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)
1 October
COVID health measures extended
Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton has announced the NSW Nationals in the Government will invest more than $2 billion to extend the COVID-19 emergency health response for a further six months, to the end of March next year. This includes access to key health care services including Medicare-subsidised telehealth and pathology services, GP-led respiratory clinics, home medicines delivery, and public and private hospital services. 'These measures have played a critical role in detecting and containing the spread of COVID-19, but also ensuring regions have continued access to health care,' Mr Coulton said.
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Digital health, disadvantage, COVID-19: the latest Australian research
'Telehealth hospital outpatient specialist appointments do not seem to have a reduced rate of non-attendance compared with face-to-face appointments,' said the Editor-in-Chief of Australian Health Review, Dr Son. Hall. Australian Health Review (AHR) is the peer-reviewed journal of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA). 'Our October issue has a special focus on digital health, as well as a focus on healthcare for people experiencing disadvantage, and continuing coverage of COVID-19 related issues. A Queensland team led by Clinical Excellence Queensland looked at all specialist outpatient appointments in Queensland during the 2017-18 financial year.'
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30 September
Additional protection for Victorian aged care services
The Australian Government is extending testing and bolstering the supply of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) throughout residential aged care facilities across Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire to further suppress COVID-19 infection rates. To support the Victorian Government, capacity for asymptomatic testing of aged care workers will be extended and an additional seven million N95 face masks will be provided as the Commonwealth continues to help the sector drive down case numbers, said Minister for Health, Greg Hunt and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck.
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SA: COVID-19 Update 30 September
There have been no new cases of COVID-19. There have been a total of 468 cases reported in SA. Cross border travel With border restrictions with NSW and ACT lifting and the school holiday period, there will likely be an increase in travel in and out of SA. People are encouraged to remain vigilant. Information updates on higher risk areas and interstate travel requirements are available on the SA Health's COVID Safe Travel advice page.
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WA: COVID-19 update: World-leading research paper released into air travel transmission
World-leading research into flight-associated transmission of COVID-19 led by Western Australian communicable disease control experts has been published, said the WA Department of Health. The Flight-Associated Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Corroborated by Whole-Genome Sequencing (external site) is the first published investigation to demonstrate flight-associated transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Australia and is among the first studies worldwide to use whole genome sequencing to support epidemiological findings in a flight transmission investigation.
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29 September
ACT: COVID-19 Update
There have been no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours, leaving the ACT's total at 113. There are no active cases in the ACT. A total of 110 cases have recovered from COVID-19 in the ACT. There are no COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. The ACT has recorded three (3) deaths. The number of negative tests recorded in the ACT is now 93,698, said the ACT Department of Health.
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28 September
Controversial proposed COVID detention powers should be scrapped
The Human Rights Law Centre has called on the Victorian Government to amend proposed legislation currently before the Victorian Parliament to remove controversial powers to detain people based on what they might do. Executive Director, Hugh de Kretser said, 'These proposed new powers are vague, prone to abuse and are simply not needed. There is an existing power to detain in the legislation. The proposed new powers would allow an authorised officer to detain someone based on what the officer thinks they might do. The Bill should be amended to remove these controversial new powers.'
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WA: COVID-19 update - 28 September 2020: Patricia Oldendorff vessel
The WA Department of Health can confirm that there have been eight additional positive COVID-19 results from the crew of the Patricia Oldendorff. The eight new positive cases are part of the crew who were transferred to hotel quarantine. This brings the total confirmed cases associated with the vessel to 17 - seven aboard the vessel as part of the essential crew and 10 in hotel quarantine. The four remaining crew have, at this stage, tested negative.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 28 September 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported zero new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. Test results for the remaining Patricia Oldendorff crew are still being processed. When the results are known, they will be reported. The State's total remains stands at 676. There are 14 active cases being monitored. To date, 653 confirmed cases have recovered from the virus in WA. 485 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 473 were assessed and 472 swabbed.
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27 September
Victorian restrictions
'Easing restrictions in Victoria in a COVIDsafe way is vitally important so that more Victorians can get back to work and resume their normal lives,' said Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Minister Hunt. 'The announcement is a small but further important step in that direction. The removal of the curfew, the ability of sole traders to operate garden maintenance and related services and the improvements in supermarket capacity and manufacturing are all welcome. It will be important that more be done in the weeks ahead to safely ease more restrictions.'
