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)

8 July

Extension of the Greater Sydney hotspot for Commonwealth support
The Department of Health said that the Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, extended the COVID-19 Hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support for Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong, to 16 July 2021. Professor Kelly, declared seven Local Government areas in Sydney a COVID-19 hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support from 23 June 2021 for an initial 7 days with and extension announced on 25 June to end on 2 July 2021. This hotspot was widened to all LGAs in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong, and extended from 6:00pm 26 June to 11:59pm 9 July 2021.
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COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report
The Department of Health said that the vaccination against COVID-19 is the single most effective way to reduce severe illness and death from infection. Two COVID-19 vaccines are currently in use in Australia - AstraZeneca and Comirnaty (Pfizer). Like all medicines, the vaccines can have side effects (also known as adverse events). The overwhelming majority of these are mild and resolve within a few days. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) closely monitors suspected side effects. Importantly, adverse events reported to the TGA are often not caused by the vaccine itself. Learn more about causality.
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AMA called for NSW to stay the course for all Australians
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) wrote to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, supporting the extension of current restrictions in NSW, while calling for them to remain in place as long as needed to bring the outbreak under control. 'This new delta strain is incredibly transmissible. It's also potentially very deadly - this NSW outbreak has already put 37 people in hospital. Seven are in the ICU, with two of them on ventilators. Eight of those hospitalised are in their 30s, including one in the ICU,' AMA President, Dr Khorshid said, citing latest reported figures from 7 July 2021. 'This is not a mild disease that only impacts the sick or elderly. It is deadly and it can impact any one of us,' he said.
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Pharmacists are the solution to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout
Pharmacists are the most obvious solution to getting Australian's vaccinated as quickly and conveniently as possible, according to the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA). PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, was dismayed that pharmacist involvement in the rollout is still incredibly limited. 'Pharmacists are the most obvious solution to increasing accessibility to vaccinations. We already have a skilled, trusted, experienced, and easily accessible vaccinator workforce at governments' disposal. Local pharmacists should be activated to alleviate pressure on vaccination hubs and to make it as easy and convenient as possible for Australians to get vaccinated. We need to utilise Australia's full vaccinator workforce, including local pharmacists.:
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health recorded 38 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Of these locally acquired cases, 26 are linked to a known case or cluster - 13 are household contacts and 13 are close contacts - and the source of infection for 12 cases remains under investigation. One new overseas-acquired case was recorded in the same period. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is 5,875. There have been 395 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case of the Bondi cluster was reported. There are now 279 cases directly linked to known cases in the Bondi cluster.
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NSW: Police target metropolitan travellers visiting regional NSW in breach of Public Health Orders
NSW Police across the state are continuing to conduct compliance operations targeting metropolitan residents travelling to regional NSW in contravention of Public Health Orders. State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said now is not the time to move out of Greater Sydney. 'We want to make it clear that police in Greater Sydney and our regional locations are sharing information and will continue to patrol transport hubs to check that people are complying with the stay-at-home direction,' Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
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NSW: Police launch high-visibility compliance operation in Sydney's south-west
NSW Police will launch a major high-visibility operation across Sydney's south-west to ensure compliance with all COVID-19 public health orders. The operation will see the deployment of an extra 100 police officers, including resources from the Dog and Mounted Unit, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, PolAir, Police Transport Command and general duties officers from the South West Metropolitan Region. It will commence at 7am Friday 9 July 2021. Metropolitan Field Operations Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the circumstances of the current outbreak called for strong action.
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NSW: Public health alert - Venues of concern and sewage detection
NSW Health has been notified of a number of new venues of concern visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19. Anyone who attended the following venue at the times listed is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.
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QLD: Keeping COVID safe in Term 3
Queensland school communities are urged to stay COVID safe with Term 3 starting on Monday, July 12. Queensland Minister for Education Grace Grace and Minister D'Ath and reminded Queensland teachers, students and parents to adhere to the COVID practices in place. Ms Grace said Queensland state school communities are no strangers to listening to the health advice. 'Our schools have done a stellar job in keeping COVID safe throughout the pandemic,' she said. 'It is imperative that until 6pm on July 16, state schools in South East Queensland, Townsville, Magnetic Island and Palm Island follow the health advice.'
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7 July

Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on National Principles for Managed Quarantine
The Department of Health said that managed quarantine for international arrivals to Australia - including hotel quarantine and other highly controlled settings - is Australia's first line of defence against COVID-19. It continues to play a vital role in Australia's public health response. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) is committed to continuously improving managed quarantine arrangements, in line with the AHPPC Framework for Continuous Improvement. This includes considering and implementing the recommendations of previous reviews into managed quarantine.
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To get down to business on the vaccine roll out, we need to all work together across the community
ACOSS welcomed the support of business groups on the vaccine roll out and is looking forward to engaging with the vaccine taskforce on the community sector's crucial role, along with other key stakeholders, such as the union movement. Australian Council of Social Service CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said: 'Government needs to go beyond working with the business community on the vaccine roll out and there is support from the community sector, unions and business leaders to all work together.'
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Hotels to assist in promoting vaccinations to staff and patrons
The Australian Hotels Association was amongst the nation's 30 key business and industry groups represented at the COVID National Business Partnership meeting in Canberra. AHA National CEO Stephen Ferguson said the meeting, chaired by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, gave hospitality the chance to have real input on the road to recovery. Mr Ferguson said the AHA would now assist in a range of areas including communicating the benefits of vaccination directly with staff and customers as well as the possibility of using hotels in remote areas as future vaccine hubs. 'It is great to have a seat at the table representing our 5,000 members and 250,000 hospitality workforce which has been battling at the economic front-line since the pandemic hit our shores,' Mr Ferguson said.
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Ai Group involvement in COVID Vaccine Taskforce consultations
'Today's consultation with the Federal Treasurer and the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce was a welcome opportunity to discuss how businesses can play a key role in delivering vaccine to staff, their families, customers and the broader community,' Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group said. 'Businesses are ready to communicate to their employees and the broader community the gains that come with vaccination. Benefits such as open borders, greater travel, reduced quarantine requirements and reduced restrictions provide strong incentives for the community to be vaccinated in addition to the obvious health benefits.'
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Builders commit to promoting vaccine uptake
Master Builders Australia represented the building and construction industry at the Federal Government Covid vaccine business round table. Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said, 'Getting as many Australians vaccinated as quickly as possible so that there is no longer any excuse for lockdowns, border closures or other restrictions is vitally important to Master Builders members and their communities around the country.' 'We have been successful in keeping the industry open throughout the pandemic, it is now time that we help to reopen up the country by supporting the vaccine rollout,' she said. 'Just as our industry is playing a key role in accelerating economic recovery, we have committed to helping to accelerate the vaccine rollout,' Denita Wawn said.
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NSW: Lockdown extended
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian and New South Wales Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said that Given the ongoing cases of community transmission and following updated health advice, the current lockdown will be extended for another week until 11:59pm on Friday, 16 July. The same restrictions currently in place across both Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour and regional NSW will remain in place until this time. Face-to-face learning will resume in regional NSW when school returns on Tuesday, 13 July. Learning will be online for schools and students in Greater Sydney from Tuesday, 13 July for four days. Schools will remain open for students who need them and no child will be turned away from school.
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NSW: Public health alert - venues of concern
NSW Health can confirm there was transmission of COVID-19 at Club Marconi in Bossley Park. Anyone who was at Club Marconi, Bossley Park at the following times is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days. NSW Health has been notified of a number of venues of concern visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19 and transmission occurred.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health recorded 27 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Of these locally acquired cases, 18 are linked to a known case or cluster - seven are household contacts and 11 are close contacts - and the source of infection for nine cases remains under investigation. One new overseas-acquired case was recorded in the same period. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is 5,836. There have been 357 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case of the Bondi cluster was reported.
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NSW: Public health alert - venues of concern
NSW Health reminded the public of its advice for a key venue of concern. NSW Health can confirm there was transmission of COVID-19 at Club Marconi in Bossley Park. Anyone who was at Club Marconi, Bossley Park at the following times is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days NSW Health has been notified of a number of venues of concern visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19 and transmission occurred.
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WA: Report reveals long reach of fire smoke on Perth
Western Australia Department of Health-led research has revealed the far-reach of landscape fire smoke on population health. The research identifies links between smoke from Western Australian landscape fires and adverse health events experienced by residents across the Perth metropolitan area. The term 'landscape fire' is used to describe both controlled and uncontrolled fires and includes prescribed burns and wild bushfires. The study is the first of its kind in WA to investigate - and model - the health effects of landscape fires on a large population.
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WA: COVID-19 update
WA Health reported no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 overnight. The State's total remains at 1,033. WA Health is monitoring six COVID-19 cases, linked to the Perth northern suburbs cluster and five among returned travellers in hotel quarantine in addition to the seafarer, who transferred from the MV Emerald Indah vessel. He remains quarantined in Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and is in a stable condition. WA Health continues to receive twice daily temperature logs and health updates on the MV Emerald Indah crew members as part our ongoing risk assessment. The crew have returned normal temperatures and all are well.
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NT: Business closure - Breach of CHO Directions - Nightcliff
The takeaway food outlet in Nightcliff has received a number of visits from NT Police during the past week and have been given ample opportunity to comply with directions. The Northern Territory Chief Health Officer (CHO) issued a direction for the business to cease trading immediately and to remain closed until such time compliance officers are satisfied the CHO Directions will be met. Incident Controller Sachin Sharma said, 'Last night police attended the venue to serve the closure notice and observed three staff members working without masks, customers not wearing masks, and no check-in or sign-in facility. The customers immediately complied with police requests to wear masks.
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6 July

