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Friday 29 January 2021

 

This Newsletter covers Federal and State policy and legislative developments in the area of health. Copies of documents referred to can be obtained by clicking on the reference in this Newsletter or through Capital Monitor's collection at www.capitalmonitor.com.au or from the source quoted.


Major Announcements


Coronavirus (COVID-19)

29 January

ACT: Confirmed cases update
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, said ACT Health. 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.
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28 January

Update on COVID-19 Cases of Concern in New Zealand
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) discussed the COIVD-19 situation in New Zealand and the current 72 hour travel pause on green safe travel zone flights from New Zealand to Australia at its meeting on 28 January 2021. The AHPPC was joined by representatives from the New Zealand Government including the New Zealand Chief Medical Officer, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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QLD: Queensland good to go for New South Wales
Queensland will reopen to all of New South Wales. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said authorities were working overtime to ensure a smooth border re-opening. 'It has been a really, really long haul and it has been tough on everybody, but I have always maintained I've got to keep Queenslanders safe,' The Premier said. 'Now that the Chief Health Officer has recommended it's safe for Greater Sydney residents to come to Queensland, the borders can come down. Queensland Minister for Health Yvette D'Ath said New South Wales health authorities had successfully linked its COVID cases, prompting Queensland Chief Health Officer to advise that it was safe to reopen the border.
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WA: COVID-19 update 28 January 2021
The WA Department of Health has reported one new case of COVID-19 in Western Australia, bringing the State's total to 898. The confirmed case is a man in his 60s who travelled from overseas and is in hotel quarantine. WA Health is monitoring 14 active cases and 875 people have recovered from the virus in WA. There have been 720,494 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those tested, 112,879 were from regional WA.
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27 January

Australia's COVID-19 vaccine information campaign begins
Minister Hunt
said that the Australian Government's $23.9 million public information campaign to encourage Australians to get a COVID-19 vaccine begins. The campaign will keep Australians fully informed and up to date about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines as they become available, including when, how and where to get the jab. This follows Australia's first COVID-19 vaccine approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration - for the Pfizer vaccine. From the start of the pandemic, the COVID-19 campaign has been a trusted source of information for the community.
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NSW: COVID-19 restrictions update for Greater Sydney
Restrictions will be eased across the Greater Sydney region following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian thanked the community for their patience and understanding over the past few weeks. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said these eased restrictions will provide some relief for venues, businesses and communities statewide. NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said even if you have tested negative before, it is critical you come forward again if you develop symptoms, no matter how mild.
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26 January

ACT: Boost for COVID-19 health response and health services
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said that Canberra's COVID-19 health response and health services are receiving a boost to help keep Canberrans safe and healthy. An extra $63 million will help the ACT stay on top of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the assistance of Canberrans, the ACT Government has managed an effective health response to the COVID-19 pandemic that's seen no community transmission since March 2020. However, the pandemic does not have an end date and the situation can change quickly, both in the ACT and interstate.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm. There were two cases acquired overseas. A previously reported locally acquired case has been excluded following further investigation. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,902, said the NSW Department of Health.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 26 January 2021
The WA Department of Health has reported one new case of COVID-19 in Western Australia, with the State's total now standing at 895. The new case is a man in his 60's who is hotel quarantine after returning to Australia from overseas. WA Health is monitoring 13 active cases and 873 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
Download

25 January

Australia approves Pfizer vaccine
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia, announced Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister Hunt and Federal Member for Bradfield Paul Fletcher. A priority group of Australians are expected to now receive their first dose of the vaccine as soon as it can be received from Pfizer and the necessary checks are undertaken by the TGA, prior to its distribution. The vaccine will be provided free to Australians, with a priority group of Australians expected to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in late February and early March.
Download

Pfizer Vaccine approved
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia. The Pfizer vaccine has met strict standards for safety, quality and efficacy. The TGA provisional approval is for individuals 16 years of age and older. Two doses will be required - at least 21 days apart. A priority group of Australians are expected to now receive their first dose of the vaccine as soon as late February, said Minister for Hunt and Prime Minister Morrison.
Download