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VIC: Statement from the Premier
'Seven weeks ago, our average case numbers were peaking at more than 400 every single day,' said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. 'Melbourne's rolling case average is 22.1. It's a remarkable thing - and an achievement that belongs to every single Victorian. Because with grit and with guts and with heart - we are beating this thing. We are driving it down. We are winning. Thanks to those efforts, and on the advice of our public health team, I can confirm that from 11:59pm tonight, Melbourne will enter the Second Step towards reopening. I can also confirm, again on the advice of our public health team, that we are further ahead than we'd hoped for.'
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26 September
NSW: Testing sewage for COVID-19
Remnants of the COVID-19 virus have been detected in raw sewage across Sydney as part of a new research program undertaken by NSW Health and Sydney Water. NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said sewage testing for molecular markers of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, started in July, adding another tool in the fight against the global pandemic. 'This is early days for this research, and we have a lot of work to do analysing our findings, but it's one more way we can strengthen our fight against COVID-19,' Dr Chant said.
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25 September
Urgent action needed now in aged care
Doctors and nurses have united to call on the Government to take urgent action now to prevent further COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care, warning that hotspots could appear in any State or Territory. Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Omar Khorshid, and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Federal Secretary, Annie Butler, have written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison to express their concerns about the ongoing impact of the pandemic on aged care residents and staff. More than 630 of Australia's 850-plus COVID-19 deaths have been in aged care.
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Aged Care
1 October
Government welcomes Aged Care Royal Commission's COVID-19 report recommendations
On this 30th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons, the Government welcomes the COVID-19 report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which has been tabled in the Australian Parliament, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The Royal Commission's report tells us the COVID-19 pandemic has been the greatest challenge Australia's aged care sector has faced and makes six recommendations to better prepare the aged care sector, its staff and residents for any future outbreaks. The Government accepts all six recommendations in the report and has already made substantial progress on four of them, said Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck.
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Older people are awesome: aged care says it's time we get with the program
Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) said that there has never been a more important time to acknowledge and celebrate the International Day for Older Persons. 'In the midst of the pandemic, it is critical that as a community we come together and acknowledge the contribution and importance of older people. They are the undervalued core of our society and economy,' ACSA CEO Patricia Sparrow said. 'The fact is, older people make an awesome contribution in hundreds of ways that people don't acknowledge or celebrate enough.'
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AMA calls for immediate action in aged care
Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said that standards of care for the elderly should not be compromised through chronic underfunding and under-resourcing of aged care. On International Day of Older Persons, and the anniversary of the launch of the AMA and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation's 'Care Can't Wait' aged care campaign, we are repeating our call for immediate action. The AMA is launching two new Position Statements focused on adequate care provision for our older people, to help guide and inform Government policy.
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Aged Care Royal Commission special report on COVID-19
'The Royal Commission's special report on COVID-19 confirms the Government had no plan for COVID-19 in aged care,' said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins. 'The result of the Government's catastrophic failure is a national tragedy. The foundations of our country's aged care system have buckled under the pressure of a deadly disease and the Morrison Government did not do enough to stop it. More than 660 older Australians have sadly died from COVID-19 in aged care homes. Some families and loved ones were forced to say goodbye over Facetime.'
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Appointment of Interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention
Labor broadly welcomes the Government's appointment of an interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention, and the release of the Terms of Reference for a review of past defence and veteran suicides, said Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel Shayne Neumann. As a former nurse and a current ACT Magistrate and Coroner, and Army Reserve officer, Interim National Commissioner Dr Bernadette Boss CSC is well qualified for the role. However, it is disappointing this announcement comes eight months after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the establishment of a National Commissioner.
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Government must meet the deadline for implementation of Aged Care Royal Commission special report recommendations and fund them in the budget
Senator Rachel Siewert said, 'The Government has no excuse not to urgently act on the recommendations of the Aged care and COVID-19: a special report. Let's face it, these recommendations are really the bare minimum of what the Government should have already done when this pandemic started, extra support for the workforce, infection prevention and control training, mental health support for residents and of course a national coordinating body. It's shambolic that we have no national coordinating body to address the COVID crisis in aged care.'
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30 September
Additional protection for Victorian aged care services
The Australian Government is extending testing and bolstering the supply of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) throughout residential aged care facilities across Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire to further suppress COVID-19 infection rates. To support the Victorian Government, capacity for asymptomatic testing of aged care workers will be extended and an additional seven million N95 face masks will be provided as the Commonwealth continues to help the sector drive down case numbers, said Minister Hunt and Minister Colbeck.
