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)

3 September

Human biosecurity emergency period extended by three months
The Government will extend the human biosecurity emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015 by an additional three months, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The emergency period, which has been in place since 18 March 2020, will now be in place until 17 December 2020. The extension of the emergency period was informed by specialist medical and epidemiological advice provided by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). AHPPC has advised that the international and domestic COVID-19 situation continues to pose an unacceptable public health risk.
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Funding boost for COVID-19 research
The Government is backing several Australian research projects aimed at finding breakthrough treatments, diagnostics and - the ultimate - a vaccine in the fight against COVID-19, said Minister Hunt. The Government has allocated $10.4 million for 13 early stage biomedical projects through Biomedical Translation Bridge (BTB) program, which forms part of the landmark Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). Five of them are COVID-19 research projects receiving $4.1 million. A key project, conducted by the University of Melbourne, involves developing an innovative ventilated hood for patients in isolation.
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QLD: Queensland resists Federal attempt to water down COVID-19 safety measures
Queensland will push back against any Federal Government attempt to blow holes in the border restrictions that have been protecting Queenslanders from widespread COVID-19 transmission. Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said a draft Federal Agriculture Code that was rejected by a meeting of the nation's Chief Medical Officers may still be on the agenda for National Cabinet. 'Late Tuesday afternoon the Commonwealth called a meeting for Wednesday morning to approve a re-worked Code,' Minister Furner said. 'This code has not been assessed by our health experts and the Commonwealth has given Agriculture Ministers around the country little time to review it.'
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QLD: COVID-19 viral fragments detected in Airlie Beach sewage
Viral fragments of COVID-19 have been detected in a sample from the Cannonvale-Airlie Beach sewage treatment plant, said the Queensland Department of Health. The sample was taken as part of a joint Queensland Health, University of Queensland and CSIRO pilot research program to test sewage for traces of COVID-19. Sampling has been taking place at several locations across Queensland since mid-July. Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the surveillance program was just one part of a wider response to COVID-19 and that a positive sample was no concern for the community.
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2 September

Take your time lifting COVID-19 restrictions, governments warned
Care should be taken to avoid lifting COVID-19 policy restrictions within short time periods, as it could take more than 2 months to detect the consequences of any changes, according to the authors of modelling research published online by the Medical Journal of Australia. Dr Nick Scott from the Burnet Institute and colleagues simulated network-based transmission risks in households, schools, workplaces, and a variety of community spaces (e.g. public transport, parks, bars, cafes/restaurants) and activities (e.g. community or professional sports, large events).
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Sobering economic figures show need to continue COVID-19 control measures
The national accounts figures highlight the critical role that public health measures have played in protecting Australians from the worst impacts of COVID-19 - from both a health and economic perspective, Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said. 'The figures paint a sobering picture of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our economy, with a 7 per cent fall in gross domestic product (GDP),' Dr Khorshid said. 'But they also show that Australia has fared much better than other nations, who were slower to act to contain the virus. The United Kingdom economy has fallen by 20.4 per cent.'
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WA: COVID-19 update - 2 September 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported no new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The State's total stands at 655. WA has five active COVID-19 cases - two Western Australians and three from interstate. To date, 641 confirmed cases have recovered from the virus in WA. 928 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 896 were assessed and 890 were swabbed.
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1 September

Taking action: $950,000 for Youth Action Projects Grants
The Youth Action Projects Grant Scheme is now open to individuals and organisations supporting activities important to young Australians. The Australian Government understands the unprecedented impact COVID-19 and last summer's bushfire season has had on young Australians. Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck, said the targeted scheme was an opportunity for individuals and organisations to apply for funding to support projects that will make a difference in the lives of young people. 'It's a difficult time in our nation's history and young people are feeling the repercussions of job losses, breaks in education and social isolation,' Minister Colbeck said.
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Update on NDIS participants and COVID-19
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert announced the daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and COVID-19. The reporting will ensure accurate and timely information is being provided to the community. The data is collated through reporting mechanisms of the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission and compiled by the Commonwealth's NDIS Critical Response Group.
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Markson Sparks fined $26,640 for alleged unlawful advertising of a medical device in relation to
COVID-19
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued two infringement notices totalling $26,640 to Sydney-based company Obelisk Ventures Pty Ltd (trading as Markson Sparks) for the alleged unlawful advertising of a medical device in relation to COVID-19. It is alleged Markson Sparks emailed its subscribers using the email marketing platform 'MailChimp' to promote the Bionic Air Plasma Medical Device, and claimed the device could prevent COVID-19. The TGA has informed Markson Sparks that the relevant advertising must be immediately removed. The TGA is investigating other entities that have been the subject of complaints about alleged unlawful advertising in relation to COVID-19.
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NSW: Increased mobility on NSW VIC border
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian thanked the patience of border communities and said the NSW Government was pleased to make these changes given the reduced risk of community transmission in regional Victoria. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said making adjustments to restrictions will provide more freedom to those living on both sides of the southern border. A single border region will be reinstated that extends to around 50 kilometres on either side of the border. The new border region and 'border region resident' permit will come into effect at 12:01am on Friday, 4 September 2020.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Thirteen new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,874, said NSW Health. There were 14,815 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 14,232 in the previous 24 hours. Anyone identified as a close contact and directed to undertake 14 days self-isolation must stay in isolation for the full 14 days, even if they test negative during this time.
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TAS: Transparency needed on hotel quarantine
Tasmanian Member for Clark Ella Haddad said Tasmanians need to have full confidence that the state can avoid a repeat of the situation in Victoria. 'We've seen the tragedy unfold in Victoria and the catastrophic consequences of a breakdown in hotel quarantine arrangements,' Ms Haddad said. 'There is no reason to think there's any issue with private security companies here, as long as staff are well trained, so why the secrecy around giving the public this information?'
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WA: COVID-19 update
The WA Department of Health has reported no new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The State's total stands at 655. WA has five active COVID-19 cases - two Western Australians and three from interstate. To date, 641 confirmed cases have recovered from the virus in WA. 1,044 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 1,016 were assessed and 1,011 were swabbed. There have been 348,335 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those tested, 59,929 were from regional WA.
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31 August

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Ten new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,861, said NSW Health. There were 14,232 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 19,626 in the previous 24 hours. Of the ten new cases:
- Six are returned travellers in hotel quarantine ; and
- Four are locally acquired and linked to a known case or cluster All four locally acquired cases are linked to the CBD cluster.
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QLD: Health care caution, economic progress and legal vindication
COVID-19 health protections have been ramped up in response to the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre cases, while several key capital works projects will be accelerated to create jobs as part of the Government's ongoing economic recovery plan. 18 new cases were reported, leaving 20 active cases, 1084 recovered and a total of 1,113. Queensland Premier Palaszczuk said while home gathering has been limited to ten (Greater Brisbane, Gold Coast) people should support COVID-safe businesses, amid record testing.
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SA: COVID-19 Update 31 August
There have been no new cases of COVID-19. There have been a total of 463 cases reported in SA. There is one active case in SA and 458 people have been cleared of COVID-19. There have been four reported deaths from COVID-19. More than 377,500 tests have been undertaken. There is a significantly higher risk of COVID-19 due to current outbreaks interstate. SA Health is asking all travellers returning from Brisbane and greater surrounds, Logan, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast to closely watch for COVID-19 symptoms on their return to SA and to get tested for COVID-19 if any symptoms develop, even if mild.
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TAS: Health checks for travellers to Tasmania
'The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians is the Government's number one priority as we continue through the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney. 'From today, there is a new screening process for travellers arriving in Tasmania through both our air and sea ports. This is another tool to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 coming into our State. While our border restrictions are in place and the risk remains low, it is important that we implement further safeguards to protect our health and safety.' All people arriving in Tasmania will be health screened, which involves being symptom and temperature checked.
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30 August

