect Queenslanders. 'In addition, we will make sure Queensland businesses do not let up in their measures against the virus, and that all venues move to electronic registration of patrons,' the Premier said.
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19 December
TAS: Update on NSW border restrictions
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said that the health and safety of Tasmanians remains their number one priority as we continue to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. In response to the escalating situation in New South Wales, the Greater Sydney area will be classified as a medium-risk jurisdiction by the Director of Public Health. The Northern Beaches area within the Greater Sydney footprint will remain as a high-risk area. This means that anyone who travels to Tasmania from the Greater Sydney area will have to quarantine for 14 days from arrival in Tasmania.
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QLD: Border declaration passes come into force as Sydney Northern Beaches outbreak grow
Queenland Minister D'Ath has announced that from 1am Sunday 20 December, anyone entering Queensland from New South Wales will need to have a border pass declaration. The new passes are the latest addition to the Government's nation-leading COVID response. The Health Minister said anyone entering Queensland from Greater Sydney or the Central Coast should get tested on entry to the state and self-quarantine until they receive their result. 'We're adding additional measures to keep Queenslanders safe and we're encouraging anyone in Queensland who has COVID symptoms, whether they've been travelling or not, to get tested,' she said.
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18 December
NDIS coronavirus hotspot temporary measures
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert confirmed NDIS participants in declared hotspot local government areas have access to a range of temporary measures to ensure they can receive their disability-related supports, in line with public health advice. These measures are currently available in the declared hotspot local government area of the Northern Beaches, Sydney. The government recognises that the immediate restrictions are difficult for NDIS participants and it is our priority to ensure they receive the essential supports they require. As part of a focus on the safety of NDIS participants during COVID-19, as required the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will continue to reach out to connect and check-in with vulnerable participants, to ensure they continue to have supports in place and offering phone or online planning meetings.
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QLD: Strong border measures to keep Queenslanders safe this Christmas
Queensland will enforce mandatory hotel quarantine for anyone has been in Sydney's Northern Beaches region. Queensland Premier Palaszczuk said, as of 1am on Saturday December 19, anyone travelling from Sydney's Northern Beaches including returning Queenslanders will have to go into mandatory 14 day hotel quarantine. The Premier said the risks are too great. 'We have come too far and sacrificed too much to risk going backwards,' the Premier said. 'We can't afford to undo all that good work.'
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health advised that there are now 28 cases associated with the Avalon cluster, with 25 are linked to either the Avalon RSL, the Avalon Bowlo, or both. The links of two cases are under urgent investigation, and one case linked to the Avalon cluster has been reported in a NSW resident whose COVID-19 infection was diagnosed in Queensland. This case is reported as part of the Queensland numbers. NSW recorded 15 locally acquired cases of COVID-19, plus one case in a returned traveller in hotel quarantine. This brings the total number of cases in NSW to 4,493 since the beginning of the pandemic.
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NSW: Public health advisory
Due to increasing COVID-19 case numbers associated with the Avalon cluster, NSW Health is issuing a strong advisory for all people in the Northern Beaches LGA to wear a mask at all times when in indoor areas. This advisory is effective immediately, and in place for 72 hours. This is an additional public health measure to the previous advice regarding Northern Beaches residents staying home as much as possible and avoiding high-risk venues including hospitality (e.g. cafes, pubs and restaurants), places of worship, gyms, and functions or events held at these premises.
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NSW: Public health alert - Urgent call for testing
Due to increasing COVID-19 case numbers associated with the Avalon cluster and concerns over wider transmission, NSW Health is issuing an urgent call to all residents of NSW - not only those in the Northern Beaches - to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone in the state with even the mildest symptoms such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until a negative result is received. The source of these infections remains under investigation, though genome sequencing points to the strain being of US origin.
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Aged Care
21 December
Report into COVID-19 outbreaks at St Basil's and Epping Gardens
The Australian Government has released the findings of the independent review into COVID- 19 outbreaks at two Victorian aged care facilities: Heritage Care's Epping Gardens and St Basil's Home for the Aged. Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the report underlined the critical elements that led to the tragic outbreaks at the height of the second wave of community transmission across Melbourne following the Victorian Hotel Quarantine failures as outlined in the Inquiry. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said establishing the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (VACRC) and significant actions by the Commonwealth Government to support providers to respond to emergency event in aged care is acknowledged in this report.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
21 December
Elder Abuse in Australian Aged Care Facilities
Around 39.2 per cent of people living in Australian aged care facilities experience elder abuse in the form of neglect, emotional abuse or physical abuse according to experimental estimates by the Office of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Of these three types of elder abuse, the most prevalent was estimated to be neglect (experienced by 30.8 per cent of people), followed by emotional abuse (22.6 per cent) and physical abuse (5 per cent). Elder abuse can also take the form of financial, social and sexual abuse. These forms were not able to be estimated using the data available.