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Improved support for younger people in residential aged care a welcome development
An announcement by Ministers Colbeck and Robert of a strategy and funding to support younger people in residential aged care to find age-appropriate accommodation and live independently in the community is warmly welcomed by the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) and the Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance (YPINHNA). 'The 5,000 younger people living in residential aged care, or at risk of placement there, can finally start to look forward to greater independence, and the autonomy to make choices about where and how they live,' says Dr Bronwyn Morkham, YPINHNA National Director.
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29 September
New research reveals older Australians lack confidence when accessing Home Care Packages
Recent research by not-for-profit aged care provider Benetas in collaboration with Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, has identified that older Australians have significant low confidence when it comes to using their Home Care Packages. The study published by the Australasian Journal on Ageing revealed that older people who have access to essential health and wellbeing services through the Australian Government's Home Care Package program find it largely confusing and unclear, compromising their willingness to draw on the available supports.
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Morrison Government's aged care regulator fails older Australians
Damning new figures have revealed more than 2,000 complaints in just three months led to no fines or warnings from the Government's aged care regulator. These shocking figures lay bare the complete failure of the Government's regulator to ensure Australia's aged care homes were safe from COVID-19. It is difficult to believe so little was done to follow-up the concerns of residents, families and loved ones in the middle of a deadly global pandemic, said Shadow Minister Collins.
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28 September
PBS changes to opioids a win for palliative care
The AMA welcomes much needed improvements to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings for opioids, which will clarify their important role in alleviating suffering for palliative care patients. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said the Association supported important reforms to reduce the inappropriate use of opioids in Australia. 'However, the original PBS changes implemented on 1 June 2020 caused significant confusion and concern from prescribers and their patients,' Dr Khorshid said.
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SA: Greater choice of protection for elderly at risk
The Personal Alert Systems Rebate Scheme is set to offer more modern technology options that are increasingly reliable and easy to use. The current means-tested scheme provides a rebate of up to $380 for personal alert devices and $200 per year for monitoring services, said the SA Department of Human Services. It is available to eligible South Australians:
- aged over 75 years, or 65 years old for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people
- who are at risk of falls, and
- have a major medical or chronic condition that requires an immediate and urgent response in an emergency.
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27 September
Leave extended for aged care residents during COVID-19
Senior Australians who have moved out of an aged care home during the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to benefit from the Government's emergency leave arrangements. Under changes to legislation, residents won't be penalised or disadvantaged if they temporarily move out of their aged care home during a crisis where it is safe and appropriate for them to do so. The provision was immediately activated for the COVID-19 pandemic and was due to finish at the end of this month. It is now extended until 30 June, 2021. Minister Colbeck said the extension was another measure of support.
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25 September
Urgent action needed now in aged care
Doctors and nurses have united to call on the Government to take urgent action now to prevent further COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care, warning that hotspots could appear in any State or Territory. AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid, and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Federal Secretary, Annie Butler, have written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison to express their concerns about the ongoing impact of the pandemic on aged care residents and staff. More than 630 of Australia's 850-plus COVID-19 deaths have been in aged care.
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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
2 October
Digital transformation to deliver more timely medicines for Australians and improve patient safety
The Government is making significant digital reforms to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to cut red tape for more than 4,000 businesses applying to register medicines and medical devices each year, as part of its Deregulation Agenda which will also improve the timeliness of report on patient safety, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The Government is investing $12 million over four years to digitise, transform and modernise the TGA's business systems and infrastructure, better connecting services to get medicines and devices to patients sooner.
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30 September
Companies fined for alleged unlawful importation of surgical face masks in relation to COVID-19
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, has issued infringement notices for various companies. The companies allegedly breached a condition of the Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices - Face Masks and Other Articles) (COVID-19 Emergency) Exemption 2020 by importing surgical face masks that were not, at the time of the importation, included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and were not being imported for supply to the National Medical Stockpile.
Hepworth Industrial Wear
TTB International
Melbourne-based woman
Sydney Tools
Special Access Scheme
Premier Investments
Plus Pak
28 September
TAS: How long can Courtney side step issues at LGH
Tasmanian Labor has called for a crisis meeting between the Health Minister and staff at the Launceston General Hospital. Tasmanian Shadow Health Minister Sarah Lovell said it was high time Sarah Courtney stepped up and finally began addressing the serious issues plaguing the hospital. 'Today we have further proof if any was needed of how the Liberals have trashed the state's health system,' Ms Lovell said.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
None this edition.