NSW: Public health alert
NSW Health is alerting the public to a number of locations visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19. Passengers on the X39 bus that left Pitt Street opposite Australia Square at 6.08pm on 20 August and arrived at Clovelly Rd, Carrington Road at Randwick at 6.40pm are considered close contacts of a case. They should immediately isolate for 14 days since they were on that bus (until midnight on 3 September) and be tested for COVID-19 regardless of symptoms. A previously reported case associated with the August CBD cluster took this bus. The person reported wearing a mask on the bus. A second passenger was confirmed as having COVID.
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29 August

VIC: Managing coronavirus clinical waste
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre has rapidly coordinated a cross government effort to manage a 100-fold increase in clinical waste being produced to handle coronavirus outbreaks in some of Victoria's aged care facilities. The Response Centre has acted quickly and worked with the private industry, Victorian Government and regulators to secure storage containers, rubbish collection, incinerators and safe disposal and processing of the waste. There are currently 115 aged care facilities in Victoria with an active case of coronavirus. This is a reduction of 14 facilities.
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28 August

First COVID-19 vaccine trial in Canberra underway
Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton visited the clinic where participants are taking part in Canberra's first COVID-19 vaccine trial. Minister Coulton said the Government is committed to providing all Australians with access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as available. 'That said, there is no guarantee that this, or any other, vaccine will be successful, which is why the Australian Government is looking at options to support vaccine development both in Australia and around the world,' Minister Coulton said. The clinical research trial in Canberra is a partnership between Paratus Clinical and Ochre Health.
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Australia supports Indonesian COVID-19 response
Australia is providing a package of up to $2 million of medical personal protective equipment including gloves, gowns, masks and thermometers to the Indonesian military as part of the existing Defence Cooperation Program and funding. Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said Indonesia and Australia are longstanding partners and friends, sharing a strong bond and a deep history of cooperation, particularly in times of need. 'COVID-19 brings new challenges and uncertain times to both our countries. Like the Australian Defence Force in Australia, the TNI is playing a critical role in supporting Indonesia's national response to COVID-19,' Minister Reynolds said.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Thirteen new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,830, said NSW Health. There were 30,282 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 30,173 in the previous 24 hours. Of the thirteen new cases:
- One is a returned traveller who is in hotel quarantine
- Six are linked to the Sydney CBD cluster
- Four are locally acquired with their source still under investigation
- Two are close contacts of previously reported cases who have not been linked to known clusters.
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Aged Care

3 September

Operational Update from the Response Centre
Daily update from the Department of Health and the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (VACRC):
- For the first time since the Response Centre began operating there are no facilities categorised as high risk. This is a significant milestone in the stabilisation of aged care facilities in Victoria.
- There were 13 facilities in the Response Centre's 'high risk' category in early August when the Centre first began operating.
- There are now less than 100 facilities with outbreaks, for the first time in a month.
- There are 97 facilities with current outbreaks - this has dropped by 24 in the past week.
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Senate censures failed Minister for Aged Care
'Richard Colbeck has lost the confidence of the Australian people and now he's lost the confidence of the Senate,' said the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Penny Wong and Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins. 'The Senate censured the Minister for Aged Care with the support of every crossbencher. This Minister has been warned repeatedly, he's ignored the warnings and failed to act. The only decent thing left for Richard Colbeck to do is resign as the Minister for Aged Care. If he refuses to resign the Prime Minister must sack him. This is a test of Scott Morrison's leadership.'
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50,000 cases of assault and abuse in aged care go unreported
'It is completely unacceptable more than 50,000 cases of assault and abuse in aged care across the country are going unreported each year,' said Shadow Minister Collins. 'The figures confirm just how broken our country's aged care system is under the Government. The Government is still yet to introduce a serious incident response scheme that would respond to cases of assault and abuse in Australia's aged care system. It has now been three years since this scheme was first recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission following its landmark investigation of elder abuse in Australia.'
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1 September

Significant growth in regulatory activities relating to aged care in the context of COVID-19
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission said that the Site visits to aged care services by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have increased significantly this year. The Commission, as the national regulator, has conducted more than 1,100 site visits to aged care services since January, including 410 visits to check infection control practices. The Commission is working with state and territory governments and their local health authorities across the nation to monitor and test preparedness of aged care residential services. The approach is drawing on lessons learned from outbreaks in NSW and Victoria to ensure that all services nationally have well-tested plans, adequate training and infection control practices to minimise infection risks and to respond immediately, decisively and effectively if a positive case is identified in their service.
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VIC: Operational update - Victorian Aged Care Response Centre
Victorian Aged Care Response Centre gave an update on how it is working to protect senior Australians from COVID-19. For the first time since the Response Centre began operating there is only 1 facility categorised as high risk. This is a significant milestone in the stabilisation of aged care facilities in Victoria. There were 13 facilities in the Response Centre's 'high risk' category in early August when the Centre first began operating.
- Over the past week the number of facilities with outbreaks has dropped by 21.
- There are currently 1,178 active cases in aged care in Victoria.
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31 August

Additional funding to reinforce Australia's aged care sector
The Australian Government will provide an additional $563.3 million to extend support for the aged care sector's response to COVID-19, announced in March and subsequently as part of the Aged Care response plan. Building on the $205 million COVID-19 Support Payment provided to all residential Aged Care providers in June 2020, the Australian Government will extend this payment to provide a further $245 million injection into all facilities, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck.
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Morrison Government's aged care failings laid bare
The Government's tragic failure to prepare Australia's aged care system for COVID-19 outbreaks has been laid bare in an embarrassing press conference. The Minister for Aged Care, Richard Colbeck, when he was allowed the chance to speak by the Minister for Health, was forced to admit key failings in the Morrison Government's response to COVID-19. He confirmed the Federal Government has no idea about how many aged care employees are working across multiple sites, despite the serious risks of this issue, said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins.
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29 August

VIC: Managing coronavirus clinical waste
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre has rapidly coordinated a cross government effort to manage a 100-fold increase in clinical waste being produced to handle coronavirus outbreaks in some of Victoria's aged care facilities. The Response Centre has acted quickly and worked with the private industry, Victorian Government and regulators to secure storage containers, rubbish collection, incinerators and safe disposal and processing of the waste. There are currently 115 aged care facilities in Victoria with an active case of coronavirus. This is a reduction of 14 facilities.
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28 August

Ten aged care homes across Victoria threatened with closure
'Shocking new evidence has revealed that by early August ten aged care homes in Victoria were managing COVID-19 infection outbreaks so badly they had been threatened with closure,' said Shadow Minister Collins. 'Across the homes there were already dozens of older Australians who had tragically passed away and hundreds of residents who were infected with COVID-19. This new evidence is in direct contrast to Scott Morrison's heartless claim in Parliament this week that the impact of COVID-19 was only 'severe and completely unacceptable' in four homes.'
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

31 August

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety
31 AUG: Transcript of Proceedings - Sydney - Day 88
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Allied Health

3 September

The best script is what matters to you
Social prescribing, which involves the referral of patients to non-medical activities to supplement conventional care, should become a standard part of Australian health care. The Consumers Health Forum (CHF), Mental Health Australia and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) are calling for the Government to develop and implement an Australian-wide social prescribing scheme as part of the Government's 10 Year Primary Health Care Plan. Social prescribing, which has been introduced widely in the UK and is being successfully trialled in Canada and Singapore, offers a system of support and guidance for people struggling with chronic conditions to connect with their community.
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1 September