Cv19: Vax rates go backwards as 'magic number' revealed
Australia's vaccination rates went backwards throughout June, with the 'magic number' now 221,359 jabs in arms every day onwards - nearly double current rates - to get the Federal Budget's vaccination and border targets back on track, according to C-suite strategy consultants Provocate. Provocate's latest VaxEnomicTM Forecaster for business shows that would deliver a total of 48.1 million shots by the end of 2021 covering 85 per cent population coverage with two doses (see page 2) - the same level of herd immunity being worked towards in the US and UK respectively. However, Provocate can reveal Australia's vaccination rate averaged just 113,000 jabs in arms per day in June after failing to reclaim the heights experienced during Victorian lockdown three weeks straight.
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WA: Aboriginal community invited to roll up for WA
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout the Perth metropolitan area are encouraged to book their COVID19 vaccination at the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (DYHSAC) this week. WA Health has provided additional vaccines to the DYHSAC East Perth clinic for vaccinations to be rolled out during NAIDOC Week. The increased number of vaccines is part of the WA Government's Roll up for WA program, a statewide campaign aimed at protecting WA communities from contracting COVID19. WA Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said he urged anyone eligible for the Pfizer vaccine (Aboriginal people aged 1659 years) to book their vaccination as soon as possible. 'It's imperative we prioritise the vaccination of Aboriginal Australians and I urge people to take the opportunity when it's offered,' he said.
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NSW: Public health alert - venues of concern
NSW Health was notified of new venues of concern and additional times for previously announced close contact venues associated with confirmed cases of COVID-19. NSW Health wishes to advise of new times at previously announced close contact venues. Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days Anyone who attended the following venues at the listed times is a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.
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NSW: Public health alert - venues of concern and transport routes
NSW Health reminded the public of its advice for a number of key venues of concern across Sydney. These venues were visited by confirmed cases of COVID 19 and transmission occurred. NSW Health can confirm there was transmission of COVID-19 to customers who had been at Commonwealth Bank in Roselands. Anyone who was at Commonwealth Bank, Roselands at the following times is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days NSW Health has been notified of new venues of concern associated with confirmed cases of COVID-19.
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TAS: COVID-19 Vaccination Additional Support Clinics open COVID-19 Vaccination Additional Support Clinics open
Tasmanian Minister for Disability Services Sarah Courtney said that: 'Two dedicated COVID-19 Vaccination Additional Support Clinics have opened in Launceston and Hobart to assist Tasmanians who require additional support through the vaccination process. The clinics are for people living with disability and/or mental illness, their carers, disability support workers, and people who may have anxiety about medical procedures. Longer appointment times, additional space and easy to read resources will be provided at the clinics which will run from Tuesday 6 July until Friday 16 July from 9am-4pm.'
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5 July