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia
The Pfizer vaccine has met strict standards for safety, quality and efficacy. The TGA provisional approval is for individuals 16 years of age and older. Two doses will be required - at least 21 days apart, said Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ben Morton. A priority group of Australians are expected to now receive their first dose of the vaccine as soon as it can be received from Pfizer and the necessary checks are undertaken by the TGA, prior to its distribution. The latest advice given to the Government from Pfizer is that shipping and the first vaccinations are expected to be in late February.
Download

Update - New Zealand travel arrangements
On 24 January 2021, the New Zealand Government announced a case of COVID-19 detected in the community. New Zealand authorities advised that the case detected is a variant of concern. The case and subsequent exposure to the community are still under investigation. As a result, the Australian Government, based on advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), has suspended green zone travel arrangements with New Zealand for a minimum of 72 hours whilst more is learnt about the transmission. This change comes into effect immediately (as of 1400 AEDT, 25 January 2021), said Minister Hunt.
Download

TGA provisionally approves Pfizer COVID- 19 vaccine
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted provisional approval to Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd for its COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY, making it the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive regulatory approval in Australia. Following a thorough and independent review of Pfizer's submission, the TGA has decided that this vaccine meets the high safety, efficacy and quality standards required for use in Australia. COMIRNATY is provisionally approved and included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for active immunisation to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, in individuals 16 years of age and older.
Download

ACT: Confirmed cases update
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, reported ACT Health. 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 153,909 with 130 tests in the past 24 hours.
Download

QLD: Public Health alert: Queensland
Queensland Health is asking anyone who has arrived in Queensland from New Zealand since 14 January 2021, including on green corridor flights, to get tested and quarantine until you receive a negative test result. This comes after New Zealand recorded a confirmed positive COVID-19 case in a returned traveller who tested positive after completing 14 days of hotel quarantine. The woman has since visited a number of locations in New Zealand. The woman is confirmed to have the South African variant of COVID-19, which is more contagious than previous variants.
Download

WA: COVID-19 update - 25 January 2021
The WA Department of Health is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The State total stands at 894. WA Health is monitoring 12 active cases and 873 people have recovered from the virus in WA. There have been 714,494 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those tested, 112,027 were from regional WA.
Download

22 January

COVID-19 vaccine: International collaboration
The TGA has strong working relationships with a wide range of international agencies and is part of a network of international regulators that meet frequently to discuss the development of COVID-19 vaccines. Australia is working internationally to share research and information supporting new COVID-19 vaccines.
Download

GPs united on COVID-19 Vaccine rollout
The Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners have worked collaboratively with Health Minister Greg Hunt over the past weeks to ensure the vaccine rollout is delivered with patient safety as the first priority. The AMA and the RACGP have worked hard to ensure that considerations including rurality, after hours access, the increased complexity of the vaccine and equipment supplies have been taken into account.
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Aged Care

28 January

VIC: Operational update - Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (27 January 2021)
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (VACRC) is coordinating testing of asymptomatic staff in Victorian aged care facilities. Since late October, the cumulative total of tests recorded in 730 individual aged care facilities is 72,803 staff. This is week 14 of asymptomatic testing. Over a 4 week period it is expected that all aged care facilities will have taken part in asymptomatic testing to staff.
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Appointment as Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing
'I'm honoured to be appointed as Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing, especially at this critical time as Australia grapples with a once in a century pandemic and a crisis in aged care. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, my friend Chris Bowen has worked constructively with the Government to put the health of Australians first, while pointing out clearly where the Government could do better. Chris' approach to the pandemic has been the right one, I intend to continue this approach,' said Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler.
Download

25 January

Regulatory actions taken against Japara Noosa
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission responded swiftly to notification of alleged assaults of residents at the Japara Noosa aged care service last year. The Commission was advised that a resident transferred to hospital following the alleged assault had subsequently passed away. . Given the serious nature of the assaults reported to the Commission on 20 October and other intelligence received, the Commission conducted an unannounced on site review audit at Japara Noosa between 27 and 31 October 2020. Through this audit, the Commission identified that there was an immediate and severe risk to the health, safety and well-being of care recipients at this service.
Download