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Allied Health
None this edition.
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Children's Health
21 December
Preventing nicotine uptake by young Australians with prescription based vaping
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that the Government is responding to the independent regulatory decision of the TGA with a range of measures to support the cessation of smoking, and to help prevent teenagers taking up pathways to smoking. As noted in the TGA decision, consumers importing nicotine will require a doctor's prescription to legally access nicotine e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine. Child resistant closures for liquid nicotine will also be mandatory. The Government supports the independence of the TGA in making decisions around medicine availability and the approval of medicines, medical devices and vaccines for supply to Australians based on expert health advice. Scheduling decisions of the TGA are not subject to disallowance either by the Parliament of the Minister.
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Clinical Governance
None this edition.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
24 December
VIC: Site secured and builder appointed for new San Remo campus
Students on the Bass Coast are one step closer to getting new modern learning facilities after the Andrews Labor Government secured land for a new junior campus of Wonthaggi Secondary College to be built in San Remo. Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino and Victorian Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale announced a site has been secured and a builder appointed for the multi-million dollar campus for Year 7-9 students. The site is located on Potters Hill Road in San Remo and construction is expected to start in February 2021. SJ Higgins has been appointed as the builder. The new campus will open in 2022 and is in addition to the school's two existing campuses, including the McBride Senior Campus that opened this year.
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18 December
QLD: Revamped and enhanced Kirwan Ambulance Station ready to respond
One of the busiest stations in the state will be serviced by world-class facilities following the official opening of the new Kirwan Ambulance Station. The new $3.2 million state-of-the-art Kirwan Ambulance Station was officially opened. Queensland Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said that the new, modern station's opening was great news for the community and hard-working paramedics and station staff. 'As a former paramedic, I am so proud to be part of the Government that delivers the very best frontline services for Townsville,' said Mr Harper. 'I'm also proud to announce that three additional frontline ambulance staff will join the Kirwan station team.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
5 January
Plan to improve access and inclusion for people with disability
The Department of Health said it is reviewing its Disability Access and InclusionPlan (DAIP) 2020-2025 and is calling for comment and feedback on the DAIP's key strategies. These strategies will set the foundation for building an inclusive organisation over the next 5 years. Providing equal access for people with disability to its information, services and facilities is a high priority for the Department of Health. Through the DAIP, the Department of Health will continue to strive to ensure that people with disability in Western Australia can access services in a way that promotes their independence, opportunities and participation in the workplace and community at large.
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22 December
WA: $8.5 million to support the disability sector transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme
WA Minister for Disability Services Stephen Dawson said that the Sector Transition Fund is designed to safeguard the future sustainability and build the capacity of the Western Australian disability sector. The Department of Communities held two forums to identify transition issues and priority areas to help inform the latest funding round. This funding boost will support the disability sector to prepare to meet NDIS Commission requirements and implement positive behaviour support frameworks. It will provide tools to service providers to enhance quality and safeguarding practices; deliver increased workforce training and improve employment opportunities for people with disability through group-based peer support.
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18 December
NDIS coronavirus hotspot temporary measures
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert confirmed NDIS participants in declared hotspot local government areas have access to a range of temporary measures to ensure they can receive their disability-related supports, in line with public health advice. These measures are currently available in the declared hotspot local government area of the Northern Beaches, Sydney. The government recognises that the immediate restrictions are difficult for NDIS participants and it is our priority to ensure they receive the essential supports they require. As part of a focus on the safety of NDIS participants during COVID-19, as required the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will continue to reach out to connect and check-in with vulnerable participants, to ensure they continue to have supports in place and offering phone or online planning meetings.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Outbreak preparedness, prevention and management
National Disability Services (NDS) reported information intended to support registered NDIS providers to understand how to:
- ensure their workers take reasonable precautions to protect people with disability and themselves
- prepare for an outbreak of COVID-19
- respond to suspected or confirmed cases in different types of service settings
- manage an outbreak of COVID-19.