Major step in COVID-19 vaccine rollout
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that Australia's COVID-19 vaccine rollout takes a major step forward, with more than 500 GPs around Australia set to administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. This will enable Australians to access the Pfizer vaccine through their general practice, helping to significantly accelerate the pace of the rollout for younger populations. This is further supported by 62 Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics (CVCs) and 15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) who will also begin administering Pfizer from this week. By the end of July, 1,300 GPs will be administering Pfizer vaccines, along with up to 135 CVCs and 130 ACCHS sites.
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Advisory Committee on Vaccines
The Department of Health said that the Committee provided advice on two matters relating to pharmacovigilance. For both matters, the documents provided to the committee were based on a data lock point of 4 April 2021. At the data lock point, COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca had been supplied for 35 days in Australia, and Comirnaty (Pfizer's BNT162b2 [mRNA] vaccine) had been supplied for 43 days. The committee was not asked to provide advice on a submission for registration.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded 35 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19. Of these locally acquired cases, 33 are linked to a known case or cluster - 20 are household contacts - and the source of infection for two cases remain under investigation, said NSW Health. Two new overseas-acquired cases were recorded in the same period. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is 5,790. There have been 312 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case of the Bondi cluster was reported. There are now 238 cases directly linked to known cases in the Bondi cluster, as well as 54 who are linked to other known cases in the outbreak.
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NSW: Public health alert - Meriton Suites Waterloo and additional transport venues
NSW Health has been notified of a new venue of concern and transport routes associated with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Anyone - including guests, staff and contractors - who was on any level of the Meriton Suites, 30 Danks Street, Waterloo, for any amount of time between 7pm on Saturday 26 June and 8am Monday 5 July must immediately get tested and isolate until you receive further advice from NSW Health. Anyone who travelled on the following bus route at the listed times is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.
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QLD: Stay-at-home order lifted for people who have been in Brisbane and Moreton Bay
NSW Health has lifted the stay-at-home order for people in NSW who have been in Brisbane and Moreton Bay, or who wish to enter NSW from these Queensland locations. All people who have been in Greater Sydney since 21 June must, however, continue to follow the stay-at-home orders until 14 days have passed since they were last in Greater Sydney. Declarations are still required when people enter NSW after being in Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Victoria. However, under an exemption, people living and working in Queensland border areas who frequently enter NSW must now complete a declaration every 72 hours instead of every 24 hours. The declaration confirms they have not attended a venue of concern as specified by Queensland Health.
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QLD: Public Health Alert - new exposure sites Brisbane
The Queensland Department of Health said that: 'A public health alert is being issued for more contact tracing locations in Forest Lake, New Farm, Kangaroo Point and Woolloongabba. We are asking all Queenslanders to regularly monitor the list of exposure venues on the Queensland Health website and follow the public health advice. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms at any time, no matter how mild, you should immediately get tested for COVID-19. Anyone who has recently travelled to Queensland from interstate is urged to monitor the contact tracing list for new and updated exposure venues.'
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NT: Milestone for Territory Vaccine Rollout
Northern Territory Minister for Health Natasha Fyles said that the Northern Territory has achieved a key milestone in the vaccine rollout with more than 100,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered across the Northern Territory. The Territory Labor Government continues to lead the nation in its vaccination rollout, with 16.4 per cent of Territorians fully vaccinated, compared to the national average at 8.4% per cent. Since the vaccine rollout launched in February there have been 103,176 doses recorded and more than 31,000 Territorians are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, the new Darwin COVID-19 Vaccination Centre based in Marrara will open on Wednesday 7 June.
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4 July

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded 16 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, 14 of which are linked to previously confirmed cases, said NSW Health. No new overseas-acquired cases were recorded in the same period. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic now stands at 5,753. There have been 277 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case of the Bondi cluster, a driver who transported international flight crew, was reported. Of these, 222 have a direct epidemiological link to other cases in the cluster, and a further 38 have direct links to other known cases.
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QLD: Person of interest case confirmed
Further testing has confirmed the person of interest case announced has the virus. The person is a close contact of the Greek Community Centre and will be included in the case numbers. This means Queensland has recorded two new cases of COVID-19, one overseas acquired case detected in hotel quarantine and one locally acquired case linked to the Portuguese community centre. Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said contact tracing was underway with any relevant exposure sites to be published to the Queensland Health contact tracing locations website as soon as they become available.
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NT: COVID-19 - Infringement - Breach of CHO Directions - Tanami
Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services (PFES) issued an infringement notice to a mine worker who failed to comply the Chief Health Officer's directions while isolating at a mine site. The 38-year-old man had left his room at the mine site and was located some three blocks away, and was not wearing a mask at the time. He was still within the mine site when located. Incident Controller Shaun Gill said, 'This man's actions breached two of the Chief Health Officer Directions. The gentleman was escorted back to his room by mine security, and police issued him a $5056 infringement notice.
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3 July

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded 35 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, of which 29 are linked to previously confirmed cases, said NSW Health. Five new overseas-acquired cases were recorded in the same period, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,737. There have been 261 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case of the Bondi cluster, a driver who transported international flight crew, was reported. Of these, 207 are now directly linked to other cases in the Bondi cluster.
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2 July