Sanctions imposed on Regis Nedlands, WA
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has issued a 'Notice to Impose Sanctions and Notice of Requirement to Agree to Certain Matters' on 23 January 2022. The Commission determined after conducting a surprise site visit to the Regis Nedlands facility in Perth on 20 January 2021 that there is an immediate and severe risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of care recipients at the facility. Concerns were identified about the cumulative effect of deficiencies in areas including management of pain; wounds; falls; challenging behaviours; allegations of sexual assaults and rough handling.
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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

24 January

Australia continues to set record vaccination rates
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, parents followed expert health advice and continued to take their children to receive their shots, pushing five-year old vaccination rates beyond the aspirational target of 95 per cent coverage. Australia's immunisation rates are world leading. In fact the December Quarter of 2020 took Australia's coverage rate for five year old children to 95.09 per cent which exceeds the estimated World Health Organisation international average immunisation coverage rate of 86 per cent, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
Download

23 January

Parents urged to check their kid's vaccination history before start of school year
Parents across the country are being reminded to check their children's immunisations for conditions such meningococcal, measles, and tetanus are up to date, as they get ready to begin schooling this year. Immunising against harmful, contagious but vaccine preventable diseases, protects the health of Australian families and communities. It is also a requirement for many Centrelink payments that children are immunised, said Minister Hunt, Minister for Education and Youth, Alan Tudge and Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert.
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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

None this edition.

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Disabilities

25 January

WA: EOI now open to boost disability advocacy
WA Minister for Disability Services Stephen Dawson has announced $3.44 million for advocacy services which are crucial to ensuring the rights and interests of people with disability in Western Australia. This funding will support the delivery of community initiatives in WA which will increase the capacity of people with disability, their families and carers, and local champions within the community, to advocate for improved outcomes for people with disability, including access to services.
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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

28 January

SA: A new era for healthcare in your home
Eligible South Australians can now receive hospital-level care from the comfort and privacy of their own home, with the rollout of the new My Home Hospital across metropolitan Adelaide. SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said GPs and specialists can now refer patients with specific health conditions to My Home Hospital, with five patients already having started the program.
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Education and Training

27 January

Last chance to apply for AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship
Applications close soon for a scholarship that helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students balance work, study and family life. The Australian Medical Association Indigenous Medical Scholarship provides $10,000 a year to already enrolled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students for the remainder of their degree. Over the past 27 years, the Scholarship has supported 30 Indigenous medical students, including Australia's first Aboriginal surgeon, Professor Kelvin Kong. Applicants must be currently enrolled at an Australian medical school, have successfully completed their first year of medicine, and be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background.
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Funding

None this edition.

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Health Professionals

25 January

Pfizer vaccine provisional approval a step ahead
The provisional approval of the Pfizer vaccine is an important step in Australia's battle to protect Australians from COVID-19, The Australian Medical Association (AMA) President Dr Omar Khorshid said. 'Australia has been fortunate that we are not in the emergency situations of other nations, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has been able to go through its normal clearance processes for this vaccine,' Dr Khorshid said. 'Now the hard work of rolling out Australia's biggest mass vaccination program begins.'
Download

Australian College of Nursing welcomes Therapeutic Goods Administration approval of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has welcomed the announcement by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to be administered in Australia. Chief Executive Officer of ACN, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN, said the vaccine was a welcome development in the fight against COVID-19. 'This is the news we have been waiting for after the challenges of the past 12 months,' Adjunct Professor Ward said.
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Hospitals

28 January

ACT: Canberrans waiting longest in country
Under the ACT Labor-Greens Government, Canberra patients continue to wait longer than anywhere else in the country for emergency hospital treatment, ACT Shadow Minister for Health Giulia Jones said. The latest Report on Government Services by the Productivity Commission has revealed that once again the ACT is at the bottom of the pack. Just 48% of patients presenting to emergency departments are treated on time, compared to a national average of 74%. Of patients requiring 'urgent' care, just 34% are treated on time.
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Insurance

