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)
16 March
NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus} reporting update
NSW Health advises that about 10,000 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) registered with Service NSW by people between Sunday 13 March and Monday 14 March are included in the numbers following a data processing issue. These positive RATs from Sunday and Monday artificially inflate the cases being reported Monday for the 24 hours to 4pm Tuesday. There were 30,402 positive test results notified in the 24 hours to 4pm Tuesday. This includes 22,748 positive RATs, with about 10,000 of those from Sunday and Monday. There were 7,654 positive PCR results returned from a total of 48,987 PCR tests. PCR tests results were not affected by the data processing issue.
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NT COVID-19 update
NT Department of Health: There were 251 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the NT in the 24 hours to 8pm on 15 March 2022. Of these, 223 were positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). There were 170 cases recorded in the Top End region, 27 in Central Australia, 6 in East Arnhem, 12 in the Big Rivers region, 7 in the Barkly region and 29 are under investigation. There are currently 24 patients in hospital, with 4 patients requiring oxygen. There are 2 patients in ICU. The number of active cases in the NT is 1,604.
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VIC: Autumn pop-up push to lift third doses before winter
'Victoria's priority postcodes are at the heart of an autumn push to increase COVID-19 third dose vaccination rates in the lead up to winter,' said Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley. The autumn blitz is delivering more than 120 pop-ups across March, with a focus on areas where third dose uptake is lower than the state average of 62 per cent and where there are lower numbers of GP and pharmacy services. The vaccination drive includes opportunities for Victorians to walk up to get vaccinated as they go about their daily lives, with vaccination available at libraries, sports facilities, malls, markets, festivals, playgrounds, primary schools and even at Bunnings.
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15 March
Cruise ships ban to end April 17
Minister for Health Greg Hunt, Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan announced that on the basis of medical advice, the Australian Government will not renew the ban on international cruise ships arriving and departing from Australian ports, when the current determination expires on April 17. In March 2020, following the global spread of COVID-19, the Australian Government took an important step to protect the Australian community from COVID-19 by banning the entry of large international cruise vessels into Australia under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
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COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests that are approved in Australia
From the Department of Health and the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA): The TGA has approved the following COVID-19 self-tests (home use tests) for supply in Australia from 1 November 2021. The TGA's performance requirements for COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests are internationally aligned with technical specifications published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Commission. This includes a clinical sensitivity of at least 80% (for specimens collected within 7 days of symptom onset) and a clinical specificity of at least 98%. The below table provides an indication of the performance of COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests, including information on the clinical sensitivity of each test.
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ACT: Statement on National Cabinet
From ACT Health: The National Cabinet met on Friday 11 March to discuss preparations for winter and an anticipated increase in both COVID-19 and influenza cases. Winter preparedness The ACT's decision making on winter public health settings will continue to be supported by the latest health advice, as it has throughout the pandemic. The AHPPC will meet in the near future to make recommendations on key settings over the winter. Further detail of any proposed measures and the implications will then be considered out-of-session by National Cabinet.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
From the NSW Department of Health: Across NSW, more than 95 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 94.4 per cent have received two doses to Sunday 13 March 2022, said NSW Health.
- Of children aged 12 to 15, 83.5 per cent have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 79.1 per cent have received two doses.
- Of children aged 5 to 11, 48.4 per cent have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Of people aged 16 plus, 57.2 per cent have now received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
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NT: COVID-19 update
From NT Health: There were 295 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory in the 24 hours to 8pm on 14 March 2022. Of these, 277 were positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). There were 210 cases recorded in the Top End region, 33 in Central Australia, 12 in East Arnhem, 13 in the Big Rivers region, one in the Barkly region and 26 are under investigation. There are currently 31 patients in hospital, with seven patients requiring oxygen. There are two patients in ICU. The number of active cases in the NT is 1,664.
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WA: COVID-19 update
WA Health is reporting a total of 5,377 new cases to 8pm 14 March. There are currently 27,465
active cases in Western Australia. To 8pm 14 March, there were 112 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 5 in ICU. Total case breakdown:
Metropolitan 23,793 (4,477)
Goldfields 343 (79)
Great Southern 187 (29)
Kimberley 168 (46)
Midwest 246 (54)
Pilbara 417 (90)
South West 699 (131)
Wheatbelt 295 (48)
Of the 5,377 cases, 2245 were confirmed via PCR test, the remaining 3132 were self-reported positive rapid antigen tests. A total 17,272 PCR tests were conducted at either state-run or private pathology clinics. WA has recorded 56,309 cases since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
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WA: Next phase of Government's free RAT program unveiled
WA Premier Mark McGowan and WA Minister for Health and Mental Health Jade Sanderson: Millions more Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will be given to Western Australians for free as part the next phase of the Government's Australian-first WA Free RAT Program. The next phase of the WA Free RAT Program, which started late February, will see the program treble from the initial five tests on offer. WA households can take up the offer of up to 15 free individual Rapid Antigen Tests in this latest tranche, with 10 extra tests to be automatically delivered to people who previously registered for the first five free tests for their household.