Record Medicare bulk-billing rates through COVID-19
Record GP bulk billing rates under Medicare reached 87.5 per cent in 2019-20. This means that on average, more than 8 out of 10 visits to the GP were provided with no out-of-pocket cost. In total, Medicare services increased to 428.3 million with total benefits reaching $24.7 billion, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. To ensure Australians have access to the healthcare services they need through the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary Medicare telehealth services have been introduced and widely taken up by the community.
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Government silence on Medicare item numbers is impacting healthcare
The Australian Government must act quickly to expand and protect COVID-19 Medicare items that support telehealth provision of sexual and reproductive healthcare. The Australian Government acted swiftly to broaden the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) to support expanded telehealth services during COVID-19 and these changes have been critical in supporting patients to access sexual and reproductive health services during the pandemic. Marie Stopes Australia, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), ASHM and the sexual and reproductive health sector across Australia is calling on the Government to urgently lift restrictions on the COVID-19 MBS telehealth item numbers.
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Children's Health

30 August

VIC: Vaccinations vital to keep the children safe
The Victorian Government is encouraging all parents to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date, with health services finding new and safe ways to immunise kids as the coronavirus fight continues, said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Victoria's landmark No Jab No Play laws continue to make a real difference in protecting children against preventable diseases - with Victorian immunisation rates still the best in Australia. However, recent research has shown Victoria's strong record is at risk - with families delaying vaccinations during the pandemic. Surveys show that the most common reason for delaying vaccinations was because parents were concerned that they or their child would catch coronavirus.
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Clinical Governance

3 September

Parliamentary scrutiny for new Health premises
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works has announced that it will scrutinise a new project, from the Department of Health. The department's proposed fitout of new leased premises at Fairbairn Business Park, Canberra is expected to cost $60.7 million. It is anticipated that the Committee will conduct a public and in-camera hearing for the inquiry in early October 2020. The Committee would like to hear from all individuals or organisations interested in the project. Submissions for the project will be accepted until Friday 9 October 2020.
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2 September

TAS: Plan of action needed for North West Coast healthcare system
Labor is calling on the government to outline its plan to restore full services at the Mersey Community Hospital's emergency department. Tasmanian Leader of the Opposition Rebecca White said there is too much uncertainty in the community about the lack of action by the government, and residents and staff are calling for answers. 'The government needs to be transparent and outline its plan to attract a permanent workforce and restore the hospital to full operating capacity,' said Ms White.
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1 September

VIC: VAD laws giving more Victorians choice over their death
Just over one year since its implementation, voluntary assisted dying laws are giving Victorians suffering with a terminal illness greater choice over the timing and manner of their death. Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos welcomed the third report of the independent Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board, led by former Supreme Court Justice Betty King QC, which was tabled in Parliament. The latest report shows that of the 231 permits issued, 124 Victorians suffering with a terminal illness had accessed the laws in the last 12 months, affording them compassionate care at the end of their life.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

2 September

ACT: New cancer ward project back on track
The ACT Government has recommenced work to deliver a new cancer ward at the Canberra Hospital following a brief interruption to work due to the ACT response to COVID-19. The ACT Government has invested $19 million to redevelop two cancer wards. Ward 14A was completed earlier this year, providing inpatients with a contemporary, comfortable and completely refurbished environment. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said works on the second cancer and haematology ward, 14B, were put on hold to ensure there was capacity at Canberra Hospital to respond to COVID-19.
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1 September

QLD: Premier commits $52.9m towards new Cairns University Hospital
The Government announced it will invest $52.9 million in stage one of a plan to build a university hospital in Cairns. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said James Cook University and Queensland Health would work together on planning for the project, which will boost training, education and employment opportunities for the local health professionals of the future. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said alongside this investment in the current and future health professionals, the Government was committing to delivering the infrastructure needed at Cairns Hospital to cater for the growing and aging population.
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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

3 September

Greens introduce bill to fix Disability Royal Commission privacy issue
Australian Greens Disability Rights spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John will make good on his promise to introduce legislation aimed at fixing the lack of confidentiality protections for witnesses giving evidence to the Disability Royal Commission, ensuring that disabled people are able to tell their stories safely. Senator Steele-John promised in the Senate that if the Attorney General did not take action urgently to protect witnesses and give the Royal Commission the safeguards it needs, then the Greens would introduce the necessary legislation this week. 'The Attorney General has known about the need for these confidentiality protections for almost a year, yet he has done nothing about it,' Steele-John said.
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2 September

Changes to Victorian Portable Long Service Scheme Regulations
The proposed changes to the Regulations are generally supported by National Disability Services (NDS). Defining the scope of the Scheme based on award coverage is a welcome change that provides greater clarity as to who is considered an employee for the purposes of the community services sector. Whilst the cost impost of the Scheme will continue to negatively impact disability services providers, simplifying the Scheme's coverage test and making amendments which indicate double dipping cannot occur may go some way to lessen the administrative burden of the Scheme's operationalisation.
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1 September

Delivering the NDIS: $64.9 million boost to build capacity of people with disability
The Australian Government is investing $64.9 million in grants to 138 organisations in the disability sector to build the capacity of Australians with disability to participate in and contribute to the community. Organisations will be offered up to $500,000 per year for two years under the Individual Capacity Building (ICB) grants round, part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program to deliver projects in the community to benefit all Australians with disability, their carers and families, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert said.
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Update on NDIS participants and COVID-19
Below is the daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and COVID-19 for Tuesday, 1 September 2020. The reporting will ensure accurate and timely information is being provided to the community. The data is collated through reporting mechanisms of the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission and compiled by the Commonwealth's NDIS Critical Response Group, said Minister Robert.
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31 August

Update on NDIS participants and COVID-19
Below is the daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and COVID-19 for Monday, 31 August 2020. The reporting will ensure accurate and timely information is being provided to the community. The data is collated through reporting mechanisms of the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission and compiled by the Commonwealth's NDIS Critical Response Group, said Minister Robert.
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Giving a voice to people with intellectual disabilities
UNSW's Professor Iva Strnadová is working to improve the lives of people living with intellectual disabilities and ensure they have a greater say in policies and programs that affect them. 'Historically, people with intellectual disabilities have often been a passive object of research,' Prof. Strnadová said. 'But there has been a huge shift over the last two decades for people with intellectual disabilities not only to have a voice in research, but also to be involved in research as co-researchers.'
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NT: Specialist Disability Accommodation Future Grant Opportunity
A Request for Proposal for non-government organisations to construct Specialist Disability Accommodation on four parcels of land will open on GrantsNT on Monday 14 September 2020, said the NT Department of Local Government, Housing and Community Development. Proposals from non-government organisations need to demonstrate the ability to provide dwellings that qualify for Provisional Design Certification by an accredited National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Specialist Disability Accommodation assessor prior to construction commencing as well as qualify for final as-built Certification once completed.
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

3 September

Greens introduce bill to fix Disability Royal Commission privacy issue
Australian Greens Disability Rights spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John will make good on his promise to introduce legislation aimed at fixing the lack of confidentiality protections for witnesses giving evidence to the Disability Royal Commission, ensuring that disabled people are able to tell their stories safely. Senator Steele-John promised in the Senate that if the Attorney General did not take action urgently to protect witnesses and give the Royal Commission the safeguards it needs, then the Greens would introduce the necessary legislation this week. 'The Attorney General has known about the need for these confidentiality protections for almost a year, yet he has done nothing about it,' Steele-John said.
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E-Health