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Dental
1 October
Opioid prescribing in dentistry - is there a problem?
Dental prescribing of paracetamol with codeine increased by 21% the year after the opioid medicine codeine was made prescription-only in February 2018, said NPS MedicineWise. In a new article in Australian Prescriber, dentist and pharmacist Dr Leanne Teoh from the University of Melbourne examines opioid prescribing in dentistry and explains how anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen are often a more effective and safe option for managing dental pain. 'There is little role in dentistry for opioids given we have better alternatives available,' said Dr Teoh. 'Dental treatment is always the best way to manage dental pain.'
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Disabilities
30 September
Update on NDIS participants and COVID-19
30 SEP: Below is the daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and COVID-19 for Wednesday, 30 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 for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert.
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APRA resumes work to enhance sustainability of individual disability income insurance
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is set to resume its intervention into the life insurance market to stem ongoing heavy losses in respect of individual disability income insurance (IDII). APRA wrote to life insurers and friendly societies in December last year to announce a range of measures - including capital charges - to address flaws in IDII product design and pricing that had seen the industry lose around $3.4 billion over the past five years.
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29 September
Update on NDIS participants and COVID-19
Below is the daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and COVID-19 for Tuesday, 29 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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28 September
Update on NDIS participants and COVID-19
Below is the daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and COVID-19 for Monday, 28 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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New data reports show impact NDIS is having on young Australians
As part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring Scheme data is available to participants and the wider public, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) released three data reports: Young People in the NDIS, Participants across Remoteness Classifications and The NDIS Market. It is the first time the Young People in the NDIS and the Participants across Remoteness Classifications reports have been released. An updated report on The NDIS Market details supports being provided to participants and how the Scheme and market is performing across different service districts.
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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
1 October
Digital health, disadvantage, COVID-19: the latest Australian research
'Telehealth hospital outpatient specialist appointments do not seem to have a reduced rate of non-attendance compared with face-to-face appointments,' said the Editor-in-Chief of Australian Health Review, Dr Son. Hall. Australian Health Review (AHR) is the peer-reviewed journal of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA). 'Our October issue has a special focus on digital health, as well as a focus on healthcare for people experiencing disadvantage, and continuing coverage of COVID-19 related issues. A Queensland team led by Clinical Excellence Queensland looked at all specialist outpatient appointments in Queensland during the 2017-18 financial year.'
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Education and Training
None this edition.
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Funding
1 October
Key investment in the medicines sector will bring jobs and breakthrough medicines to Australian patients - with the right investment settings
Medicines Australia welcomes the announcement by the Prime Minister in his National Press Club address that medical manufacturing has been identified as a Key Manufacturing Priority under the Modern Manufacturing Strategy. As an industry, the innovative medicines sector employs over 23,000 highly skilled workers and currently invests more than $9 billion into the local economy. Medicines Australia CEO, Ms Elizabeth de Somer said: 'This initiative by the Federal Government will provide opportunities for strengthening the ecosystem of research and development partnerships that are vital to domestic commercialisation, advanced manufacturing and stronger supply chains.'
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Health Professionals
None this edition.
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Hospitals
1 October
Digital health, disadvantage, COVID-19: the latest Australian research
'Telehealth hospital outpatient specialist appointments do not seem to have a reduced rate of non-attendance compared with face-to-face appointments,' said the Editor-in-Chief of Australian Health Review, Dr Son. Hall. Australian Health Review (AHR) is the peer-reviewed journal of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA). 'Our October issue has a special focus on digital health, as well as a focus on healthcare for people experiencing disadvantage, and continuing coverage of COVID-19 related issues. A Queensland team led by Clinical Excellence Queensland looked at all specialist outpatient appointments in Queensland during the 2017-18 financial year.'
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Waiting lists point to a post-COVID hospital crisis
A new Australian Medical Association (AMA) analysis shows that public hospital performance around the nation was deteriorating even before the COVID-19 pandemic, painting a gloomy picture for waiting lists and health outcomes once restrictions are lifted and elective surgery recommences. The AMA Public Hospital Report Card 2020 shows increasing numbers of patients presenting to emergency departments, longer waiting lists for treatment, and a rate of government funding growth that is too low to provide patients with timely access to treatment. This is all leading to a perfect storm when patients begin to seek treatment for non-COVID conditions.