25 January

CommBank customers can get rewarded for healthier living with AIA Vitality
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has partnered with AIA Health to provide customers health insurance with AIA Vitality, giving them the opportunity to earn up to $760 cash into their CommBank account each membership year. CommBank customers can now access health insurance and receive a range of financial rewards through AIA Vitality, including up to $760 cash each membership year paid directly into their CommBank account.
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Medicare

28 January

SA: South Australia leading the way on immunisation and cancer screening
Immunisation coverage rates are at an all-time high in SA and are nearing the national target of 95 per cent, giving the Marshall Liberal Government confidence that South Australians will not hesitate to protect themselves when a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available. The latest Productivity Commission Report on Government Services 2021 found the proportion of children aged between 12 months to less than 15 months who were fully immunised in South Australia in 2019-20 was 94.7 per cent, just above the national average of 94.6 percent and up from 91.2 per cent in 2014-15. South Australia Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the immunisation rates were especially pleasing given the imminent rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program.
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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

28 January

VIC: Scathing report on Victoria's mental health system
Victorians seeking mental health care are waiting longer, and fewer services are available to them when they need it most. Statistics show there are fewer beds available in specialised mental health units. Down from 47.5 beds per 100,000 people when the Liberal Nationals were in government, to just 44.6 per 100,000. The report also shows how the number of community-based residential units has continued to decline over the same period, said Victorian Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Emma Kealy.
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WA: New initiatives to deliver greater support for people entering hospitals and returning to the community
WA Minister for Mental Health Roger Cook has announced two new initiatives to deliver better recovery opportunities for people experiencing mental health and alcohol and other drug issues. Both initiatives are a first for Western Australia in line with the McGowan Government's ongoing commitment to provide more wraparound care in hospitals and the community. In the first initiative, Active Recovery Teams (ART) are being established in ten metropolitan and regional locations.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

27 January

Australia's COVID-19 vaccine information campaign begins
The Australian Government's $23.9 million public information campaign to encourage Australians to get a COVID-19 vaccine has begun. The campaign will keep Australians fully informed and up to date about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines as they become available, including when, how and where to get the jab. This follows Australia's first COVID-19 vaccine approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration - for the Pfizer vaccine, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
Download

Call for comment on a new source for an enzyme processing aid
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
called for comment on an application to allow an already approved enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new source. FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the enzyme (maltogenic alpha-amylase) has a long history of safe use and is already approved to be sourced from a genetically modified (GM) bacterium known as Bacillus subtilis. 'The manufacturer has applied to FSANZ to produce the enzyme from a different GM strain of yeast known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. If approved, the enzyme would be used as a processing aid in the manufacture of bakery products to improve shelf life.'
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Notification Circular 148-21
This Notification Circular included notices that are required to be given to the public, submitters and appropriate government agencies, under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (FSANZ Act). FSANZ has completed an administrative assessment and accepted the following Application's. An opportunity to comment will be available at a later date which will be publicly notified.
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25 January

Australia approves Pfizer vaccine
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia, announced Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister Hunt and Federal Member for Bradfield Paul Fletcher. A priority group of Australians are expected to now receive their first dose of the vaccine as soon as it can be received from Pfizer and the necessary checks are undertaken by the TGA, prior to its distribution. The vaccine will be provided free to Australians, with a priority group of Australians expected to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in late February and early March.
Download

Pfizer Vaccine approved
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia. The Pfizer vaccine has met strict standards for safety, quality and efficacy. The TGA provisional approval is for individuals 16 years of age and older. Two doses will be required - at least 21 days apart. A priority group of Australians are expected to now receive their first dose of the vaccine as soon as late February, said Minister Hunt and Prime Minister Morrison.
Download