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14 March
COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on the health and wellbeing of school leaders
The Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) said the report of the 2021 Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey, reveals that the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on schools has worsened the risks of long-term damage to principals' health and wellbeing. AHISA's CEO, Ms Beth Blackwood, noted that 11 years of annual survey data have now been gathered by the Survey. 'Each year the Survey confirms that principals work longer hours, suffer far higher levels of work- related stress and are at greater risk of physical violence and threats of violence.:
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SA: Covid Update
From SA Health: There have been 2,099 new cases of COVID-19 reported in South Australia. There are 17, 041 active cases in South Australia. There are 113 people with COVID-19 in hospital, including 10 people in ICU, and one person requiring a ventilator. Of those hospitalised, 70 people are fully vaccinated, 42 people are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, and one has an unknown vaccination status. Due to reconfiguration of the data, the total number of cases has been readjusted.
Total case breakdown
- 2,099 new cases
- 17,041 current active cases
- 180,412 total cases
- 222 deaths
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WA: Increased ICU capacity for COVID-19 patients
WA Minister for Health Amber-Jade Sanderson opened the new 24-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH), which will take patients from Wednesday. The new $29 million redevelopment has 24 single rooms, including one positive pressure room, four negative pressure rooms and two rooms equipped to accommodate bariatric patients. The unit has been developed so it can be optimised for COVID-19 conditions, including frequent air changes throughout the unit, separate rooms fitted with switch glass windows and a ventilation system that enables the safe accommodation of both COVID and non-COVID patients.
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12 March
$1.2 billion to help protect and prepare senior Australians for winter
The Government is investing a further $1.2 billion to prepare and protect senior Australians against COVID-19 and influenza this winter. 'Aged care providers and the aged care workforce continue to operate at the frontline of the pandemic providing essential services and support to senior Australians,' said Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck. Enhanced preparation within the sector and continued response capability will ensure senior Australians continue to receive safe and quality care as aged care providers face the impacts from winter viruses such as influenza, as well as continuing to respond to the threat of COVID- 19.
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11 March
WA: Thousands of free RATs delivered to the Kimberley
'The McGowan Government has delivered about 48,000 Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for remote communities in the Kimberley, as part of the State's Australian-first free RATs distribution program,' said WA Premier Mark McGowan. Thousands of the tests arrived in the Kimberley for distribution to remote communities. There are hundreds of remote communities in Western Australia, many of which are long distances from major centres and services - many without access to normal postal delivery. The Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services will assist with the distribution, with the help of other local Aboriginal organisations.
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Aged Care
12 March
$1.2 billion to help protect and prepare senior Australians for winter
The Government is investing a further $1.2 billion to prepare and protect senior Australians against COVID-19 and influenza this winter. 'Aged care providers and the aged care workforce continue to operate at the frontline of the pandemic providing essential services and support to senior Australians,' said Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck. Enhanced preparation within the sector and continued response capability will ensure senior Australians continue to receive safe and quality care as aged care providers face the impacts from winter viruses such as influenza, as well as continuing to respond to the threat of COVID- 19.
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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
None this edition.
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Clinical Governance
17 March
Telehealth hits 100 million services milestone
100 million telehealth services have now been delivered across the nation. Between 13 March 2020 and 16 March 2022, over 100 million telehealth services were delivered to around 17 million Australians across the country. More than $5 billion in Medicare benefits has been paid, and more than 92,000 medical practitioners have now used telehealth services to support their patients. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said universal Telehealth for all Australians is the most significant reform to Medicare since it began, improving access and providing more choice to patients and their health professionals to support health care.
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16 March
Call for comment on Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as a processing aid
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to permit the use of a new processing aid for the antimicrobial treatment of raw poultry. FSANZ Interim Chief Executive Officer Dr Sandra Cuthbert said FSANZ had completed an assessment of the effectiveness and safety of the processing aid cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). 'Our assessment found that CPC is an effective antimicrobial agent for the treatment of raw, skin-on poultry, and there are no health and safety concerns associated with its use as a processing aid,' Dr Cuthbert said.