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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
3 January
Efforts to address structural racism must accompany symbolic change
Medical students have called on the Federal Government to commit to more substantive efforts to actualise a country that is 'one and free'. While the Government's decision to remove the word 'young' from the national anthem recognises Australia's 60,000-year-strong Indigenous history, this acknowledgement must be extended to constitutional reform, a change that leading Indigenous organisations and bodies have demanded for years. 'We remain a country deeply divided by legislation, policies and structures that discriminate against First Nations peoples,' Sophie Keen, a Darug woman and the first Indigenous person to be elected President of the Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) said.
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Funding
None this edition.
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Health Professionals
None this edition.
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Hospitals
None this edition.
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Insurance
21 December
Lowest private health insurance premium change in two decades
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that the Government's ongoing reforms to private health insurance have resulted in the lowest annual average premium change for consumers since 2001 - 2.74 per cent. The 2.74 per cent average industry change from 1 April 2021 - the lowest change in 20 years - is over 50 per cent lower than premium rises under the previous Labor Government. Australian Government reforms designed to make private health insurance more affordable, simpler to understand and attractive for all Australians are working, and this record low change continues the current trend of low premium changes. Private health insurance is an important part of that system. Australian Government reforms mean private health insurance will continue to offer Australian families affordable choice and flexibility in their health care.
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Health cover rises flatten but still pose cost hurdle for many
The lowest rise in health insurance premiums in nearly 20 years is welcome although many Australians in the current economic climate will struggle to meet the increased cost, the Consumers Health Forum said. 'The 2.74 per cent average increase in premiums to take effect next April is particularly welcome when family and personal budgets are under even more strain and the need for care in areas including mental health continues to grow,' the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells, said. 'While the new rise is low compared to previous years, it is still well above the inflation rate of 0.7 per cent for the year to September. There are unlikely to be many people able to absorb a premium increase without further squeezing their budgets.'
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Medibank delivers lowest premium rise in 20 years
Medibank and ahm health insurance premiums will rise by an average of 3.25% from 1 April 2021, Medibank's lowest premium rise in 20 years. Medibank Chief Customer Officer David Koczkar: 'Medibank is committed to ensuring that private health insurance remains affordable for Australians. Which is why in 2021 we are delivering our lowest premium increase in 20 years. While we have supported our customers through COVID-19 - with a customer support package of more than $185 million - we knew we needed to keep the 2021 premium increase as low as possible,' said Mr Koczkar.
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Hunt hikes health insurance premiums just days from Christmas
Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen said that: 'Greg Hunt's decision to rubber-stamp private health insurance premium increases just days before Christmas is a blow for Australian families. The Minister has announced a 2.74 per cent average increase in 2021 - with some funds and policies set to rise by much more. Hunt's hike is well above projected inflation, and will cost families an extra $126 on average. The Private Health Insurance Act gives the Minister the power to reject premium increases that 'would be contrary to the public interest'. The Minister must explain why another 2.74 per cent average increase next year is in the public interest - or cancel it altogether.'
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Medicare
28 December
PBS listings bring greater hope in fight against multiple myeloma and severe psoriasis
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that the first day of the new year will bring with it new hope for Australians fighting one of the most common blood cancers, thanks to a critical new medicines listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). From 1 January 2021, Darzalex (daratumumab) will be listed for the first time in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, as a second-line treatment for patients with multiple myeloma - a cancer of the plasma cells. Around 1,165 patients will benefit from access to this treatment, which might otherwise cost up to $160,000 a year. Patients could now pay as little as $41.30 per script, or $6.60 with a concession card.
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20 December
Expanded PBS access to breakthrough medicine for lung cancer
Minister Hunt said that a significant lung cancer treatment option that costs approximately $88,000 a year will soon be available for as little as $6.60 per script, thanks to its expanded listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). From 1 January 2021, Australians living with non-small cell lung cancer who have not had prior therapy will benefit from the listing of Tagrisso® (osimertinib). This listing has been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). The Government's commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
29 December
VIC: Support for Victorians with anxiety
Victorian Acting Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley said that the Victorian Government is ensuring Victorians struggling with anxiety and distress get the support they need. Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria will receive an extra $200,000 to provide surge capacity for their specialist OCD and anxiety helpline, which has experienced a 232 percent rise in demand this year. This comes following a $250,000 investment to ARCVic earlier this year, to improve access to support and ongoing care for people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and other anxiety conditions. This funding will deliver the new CARES 4ME program to be run by ARCVic, that caters to those who require ongoing support.