3 September

Telehealth, e-prescribing arrangements must be extended
An interim Parliamentary Committee report has backed the Australian Medical Association's (AMA's) calls to make telehealth a permanent component of the Australian health system, and for e-prescribing to be implemented as quickly as possible. The Select Committee on Financial Technology and Regulatory Technology has made the recommendations in its interim report. 'The AMA has long advocated for Medicare-subsidised telehealth consultations, and temporary Medicare COVID-19 arrangements have shown the value of telehealth,' AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said. 'The telehealth items have supported the provision of care during these very difficult times, and have been embraced by patients and doctors.'
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RACGP calls for clarity on future of telehealth
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed an interim Parliamentary Committee report that recommends that Medicare-subsidised telehealth be made permanent. Earlier this year, the Government heeded the RACGP's calls to expand subsidised telehealth (video and telephone consultations) to all patients to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus and ensure access to care. They are due to expire on 30 September this year. Chair RACGP Queensland Dr Bruce Willett said the RACGP had long been calling for telehealth to be made permanent.
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Labor backs Senate Select Committee recommendation to extend telehealth
'Labor continues our call for the Government to urgently extend telehealth consultations beyond September, backing the recommendation of a Senate Select Committee interim report released this week,' said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen. 'Health Minister Greg Hunt must act immediately to prevent the hit on Australians' health that is the end of Medicare telehealth rebates on September 30. The Senate Select Committee on Financial Technology and Regulatory Technology has recommended in its interim report: 'The committee recommends that Medicare telehealth items introduced during the pandemic be made a permanent feature of the Australian healthcare system, with ongoing refinement and review as appropriate.''
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VIC: Game-changing technology to boost health care
Australians will now have access to one of the world's first virtual and augmented reality telehealth platforms, giving patients access to high quality remote health monitoring and care no matter where they are. Victorian Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas welcomed the announcement that global developer of virtual reality telehealth platforms XRHealth will establish its Asia Pacific HQ and Fulfilment Centre in Melbourne. It is set to create up to 90 new jobs, providing new or additional employment opportunities for clinicians and allied health professionals across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
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31 August

Teletrials bring benefits for regional cancer patients
Telehealth provides an opportunity to increase the participation of rural and regional cancer patients in crucial clinical trials, according to the authors of a Perspective published online by the Medical Journal of Australia. 'Clinical trials remain a gateway to accessing cutting edge therapies and technology,' wrote the authors, led by medical oncologist Associate Professor Ian Collins from the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC). 'Currently, less than 5% of regional cancer patients participate in any clinical trial; barriers include travel distance to a metropolitan site, a lack of trials available locally, and costs involved for patients and carers such as travel and accommodation and loss of earnings.'
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Education and Training

None this edition.

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Funding

3 September

Funding boost for COVID-19 research
The Government is backing several Australian research projects aimed at finding breakthrough treatments, diagnostics and - the ultimate - a vaccine in the fight against COVID-19, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The Government has allocated $10.4 million for 13 early stage biomedical projects through Biomedical Translation Bridge (BTB) program, which forms part of the landmark Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). Five of them are COVID-19 research projects receiving $4.1 million. A key project, conducted by the University of Melbourne, involves developing an innovative ventilated hood for patients in isolation.
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2 September

ACT: New cancer ward project back on track
The ACT Government has recommenced work to deliver a new cancer ward at the Canberra Hospital following a brief interruption to work due to the ACT response to COVID-19. The ACT Government has invested $19 million to redevelop two cancer wards. Ward 14A was completed earlier this year, providing inpatients with a contemporary, comfortable and completely refurbished environment. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said works on the second cancer and haematology ward, 14B, were put on hold to ensure there was capacity at Canberra Hospital to respond to COVID-19. 'Thanks to the combined efforts of the Canberra community and our healthcare workforce to slow the spread of COVID-19, we are in a position to restart this important project.'
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Health Professionals

2 September

TAS: Nurses submission shocking but not surprising
Startling details have been provided of the lack of access to protective equipment and training that nursing staff experienced during the North West COVID-19 outbreak. In some instances they resorted to the public health hotline for information. Tasmanian Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Lovell said evidence provided by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation painted a damning picture of a health system that was not prepared for the pandemic. 'This frank input from the nurses will hopefully provide the inquiry with the opportunity to really interrogate what happened, why it happened, what's been done since and what still needs to be done so Tasmanians can have confidence that our system is as prepared as it can be for any future outbreaks of infectious diseases.'
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1 September

Budget must recognise value of better resourced health and social care
The Federal Budget must respond urgently to the health and economic lessons of the COVID pandemic and provide funding to ensure that care of elderly and low-income Australians is properly provided for, the Consumers Health Forum said. 'The pandemic has revealed many cracks in our society and economy including: the extent of casualisation of the workforce; growing income inequality; an inadequate income support system; and a digital divide which is leaving many people behind,' the CEO of CHF Leanne Wells said. Releasing CHF's supplementary Budget submission, Ms Wells said: 'It is those cracks that the 2020 Budget needs to start to address as they will widen and result in poorer health outcomes and even greater cost burden on health and human service systems if immediate action is not taken.'
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ACT: Be kind and respectful to nurses and midwives
The ACT Government has launched a new campaign to increase community awareness and understanding about acceptable behaviour towards nurses and midwives working in Canberra's health system. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith and ACT Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury said the 'Be kind and respectful to our nurses and midwives' campaign calls out violence and aggressive behaviour and aims to increase understanding of what is and isn't acceptable when interacting with healthcare workers.
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Hospitals

3 September

Parliamentary scrutiny for new Health premises
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works has announced that it will scrutinise a new project, from the Department of Health. The department's proposed fitout of new leased premises at Fairbairn Business Park, Canberra is expected to cost $60.7 million. It is anticipated that the Committee will conduct a public and in-camera hearing for the inquiry in early October 2020. The Committee would like to hear from all individuals or organisations interested in the project. Submissions for the project will be accepted until Friday 9 October 2020.
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2 September

TAS: Plan of action needed for North West Coast healthcare system
Tasmanian Labor called on the government to outline its plan to restore full services at the Mersey Community Hospital's emergency department Tasmanian Leader of the Opposition Rebecca White said there is too much uncertainty in the community about the lack of action by the government, and residents and staff are calling for answers. 'The reduction in operating hours at the Mersey has caused significant disruption to healthcare services across the North and North West. 'The government needs to be transparent and outline its plan to attract a permanent workforce and restore the hospital to full operating capacity.'
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Insurance

1 September

NDIA unveils NDIS road map for 2020-24
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has unveiled its roadmap for the future with the release of its 2020-24 Corporate Plan. The Corporate Plan, endorsed by the NDIA Board, outlines the Agency's strategic direction for the coming years. NDIA chief executive officer Martin Hoffman said the Corporate Plan was an ambitious commitment from the Agency to delivering a better Scheme for participants. 'The Corporate Plan sets out our vision, mission and aspirations - the things we will focus on to ensure we continue to deliver and improve the Scheme,' he said. 'The launch of the NDIS Participant Service Charter and NDIS Service Improvement Plan mark a new and exciting time in the Scheme's evolution and maturity.'
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31 August

Quality care delivered outside of hospital: new data on the Medibank at Home program
The number of dialysis at home services provided to Medibank customers has increased by 88%, with a 77% spike in new enrolments since February, driven by the COVID-19 health emergency. On any given weekday, around 45 Medibank customers are now receiving haemodialysis at home instead of hospital, representing the highest enrolments since the trial started two years ago. There was also an 102% increase in Medibank customers receiving chemotherapy treatment and medical infusions at home between February and July 2020.
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Medicare

1 September

Record Medicare bulk-billing rates through Covid-19
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that record GP bulk billing rates under Medicare reached 87.5 per cent in 2019-20. This means that on average, more than 8 out of 10 visits to the GP were provided with no out-of-pocket cost. In total, Medicare services increased to 428.3 million with total benefits reaching $24.7 billion. To ensure Australians have access to the healthcare services they need through the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary Medicare telehealth services have been introduced and widely taken up by the community. The Morrison Government has also required telehealth services to vulnerable Australians to be bulk billed. These measures have reduced the barriers to timely health care for thousands of Australians.
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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