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia
The Pfizer vaccine has met strict standards for safety, quality and efficacy. The TGA provisional approval is for individuals 16 years of age and older. Two doses will be required - at least 21 days apart, said Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ben Morton. A priority group of Australians are expected to now receive their first dose of the vaccine as soon as it can be received from Pfizer and the necessary checks are undertaken by the TGA, prior to its distribution. The latest advice given to the Government from Pfizer is that shipping and the first vaccinations are expected to be in late February.
Download

TGA provisionally approves Pfizer COVID- 19 vaccine
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted provisional approval to Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd for its COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY, making it the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive regulatory approval in Australia. Following a thorough and independent review of Pfizer's submission, the TGA has decided that this vaccine meets the high safety, efficacy and quality standards required for use in Australia. COMIRNATY is provisionally approved and included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for active immunisation to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, in individuals 16 years of age and older.
Download

Seeking volunteers: Good Clinical Practice Inspection Program
The TGA completed a pilot program of voluntary Good Clinical Practice (GCP) inspections of clinical trial investigator sites involving medicinal products in June 2020. The pilot program of inspections demonstrated a capacity for the TGA to adopt internationally aligned inspection procedures. Investigator sites involved in clinical trials of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates are particularly encouraged to consider volunteering.
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Trientine Waymade
Trientine Waymade (trientine dihydrochloride) was approved by the TGA for the following therapeutic use:
Trientine Waymade is indicated in the treatment of patients with Wilson's disease who are intolerant of penicillamine.
Download

TGA approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine ahead of rollout
The TGA has provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine for use in Australia. The TGA provisional approval is for individuals 16 years of age and older, with two doses required at least 21 days apart. As the vaccine rollout begins across 30-50 hospital sites, people who need protection the most will get the vaccine first. This includes aged-care and disability-care residents and workers, frontline healthcare workers, and quarantine and border workers, said the National Safety Council of Australia.
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Research

27 January

Focus on Digital Marketing to meet ABAC standards
The Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC)
has continued to see high levels of activity this quarter, but comparatively lower levels of breaches than earlier in the year. '2020 has set a new record for determination levels, with 208 complaints and 113 determinations, one of which is pending decision,' ABAC Chair Harry Jenkins AO noted. 'This is a large increase in determinations, significantly more than the 68 determinations the Panel made last year and it is a credit to the Chief Adjudicator Professor Lavarch and everyone that supports and participates in the process, that all were considered within the target 30 business day timeframe.'
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25 January

Cardiovascular risk factors crucial in cancer survivorship care
Mortality among people with cancer who survive at least 5 years after diagnosis is higher than for the general population, particularly in terms of cardiovascular disease-related mortality, according to research published by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) . Of 32 646 people with cancer alive 5 years after diagnosis, 17 268 deaths were recorded (53% of patients; mean age, 80.6 years; SD, 11.4 years): 7845 were attributed to cancer (45% of deaths) and 9423 were attributed to non-cancer causes (55%).
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Screening for harmful alcohol use: General practice advocacy needed
Most of the Australian population does not see the need for major changes in regard to alcohol use, and support for policies which reduce alcohol-related harms that are based on the strongest evidence is declining, according to the author of a Perspective published by the MJA. Dr Chris Holmwood, Director of Clinical Partnerships at Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia, wrote that Australia's National Alcohol Strategy advocates for the adoption of alcohol screening, brief intervention and referral for treatment (SBIRT) in primary care.
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Global demand for cancer surgery set to surge
A new modelling study led by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) predicts demand for cancer surgery will rise by 52 per cent within two decades, with low-income countries bearing the greatest burden. Public health researchers, led by UNSW Sydney, have estimated the number of cancer cases requiring surgery globally each year, predicting the number will rise from 9.1 million to 13.8 million from 2018 to 2040 - an increase of 52 per cent or 4.7 million cases.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health