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24 December
VIC: More mental health support in more primary schools
More primary school students will get the mental health support they need when they need it in 2021. Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino announced an additional 15 primary schools will join the Mental Health in Primary Schools pilot - a partnership with the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. The pilot, which began this year in ten schools, provides evidence-based training and resources to support school staff to better understand and respond to mental health issues affecting primary school students. Participating schools can employ a Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator with teaching qualifications. This new role will complement and build on existing school approaches to social and emotional learning and mental health.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
4 January
Importing personal protective equipment into Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Department of Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said that an increased number of individuals and organisations have been seeking to import face masks and other types of personal protective equipment (PPE) into Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page outlines what you need to know before you seek to import PPE. We do not recommend buying PPE from overseas websites for preventing the transmission of disease. Products from overseas websites could be ineffective or unsafe.
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24 December
Personalised medical devices (including 3D-printed devices)
The TGA has conducted extensive consultation and liaison with members of industry and other global regulators, designing a new framework for medical devices that are designed and manufactured for individual patients. Collectively these changes are known as the 'personalised medical devices framework'. The framework has been introduced by the Australian Government to ensure an appropriate level of regulation is applied to personalised medical devices in order to manage the risks associated with their use.
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23 December
PPE Direct Pty Ltd fined $13,320 for alleged unlawful advertising of a COVID-19 Rapid Test kit
TGA part of the Department of Health, has issued an infringement notice for $13,320 to Brisbane-based company PPE Direct Pty Ltd (PPE Direct), trading as Infinity Biotech. The infringement notice is for the alleged unlawful advertising of a COVID-19 Rapid Test kit under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act). PPE Direct allegedly implied, on the Infinity Biotech website, that a COVID-19 Rapid Test kit has been endorsed by a government or government authority.
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Infants' Friend oral liquid
Consumers and health professionals are advised that Infants' Friend Pty Ltd, in consultation with the TGA, is recalling all batches of Infants' Friend oral liquid due to the presence of chloroform as an inactive ingredient. The TGA recently became aware that Infants' Friend oral liquid includes a small amount of chloroform as an inactive ingredient. When used at high doses, Infants' Friend oral liquid can expose children to levels of chloroform that are higher than the level established to be safe. However, intermittent, short-term use is not expected to be harmful. The TGA investigation concluded that the safety of Infants' Friend oral liquid was not acceptable due to the potential for infants to be exposed to intakes of chloroform that exceed a safe level.
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22 December
SA: James Hardie urged to fund public health campaign following precedent-setting asbestos case
Asbestos Victims Association of South Australia said that asbestos victims are urging multinational building materials company James Hardie to undertake a major public health campaign, warning home renovators of the dangers still posed by their asbestos cement sheets, following a precedent-setting court case in South Australia. The Full Court of the Supreme Court of South Australia unanimously found James Hardie owed the public a duty of care to warn them of the risks posed by in-situ asbestos cement products, extending the company's legal liability beyond those it directly sold products to. The decision also set a precedent for other people who contract mesothelioma - an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure - as a result of undertaking renovations to homes that contain asbestos products.
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21 December
TGA confirms nicotine e-cigarette access is by prescription only
The TGA announced that the law for consumers to import nicotine e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine will align with the law for them to buy such products domestically. Closing a gap between Commonwealth and state and territory law, the decision announced by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, clarifies that consumers will require a doctor's prescription to legally access nicotine e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine in Australia. This aligns with current domestic restrictions under State and Territory law that prohibit the supply of nicotine containing e-cigarettes in Australia without a valid medical prescription.
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Research
27 December
VIC: Mapping the health of Victorians through the decades
Victorian Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said that Victorian researchers are embarking on one of the largest health studies in the world, tracking a whole generation of Victorians to paint a complete picture of their health and wellbeing, and to help provide answers to complex health issues like asthma, food allergies, obesity, autism and mental illness. Over the next two years around 150,000 children born in Victoria and their parents will have the opportunity to take part in the Murdoch Children's Research Institute's Generation Victoria (GenV) project.
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21 December
Climate change demands same leadership as COVID-19
A leading Australian medical clinician and researcher has called on the Federal Government and the health sector to commit to showing the same leadership on climate change as was shown during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Laureate Professor Nicolas Talley AC, a world-renowned neurogastroenterologist and Editor-in-Chief of the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) said in an editorial that Australia's response to COVID-19 had been 'strong and effective'. The MJA co-published the MJA-Lancet Australian Countdown special report on health and climate change, which showed that 'Australia has no decisive national plan to address climate change and its health consequences.'