2 September

ACT: COVID-19 Mental Health Grant winners announced
ACT Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury has announced the recipients of the COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellbeing Innovation Grants Program - a $400,000 investment supporting selected organisations, local communities and individuals to develop innovative and creative projects that address the mental health and wellbeing impacts of COVID-19. The Program sees 20 grants awarded under two streams. A total of $305,181 was allocated under the Organisational Grants stream and $100, 800 for the Community Grants stream - a part of the recent $4.5 million mental health stimulus package announced by the ACT Government.
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1 September

Money on your mind - campaign to improve mental and financial health
Beyond Blue and Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) are encouraging people to access free support services to cope with the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The organisations have launched the Money on Your Mind campaign to support people experiencing financial stress and mental health issues. Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said unemployment, insecure work and financial stress and uncertainty are often linked to mental health issues. FCA CEO Fiona Guthrie said, 'seeking assistance is an important first step in getting your finances and mental well-being back on track.'
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30 August

NSW: More mental health support for regional students
A fly-in fly-out psychology and telepsychology service of sixteen permanent senior psychologists will be introduced to support students in regional and remote parts of NSW with mental health. This is part of the NSW Government's $88.4 million mental health spend that also includes a commitment to provide every public high school with one full-time counsellor or psychologist and one student support officer. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government had run a successful trial of fly-in fly-out psychologists and the service will be permanent from 2021. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and NSW Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said this will enable psychologists to provide counselling to ensure students are getting the support they need.
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QLD: Queenslanders encouraged to focus on mental wellbeing
A new mental health campaign targeting Queenslanders who have had their lives impacted by COVID-19 has been launched by the Queensland Government. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queenslanders should be as mindful of their mental health as they are of their physical health during the pandemic. 'People all over the world have had their lives completely turned upside down due to the COVID-19 pandemic - life as we knew it came to a standstill,' Premier Palaszczuk said. Queensland Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles said the second phase of the Dear Mind campaign was focused on helping people build their resilience by focusing on the six building blocks of mental wellbeing.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals

3 September

TGA initiates court proceedings against Oxymed Australia and director Malcolm Hooper for alleged unlawful advertising
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, has initiated proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia (Federal Court) in response to Oxymed Australia Pty Ltd and its sole director, Mr Malcolm Hooper's alleged unlawful advertising of hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers. The TGA alleges the advertising promoted the devices for the treatment of serious diseases and medical conditions, including coronavirus (COVID-19), cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder and autism spectrum disorders. The TGA recently issued Oxymed Australia with five infringement notices totalling $63,000 in relation to alleged unlawful advertising.
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2 September

Australian Public Assessment Report for Insulin aspart (rys)
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Fiasp, Fiasp Penfill and Fiasp FlexTouch containing insulin aspart (rys) 100 units/mL solution for injection for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents and children aged 1 year and above. T1DM occurs when pancreas does not produce insulin. In Australia, T1DM accounts for around 10% of all cases of diabetes. It is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions. Onset is usually abrupt and the symptoms include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue and blurred vision.
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Common supermarket sanitisers found to be safe
A CHOICE investigation of 29 retail hand sanitisers has found no cause for concern, revealing that all the products tested - each of them sourced from a major retailer - contained the minimum amount of alcohol recommended by authorities. The consumer advocate commissioned broader testing after its July investigation into retailer Mosaic Brands found a sanitiser sample contained only 23% alcohol, well below the level required to protect against viruses such as COVID-19.
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1 September

Expanded access for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) announced on fifth anniversary of immuno-oncology treatment on the PBS
MSD said Australians welcome expanded access to reimbursed treatment options for melanoma, lung cancer and lymphoma Australian patients now have more options for reimbursed immuno-oncology treatment with new listings1 on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) announced. These additions are being made available on the fifth anniversary for KEYTRUDA's first listing on the PBS1, 1 September 2015. This means that approximately 2,000 eligible patients each year[1] will now be able to access KEYTRUDA as a treatment option on the PBS following the surgical removal of melanoma tumours.
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31 August

Advisory Committee on Chemicals Scheduling (ACCS)
The ACCS was established to advise and make recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Health on the level of access required for chemicals and in some instances medicines Under revised scheduling arrangements, which took effect on 1 July 2010, the Secretary to the Department of Health superseded the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC) as the decision maker for the scheduling of medicines and chemicals.
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Advisory Committee on Medicines (ACM)
The ACM provides independent medical and scientific advice to the Minister for Health and the TGA on issues relating to the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines supplied in Australia including issues relating to pre-market and postmarket functions for medicines. The Committee is established under Regulation 35 of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990. Members are appointed by the Minister.
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Advisory Committee on Medicines Scheduling (ACMS)
The ACMS was established to advise and make recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Health on the level of access required for medicines and in some instances chemicals. Under revised scheduling arrangements, which took effect on 1 July 2010, the Secretary to the Department of Health superseded the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC) as the decision maker for the scheduling of medicines and chemicals.
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29 August

New hope for Australian leukaemia and lymphoma patients with key treatment option listed on PBS
A key new cancer treatment has just become more accessible for Australians fighting specific forms of leukaemia and lymphoma, thanks to the Government's listing of Calquence on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, said Minister Hunt. On September 1, Calquence will be listed on the PBS for the first time for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma. Lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma are types of blood cancer that affect lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and the lymph nodes. Up to 1,600 patients a year could benefit from this listing.
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Research

3 September

Funding boost for COVID-19 research
The Government is backing several Australian research projects aimed at finding breakthrough treatments, diagnostics and - the ultimate - a vaccine in the fight against COVID-19, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The Government has allocated $10.4 million for 13 early stage biomedical projects through Biomedical Translation Bridge (BTB) program, which forms part of the landmark Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). Five of them are COVID-19 research projects receiving $4.1 million. A key project, conducted by the University of Melbourne, involves developing an innovative ventilated hood for patients in isolation.
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2 September

Trillion data points to identify disease causing genes
Researchers from CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, have accomplished a world-first by processing one trillion points of genomic data through VariantSpark, an artificial intelligence-based platform, which can help pinpoint the location of specific disease-causing genes in the human genome. The human genome is a person's complete set of DNA, which contains more than three billion DNA base pairs. CSIRO Bioinformatics Group leader Dr Denis Bauer said artificial intelligence (AI) could give a deeper understanding of complex diseases, in a fraction of the time compared to traditional approaches, by analysing immense genomic datasets.
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RethiNKing which immune cells are the best weapon against lung cancer
Studying preclinical and patient samples of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute team revealed that NK cells - but not T cells - are essential for slowing the aggressive spread of the cancer. 'Supercharging' the NK cells further boosted their cancer-fighting abilities. The discovery offers hope for better treatments for people with SCLC, many of whom only survive a few months after their diagnosis because of the cancer's aggressive spread.
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1 September