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NSW: Expanded ED opens at Bankstown-Lidcombe hospital
The south-western Sydney community will access world-class healthcare in the $25 million redeveloped Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital Emergency Department, now open to patients. NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Member for East Hills Wendy Lindsay visited the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital to see first-hand the expanded emergency department, which will deliver enhanced medical care to residents of south-western Sydney, one of the fastest growing populations in the state.
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QLD: The Prince Charles Hospital to be expanded
The Government has launched planning for a rapid expansion of the Emergency Department (ED) of The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) and a major redevelopment and expansion of the hospital. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the projects will future proof TPCH for expected demand growth in the region, and will include a combination of both refurbishment and new build.
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QLD: $15 million committed for land for proposed Cairns University Hospital
The Government will invest $15 million to acquire land for a new research precinct near Cairns Hospital to be built in partnership with James Cook University. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the announcement - part of the Cairns/FNQ Regional Recovery Action Plan - was in addition to a $52.9 million investment in upgrades for Cairns Hospital committed at the recent Cairns Community Cabinet.
Queensland Minister Miles said alongside these investments, the Queensland Government had also brought more health professionals to the Far North region.
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29 September
NSW: Goulburn Hospital reaches new heights
The $150 million Goulburn Hospital redevelopment is approaching completion, with the new four-storey Clinical Services Building reaching its highest point of construction. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the redevelopment is boosting jobs and the local economy, a key part of the NSW Government's COVID-19 Recovery Plan. Minister Hazzard said the $150 million investment is one of many health infrastructure projects across regional and rural NSW under the NSW Government's record investment of $10.1 billion this term.
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28 September
DEPT OF HEALTH: Private Health Insurance Circular PHI 68/20 - Hospital Declaration & Second-Tier Updates
Worrying drop in Emergency Department presentations for NON-COVID conditions
Sydney researchers have found 'concerning reductions' in emergency department presentation numbers that may indicate delayed seeking of appropriate medical attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, they report in the Medical Journal of Australia. 'COVID-19 has profoundly affected health care delivery,' wrote the researchers, led by Dr Andrew Kam, Senior Resident Medical Officer at Westmead Hospital. 'Equally concerning is the higher number mental health-related presentations, which may reflect anxiety about COVID-19, loss of job security, or prolonged isolation.'
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Insurance
30 September
NIB's COVID actions 'will hurt their customers'
Consumer advocate CHOICE has slammed private health insurer NIB for raising prices during COVID, rolling back hardship support and for having some of the worst hospital surgery payouts of the big funds. The strong rebuke comes as the majority of private health insurers raise their prices on October 1st. 'October 1st is a day that shows people which private health insurers will really support them in a crisis. Some funds have chosen not to increase premiums this year, recognising the financial strain that many Australians are facing, while funds like NIB are raising prices on hospital insurance,' says CHOICE Health Campaigner Dean Price.
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26 September
More reforms to private health insurance needed to combat COVID impacts
Private health fund membership is continuing to decline and further reforms will be needed to combat the likely financial impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said. Releasing the AMA Private Health Insurance Report Card 2020, Dr Khorshid said that next week's premium rises are likely to see even more people giving up their insurance, at a time when the public hospital system is under increased pressure. 'Australia's private health insurance system is under real stress,' Dr Khorshid said. 'There have been five years of continuous decline in the proportion of Australians with hospital insurance.'
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Medicare
None this edition.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
1 October
Look after your mental health
October is Mental Health Month and as part of the 2020 World Mental Health Day campaign, Mental Health Australia is encouraging everyone to make a promise to 'Look after your mental health, Australia.' It is a call to action for the one in five Australians affected by mental illness annually, and for the many more impacted by the current COVID-19 pandemic, and the increased uncertainty and anxiety that has ensued. The more individuals and organisations who commit to promoting mental health awareness this month and support the campaign, the more we reduce the stigma surrounding mental ill health and play our part in creating a mentally healthy community.