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
30 December
TAS: Mobile testing clinics to be rolled out across Tasmania
Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney said that mobile testing units will be sent to a number of regional centres in Tasmania during January to help lift the statewide testing rate as part of the Government's commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians. To help boost testing numbers, the mobile clinics program will run over a series of four weekends commencing 9 January 2021 in St Helens, Swansea, Strahan, Queenstown and Smithton. Four of the mobile clinics will run across Friday/Saturday to offer a weekday and weekend day option.
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23 December
Make Indigenous health a priority
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to prioritise efforts to close the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non-Indigenous Australians, Australian Medical Association (AMA) President Dr Omar Khorshid said. Releasing the AMA Position Statement on Social Determinants of Health 2020, Dr Khorshid said that pandemic-related job losses, economic disruption, and social isolation are disproportionately affecting poorer, disadvantaged Australians, particularly those in rural and remote areas. 'While the Position Statement's release was delayed by the global pandemic, its findings and recommendations have been reinforced by the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable people,' Dr Khorshid said.
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22 December
Government boosts funding for community pharmacies to support more rural and regional communities
Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton said that the Government is providing more than $100 million for regional, rural and remote pharmacies to better support their communities through an expansion to a critical regional pharmacy program. Over 400 additional pharmacies will be eligible for the Regional Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance (RPMA) program under changes announced, with very remote pharmacies receiving significant additional funding to support the supply of medicines and healthcare in their community.
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Women's Health
30 December
WA: Baby joy for expectant mums in hospital milestone
WA Minister for Health Roger Cook said that expectant mothers have been delivered a huge baby bonus with the opening of a new Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) as part of the $24.9 million expansion of the Osborne Park Hospital. As part of the expansion project, the MAU will enhance the hospital and health care experience of thousands of northern suburban parents who require enhanced obstetric services. The MAU consists of four built-for-purpose assessment rooms and three assessment bays for expectant mothers attending Osborne Park Hospital for birth.
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Transcripts
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly
07 JAN: Transcript of Press Conference, Australian Parliament House
Subjects: United States, COVID-19, Quarantine, Social distancing, Masks, NSW COVID-19 outbreak, Vaccination policy, Priority groups
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
07 JAN: Transcript of Interview with Stan Grant, 7.30 Report
Subjects: Sydney cricket test, Social distancing, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Vaccine rollout, Vaccine development, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, UK variant
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
07 JAN: Transcript of Vice President, Dr Chris Moy's Interview with Alison Crew, ABC News Radio Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccine rollout, COVID-19 variants
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
07 JAN: Transcript of Interview with Joe Hildebrand, 2GB Afternoons
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccine rollout, COVID-19 restrictions, State borders, Quarantine measures, National Cabinet, Protests in Washington, AUS-US relationship
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
06 JAN: Transcript of Interview with Mark Levy, 2GB
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccinations, Vaccination rollout timeline, International travel, Hotel quarantine, Qantas, NSW outbreak
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
05 JAN: Transcript of Interview with Tony Jones, 3AW
Subjects: Coronavirus, Stranded Victorians, Border closures, Vaccine, Testing, Australian Open, Julian Assange
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
05 JAN: Transcript of Interview by President, Dr Omar Khorshid with Danica De Giorgio, Sky News Live, First Edition
Subjects: Coronavirus, Sydney outbreak, Northern Beaches, SCG Test, UK COVID variant
Department of Health
04 JAN: Transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly's Press Conference
Subjects: COVID-19, NSW outbreak, VIC outbreak, Hotel quarantine, Hospitals, Vaccine, State borders, Hotspots, Holidays, Test cricket, Testing
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
04 JAN: Transcript of Interview by President, Dr Omar Khorshid, with Iskhandar Razak & Madeleine Morris, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Sydney Cricket Test, COVID restrictions, NSW, Victoria, Vaccine rollout
Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh
04 JAN: Transcript of Interview with Cathy Van Extel, ABC RN Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19, Public health, Economic recovery, Parliamentary sitting calendar, Election window, Rapid wage growth
Shadow Minister Assisting for Immigration and Citizenship Andrew Giles
04 JAN: Transcript of Interview with Natarsha Belling, Your Morning Agenda
Subjects: COVID-19, Lasting impacts of COVID, COVID-19 vaccine, Financial & emotional government support, Research, Recovery, Public health
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