AMA updates its policy on genetics
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) released its Position Statement on Genetic Testing and Genomics in Medicine 2020, which is an update of the AMA Position Statement on Genetic Testing 2012. The AMA has updated its policy on genetics, expanding it to include not only genetics (the study of individual genes and associated inherited conditions and traits), but also genomics (the study of an individual's genetic material and the influences of environmental and other factors). AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said that the Position Statement highlights the capacity of genetics and genomics to rapidly transform health care, potentially providing more cost-effective treatments and improving patient outcomes.
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'Tom' supports act men who want to cut back drinking
With almost a Third Of Men surveyed in Canberra keen to cut down their alcohol use, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) has launched TOM with support from the ACT Government. TOM, which stands for a 'third of men', is a health promotion campaign supporting men to reduce their drinking and raising awareness of the Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol. The campaign features an animated character called TOM, a website with tools to help men track and reduce drinking, resources about reducing risks when drinking, and opportunities to connect with the broader TOM community. 'The TOM campaign aligns with the ACT Government's commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of the community,' said ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith.
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Nine in 10 Australians say they would get vaccinated for COVID-19
Nine in 10 Australians would get a COVID-19 vaccine if it were available, according to a new Ipsos survey of nearly 20,000 adults from 27 countries on behalf of the World Economic Forum. Globally, 74% say they would get a vaccine for COVID-19 if it were available, however, 59% do not expect this will be an option before the end of this year. The reason most commonly given by those who would not get a vaccine is worry about side effects (56%) followed by doubt about its effectiveness (29%). Ipsos Australia Director, David Elliott, said: 'Australia can expect rapid adoption of a vaccine for COVID-19 when it becomes available locally, with Australians expressing relatively high levels of preparedness to 'get it'.'
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31 August

Leadership needed re complementary medicines policies
Although about 60% of patients starting chemotherapy, and 47% of those receiving radiotherapy, also use complementary medicine, a 'concerning' number of hospital cancer services do not have policies about complementary medicine practitioners or patient-initiated complementary medicine use, according to research published online by the Medical Journal of Australia. The use of complementary medicines is often not discussed with the medical team, which increases the risk of interactions and other undesirable effects, according to the researchers, led by Adjunct Associate Professor Jennifer Hunter, from the NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University.
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COVID-19: A chance to build resilience into Indo-Pacific emergency departments
Resource-limited emergency departments responding to the COVID-19 pandemic face many challenges - their strength lies in their unique solutions, according to the authors of a Perspective published online by the Medical Journal of Australia. 'Emergency departments (EDs) provide an interface between community and hospital care, and address unmet needs for vulnerable patients,' wrote the authors, led by Dr Isobelle Woodruff, a Resident Medical Officer at Monash Medical Centre, and Dr Rob Mitchell, emergency physician at Alfred Health and PhD scholar at the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health

3 September

VIC: Game-changing technology to boost health care
Australians will now have access to one of the world's first virtual and augmented reality telehealth platforms, giving patients access to high quality remote health monitoring and care no matter where they are. Victorian Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas welcomed the announcement that global developer of virtual reality telehealth platforms XRHealth will establish its Asia Pacific HQ and Fulfilment Centre in Melbourne. It is set to create up to 90 new jobs, providing new or additional employment opportunities for clinicians and allied health professionals across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
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2 September

Tens of thousands train in contact tracing for the bush
More than 50,000 people have accessed specialised pandemic training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and health practitioners to help protect remote Australian communities from coronavirus outbreaks. The five online modules, developed by a team at the Australian National University (ANU), include training on how to conduct contact tracing within remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The training was developed following a request from the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Australian Government.
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31 August

Teletrials bring benefits for regional cancer patients
Telehealth provides an opportunity to increase the participation of rural and regional cancer patients in crucial clinical trials, according to the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia. 'Clinical trials remain a gateway to accessing cutting edge therapies and technology,' wrote the authors, led by medical oncologist Associate Professor Ian Collins from the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC). 'Currently, less than 5% of regional cancer patients participate in any clinical trial; barriers include travel distance to a metropolitan site, a lack of trials available locally, and costs involved for patients and carers such as travel and accommodation and loss of earnings.'
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Women's Health

2 September

Additional $2.4 million boost to support at risk South Australians
The Federal Government funding injection has enabled the SA Government to fast-track new measures and provide more support to ensure the safety of women and their children who are experiencing, or at risk of, domestic, family and sexual violence at this time. Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston and SA Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said South Australia had shared in $4.8 million in Federal Government funding as part of a $150 million response package to support Australians experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence due to the fallout from COVID-19.
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Women's Health Week a timely reminder to reschedule missed health checks
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is urging women to book a health check with their GP as MBS data reveals a drop in the number of female attendances during the COVID-19 pandemic. The RACGP has partnered with Jean Hailes for Women's Health Week, running from 7 to 11 September, and is asking women and their GPs to use the week to review and schedule any health checks that may have been missed over the past months. MBS data reveals a decrease of nearly 24% in the number of female face-to-face GP attendances from March to June 2020, compared to the same period last year.
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Transcripts

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham
03 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Nadia Mitsopoulos & Russell Woolf, ABC Radio
Subjects: Borders, Impact of border closures, Tourism, Businesses, COVID-19, Quarantine

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham
03 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC
Subjects: Border closures, ADF support to control borders, Employment, Jobs, Pandemic, JobKeeper

Deputy Chief Medical Officer
03 SEP: Transcript of Press Conference by Deputy CMO, Dr Nick Coatsworth
Subjects: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Seasonal impact, Stage 4 in Victoria, National Cabinet, COVID-19 hotspots

Department of Health, Victorian Aged Care Response Centre
03 SEP: Transcript of Interview by Joe Buffone, Executive Director, with Rafael Epstein, ABC Radio Melbourne Drive
Subjects: Aged care, Coronavirus, COVID-19

VIC, COVID-19 Hotel quarantine inquiry
03 SEP: Transcript of Hearing - Day 11 - Melbourne, Victoria
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Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
02 SEP: Transcript of Speech - 'National Accounts June quarter statement'
Subjects: National Accounts, Coronavirus, COVID-19, GDP, Healthcare system, Unemployment rate, Global economic performance, Household incomes

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety
02 SEP: Transcript of Proceedings - Sydney - Day 90
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Leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese
02 SEP: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: COVID-19, Economy, JobKeeper, JobSeeker, National Accounts, Former PM Tony Abbott, Aged care, COVIDSafe app, Aged Care Minister

Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins
02 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Marcus Paul, 2SM in the Mornings
Subjects: COVID-19, Aged care, Royal Commission, Aged care workers, Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission, Transparency

Transcript of Proceedings - Day 89
01 SEP: Royal Commission Into Aged Care Quality & Safety
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Transcript of Proceedings - Day 88
31 AUG: Royal Commission Into Aged Care Quality & Safety
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Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
31 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Peter Stefanovic, First Edition, Sky News
Subjects: VIC lockdown, Economy, JobKeeper, National Accounts, GDP, Tax cuts, Medicare levy, Health Services Union, VIC State Govt

Minister for Health Greg Hunt, Minister for Aged Care Richard Colbeck, Chief Medical Officer
31 AUG: Transcript of Doorstop Interview with Acting CMO, Paul Kelly, Parliament House, ACT
Subjects: Aged care support announcement, Coronavirus update, UQ research, State borders, Medicare levy

Deputy Chief Medical Officer
31 AUG: Transcript of Deputy CMO Dr Nick Coatsworth's Interview with Allison Langdon & Karl Stefanovic, Channel 9 Today Show
Subjects: COVID-19, Health, VIC/NSW/QLD outbreaks, Masks, Public transport, VIC restrictions

Deputy Chief Medical Officer
31 AUG: Transcript of Deputy CMO Dr Nick Coatsworth's Interview with David Koch, Sunrise
Subjects: COVID-19, Health, Sydney beaches, Social distancing, VIC lockdown, Protestors, Masks, Vaccine

Australian Medical Association (AMA)
31 AUG: Transcript of President, Dr Omar Khorshid's Interview with Fran Kelly, RN Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19, Health, Border closures, Medical exemptions, Hot spots, Fed-State health care, VIC restrictions

Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers
31 AUG: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: COVID-19, Jobs, National Accounts, JobKeeper, Fed Treasurer, Budget, Economy, Aged care crisis, Fed Opposition Leader, Newspoll

Member for Perth Patrick Gorman
31 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Greg Jennett, ABC Capital Hill
Subjects: Aged care, Victorian restrictions, Emissions data, Aged Care Royal Commission, Victorian Premier, Public policy, Paris commitments

Prime Minister Scott Morrison
28 AUG: Transcript of Speech at the Daily Telegraph Bush Summit, Cooma, ACT
Subjects: Rural & regional Australia, Drought, COVID-19, Farmers, State borders, Economy, VIC outbreak, Freight, Agriculture, Trade, China, Water infrastructure

Minister for the NDIS Stuart Robert
28 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Tom Connell, AM Agenda Sky News
Subjects: NDIS, QLD, Schoolies, Interstate travel, Borders, COVID-19, Social distancing, Privacy, Tech companies, Contact tracing, Health

Deputy Chief Medical Officer
28 AUG: Transcript of Deputy CMO, Professor Michael Kidd's Interview with Edwina Bartholomew, Channel 7 Sunrise
Subjects: COVID-19, NSW school cases, VIC outbreak, Health, State borders

VIC: COVID-19 Hotel Quarantine Inquiry
27 AUG 2020: Transcript of Hearing - Day 8 - Melbourne, Victoria
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Reports

Business Plan 2020-21
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is part of the Health Products Regulation Group (HPRG) within the Australian Government Department of Health and is committed to delivering a world class, efficient and timely regulatory system for therapeutic goods using a best practice, risk-based approach. The TGA Business Plan sets out their product regulation, regulatory reform, international engagement and regulatory compliance agenda for 2020-21 and the steps they will take to achieve their vision. It also supplements the Health Portfolio Budget Statements and the Department of Health Corporate Plan and is supported by the Government's Regulator Performance Framework.
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Australian Public Assessment Report for Tocilizumab (rch)
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Roche Products Pty Limited (the sponsor) to extend the indications for Actemra (tocilizumab rch), 400 mg/20 mL, 80 mg/4 mL, 200 mg/10 mL concentrated solution for injection vial and 162 mg/0.9 mL solution for injection pre-filled pen and pre-filled syringe, to include dosing via the subcutaneous (SC) route of administration; and to lower the age limit for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) treatment from patients aged 2 years old to patients aged 1 year old (SC formulation only).
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Eye protection for general practices, including Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services, and for Allied Health in Queensland
Department of Health
This guidance ensures consistent and transparent management of the supply of eye protection from the NMS. The supply of eye protection is for general practices (including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services) and Allied Health professionals in Queensland facing critical supply constraints. Note, at this stage, the supply of eye protection is a single distribution rather than ongoing supply.
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Statistical Bulletin
Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC)
This study examines the methamphetamine market and prevalence of methamphetamine use in Perth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the Drug Use Monitoring in Australia program indicate that 38 percent (n=55) of Perth police detainees interviewed between April and June 2020 reported recent methamphetamine use-a significantly lower rate than in January-February 2020. Detainees who used methamphetamine did so on a median of five days in the past month-significantly less often than in previous years (median=15) and in January-February 2020 (median=16).
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Young people returning to sentenced youth justice supervision 2018-19
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
This report presents data on returns to sentenced supervision using measures developed as part of a related Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) project-Using the Juvenile Justice National Minimum Data Set to measure juvenile recidivism (AIHW 2013, 2015a). This report contains the following components:
- Chapter 1 introduces key concepts for this report
- Chapter 2 describes the rate of return to sentenced supervision at any time while a young person was aged 10-17, for those born from 1990-91 to 2000-01
- Chapter 3 describes the rate of return to sentenced supervision within 6 and 12 months for young people who were released in 2017-18, and were aged 16 and under at the time of release
- The Appendix provides further information on the data and methods.
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Muscle strengthening activities among Australian adults
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
Physical activity is any body movement produced by skeletal muscles that uses energy. It includes structured activities such as sport or organised recreation, and unstructured activities such as walking or cycling for leisure or transport. Participating in regular physical activity can have significant health benefits-it reduces the risk of chronic conditions and other disease risk factors such as overweight and obesity, and also improves social and emotional health and wellbeing. Physical activities that improve the strength, power, endurance and size of skeletal muscles (referred to as muscle strengthening activities (MSAs)) have specific health benefits.
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Sexual assault in Australia
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
Sexual assault is a major health and welfare issue in Australia and worldwide. For many victims, the effects can be wide-ranging and lifelong. They can experience physical injuries, long-term mental health effects, and disruption to everyday activities such as eating and sleeping habits (ABS 2017; Cashmore & Shackle 2013; Hailes et al. 2019). According to the 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Personal Safety Survey (PSS):
- almost 2 million Australian adults had experienced at least 1 sexual assault since the age of 15
- more than 200,000 (1.1%) Australian adults had experienced sexual assault in the 12 months before the survey-an increase from 2012 (0.7%).
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Fifteenth report on the costs of the Australian Government's Run-off Cover Scheme for medical indemnity insurers - 2018-19 Financial year
Australian Government Actuary (AGA)
This report has been prepared to comply with certain requirements of the Medical Indemnity Act 2002 (Medical Indemnity Act). Section 34ZW of the Medical Indemnity Act provides for a report on aspects of the Run-Off Cover Scheme to be tabled each year in Parliament. This is the fifteenth report that has been prepared under section 34ZW of the Medical Indemnity Act. It relates to financial year 2018-19. The fourteenth report was tabled in Parliament on 10 September 2019.
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Modelling the impact of reducing control measures on the COVID-19 pandemic in a low transmission setting
Medical Journal of Australia
Following a rise in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in March 2020 the Australian government introduced mandatory quarantine periods for people returning from overseas, as well as a variety of physical distancing policies, including closing pubs, bars, entertainment venues, churches/places of worship, restricting restaurants and cafes to take-away only, and limiting public gatherings to two people. Two months after these policies were introduced, available epidemic data indicate that they were successful in disrupting the spread of COVID-19, with fewer than 55 cases per day diagnosed nationally between 12 April and 8 May, down from a peak of 469 diagnosed cases on 28 March.
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Key Outcomes
Advisory Committee on Health Emergency Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) for
People with Disability
The Department of Health (the Department) updated members of the Advisory Committee on the progress of priority items, including:
- the use of the Health Professional Disability Advisory Service
- advice on continuing access to allied health services under stage 4 restrictions
- the new easy read resource hub on the Department's website.
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ACT: Inquiry into planning for the Surgical Procedures, Interventional Radiology And Emergency Centre (Spire) and the Canberra Hospital Campus and immediate surrounds - Report
ACT Standing Committee on Planning and Urban Renewal
Recommendations include:
- The Committee recommends that the ACT Government provide the community with all the changes and the reasons for the changes to the SPIRE Project since 2014.
- The Committee recommends that where there are significant changes to this or other government projects, the ACT Government proactively brings these to the attention of interested members of the community rather than expecting the community to discover the changes.
- The Committee recommends that the Auditor General undertake a performance review of the ACT Government's planning for health infrastructure, including the SPIRE Project, as soon as practicable. In particular the Committee recommends that this is undertaken before the SPIRE Project is finished.
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Hansards

Federal

02 SEP 2020: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Mental Health

02 SEP 2020: REPS HANSARD: Adjournment - Cowper Electorate: Mental Health

02 SEP 2020: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Aged Care

02 SEP 2020: REPS HANSARD: Motions - COVID-19: Aged Care

02 SEP 2020: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - Aged Care

02 SEP 2020: REPS HANSARD: Motions - COVID-19: Vaccine

02 SEP 2020: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Child Care - Aged Care

02 SEP 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19 - Aged Care

02 SEP 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Motions - Aged-Care Workers

01 SEP 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Adjournment - Chronic Pain Syndrome

01 SEP 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Matters of Public Importance - Aged Care

01 SEP 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Questions Without Notice: Take Note of Answers - Aged Care

01 SEP 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Motions - Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians - Attempted Censure