National Cabinet Statement
The National Cabinet met for the 45th time to discuss Australia's COVID-19 response, recent outbreaks of COVID-19 and the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy. Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 30,685 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 910 people have died. Currently there are 4 cases in Australia requiring ICU hospitalisation and no cases on ventilators. More than 21 million tests have been undertaken in Australia. Globally there have been over 182 million cases and sadly over 3.9 million deaths, with 429,948 new cases and 8,360 deaths reported, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
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COVID-19 indemnity scheme to protect health professionals and patients
The Government is establishing a COVID-19 Vaccine Claim Scheme to provide further assurance and confidence to patients and health professionals in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. The creation of a fit-for-purpose COVID-19 vaccine medical indemnity scheme will support increased vaccination uptake by assuring Australians that health professionals, including GPs, nurses and pharmacists administering COVID vaccines as part of the Commonwealth vaccination program have appropriate indemnity coverage. In the event someone suffers a significant adverse reaction, causing injury and economic loss because of vaccination, the Scheme will help guide potential claimants through a no fault claims process scheme, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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Support for mandatory vaccination of residential aged care workers
The Government is helping aged care workers get vaccinated as part of an $11 million grant program. Applications are now open for aged care providers to apply for the funding following recommendations mandatory vaccinations be introduced. The program was established in recognition of the individual circumstances of aged care workers now subject to the new requirement. National Cabinet endorsed the decision of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all residential aged care workers by mid-September 2021, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck.
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QLD: Sunshine Coast residents urged to monitor symptoms and get tested
A public health alert is being issued for parts of the Sunshine Coast, after a new community case was identified. The man in his 50s returned a positive result on 2 July 2021, after becoming symptomatic on 30 June 2021 and undertaking a test on 1 July 2021. Queensland Minister for Health Yvette D'Ath encouraged anyone in the Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Sippy Downs or Maroochydore areas to come forward even if they have only the slightest symptoms. 'We are relying on everyone to help us contain this potential outbreak,' Minister D'Ath said.
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Aged Care

7 July

Online learning to help keep senior Australians safe from sexual abuse
The Government is partnering with the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) for an online learning package aimed at helping aged care providers and health professionals prevent, identify, and respond to sexual abuse, according to Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck. Funded via a $168,000 grant from the Australian Government, OPAN is working with leading researcher Dr Catherine Barrett to develop Abuse of the older person: eLearning program for health professionals. Minister Colbeck said it was an important contribution to reinforce the safety of those we care for most.
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6 July

Roadmap to Reform - an exceptional opportunity to drive the transformation of Australia's age services
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) invited Australians to join the Roadmap to Reform, an exceptional opportunity to drive and participate in the transformation of our age services industry. 'LASA has analysed the Final Report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and we have called for more support for age service providers, consumers and the workforce to effect change,' said LASA CEO Sean Rooney. 'We have seen the Australian Government respond with a record $17.7 billion commitment to aged care in the 2021 Budget and now is the time for a whole-of-industry response, with a clearly articulated plan for the way forward.
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5 July

Government must support two thirds of aged care workers still trying to get vaccinated
The Australian Council of Trade Unions said that the Federal Government must ramp up efforts to support aged and disability care workers to get vaccinated. Most aged care workers are under the age of 60 and therefore Pfizer is the preferred vaccine. Whilst mandating that workers get vaccinated before September, the Federal Government must provide Pfizer is an available option. The Government should also recommit to their promise to vaccinate workers in-workplace so that the rollout for these vulnerable workers is completed as quickly as possible. The Government must provide up to two days paid vaccination leave per shot for aged care workers so that they can get vaccinated and recover from routine side-effects.
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Urgent action needed by Government on aged care staff vaccinations
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) called on the federal government to work with the sector to vaccinate aged care workers as efficiently, effectively and safely as possible. LASA CEO Sean Rooney said it is vital that the workforce is supported to receive the vaccine. The care of vulnerable older Australians depends on the staff who care for them. 'The government declared in February that the vaccination of older Australians in aged care and the staff who care for them was a national priority,' Mr Rooney said. 'But we are still waiting for most of our staff to be vaccinated. The full vaccination of aged care residents is almost complete.'
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2 July

Support for mandatory vaccination of residential aged care workers
The Government is helping aged care workers get vaccinated as part of an $11 million grant program. Applications are now open for aged care providers to apply for the funding following recommendations mandatory vaccinations be introduced. The program was established in recognition of the individual circumstances of aged care workers now subject to the new requirement. National Cabinet endorsed the decision of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all residential aged care workers by mid-September 2021, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck.
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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