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15 March
AMA calls out betrayal of Primary Care in dumping of 10-year plan
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is calling on the Federal Government to urgently release its Primary Health Care 10-Year Plan, which appears to have been dumped, despite over two years of development and significant input from stakeholders. The Government gave a commitment in October 2019 to develop a national Primary Health Care 10- Year Plan to strengthen and modernise Australia's primary health care system. The system has been struggling to cope with an increasing workload as the Australian population ages and people's health needs become more complex.
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Food Futures online conference to explore food insecurity and public health in wake of Ukraine war & COVID-19; role of local solutions
From the Australian Public Health Association (APHA): A two-day online conference starting Wednesday 16 March will examine topics including how the Russian invasion of Ukraine is hitting supplies of wheat and other commodities, and what these shocks mean for food supplies and public health at the local and global levels. The Food Futures Conference 2022, convened annually by the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA), will also cover food shortages experienced across Australia during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, food sovereignty involving Indigenous communities in Australia and Canada, nutrition and sustainability, and food banks.
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14 refugees released from detention over the weekend as 50 people still arbitrarily held
From the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC): 'Fourteen refugees held in onshore detention have been released over the long weekend, including one person released from the Brisbane Immigration Transit Authority (ITA). Late on Friday night, 13 people who came to Australia from offshore detention for medical treatment were released from detention, 9 from the Park Hotel in Melbourne, 3 from Brisbane ITA and 1 from Melbourne ITA. The Time for a Home alliance, of 140 organisations and community networks, welcomes the releases, as it ends the severe mental and physical health risks immigration detention poses.'
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14 March
NSW: Medical supplies and generators delivered to flood-stricken residences
From Transport NSW: Operating from Wisemans Ferry town, Transport for NSW Boating Safety Officers (BSOs) assisted Police to deliver medical supplies and fuel for generators to residences that are accessible only by boat. BSO's also assisted Police in conducting seven welfare checks BSOs are continuing to assess damage to maritime infrastructure across the state. This involves taking note of hazards and reinstating navigation aids, but it will take some time until the process is completed. Boaters are urged to stay off waterways until dangerous conditions subside and are reminded that there is a risk of hazardous submerged debris making boating unsafe.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
15 March
Health technology industry calls for government cooperation and procurement reform to build on pandemic's digital health momentum
Australia's health technology companies are calling for fairer procurement processes and improved funding for a sector that powers the nation's healthcare system, according to a new report from the industry's peak organisation. Australia's COVID-19 response relied on the nation's digital health companies to rapidly roll out technologies to help keep people safe and vaccinated, but the Medical Software Industry Association's (MSIA) 'Beyond The Pandemic - Future Proofing Australia's Health Technology Industry' report said the sector remains largely unsung and invisible.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
16 March
Mandating booster vaccination for disability support workers
'The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has now advised that three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are required to be up to date in order to provide protection against both infection and severe disease.,' said the Department of Health. For people aged 16 years and older, this means a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose following primary COVID-19 vaccination (usually 2 doses). The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) has previously recommended mandatory vaccinations (two doses) for disability workers as a condition of work or entry to the recipient's home if they are providing intensive supports to National Disability Insurance Scheme participants.
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15 March
Government seeking future NDIS Partners in the Community
Minister for the NDIS Linda Reynolds announced that the Government is seeking suitable community based organisations to help deliver the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Partners in the Community (PITC) Program. Services will be delivered in 74 service areas across Australia for a five year period from July 2023. This will further improve participant access to support in their local communities. PITC Program providers are the primary contact for more than 70 per cent of all NDIS Participants, delivering Local Area Coordination (LAC) and Early Childhood (EC) services on behalf of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
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ACOSS response to ALP community sector proposal
Australian Council of Social Services ACOSS welcomes the announcement by the Federal Opposition outlining its proposed community sector policies, in particular undertaking to improve governance and regulation across the sector. ACOSS particularly welcomes a range of policies from the Opposition which ACOSS has promoted across Parliament, including fostering a culture of partnership between Government and the community sector. We welcome the emphasis on partnership with the community sector to provide ongoing and authentic collaboration in the development of policy and design of services and examination of the most effective funding models.
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
None this edition.
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E-Health
None this edition.
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Education and Training
17 March
Bolstering Indigenous health workforce key to closing the gap
The Australian medical Association (AMA) has said it is committed to supporting the growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors across the Australian medical workforce, highlighting that more needs to be done to support medical education and training opportunities across all areas of medicine. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors offer unique perspectives and expertise yet remain under-represented in Australia's health workforce. 'We know that culturally safe health care leads to better health outcomes both in terms of access to health care and treatment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have a right to access appropriate, affordable, and responsive health care ' he said.