03 JAN: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: Public health, COVID-19, Outbreak in NSW and VIC, Commonwealth investment in clinical trial programs, Hospitals, Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer
Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen
03 JAN: Transcript of Interview Online
Subjects: COVID-19, Public health, Mandatory vaccinations for employees, Limited access for Australians to COVID-19 vaccines, No jab, no pay, Qantas
Shadow Minister Assisting for Immigration and Citizenship Andrew Giles
02 JAN: Transcript of Interview on ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19, Cuts to JobSeeker and JobKeeper, NSW COVID-19 outbreak, State border restrictions, Public health, Insecure work
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
01 JAN: Transcript of Press Conference, Australian Parliament House, ACT
Subjects: Anthem changes, COVID-19, First Nations peoples, Chief Medical Officer, New South Wales, COVID-19 testing, Outbreaks, PPE
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
28 DEC: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: Additions to PBS, COVID vaccines, Pre-flight testing, Hotel quarantine systems, Update on new strains
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
24 DEC: Transcript of Interview with Ross Stevenson & Russel Howcroft, 3AW
Subjects: COVID vaccine distribution announcement, University of Queensland COVID vaccine, Priority groups
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
24 DEC: Transcript of Interview with David Campbell, Today Show
Subjects: COVID vaccine distribution announcement, Distribution to remote communities, Emergency rollout, Positive healthcare worker, Aged care
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
23 DEC: Transcript of Interview with Marcus Paul, 2SM
Subjects: Sydney Northern Beaches coronavirus outbreak, COVID-19 vaccine, New strain of COVID-19 in the UK, Economic recovery, Medical advice, State borders
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
21 DEC: Transcript of Press Conference, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: COVID-19 outbreaks, COVID-19 testing, COVID-19 vaccine, International quarantine, Definition of 'hot spot', COVID-19 contact tracing
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
21 DEC: Transcript of Interview with Belinda Russell and David Campbell, Today Show
Subjects: Northern beaches COVID-19 cluster, Testing and contact tracing, Mental health support, TGA vaccine assessments
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
21 DEC: Transcript of Interview with Chris Smith, 2GB
Subjects: Northern beaches cluster, Commonwealth assistance, Bringing vaccine rollout forward, Crosby Textor survey, Border closures, Sydney quarantine and checkpoints, National cabinet
Shadow Minister for Education and Training Tanya Plibersek
21 DEC: Transcript of Interview with Belinda Russell, Today Show
Subjects: Sydney COVID-19 Christmas outbreak, Quarantine exemptions, NSW Health Minister, Stranded Australians overseas
Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne
19 DEC: Transcript of Interview with Danica De Giorgio, Sky News
Subjects: Australia's relationship with China, Net to zero by 2050, COVID-19
Department of Health
19 DEC: Transcript of Acting Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's Press Conference, Canberra
Subjects: Northern Beaches cluster, State borders, Quarantine, Contact tracing, COVIDSafe app, NSW CMO, Moderna vaccine
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Reports
Australian Public Assessment Report for Larotrectinib
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Bayer Australia Limited (the sponsor) to register Vitrakvi (larotrectinib) 20 mg/mL oral liquid solution and Vitrakvi (larotrectinib) 25 mg and 100 mg hard capsules for the following proposed indication: Vitrakvi is indicated for the treatment of adult and paediatric patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumours harbouring an NTRK gene fusion.
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Regulator Performance Framework Self-assessment report
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
The Regulator Performance Framework (RPF) establishes a common set of performance measures for the comprehensive assessment of regulator performance and their engagement with stakeholders. The way regulators administer regulations can have a major effect on the burden imposed, and therefore the framework aims to encourage regulators to undertake their functions with the minimum impact necessary to achieve regulatory objectives.
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Modafinil: Why 'smart drugs' are not the brightest option
Department of Health
Modafinil has been marketed online as a 'smart drug' that keeps you alert and focused for long periods of time with little to no side effects. However, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is warning consumers that off-label use of these so-called smart drugs is not a wise choice. Overseas online vendors promote drugs such as Modafinil, one of a growing category of drugs labelled nootropics by using professional-looking and consumer friendly websites. While Modafinil is available in Australia, online vendors are brushing over the fact that these types of products are illegal to buy and import to Australia without a prescription.
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Hansards
None this edition.
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
National Health (Data-matching) Principles 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00006
The Principles will support the National Health Act and provide further safeguards as to the use of information for data matching for Medicare compliance purposes, by setting out certain responsibilities that must be met by the Chief Executive Medicare as part of the matching of information. The Principles also incorporate applicable underlying privacy obligations. The Chief Executive Medicare may authorise a Commonwealth entity to match information on the Chief Executive Medicare's behalf for the same permitted purposes, and the Principles also apply to these authorised Commonwealth entities.