8 July

NSW: Wait times too long for critical child health services
New South Wales Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Learning Donna Faragher said significant increases in wait times for primary school students accessing critical allied health services through the Department of Health in the past year are unacceptable. Mrs Faragher said the increases in wait times to access early intervention services included speech pathology, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. 'Answers to parliamentary questions show that for the January-March 2021 quarter, the median wait times for primary school children accessing Metropolitan Child Development Services had ballooned out to 7.9 months for speech pathology (up from 4.8 months in February 2020), 6.7 months for occupational therapy (was 3.3 months) and 6.5 months for physiotherapy (was 0.9 months),' Mrs Faragher said.
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6 July

SA: nWCH design features revealed
The new Women's and Children's Hospital (nWCH) will have the capacity to treat approximately 21,400 additional patients a year and will feature more than 1,200 car parks and a bridge over the rail line that will enable families to access Adelaide's parklands for respite and play. South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said the new design features are revealed in the nWCH Master Plan marking another major milestone in the project. 'The Master Plan outlines key details about the benefits this state-of-the-art hospital will deliver for South Australian women, children and families,' Premier Marshall said.
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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

7 July

NSW: Three years of NDIS success in NSW
More than 146,000 people across NSW are now benefiting from services and supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) three years on from the full implementation of the world-leading reform. New South Wales Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said NSW was the first state to sign up to the NDIS, leading the nation in early trial sites and then the full rollout. The NSW Government will contribute $3.6 billion to the NDIS this year. 'Since trials of the NDIS started in the Hunter in 2013, approximately $30 billion in reasonable and necessary supports has been committed for people with disability in NSW,' Mr Henskens said.
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5 July

QLD: Grants round open for Queensland Government Disability Advocacy funding
Queensland disability advocacy organisations are invited to apply for a share in $5.9 million of Queensland Government grants to deliver disability advocacy support services across the state from 1 January 2022 through to 30 June 2023. Queensland Minister for Seniors and Disability Services Craig Crawford announced the opening of Disability Advocacy grants program on 5 July 2021, which will continue delivery of vital support to people living with disability. 'Every day more Queenslanders with disability, their family members and carers are reaching out to advocacy services to help them to speak out, defend their rights and interests and overcome barriers,' Mr Crawford said.
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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

8 July

TAS: KPMG joins forces with Health to deliver digital strategy
Tasmanian Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff said that: 'Following the release of the Tasmanian Government's Our Healthcare Future Immediate Actions and Consultation Paper on 6 November 2020, the Department of Health took the next step in the long-term reform agenda aimed at 'delivering the right care, in the right place and at the right time', through the completion of a Digital Health Strategy. The 2020-21 Budget provided funding of $1.5 million over two years to deliver this critical strategy, which will articulate what digital investments Tasmania will need to invest in to create a digitally enabled, patient-centric, health system.'
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5 July

Contract awarded for modernisation of national digital health infrastructure
The Australian Digital Health Agency announced that Deloitte Consulting Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the first phase of the modernisation of the national digital health infrastructure. The contract is for the Health Information Gateway, a pivotal piece of national digital health enabling technology that provides a secure and scalable platform for exchanging and accessing health information, including priority areas such as vaccinations and aged care data. The contract was awarded following a competitive tender process to secure a supplier to support the Agency's consumer-centric approach.
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Education and Training

8 July

Primary care management of migraine
Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA) said that the recent down-scheduling of some medications in the triptan class to Pharmacist Only medicines has increased the scope of migraine management that pharmacists can offer to patients. However, triptans are not suitable for all patients, and simple analgesia may be a more appropriate option for some people experiencing a migraine attack. Determining the most appropriate treatment option requires consideration of patient history, symptom presentation and previous treatment regimen. Guild Learning and Development partnered with GSK on the development of an education module on this topic titled 'Primary care management of migraine'.
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Funding