25 January

Prioritising rural health in COVID-19 vaccine rollout
With the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine formally approved for use in Australia, the National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) is urging Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt to ensure that vulnerable people in rural, regional and remote Australia are prioritised for vaccination. Alliance CEO Gabrielle O'Kane says, 'People in rural, regional and remote communities experience poorer health outcomes than those in major cities, which puts them in a higher risk category for serious health complications associated with COVID-19.'
Download

22 January

Smoking killing one-in-three First Nations people
Smoking causes 50 per cent of deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 45 years and over, and 37 per cent of deaths at any age, according to a new study from the Australian National University (ANU). The study analysed data from 1,388 people followed over 10 years, starting in 2006. 'The results are shocking - smoking is killing one in two older adults, and we found smokers have four times the risk of early death compared to those who have never smoked,' study lead Dr Katie Thurber said.
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Women's Health

25 January

Important changes to the National Cervical Screening Program's Clinical Guidelines pathway for women at intermediate risk
A review of the national clinical program data was undertaken for women at Intermediate risk. Results showed that these women will have a low likelihood of histologically-confirmed high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (CIN2/3) or worse. The Department of Health now recommends that:
Women with a 12-month follow up HPV (not-16/18) result with LBC prediction negative, pLSIL or LSIL (intermediate risk result) should be recommended to undertake a further HPV follow up test in 12 months' time following their previous HPV test instead of referral to colposcopy.
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Transcripts

Leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese
29 JAN: Transcript of Interview with Natalie Barr, Sunrise
Subjects: Climate change, Economic recovery, Federal Opposition Ministry reshuffle, Coronavirus, COVID-19, AstraZeneca vaccine, TGA, JobKeeper

Minister for Veterans Affairs Darren Chester
27 JAN: Transcript of Interview with Adam Stephen, ABC North Queensland
Subjects: Defence Force families, Open Arms, Mental health, Veterans, COVID-19, Bushfires, Support backlog

Minister for Veterans Affairs Darren Chester
27 JAN: Transcript of Interview with Adam Stephen, ABC North Queensland
Subjects: Defence Force families, Open Arms, Mental health, Veterans, COVID-19, Bushfires, Support backlog

Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer
27 JAN: Transcript of CNMO, Professor Alison McMillian's interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News
Subjects: Coronavirus, COVID-19, TGA, Vaccine rollout, Pfizer vaccine, AstraZeneca vaccine, Health advice

Prime Minister Scott Morrison
26 JAN: Transcript of Interview with Ben Fordham, 2GB
Subjects: Australia Day, Australian of the Year, Coronavirus, Indigenous Australians, Vaccine roll out

Prime Minister Scott Morrison
26 JAN: Opinion Editorial, first published in The Australian - 'Australia Day'
Subjects: Australia Day, Coronavirus, Vaccine, Businesses, Reflection

Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen
26 JAN: Transcript of Interview with Fran Kelly, ABC RN Breakfast
Subjects: Pfizer vaccine approval, Vaccine arrival in question, Hotel quarantine, NZ infection case, South African strain

The Department of Health
26 JAN: Transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview with Michael Rowland, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Coronavirus, COVID-19, NZ travel bubble, Vaccine rollout, Pfizer vaccine, AstraZeneca vaccine

The Department of Health
26 JAN: Transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview with Karl Stefanovic, The Today Show
Subjects: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Vaccine rollout, Pfizer vaccine, AstraZeneca vaccine, TGA

The Department of Health
26 JAN: Transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview with Fran Kelly, ABC Radio National Breakfast
Subjects: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Vaccine rollout, TGA, Pfizer vaccine, AstraZeneca vaccine

Minister for Health Greg Hunt, Chief Medical Officer
25 JAN: Transcript of a Press Conference
Subjects: Suspension of travel arrangements with NZ, Hotel quarantine, Testing, Coronavirus, South African variant

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
24 JAN: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, The Family Love Tree, Melbourne
Subjects: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Economic recovery, JobKeeper, Immunisation rates, COVID camps, Pfizer vaccine, Google search engine, Domestic travel

Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen
23 JAN: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, McMahon
Subjects: Vaccine rollout, Quarantine, Margaret Court, Australia Day Honours, Climate politics debate, New COVID-19 strain, Governor General, TGA, Cricket Australia