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29 September
New website released as part of Australia's first suicide and self-harm monitoring system to improve knowledge and responsiveness
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) together with the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC), released a website which is part of Australia's first suicide and self-harm monitoring system to support the national goal of working towards zero suicides. The National Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring System is part of the national effort to address suicide and self-harm in Australia and fits within the broader prevention efforts happening nationally. It will be regularly updated and improved as data collection from all States and Territories aligns.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals
1 October
Key investment in the medicines sector will bring jobs and breakthrough medicines to Australian patients - with the right investment settings
Medicines Australia welcomes the announcement by the Prime Minister in his National Press Club address that medical manufacturing has been identified as a Key Manufacturing Priority under the Modern Manufacturing Strategy. As an industry, the innovative medicines sector employs over 23,000 highly skilled workers and currently invests more than $9 billion into the local economy. Medicines Australia CEO, Ms Elizabeth de Somer said: 'This initiative by the Federal Government will provide opportunities for strengthening the ecosystem of research and development partnerships that are vital to domestic commercialisation, advanced manufacturing and stronger supply chains.'
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28 September
Product defect correction - potential mould contamination
Consumers and health professionals are advised that Aero Healthcare AU Pty Ltd, in consultation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, is issuing a product defect correction for two batches of Aerowipe Cleansing Wipes supplied in some first aid kits due to apparent mould contamination. If users did not notice the apparent contamination there is the potential for the wipes to cause infection. They were sold to the public between 7 May 2020 and 25 August 2020. No other batches of Aerowipe Cleansing Wipes are affected by this recall. A full lab investigation of this anomaly is in process.
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26 September
New treatment available free for haemophilia A patients
'I am pleased to announce all Australian governments have agreed to fund a new treatment for haemophilia patients, through our national blood arrangements,' said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. 'Hemlibra, also known as emicizumab, will be made available to eligible patients free of charge through the National Blood Authority (NBA), which is jointly funded by the Government and all states and territories. This breakthrough treatment would be out of reach for most people at over $675,000 per year, however with funding from governments this will now be available for free for eligible patients. Approximately 800 patients are expected to benefit each year.'
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Research
30 September
E-cigarettes 'gateway' to smoking for non-smokers
Research led by The Australian National University (ANU) reviewed the worldwide evidence on e-cigarettes and smoking behaviour, relevant to the Australian context. 'We found clear evidence that non-smokers who use e-cigarettes are around three times as likely to take up conventional smoking as their peers who don't use e-cigarettes,' lead researcher Professor Emily Banks from ANU said. The study was undertaken with researchers from the University of Melbourne.
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29 September
$9 Million for research into cancer in children and young adults
The Government is providing $9 million to support research into the causes, biology and progression of cancer among children and young adults, said the Minister for Health Greg Hunt. Cancer is the leading cause of death from disease among Australian children. In the decade to 2015, nearly 1000 Australian children under the age of 15 died from cancer. Tragically, survival rates for some cancers among children have not improved in more than 25 years, and new analysis of records held by the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry shows the rates of several childhood cancers are slowly rising.
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The highs and lows of medicinal cannabis
A new article for prescribers about medicinal cannabis just published in Australian Prescriber provides a summary of the latest information, issues and challenges in this controversial area of medicine. 'Prescribing medicinal cannabis may feel like a 'leap in the dark' for many GPs who feel uneducated in this emerging area of clinical practice,' write Associate Professor Jonathon Arnold from the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at the University of Sydney and his co-authors.
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28 September
Repairing the nervous system with patients' own stem cells
Associate Professor James St John from Griffith University received the Marshall and Warren Innovation Award at the 2020 NHMRC Research Excellence Awards. His research involves the development of cell transplantation therapies to repair the nervous system, particularly peripheral nerve and spinal cord injuries, said the Department of Health. A/Professor St John and his team have invented a technology to generate cellular nerve bridges to match the patient's injury site.
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27 September
Australia's First Strategic Action Plan for blood cancers
As part of the 2020/21 Budget, the Government will provide more than $600,000 to the Leukaemia Foundation as part of Australia's first National Strategic Action Plan for Blood Cancer. Blood cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, are estimated to account for more than one in 10 cancer deaths in Australia this year. The number of blood cancers diagnosed each year is on the rise, from around 12,500 new cases in 2010 to an estimated 17,300 in 2020. While survival rates are improving, it is estimated that there will be more than 5,600 deaths from blood cancer this year, said Minister Hunt.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
29 September
NSW: New ambulance station for Goulburn
Goulburn now has a new ambulance station under the NSW Government's record $122 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration program. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, along with Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman, officially opened the purpose-built facility. 'The NSW Government's significant investment in new and upgraded ambulance stations for regional and rural areas is the single largest in the 120-year history of NSW Ambulance,' Ms Berejiklian said.