8 July

Major manufacturing jobs win for South Australia
South Australia is set to be home of a new high-tech pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, due to a $20 million funding package from the Government that will also deliver hundreds of new jobs for the state. The funding will support Noumed Pharmaceuticals - a major global supplier of prescription and over-the-counter medicines and therapeutics - to establish an $85 million manufacturing facility at Salisbury South. Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said the project was expected to create up to 250 jobs during the construction phase and a further 180 ongoing positions once operational in 2025. South Australian Premier Steven Marshall thanked the Commonwealth and Noumed for investing in South Australia.
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Supporting Australia's innovative medical manufacturers
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said that the Government is investing more than $36 million in innovative medical product manufacturing projects to help keep Australians safe from COVID-19 and reduce our reliance on overseas suppliers of vital medications. The funding - to be shared by five Australian companies - includes $3 million to help Perth-based Avicena Systems scale up manufacturing of its Sentinel COVID-19 screening system, which can be used to rapidly test more than 90,000 people every day. The system can be deployed at border checkpoints and airports, providing results within 35 minutes of a sample being collected, which is enough time to prevent an infectious person from boarding a flight.
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Sporting codes partner with Government to kick-off The Great Registration Race for DonateLife Week
The Government announced more than $3 million in DonateLife Partnerships and community grants to help urge more Australians to sign on as organ and tissue donors and kick-off The Great Registration Race for DonateLife Week. The Great Registration Race for DonateLife Week runs all July and August, with a big push during DonateLife Week: Sunday 25 July to Sunday 1 August. The Minister responsible for the Organ and Tissue Authority Dr David Gillespie said there are around 13 million Australians aged 16+ who are eligible to register as organ and tissue donors - but haven't.
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Statement on Indonesia
Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne said that Australia partners with Indonesia for COVID-19 response Australia stands with our close partner and neighbour Indonesia as it responds to a significant surge in COVID-19 cases. Minister Payne said that she spoke with her friend and counterpart, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, and confirmed immediate health support to Indonesia, in its response. The package includes:
- $12 million for oxygen-related and other medical equipment, including 1000 ventilators, up to 700 oxygen concentrators, more than 170 oxygen cylinders and a range of consumables and other medical supplies
- Over 40,000 rapid-antigen test kits
- 2.5 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses in 2021.
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6 July

Campaign highlighting alcohol and cancer link launched in Canberra
The Australian Capital Territory's (ACT's) first-ever campaign about the link between alcohol use and cancer is being launched. The Foundation for Alcohol Research Education (FARE), with funding from the ACT Government's Health Promotion Grants Program, will be delivering the health campaign, which will be aired on television, radio, social media, and outdoor advertisements and will run across the Territory until September. People in the ACT have a low awareness of the link between alcohol and cancer with only 27 per cent aware of the link between alcohol and breast cancer, 46 per cent between alcohol and colon cancer, and 28 per cent between alcohol and cancers of the head and neck.
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Health Professionals

8 July

Pharmacists are the solution to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout
Pharmacists are the most obvious solution to getting Australian's vaccinated as quickly and conveniently as possible, according to the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA). PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, was dismayed that pharmacist involvement in the rollout is still incredibly limited. 'Pharmacists are the most obvious solution to increasing accessibility to vaccinations. We already have a skilled, trusted, experienced, and easily accessible vaccinator workforce at governments' disposal. Local pharmacists should be activated to alleviate pressure on vaccination hubs and to make it as easy and convenient as possible for Australians to get vaccinated. We need to utilise Australia's full vaccinator workforce, including local pharmacists.:
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2 July

COVID-19 indemnity scheme to protect health professionals and patients
The Government is establishing a COVID-19 Vaccine Claim Scheme to provide further assurance and confidence to patients and health professionals in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. The creation of a fit-for-purpose COVID-19 vaccine medical indemnity scheme will support increased vaccination uptake by assuring Australians that health professionals, including GPs, nurses and pharmacists administering COVID vaccines as part of the Commonwealth vaccination program have appropriate indemnity coverage. In the event someone suffers a significant adverse reaction, causing injury and economic loss because of vaccination, the Scheme will help guide potential claimants through a no fault claims process scheme, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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Hospitals