Explanatory Statement
Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Modifications-National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme)) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01715
The Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Modifications - National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme)) Determination 2020 (the Determination) temporarily, during COVID-19:
- disapplies the requirement in paragraph 84DA(3)(c) of the National Health Act 1953 (the NH Act) that an applicant (or the applicant's agent) shall sign an application made to an approved supplier for a Safety Net Concession Card, where it is not practicable due to concerns relating to transmission of COVID-19; and
- disapplies the requirement in paragraph 84E(3)(c) of the NH Act that an applicant (or the applicant's agent) shall sign an application made to an approved supplier for a Pharmaceutical Benefits Entitlement Card, where it is not practicable due to concerns relating to transmission of COVID-19.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 12)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01691
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under sections 84AF, 84AK, 85, 85A, 88 and 101 of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act), is to amend the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012 (PB 71 of 2012) to make changes to the pharmaceutical benefits listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and related matters.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 9)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01689
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under section 98C(1) of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act), is to amend the National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Determination 2019 (the Principal Determination) to make changes to the pharmaceutical benefits and ingredients in relation to which particular rules apply for ascertaining the Commonwealth price payable to an approved medical practitioner or an approved pharmacist for supply, and to make changes to the list of pharmaceutical benefits that must be supplied in complete packs.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits - early supply) Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 11)
Legislative Instrument- F2020L01681
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under subsection 84AAA(2) of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act) is to amend the National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits-early supply) Instrument 2015 (PB 120 of 2015) (the Principal Instrument). PB 120 of 2015 specifies the pharmaceutical items that are in pharmaceutical benefits for which Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) safety net entitlements will not apply for early supplies, and to specify the period following previous supply.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 11)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01680
This is the National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No.11) (this Instrument). The purpose of this Instrument, made under subsection 100(2) of the Act, is to amend the National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement 2010 (PB 116 of 2010) (the Special Arrangement), to make changes to the Special Arrangement relating to the Highly Specialised Drugs program.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 11)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01676
The purpose of this Instrument, made under subsection 100(2) of the Act, is to amend the National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement 2011 (PB 79 of 2011) (the Special Arrangement) to make changes relating to the Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy. This Instrument makes amendments to the Special Arrangement to reflect changes made to the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012 (PB 71 of 2012), which commence on the same day. The National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012 (PB 71 of 2012) is made under sections 84AF, 84AK, 85, 85A, 88 and 101 of the Act.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Weighted average disclosed price - April 2021 reduction day) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01663
This legislative instrument determines a 'weighted average disclosed price' (WADP) for listed brands of pharmaceutical items in the 2021 April Cycle under subsection 99ADB(4) of the Act. This legislative instrument also determines a reduction day of 1 April 2021 for listed brands in the 2021 April Cycle with a data collection period ending on 30 September 2020.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Concession or entitlement card fee) Amendment Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01651
This instrument amends the National Health (Concession or entitlement card fee) Amendment Determination 2012 (PB 102 of 2011) (the Principal Determination) to index the fee for issue of a safety net concession card or pharmaceutical benefits entitlement card (or an additional or replacement concession card or entitlement card).
Explanatory Statement
Therapeutic Goods (Standard for Disinfectants and Sanitary Products) Amendment Order 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01650
The purpose of the Amendment Order is to amend the Principal Order, principally to incorporate the most recent version of the TGA instructions for disinfectant testing ('the Instructions') and to better target a label warning requirement in relation to disinfectants that contain chlorhexidine. The Amendment Order also makes a small number of clarifications and corrections to the Principal Order.
Explanatory Statement
Therapeutic Goods (Prescription Medicines- Transparency Measures) Specification 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01649
The Therapeutic Goods (Prescription Medicines - Transparency Measures) Specification 2020 ('the Specification') is made under subsection 61(5D) of the Act to specify kinds of therapeutic goods information that the Secretary may release to the public under subsection 61(5C) of the Act. The purpose of the Specification is to facilitate the publication of certain therapeutic goods information relating to applications for the registration of prescription medicines in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods ('the Register').
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Co-Dependent Pathology Services) Amendment Determination (No. 7) 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01642
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C Co-Dependent Pathology Services) Amendment Determination (No. 7) 2020 (the Determination) is to amend the Health Insurance (Section 3C Co-Dependent Pathology Services) Determination 2018 to expand Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item 73337 to enable access to medicines identified as an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which will include the drug osimertinib, from 1 January 2021.