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NT: Midwifery Group Practice relocates in Alice Springs
On 1 October the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) will open the doors to its new premises at the top of the Todd Mall in Alice Springs, said the NT Department of Health. 'MGP focuses on women-centred care and is proud of the 11 years spent helping women in Central Australia through pregnancy and childbirth. Now we are moving to the heart of the town, which is close to other agencies like Birthing and Beyond, and this will be a new era for MGP,' said Aleta Kennedy, MGP Clinical Nurse Manager.
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TAS: Liberals snub regional health services
The Liberals have snubbed a petition signed by 1200 people concerned about regional health services in the Derwent Valley. Tasmanian Labor Leader Rebecca White said residents were rightfully concerned about access to a GP or after-hours health care. 'With the retirement of two long-standing local doctors almost a year ago, some Derwent Valley residents are still waiting to get on the books with local GPs,' Ms White said.
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Women's Health
None this edition.
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Transcripts
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
29 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Allison Langdon & Karl Stefanovic, The Today Show
Subjects: Coronavirus, Restrictions in Victoria, Port dispute with unions, New Zealand travel bubble, Children's cancer research funding
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
28 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Ray Hadley, 2GB
Subjects: Wharfie pay dispute, Medicine shipments, Drug shortages & delays, Maritime Unions Association, Strike action, Elderly Australians
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
28 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Ray Hadley, 2GB
Subjects: Wharfie pay dispute, Medicine shipments, Drug shortages & delays, Maritime Unions Association, Strike action, Elderly Australians
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham
28 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Ali Clarke, ABC Radio Adelaide Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19, Trans-Tasman travel bubble, Interstate travel, COVID-Safe principles, Quarantine, Travel restrictions
Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Senator for Queensland Nita Green
28 SEP: Transcript of Interview with Murray Jones, 4CA Cairns
Subjects: COVID-19, JobKeeper cuts, Recession, Recovery, Bruce Highway, Social Housing Investment, Lessons from the GFC
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham
27 SEP: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Adelaide
Subjects: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Regional tourism recovery package, International travel, International trans-Tasman bubble, JobKeeper, Former Senator Susan Ryan
Shadow Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher
27 SEP: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Economic recession, Unemployment, JobKeeper, Part time workers, Personal income tax cuts, New Zealand trans-Tasman travel bubble
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
26 SEP: Speech at the United Nations General Assembly National Statement
Subjects: Pandemic, COVID-19, Education, Pollution, COVIDSafe action plan, Hospitals, Vaccinations, World Health Organization
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
26 SEP: Transcript of President, Dr Omar Khorshid's Interview with Steve Chase, ABC News
Subjects: Private health insurance, Report Card, COVID-19
COVID-19 Hotel Quarantine Inquiry
25 SEP: Transcript of Proceedings - Melbourne - Day 25
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Reports
Annual Performance Statistics Report 2019-20
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Each year they provide information about our regulatory performance through the TGA Annual Performance Statistics Report and the Half Yearly Performance Snapshot. They also report annually on their performance against the Regulator Performance Framework through the TGA Self-Assessment (Key Performance Indicators) Report. The statistics contained within this report cover the period 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020, and contribute to annual publications that track their progress against the priorities they have established for the financial year.
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Australian public assessment report for Fosnetupitant (as chloride hydrochloride)/palonosetron (as hydrochloride)
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Mundipharma Pty Ltd to register Akynzeo IV (fosnetupitant (as chloride hydrochloride) / palonosetron (as hydrochloride)) powder for injection. Chemotherapeutic drugs can cause nausea and vomiting (emesis) by two main pathways; peripheral or central. The peripheral pathway of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) occurs through the release of serotonin from enterochromaffin cells of the small intestine.
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Younger People in Residential Aged Care Strategy 2020-25
Department of Health, Ageing and Aged Care
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring no younger person (under the age of 65) lives in residential aged care unless there are exceptional circumstances. The aged care system is designed to support the needs of older people and is not designed for younger people. On 25 November 2019, in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety's interim report, Neglect, the Australian Government announced strengthened Younger People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) targets and an intention to develop a strategy to meet those targets.