8 July

SA: My Home Hospital to reach even more South Australians
The My Home Hospital program is now treating patients for a wider range of health conditions and has expanded its service by delivering care to those living outside of the Adelaide metropolitan area. South Australia Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said residents within the Gawler Health Service catchment area, including Mallala, Two Wells and Freeling, are now able to receive hospital care in the comfort of their own home. 'The Marshall Liberal Government is actively reducing pressure on our Emergency Departments (EDs) and hospitals through innovative programs like My Home Hospital which are delivering health care closer to home and are already showing positive results,' said Minister Wade.
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WA: Geraldton Hospital protocol breach leaves many unanswered questions
Western Australia Shadow Minister for Regional Health Martin Aldridge has demanded answers from the State Government after a breach in COVID-19 protocols at Geraldton Regional Hospital put frontline health workers and patients at risk this week. The incident occurred after a COVID-infected crew member was transferred from the MV Emerald Indah ship to Geraldton Regional Hospital. 'It's incredibly concerning that COVID-19 protocols were breached at Geraldton Regional Hospital after the Premier gave assurances there would be no threat to the Geraldton community,' Mr Aldridge said.
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WA: Statement from the Department of Health and WA Country Health Service
The Western Australia Department of Health established that a breach of COVID protocols occurred at Geraldton Health Campus when a staff member entered a lift shortly after a COVID positive seafarer from the MV Emerald Indah had been inside. As is usual protocol, the seafarer was wearing a mask and staff involved in the care of the patient used appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. No other breaches were identified during the care and movement of the patient. The breach occurred when a staff member entered the lift before it could be appropriately cleaned. Given the short duration of time between the patient leaving the lift and the staff member entering the lift, they are considered a close contact.
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6 July

PHI 43/21 Hospital and Second-tier updates
The Department of Health
- Hospital Updates
The following private hospitals' name and address have been updated to match their state licence:
Previous Name: Oxford Day Surgery and Dermatology
Updated Name: Oxford Day Surgery
Previous Address: 416-418 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn WA 6016
Updated Address: Suite 4, 1st Floor 416-418 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn WA 6016
Provider Number: 0077110A
- Second-tier Updates
The following hospital has been approved for second-tier with effect 06 July 2021:
Hospital Name Provider Number Previous Expiry New Expiry Category
Oxford Day Surgery 0077110A 6/07/2021 6/07/2024 G
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TAS: GP After Hours Support reducing pressure on LGH
Premier Peter Gutwein said that the Tasmanian Government is committed to working with the primary health sector and GPs to ease demand on our public hospitals. As part of our $3 million GP After Hours Support initiative, the Tasmanian Government has committed to a 12-month pilot, to enable the Newstead Medical clinic to provide an after-hours urgent care alternative to the LGH emergency department for non-life threatening medical issues and injuries including sprains and broken bones. The trial means people in Launceston will be able to receive urgent treatment at the Newstead clinic outside of regular GP hours, and at no charge for eligible concession cardholders.
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SA: nWCH design features revealed
The new Women's and Children's Hospital (nWCH) will have the capacity to treat approximately 21,400 additional patients a year and will feature more than 1,200 car parks and a bridge over the rail line that will enable families to access Adelaide's parklands for respite and play. South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said the new design features are revealed in the nWCH Master Plan marking another major milestone in the project. 'The Master Plan outlines key details about the benefits this state-of-the-art hospital will deliver for South Australian women, children and families,' Premier Marshall said.
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4 July

VIC: Site identified for the new Melton Hospital
The new Melton Hospital is another step closer, with a preferred site identified for the cutting-edge hospital being built by the Victorian Government. Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley announced that land at 245-267 Ferris Road, Cobblebank has been selected as the site for the new 24-hour hospital, following extensive planning with Melton City Council and the Victorian Planning Authority. Outlined in the Toolern Precinct Structure Plan, the site is located within the future Cobblebank Metropolitan Activity Centre and close to the Cobblebank train station, community sports and recreation facilities, and close to the Western Freeway.
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Insurance

None this edition.

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Medicare

None this edition.

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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

8 July

Working towards united steps in Suicide Prevention Reform
The Albury community has united annually for its winter solstice, to shine a light on the darkest night, on suicide. The Albury winter solstice event calls for and demonstrates how to have candid and destigmatising conversations around suicide and mental ill-health in the community, and to work collectively to not only raise awareness but also reach out to those in need of support. The National Mental Health Commission said it looks forward to engaging with government representatives and in-community system leaders and service providers across Australia to provide an in-depth overview of the Final Advice and discuss the possibilities for the alignment of current commitments and the implementation of recommendations.
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4 July

'A real need to replenish' in the face of pandemic fatigue
National Mental Health Commission CEO, Christine Morgan, has encouraged Australians to prioritise their mental health, connect and rejuvenate to overcome pandemic fatigue. 'Pandemic fatigue is very real and very normal, and it is absolutely understandable many Australians are experiencing it due to the continued challenges of COVID-19,' Ms Morgan said. 'We put 2020 behind us and envisaged 2021 as being a fresh start. We found the courage to support ourselves, our loved ones and our communities through many hardships last year, but it's a bit different this time as many of us are running close to empty emotionally and mentally.'
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

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