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14 March
Conversion practices: Clinician awareness and training
Religious LGBTQA+ conversion practices cause significant mental health harms and the health sector needs to recognise, support and respect survivors in ways that are affirming of sexual and gender diversity, say the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Associate Professor Jennifer Power, Principal Research Fellow at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University, and colleagues wrote that research has shown that 'conversion practices are poorly understood in Australia and that health workers would benefit from training to improve their care of survivors'. Confusion may be the result of unclear definitions of conversion practices, they wrote.
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Funding
17 March
$140 million to improve health services for indigenous communities
The Government will open a $140 million major capital works program for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) to build, buy or renovate health clinics and staff housing. A key part of the Government's $254 million Closing the Gap health infrastructure measure announced in August 2021, the funding will deliver up to 120 projects, including new health clinics, housing, and major refurbishments. Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, said the grants would address key areas of health infrastructure for the ACCHS sector. Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, this funding would continue the Government's strong reforms to the indigenous health sector, creating real partnerships with the community.
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Urgent funding needed to support Indigenous community-led health solutions
'The Close the Gap campaign has called for an urgent investment in community-led health services to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the country,' the the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). The 2022 Close the Gap Report: Transforming Power - Voices for Generational Change report has 12 recommendations for large-scale transformation and systemic reform to avoid further preventable deaths and protect Indigenous health, wellbeing, culture, and Country. These include the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and 2020 National Agreement on Closing the Gap plans.
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15 March
Better care and treatment for Australians with blood cancer
Australians with blood cancer will receive improved treatment and care through new and continued funding from the Government, working in close partnership with the Leukaemia Foundation. Blood cancers develop when blood cells aren't made properly. In 2021, around 18,485 new cases of blood cancer were diagnosed in Australia and there were 5,789 deaths. The five- year survival rate for blood cancer is 69.7 per cent. Minister Hunt said the Optimal Care Pathways and Australian-specific clinical guidelines will provide health professionals and patients with the best information to diagnose, manage and treat blood cancer.
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VIC: AI Biotech lands in Victoria to advance early cancer detection
A cutting-edge biotech firm headquartered in the US will soon call Melbourne home, as the Government expands its investment in advanced medical research techniques. Victorian Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford announced InterVenn Biosciences, the developer of an artificial intelligence (AI) platform to detect cancer, will establish its commercial and research lab at St Vincent's Hospital. In partnership with mRNA Victoria, the biotech firm will work with local RNA researchers on developing new therapeutics for cancer detection using RNA markers.
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VIC: ACRF grant boosts cancer research capability
The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) has received a $3.5 million grant from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) to create a multidisciplinary cancer research team that will focus on improving patient treatment options and investigating the cause of drug resistance. The grant will support the new ACRF Program for Resolving Cancer Complexity and Therapeutic Resistance at WEHI, that will see a team of cancer experts specialising in blood, breast, lung, ovarian, pancreatic and skin cancers collaborating to better understand cancer complexity and treatment resistance at a single-cell level.
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14 March
Boost to funding for R&D trials to find treatments for MND
The Government has announced $2 million funding for research and development of new treatments for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). 'The funding, to be delivered over two years (2022-23 to 2023-24), will be provided to FightMND to invest in innovative projects seeking to discover and understand why MND occurs and what contributes to its progression,' said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. 'MND is a terminal neurodegenerative disease which can lead to gradual weakening of muscles, swallowing and speech disturbances, respiratory failure and death. The cause of MND is not yet understood and there is no known cure.'
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11 March
$69 million for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) response
The Australian Government will invest $69 million to control the spread of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Program initiatives aim to prevent exposure to the disease through vaccination and mosquito management systems, to protect people and animals most at risk during the current outbreak. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said there were currently 15 confirmed human cases of JEV in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud, said mosquito trapping and control is being conducted at all infected piggeries, with movement restrictions in place for properties in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.
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$2.1 billion for winter preparedness health measures
'The Government is investing $2.1 billion to protect Australians against COVID-19 and influenza this winter,' said Minister Hunt. The approach to managing COVID-19 and influenza over the winter months will focus on minimising the health impacts - with a particular focus on protecting those most at risk of severe illness - while supporting the economy. This year's winter season will likely see the co-circulation of COVID-19 and influenza viruses, which we have not seen significant transmission of since 2019. Although it is difficult to predict the scale of these transmission events, the national approach supported by the Government prepares for the contingency of possible large outbreaks.