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Reports

Australian public assessment report for Cannabidiol - Proprietary Product Name: Epidyolex - Sponsor: Emerge Health Pty Ltd
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

This AusPAR describes the application by Emerge Health Pty Ltd (the sponsor);2 to register Epidyolex (cannabidiol) 100 mg/mL, oral liquid solution bottle, for the following proposed indication: Epidyolex is indicated for use as adjunctive therapy of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) or Dravet syndrome (DS) for patients 2 years of age and older.
Download

Australian Public Assessment Report for BNT162b2 (mRNA) - Comirnaty - Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

This AusPAR describes the application by Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Comirnaty (BNT162b2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)) 30 µg/0.3 mL concentrated suspension for injection for the following proposed indication: Active immunisation against COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus in individuals aged 16 years and over.
Download

Report on Government Services 2021 - Part E - Health - Impact of COVID-19 on data for the Health sector
Productivity Commission
COVID-19 may affect data in this Report in a number of ways. This includes in respect of actual performance (that is, the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery in 2020 which is reflected in the data results), and the collection and processing of data (that is, the ability of data providers to undertake data collection and process results for inclusion in the Report). Pandemic plans and social distancing restrictions introduced in March 2020 are likely to have had an impact on the Health sector.
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Impact of COVID-19 on data for the Health sector
Productivity Commission

COVID-19 may affect data in this Report in a number of ways. This includes in respect of actual performance (that is, the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery in 2020 which is reflected in the data results), and the collection and processing of data (that is, the ability of data providers to undertake data collection and process results for inclusion in the Report). Pandemic plans and social distancing restrictions introduced in March 2020 are likely to have had an impact on the Health sector. Any impacts which are specific to the service areas covered in this Report are noted in sections 10, 11, 12 and 13. For indicators in the Health sector overview, there has been no impact on the data that is attributable to COVID-19.
Download

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health expenditure estimates 2010-11 to 2016-17
Australian Institute Of Health & Welfare (AIHW)

In 2015-16 average health expenditure per person for Indigenous Australians was estimated to be $8,949, which was 1.3 times the amount for non-Indigenous Australians ($6,657). Almost half of this spending was on hospital services ($4,436) followed by medical services ($1,332) and community health services ($998).
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Chemicals added to the Inventory following issue of assessment certificate
The Department of Health, National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme

The following industrial chemicals have been added to the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals in accordance with section 83 of the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019.
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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 (Price and Special Patient Contribution) Amendment Determination 2021 (No. 1)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00083

This legislative instrument, made under section 85B of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act) amends the National Health (Price and Special Patient Contribution) Determination 2010.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Originator Brand) Amendment Determination 2021 (No. 1)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00082

This legislative instrument amends the National Health (Originator Brand) Determination 2015 (PB 100 of 2015) (the Principal Instrument) to determine the originator brand of a pharmaceutical item for one drug new to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) F2 formulary on 1 February 2021.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00081

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 to make changes relating to the Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2021 (No. 1)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00080

This is the National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2021 (No.1) (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 (Listed drugs on F1 or F2) Amendment Determination 2021 (No. 1)
Legislative Instrument- F2021L00078

This instrument, made under subsection 85AB(1) of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act), amends the National Health (Listed drugs on F1 or F2) Determination 2010 (PB 93 of 2010) (the Principal Determination).
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No. 1)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00076

The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under sections 84AF, 84AK, 85, 85A, 88 and 101 of the National Health Act 1953, 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 (Pharmaceutical benefits - early supply) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No. 1)
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00075

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.
Explanatory Statement

Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Amendment Rules (No. 1) 2021
Legislative Instrument- F2021L00071

The purpose of the Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Amendment Rules (No. 1) 2021 (the Amending Rules) is to remove 12 urogynaecological mesh prostheses from 'Part 1 - Prostheses List - Part A' of the Schedule. The 12 prostheses in Part A of the Prostheses List are being removed as a result of the cancellation of their entries from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). As these prostheses are no longer included in the ARTG they cannot be lawfully supplied in Australia.
Explanatory Statement