01 SEP 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Aged Care

01 SEP 2020: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19, Aged Care

01 SEP 2020: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - COVID-19, Hydroxychloroquine

01 SEP 2020: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19, Vaccine

01 SEP 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Adjournment - Paramedics

01 SEP 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Motions - Aged Care

01 SEP 2020: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - Age Pension

01 SEP 2020: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Aged Care

01 SEP 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Adjournment - Lung Cancer - JobKeeper Payment

01 SEP 2020: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19, Health Care

01 SEP 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Adjournment - COVID-19: Aged Care Workers

01 SEP 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Aged Care

31 AUG 2020: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - Casuarina Grove Aged and Disability Care

31 AUG 2020: REPS HANSARD: Statements by Members - Forde Electorate: Mental Health

31 AUG 2020: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Constituency Statements - Aged Care

31 AUG 2020: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Aged Care

31 AUG 2020: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Vaccine - Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

31 AUG 2020: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Statements by Members - COVID-19: Health

31 AUG 2020: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Regional Australia: Health Care

31 AUG 2020: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Statements by Members - Aged Care

31 AUG 2020: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Constituency Statements - COVID-19

31 AUG 2020: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Private Members' Business - Headspace

31 AUG 2020: REPS HANSARD: Federation Chamber - Constituency Statements - Students' Mental Health

31 AUG 2020: REPS HANSARD: Motions - COVID-19: Aged Care

31 AUG 2020: REPS HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Aged Care

31 AUG 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Aged Care

31 AUG 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Matters of Public Importance - COVID-19: Aged Care - COVID-19: Aged-Care Worker

31 AUG 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Questions Without Notice: Take Note of Answers - COVID-19: Aged Care

31 AUG 2020: SENATE HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - COVID-19: Mental Health

Australian Capital Territory

27 AUG 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health, Specialist Services

Victoria

01 SEP 2020: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Members statements - Aged Care

01 SEP 2020: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Members statements - Headspace

01 SEP 2020: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Members statements - Mildura Base Hospital

01 SEP 2020: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (State of Emergency Extension and Other Matters) Bill 2020 - Introduction and first reading, Second reading, Committee, Third Reading

01 SEP 2020: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions without notice and ministers statements - Ministers Statements: Health Services

01 SEP 2020: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Adjournment - Mental Health Support

01 SEP 2020: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Petitions - Melbourne Medically Supervised Injecting Facility

01 SEP 2020: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Members statements - Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

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Court Cases

None this edition.

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New Regulations

Federal

Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Variation (Extension No. 2) Instrument 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01129
The purpose of the Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Variation (Extension No.2) Instrument 2020 (the Instrument) is to vary the Declaration to extend the human biosecurity emergency period for a further 3 months until 17 December 2020, unless further extended by the Governor-General. The Act provides that the Director of Human Biosecurity is the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer in the Commonwealth Department of Health (s 544(1)).
Explanatory Statement

Food Standards (Application A1185 - Alpha-amylase from GM Aspergillus niger as a processing aid (enzyme)) Variation
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01113
The Authority has approved a draft variation amending the table to subsection S18--9(3) of the Code to permit the use of the enzyme alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1), sourced from A. niger containing the alpha-amylase gene from Rhizomucor pusillus (R. pusillus), as a processing aid in starch processing and the production of potable alcohol.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Immunisation Program - Designated Vaccines) Amendment Determination (No.3) 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01097
The National Health (Immunisation Program ¡V Designated Vaccines) Amendment Determination (No.3) 2020 (the Amendment Determination) amends the National Health (Immunisation Program ¡V Designated Vaccines) Determination 2014 (No. 1) (the Determination) to:
- expand the circumstances in which quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (QIV), Fluarix Tetra (Fluarix Tetra) (a designated vaccine under existing item 207A of Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Determination) may be provided; and
- add meningococcal serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y oligosaccharides conjugate (Menveo), to the list of designated vaccines.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Price and Special Patient Contribution) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 7)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01092
This instrument (the Amending Determination) amends the Principal Determination by changing the brand name of two brands of two pharmaceutical items as requested by the sponsor companies. In addition, it also removes three brands of three pharmaceutical items that are delisting from the PBS as requested by sponsor companies on 1 September 2020.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 7)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01091
The purpose of this Instrument, made under subsection 100(2) of the Act, is to amend the National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement 2011 (PB 79 of 2011) (the Special Arrangement) to make changes relating to the Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy. The Special Arrangement achieves greater efficiency in payment for the supply of injected or infused chemotherapy medicines to eligible patients being treated for cancer, to reflect the 2010 Budget measure titled 'Revised arrangements for the efficient funding of chemotherapy drugs'.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 7)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01090
This is the National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No.7) (this Instrument). The purpose of this Instrument, made under subsection 100(2) of the Act, is to amend the National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement 2010 (PB 116 of 2010) (the Special Arrangement), to make changes to the Special Arrangement relating to the Highly Specialised Drugs program. The amendments made by this Instrument reflect amendments to the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012 (PB 71 of 2012), which commence on the same day.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Listed drugs on F1 or F2) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 8)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01087
This instrument makes amendments to the Principal Determination. The Act provides that listed drugs may be assigned to formularies identified as F1 and F2. F1 is intended for single brand drugs and F2 for drugs that have multiple brands, or are in a therapeutic group with other drugs with multiple brands. Drugs on F2 are subject to the provisions of the Act relating to price disclosure and guarantee of supply.
Explanatory Statement

National Health (Originator Brand) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 5)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01086
This legislative instrument amends the National Health (Originator Brand) Determination 2015 (PB 100 of 2015) (the Principal Instrument) to determine the originator brand of a pharmaceutical item for four brands of four pharmaceutical items on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) F2 formulary, that are being renamed at the request of the sponsor companies. The Principal Instrument determines originator brands of pharmaceutical items that have a drug on the F2 formulary.
Explanatory Statement

Aged Care (Subsidy, Fees and Payments) Amendment (Cessation of Temporary Funding Increases) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01077
The Aged Care (Subsidy, Fees and Payments) Amendment (Cessation of Temporary Funding Increases) Determination 2020 (the Amending Determination) amends the Aged Care (Subsidy, Fees and Payments) Determination 2014 (the Subsidy, Fees and Payments Determination). The purpose of the Amending Determination is to cease, from 1 September 2020, temporary aged care funding increases payable to approved aged care providers announced by the Australian Government on 20 March 2020.
Explanatory Statement

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Proclamations

None this edition.

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Gazette Notices

New South Wales

28 AUG 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 186: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Lord Howe Island) Order (No 4) 2020

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Consolidated Legislation

Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Botox, Dysport or Xeomin Injection) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00786
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Botox, Dysport or Xeomin Injection) Amendment Determination 2020.
Download

Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices) Regulations 2002
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00773
SR 2002 No. 236 Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment (2020 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2020.
Download

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New Bills

Federal

Health Insurance Amendment (Administration) Bill 2020 - Reps intro 3/9
National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill 2020 - Senate referred to committee 3/9
National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2020 - Senate referred to committee 3/9

Victoria

Human Tissue Amendment Bill 2020 - LA intro, 1R 3/9
Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (State of Emergency Extension and Other Matters) Bill 2020 - LC intro, 1R, declared urgent, 2R, passed 1/9, LA intro, 1R, 2R 3/9

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New Acts

None this edition.

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