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Health Professionals
15 March
Health practitioners' role in eliminating family violence - a survivor's story
From the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) series Taking Care, Host Susan Biggar is joined by survivor Emma*, Professor Kelsey Hegarty; an academic GP who helps train practitioners in responding to family violence, and Dr Anne Tonkin; Chair of the Medical Board of Australia. Through Emma, we hear a powerful, and all-too-common, story of family violence. Emma was in a normal relationship and marriage. There were the usual tensions, until they weren't 'usual'. Emma shares some of the details of the family violence she experienced.
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14 March
NT: Junior doctor program underway across the Territory
'Territory hospitals have welcomed almost 350 new junior doctors, nurses and midwives this year as part of a range of NT Health training programs,' said NT Minister for Health Natasha Fyles. 69 graduate doctors and 185 Resident Medical Officers have commenced working in hospitals in Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy. The doctors have relocated from across the country to commence their roles in the Territory. 93 graduate nurses and midwives have commenced roles in Territory hospitals this year, with the start date for the next intake of graduate nurses and midwives at Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospital being brought forward to help meet current needs during COVID-19.
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Hospitals
17 March
World's first lung scanner to change millions of lives
Australians with lung conditions will be able to access the world's first and only dedicated lung scanner, which was developed and built in Australia, at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney. Funded through the Government's landmark Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), the XV Scanner uses an automated scanning process to produce detailed lung function information in real time. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Government has provided $28.9 million through the MRFF Frontier Health and Medical Research Initiative to develop and commercialise the scanner.
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Insurance
17 March
Reforms to deliver lower prices for medical devices and lower private health insurance premiums
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt has announced that the Government's plan to make private health insurance simpler and more affordable for all Australians is continuing to move ahead through landmark reform of the Prostheses List. The multi-year reforms are anticipated to deliver total savings of approximately $900 million for consumers and the private health insurance system through significant reductions in prices for medical devices. This will be achieved by better aligning the prices of medical devices between private and public hospitals and delivering structural reforms that better focus the Prostheses List for the future on high-cost and innovative medical devices.
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Funding reforms on medical devices welcome, but will health insurers pass on savings?
The Consumers Health Forum welcomes the announcement of a joint four-year agreement between the Federal Government and the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) supporting the Prostheses List. The Prostheses List (PL) sets out the benefits insurers must pay patients (if covered) and is set by the government. 'The Agreement supports the retention of the Prosthesis List while reforming the funding arrangements. These steps should help protect patient access and choice in private health care' Consumers Health Forum CEO, Ms Leanne Wells said.
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15 March
PHI 14/22 Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 3) 2022
From the Department of Health: The Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 3) 2022 (the Amendment Rules) amend the Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011 (the Benefit Requirements Rules) and the Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Rules 2015 (the Complying Product Rules). The Amendment Rules were registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 11 March 2022 and commence on 20 March 2022. NHTP contributions and minimum insurer benefits are indexed by the Commonwealth twice annually, on 20 March and 20 September.
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Medicare
None this edition.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
15 March
COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on the health and wellbeing of school leaders
The Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) said the report of the 2021 Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey reveals that the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on schools has worsened the risks of long-term damage to principals' health and wellbeing. AHISA's CEO, Ms Beth Blackwood, noted that 11 years of annual survey data have now been gathered by the Survey. 'Each year the Survey confirms that principals work longer hours, suffer far higher levels of work- related stress and are at greater risk of physical violence and threats of violence.:
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Mental health support in sport expands as demand surges
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has responded to record demand for its mental health and wellbeing support by expanding its specialist services to a greater number of sporting staff right across the country. The AIS Mental Health Referral Network (MHRN) received 444 referrals in 2021, an increase of 68 per cent on the previous year's record 264 referrals. The AIS MHRN was established in 2018 and consists of more than 60 expert psychologists and mental health clinicians spread across every state and territory, all who understand the pressures and complexity of life in a high performance sport setting.
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13 March
Commitment to national mental health reform takes a key step
National Mental Health Commission (Commission) welcomes the National Cabinet's acknowledgement of the National Partnership Agreement for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. The Agreement came into effect following the signing by the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australian, Tasmanian and Northern Territory Treasurers on Friday 11 March 2022. Commission CEO, Christine Morgan, said the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement (the Agreement), and the separate bi-lateral agreements announced with the New South Wales and South Australian governments, demonstrate and bring into effect an important inter-jurisdictional commitment to mental health and suicide prevention reform.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
None this edition.