Poisons Standard Amendment (Boric Acid and Picramic Acid) Instrument 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L00070

The purpose of the Poisons Standard Amendment (Boric Acid and Picramic Acid) Instrument 2021 ('the Amendment Instrument') is to amend the Poisons Standard February 2021 to correct the inadvertent omission of an amendment to the substance boric acid and to correct the inadvertent inclusion of the substance picramic acid.
Explanatory Statement

ACT

Children and Young People (Death Review Committee) Appointment 2021 (No 1)
Disallowable Instrument DI2021-14

This instrument appoints:
Dr Louise Freebairn (ACT Public Servant);
Dr Catherine Sansum (ACT Public Servant);
Dr Judy Bragg;
Mr Eric Chalmers;
Professor Morag McArthur; and
The occupant of the position Officer in Charge, Judicial Operations, ACT Policing (ACT Public Servant). as members of the ACT Children and Young People Death Review Committee. The terms of appointment are for a period of three years.
Explanatory Statement

Public Health (COVID-19 Interstate Hotspots) Emergency Direction 2021 (No 8)
Notifiable Instrument NI2021-40

The Chief Health Officer considers it necessary or desirable to alleviate the emergency declared under the Public Health (Emergency) Declaration 2020 (No 1) [NI2020 153] (the declared emergency ) on 16 March 2020, to give the directions as set out in the schedule. This instrument commences at 3pm on 22 January 2021.
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Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods (Category Approval) Determination 2021 (No 1)
Notifiable Instrument NI2021-39

This instrument revokes the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods (Category Approval) Determination 2020 (No 1) - NI2020-322. This instrument commences on the day after its notification day.
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(Mandatory Face Masks - Canberra Airport and Domestic Flights) Emergency Direction 2021
Notifiable Instrument NI2021-38 - 22 JAN 2021

The Chief Health Officer considers it necessary or desirable to alleviate the emergency declared under the Public Health (Emergency) Declaration 2020 (No 1) [NI2020 153] (the declared emergency ) on 16 March 2020, to give the directions as set out in the schedule. This instrument commences at 11.59 pm on 22 January 2021.
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Western Australia

29 JAN 2021: WA, GOVERNOR IN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL: National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Act 2020 - National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Regulations 2021

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Proclamations

Western Australia

29 JAN 2021: WA, DAWSON: Proclamations - National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Act 2020 - National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Act 2020 Commencement Proclamation 2021 - SL 2021/4

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Gazette Notices

Federal

22 JAN 2021: GOVERNMENT NOTICES GAZETTE: Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 - Section 41 - Publication of List of Manufacturers Suspended from Licensing for the Manufacture of Therapeutic Goods - GD Pharma Pty Ltd

22 JAN 2021: GOVERNMENT NOTICES GAZETTE: Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 - Section 41 - Publication of List of Manufacturers Revoked from Licensing for the Manufacture of Therapeutic Goods - The Hydration Pharmaceuticals Trust

22 JAN 2021: GOVERNMENT NOTICES GAZETTE: Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 - Section 38 - Publication of List of Manufacturers Granted Licence for The Manufacture of Therapeutic Goods - Symbio Laboratories Pty Ltd

Western Australia

29 JAN 2021: WA, GOVERNOR IN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL: National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Act 2020 - National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Regulations 2021

29 JAN 2021: WA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE: Special Gazette No. 21 - National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Act 2020 - National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Regulations 2021

29 JAN 2021: WA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE: General Gazette No. 20 - Proclamations - National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Act 2020 - National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Act 2020 Commencement Proclamation 2021 - SL 2021/4

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Consolidated Legislation

Continence Aids Payment Scheme 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C00082
Schemes as amended, taking into account amendments up to Continence Aids Payment Scheme Amendment (Merits Review) Instrument 2020.
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New Bills

None this edition.

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New Acts

None this edition.

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