Explanatory Statement
New South Wales
18 DEC 2020: NSW, HAZZARD: Legislation - Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments - Public Health Amendment (Scheduled Medical Conditions) Order (No 2) 2020 - Public Health Act 2010 - 2020-749
18 DEC 2020: NSW, HAZZARD: Legislation - Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments - Public Health Amendment (Scheduled Medical Conditions-Asbestosis) Regulation 2020 - Public Health Act 2010 - 2020-748
18 DEC 2020: NSW, HAZZARD: Legislation - Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments - Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Prescribed Quantities) Regulation 2020 - Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 - 2020-747
18 DEC 2020: NSW, HAZZARD: Legislation - Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments - Public Health Amendment (COVID-19 Spitting and Coughing) Regulation (No 4) 2020 - Public Health Act 2010 - 2020-728
Victoria
22 DEC 2020: VIC, NEVILLE: Public Health and Wellbeing (Quarantine Fees) Regulations 2020 - S.R. No. 149/2020
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
New South Wales
06 JAN 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 5: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 7) Amendment (No 2) Order 2021
03 JAN 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 002: Government Notices - Health & Education
02 JAN 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 001: Government Notices - Health & Education
31 DEC 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 401: Government Notices - Health & Education
30 DEC 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 399: Government Notices - Health & Education
29 DEC 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 398: Government Notices - Health & Education
29 DEC 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 397: Government Notices - Health & Education
28 DEC 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 396: Government Notices - Health & Education
23 DEC 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 394: Government Notices - Health & Education
23 DEC 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 389: Government Notices - Health & Education
29 DEC 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 388: Government Notices - Health & Education
18 DEC 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 381: Government Notices - Health & Education
16 DEC 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 377: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 7) Amendment Order 2020
16 DEC 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 376: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Public Health (COVID-19 Spitting and Coughing) Order (No 4) 2020
Victoria
06 JAN 2021: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 11: Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 200 - Directions from Deputy CHO in Accordance with Emergency Powers Arising from Declared State of Emergency - NSW Border Crossing Permit Scheme Directions (No. 7)
04 JAN 2021: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 3: Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 198(7)(c)) - Extension of Declaration of a State of Emergency
02 JAN 2021: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 002: Public Health & Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 200 - Directions from Acting CHO in Accordance with Emergency Powers - New South Wales Border Crossing Permit Scheme Directions (No. 5)
31 DEC 2020: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 701: Public Health & Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 200 - Directions from Deputy CHO in Accordance with Emergency Powers- Declared State of Emergency - NSW Border Crossing Permit Scheme Directions (No. 3)
24 DEC 2020: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 697: Public Health & Wellbeing Act 2008 - Health Services Act 1988 - Administrative Arrangements Order (No. 240) 2020 & Administration of Acts General Order - Ministerial Instrument of Designation
23 DEC 2020: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 694: Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Health Services Act 1988 - Administrative Arrangements Order (No. 240) 2020 & Administration of Acts General Order - Ministerial Instrument of Designation
21 DEC 2020: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 681: Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 200 - Directions from Chief Health Officer in Accordance with Emergency Powers Arising from Declared State of Emergency
21 DEC 2020: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 680: Health Services Act 1998 - Section 40C(1)- Appointment of a Delegate to the Board of Directors of Yarram & District Health Services - Instrument of Appointment
19 DEC 2020: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 679: Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 200 - Directions from CHO in Accordance with Emergency Powers Arising from Declared State Of Emergency - Stay Safe Directions (Victoria) (No. 6)
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Consolidated Legislation
National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement 2011 (PB 79 of 2011)
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00013
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. 11) (PB 130 of 2020).
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National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00012
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 11) (PB 127 of 2020).
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National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement 2010 (PB 116 of 2010)
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00010
PB 116 of 2010 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 11) (PB 129 of 2020).
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Health Insurance (Section 3C Co-Dependent Pathology Services) Determination 2018
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00007
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Section 3C Co-Dependent Pathology Services) Amendment Determination (No. 7) 2020.
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Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical - Expansion of GP and Allied Health Mental Health Services) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00005
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical - Expansion of GP and Allied Health Mental Health Services) Amendment (Care Recipient in a Residential Aged Care Facility) Determination 2020.
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National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Determination 2019 (PB 114 of 2019)
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00003
PB 114 of 2019 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 9) (PB 126 of 2020).
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National Health (Immunisation Program - Designated Vaccines) Determination 2014 (No. 1)
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C01119
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Immunisation Program - Designated Vaccines) Amendment Determination (No.4) 2020.
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New Bills
None this edition.
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New Acts
None this edition.
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