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Research
17 March
Backing life-saving local cancer drug development
Under the Collaboration Stream of the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative, the Government has announced up to $61.2 million for the Australian Genomic Cancer Medical Centre's Project PrOSPeCT - the Precision Oncology Screening Platform enabling Clinical Trials. The $185 million project will establish Australia as a hub for cancer drug development, helping to future proof our health care system and make it globally competitive. Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said this project will help bolster Australia's clinical trial capabilities. Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said the Government is committed to backing innovation and technology to improve the lives of Australians.
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$185 million investment to fast-track treatments for rare and 'untreatable' cancers
The Garavan Institute of Medical Research has announced that the Precision Oncology Screening Platform Enabling Clinical Trials (PrOSPeCT) will establish Australia as a medical manufacturing hub: building links from research through to the clinic; creating jobs; changing lives. Over the past decade, immunotherapy and other new treatments have transformed outcomes for thousands of Australians diagnosed with cancer. However, 46,000 Australians a year are diagnosed with cancers with limited treatment options. Project PrOSPeCT will open up new treatment paths for people across Australia with difficult to treat cancers including ovarian, and pancreatic cancer, sarcomas and cancer metastasis.
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15 March
Heart attack survivors fall through medicine cracks
Less than one-third of people who survive a heart attack are taking protective medications 12 months later, according to new Australian research based on data from the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study. Researchers from the George Institute in Sydney analysed medication use in 14,200 people who were hospitalised for a first heart attack, focusing on two medications that lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as both are recommended by current guidelines. While they found that overall, nearly 30% of participants were still taking both medicines after 12 months, that number dropped to just 7% for survivors who weren't on either of the medications before their heart attack.
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14 March
Acute Leukaemia: Improvements but better treatments still needed
More effective therapies are needed for acute leukaemia, particularly for people over 50 years of age at diagnosis, according to research published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Led by Dr Kerri Beckmann, a Research Fellow at the University of South Australia, the researchers analysed data from the South Australian Cancer Registry for all South Australian residents diagnosed with primary acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) during 1980-2016. Their aim was to examine population changes in 5-year survival, by socio-demographic characteristics.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
None this edition.
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Women's Health
None this edition.
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Transcripts
Minister for Industry, Energy And Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor
17 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Garvan Institute of Medical Research Sydney
Subjects: Cancer, Jobs, Modern Manufacturing Strategy, Vaccine rollout, COVID-19, Floods, Petrol prices, ACCC
Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler
17 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Box Hill, Victoria
Subjects: Mental health services, Opposition acts on the need for a Headspace centre in Box Hill, Senator Kimberley Kitching, Whitehorse, Victorian Royal Commission, Bullying
Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water Terri Butler
17 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Rebecca Livingston, ABC Radio Brisbane
Subjects: Anti-vax/COVID-19 mandate protesters in Musgrave Park, Consequences on misinformation on public health, Aboriginal people, Floods
Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh
17 MAR: Transcript of Opening Remarks to Charity Roundtable, Perth
Subjects: Social capital, COVID-19, Community sports and organisations, ACNC, Charitable advocacy, Not for Profits Commission, Union memberships
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
16 MAR 2022: Transcript of Address to the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Burswood, WA
Subjects: AUKUS, ADF, Veterans' Affairs, Flooding on the East Coast, War in Ukraine, COVID, Resilience, Hospital funding
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart Robert
16 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News Live Afternoon Agenda
Subjects: Russia, AUKUS, East Coast submarine base, COVID-19 measures, Safety of elected officials, Cost of living
Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel Shayne Neumann
16 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Brisbane
Subjects: Veteran hub for Moreton Bay-North Brisbane region, Dept of Veterans' Affairs, Royal Commission into defence & veteran suicide, Health services, Consultation, Veterans
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham
15 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Allison Langdon, Today Show
Subjects: Cost of living, Economic support, Flood support, Income tax, Ukraine and Russia, Fuel excise, Jobs, COVID-19, Defence force, Tax cuts
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham
15 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Gareth Parker, 6PR Breakfast
Subjects: Henderson dry-dock, Cost of living, Jobs, Shipbuilding projects, Defence force, COVID-19, Oil prices, Tax, Economic growth, Income tax
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart Robert
15 MAR: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, New Norfolk
Subjects: Trade apprentices and traineeships, Kindergarten funding, Plan for skills, Construction, Unemployment, JobTrainer program, COVID-19, Subsidies
Member for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain
15 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Stephen Cenatiempo 2CC Breakfast
Subjects: Cost of living, Disaster funding, National security, Defence spending, COVID-19, Self-sufficiency, Manufacturing, Energy, Fuel excise
Shadow Assistant Minister for Financial Services Matt Thistlethwaite
15 MAR: Transcript of Address to the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals Resilience Dinner, Sydney
Subjects: Competition, Productivity, Small business, Employment, Unions, COVID-19, Industrial relations, Climate change, Adaptation
Shadow Minister for Home Affairs Kristina Keneally
15 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Kieran Gibert, Sky News Afternoon Agenda
Subjects: AFP media release on security threats, COVID, Government fund allocation, Newspoll, Kimberley Kitching
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
15 MAR Transcript of President, Dr Omar Khorshid's Interview with Patricia Karvelas, RN Breakfast
Subjects: Primary Health 10-year-plan, COVID-19 variant, Flu, Federal Government
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan
14 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News First Edition
Subjects: Cruise industry, Free trade agreement, Tourism, National interests, Health protocols, Travel agents
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman
14 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Greg Jennet, ABC Afternoon Briefing
Subjects: Mental health, Suicide prevention, Head 2 Health, NDIS, COVID-19, Petrol prices
Shadow Assistant Minister for Western Australia Patrick Gorman
14 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Danica De Giorgio, Sky News
Subjects: Cost of living, Fed Opposition's plan for Australia, Natural disaster preparedness, Ukraine war, TAFE, Public housing, RATs
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
12 MAR: Transcript of Press Conference, Windsor
Subjects: Floods, Commonwealth Disaster Payment, Operation Flood Assist, Flood recovery, State emergency declaration, Insurance, Climate change, Motorhomes, Water treatment plant, COVID-19
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham, Shadow Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher
12 MAR: Transcript of Interview with Jane Azzopardi, Weekend Today
Subjects: Changes to COVID-19 quarantine arrangements, Cost of living, Petrol prices, Fed Govt's response to floods, Aged care, Russia & Ukraine
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud
11 MAR: Transcript of Press Conference, Melbourne
Subjects: Kimberley Kitching, Japanese encephalitis, Agricultural show, COVID-19, $69 million package, Vaccines, Royal Show Society
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Reports
The Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey 2021 Data - Report
Australian Catholic University (ACU), Health and Wellbeing
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Australian COVID-19 Mortality
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
COVID-19 deaths that occurred by 28 February 2022 that have been registered and received by the ABS
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Almost half of households test for COVID-19 in February
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
In February 2022, nearly one in two (47 per cent) Australians reported that a household member completed a COVID- 19 test in the past four weeks, according to survey results released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). ABS Head of Household Surveys, David Zago, said: 'The latest Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey, conducted between 9 and 18 February 2022, asked Australians about their household experiences with COVID-19 symptoms, tests and positive cases in the past four weeks.
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National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021-2031
Department Of Health
The plan's target is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to represent 3.43% of the national health workforce by 2031. This matches the expected percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the working population. Governments and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health sector co-designed the plan. It includes a wide range of actions across the health system to attract, recruit and retain First Nations people over the next decade. The plan supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to participate in the health workforce across all roles, levels and locations
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Statistics - Private health insurance - Risk equalisation financial year results 2020-21
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)
The purpose of Risk Equalisation is to support the community rating principle legislated under the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 . Insurers are not allowed to risk rate premiums and Risk Equalisation partially compensates insurers with a riskier demographic profile by re-distributing money from those insurers paying less than average benefits to those paying higher than average benefits.
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Better understanding of the scope and nature of LGBTQA+ religious conversion practices will support recovery
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
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Sentinel lymph node biopsy underused in melanoma
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
The use of sentinel lymph node biopsy - a procedure that shows metastatic spread from a primary melanoma - has not increased in Australia, despite the availability of effective systemic therapy, leading experts to call for better access, and better data collection. Writing in the Medical Journal of Australia, Dr Caroline Watts, a Research Fellow at the University of Sydney and the Kirby Institute, and colleagues said that in Australia sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was recommended for people with melanomas 'of Breslow thickness greater than 1.0 mm, or more than 0.8 mm for those with other high risk pathological features'.
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COVID-19 health risks and labour supply
Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
There is evidence that concerns about becoming infected with COVID-19 at work have affected people's willingness to participate in the labour force in some countries. This article examines whether similar health concerns have contributed to a reduction in labour supply in Australia. It finds no evidence that these concerns had a discernible effect on labour supply during the COVID-19 outbreaks in 2020 and 2021. In early 2022, however, the substantial escalation in cases of the Omicron variant led a small number of people to avoid the workplace, at least temporarily.
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Submission to Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Consultation on the draft stillbirth clinical care standard
Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (ANMF)
As a whole, the Draft provides a comprehensive and logical approach to clinical care for stillbirth prevention and bereavement care. Reference to key documents informing Australian maternity services such as the Woman-centred care: strategic directions for Australian maternity services and the Clinical Practice Guidelines: Pregnancy care publications underpin a clinical care standard that promotes a consistent national approach. However, the ANMF suggests some aspects of the Draft and supporting resources can be strengthened and clarified. This response will address the specific areas of concern rather than provide commentary on all sections of the Draft.
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Almost half of households test for COVID-19 in February
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
In February 2022, nearly one in two (47 per cent) Australians reported that a household member completed a COVID- 19 test in the past four weeks, according to survey results released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). ABS Head of Household Surveys, David Zago, said: 'The latest Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey, conducted between 9 and 18 February 2022, asked Australians about their household experiences with COVID-19 symptoms, tests and positive cases in the past four weeks.
Download
The Public Health Crisis - Pre-Budget Submission for the 2022-23 Commonwealth Budget
Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA)
The Budget should ensure that social and health equity through our national response to the pandemic by strengthening Australia's social security system by increasing the adequacy of payment levels, improving access for people requiring support, and removing unproductive compliance policies for job seekers, and providing adequate COVID-19 testing (RAT) to all Australians free of charge, on the basis that testing is a collective public health necessity, not a private consumer good.
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Pre-Budget 2022-23 Submission
Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA)
While the progression of a number of initiatives advocated by RDAA is welcome, RDAA has also identified additional ways in which access to medical professionals and services can be improved to better support the health rural Australians. RDAA calls on the Australian Government to fully implement the National Rural Generalist Pathway, including by rolling out a single employer model for Rural Generalist trainee doctors nationally and increasing the number of junior doctor rotations through the John Flynn Prevocational Doctor Program (JFPDP) from the committed 200 FTE positions by 2025 to 400 Full-time Equivalent (FTE).
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Hansards
Western Australia
15 MAR 2022: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Medical Resources - Shark Bay
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Court Cases
Federal
Palange & Kalhoun [2022] FedCFamC2F 149
16 FEB 2022: Catchwords: Family law - Parenting - Covid-19 vaccination - Evidence act - Hearsay evidence rule - Opinion evidence rule - Expert opinion exception
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Western Australia
Palmart Pty Ltd and Palina Holdings Pty Ltd [2022] WASAT 20
11 MAR 2022: Catchwords: Retail shops - Commercial tenancies - COVID-19 pandemic - Small commercial lease - Relief sought by tenant - Application for rent relief
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New South Wales
Health Care Complaints Commission v Mohammadi (No 2) [2022] NSWCATOD 15
14 FEB: Catchwords: Health - Professional registration and discipline - Professional misconduct
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FFD v Smile Excellence Dentistry [2022] NSWCATAD 42
08 FEB: Catchwords: Administrative law - Privacy - Health and medical information - Health Privacy Principle
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FDL v South Western Sydney Local Health District [2022] NSWCATAD 40
08 FEB: Catchwords: Administrative law - Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 - Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002
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New Regulations
Federal
Aged Care (Subsidy, Fees and Payments) Amendment (March Indexation) Determination 2022
Legislative Instrument - F2022L00314
The Aged Care (Subsidy, Fees and Payments) Amendment (March Indexation) Determination 2022 (the Amending Determination) amends the Aged Care (Subsidy, Fees and Payments) Determination 2014. The purpose of the amending determination is to increase the amount of supplements payable to approved providers of aged care services in respect of a day from 20 March 2022 in line with the change to the Australian consumer price index (CPI) over 6 months to the December 2021 quarter, in addition to increasing the value of a number of caps and thresholds in line with the age pension.
Explanatory Statement
Biosecurity (First Point of Entry-Norfolk Island Airport) Amendment (Period of Effect) Determination 2022
Legislative Instrument - F2022L00301
The purpose of the Amendment Instrument is to extend the end of the period of effect to 15 September 2022 for the Biosecurity (First Point of Entry-Norfolk Island Airport) Determination 2016 (the Norfolk Island Airport Determination).
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Eligible persons and citizens of Italy) Order 2022
Notifiable Instrument - F2022N00053
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Health Insurance (Eligible persons and citizens of Malta) Order 2022
Notifiable Instrument - F2022N00052
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
None this edition.
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Consolidated Legislation
Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Rules 2015
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00284
Rules/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 2) 2022
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National Health (IVF Program) Special Arrangement 2015
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00278
PB 60 of 2015 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (IVF Program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2022 (No. 1)
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New Bills
None this edition.
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New Acts
None this edition.
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