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Australian public assessment report for Venetoclax
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by AbbVie Pty Ltd to provisionally register Venclexta (venetoclax) 10 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg film coated tablet for the following indication proposed extension of indications: Venclexta is indicated for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive malignancy characterised by the clonal expansion of myeloid blasts in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and occasionally extramedullary tissues, which disrupts normal haematopoiesis.
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Notice of final decision to amend the current Poisons Standard in relation to melatonin
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Melatonin is currently approved for monotherapy for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia characterised by poor quality of sleep in patients who are aged 55 or over. A total of eight public submissions were received. The balance of the public submissions received in response to the invitation for further submissions did not address the implementation date directly, in accordance with the invitation, rather they covered the substantive content of the proposed scheduling decision.
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Report of Public hearing 3: The experience of living in a group home for people with disability
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
The Royal Commission heard evidence from 29 witnesses during Public hearing 3. The witnesses included people with direct experience of living with disability in a group home, parents of people with disability, academic experts, the Chief Executive Officer of the service provider Yooralla, disability advocates and government representatives. The witnesses appearing at Public hearing 3 are listed in Appendix A.
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Fed Govt's Background Paper on United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities - Part 1 & 2
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation of People with Disability
The Australian Government recognises the important work of the Royal Commission. In particular, the Australian Government appreciates the human rights-based approach that the Royal Commission has taken and the priority it has placed on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) when inquiring into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.
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Public Hearing Report - Public Hearing 3 - The experience of living in a group home for people with disability - Melbourne, 2-6 December 2019
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation of People with Disability
This Report provides a summary of the evidence presented at Public hearing 3. It is not an exhaustive summary of all of the evidence, nor does it analyse all of the evidence in detail. As Senior Counsel Assisting said during her opening remarks on 2 December 2019, the Royal Commission has not made findings directed to whether a particular person or service breached the law, committed an offence, or contravened a policy.
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Aged care and COVID-19: a special report
Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety
Never before has the aged care sector in Australia faced a challenge like COVID-19. As at 19 September 2020, 844 people have died in Australia as a result of the virus. Of these, 629 were living in aged care homes at the time of their deaths, although many died in hospital. As at 2 September 2020, the overall Australian mortality rate from COVID-19 was 2.6%. This case fatality rate, as it is known, is low by international standards. For example, the equivalent rate in France is 13.6%; in the United Kingdom it is 12.8%; and in the United States it is 3.1%.
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Hospital output measures in the Australian National Accounts: experimental estimates, 2004-05 to 2017-18
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
The ABS recently published experimental indexes for hospital admitted care services for the Australian National Accounts (ANA) using Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) disease expenditure data. This paper extends those experimental indexes to include hospital services in emergency department care and non-admitted patient care, thereby achieving complete coverage of hospital patient care services. This coverage enhancement also enables measurement of shifts across categories of care over time.
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Dementia data gaps and opportunities - Report
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has produced 2 comprehensive reports on dementia in Australia (in 2007 and 2012) and in 2021 will release a third compendium on this major public health issue. The earlier reports were hampered by a lack of Australian prevalence data and other limitations in health and aged care data for addressing key policy questions about the extent and impacts of dementia on the Australian community and service systems.
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Medicare-subsidised GP, allied health and specialist health care across local areas - 2013-14 to 2018-19 - Report
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
Use of non-hospital Medicare-subsidised services, such as GP, allied health, specialist, diagnostic imaging, and nursing and Aboriginal health workers, continues to vary considerably depending on where a person lives in Australia. In 2018-19, 88% of Australians saw a GP, an increase from 86% in 2013-14. People living in metropolitan Primary Health Network (PHN) areas were more likely to visit their GP after hours than people from regional areas, whilst the converse was true for the use of GP services targeting chronic disease and complex care coordination and management.
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Hot North Impact Report
Menzies School of Health Research
In addition to the capacity-building and knowledge translation impacts from the HOT NORTH program, on ground health improvements have been achieved through changes to policy and practice. Ultimately, the connections among researchers, practitioners, and communities, facilitated by the HOT NORTH program, may be one of the most important legacies of the program. HOT NORTH has shown that there is an underutilised capacity for sharing culturally and geographically appropriate learnings across borders, across the urban-regional divide and across disciplines and hierarchies
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Summary report on use of e-cigarettes and relation to tobacco smoking uptake and cessation, relevant to the Australian context
Australian National University (ANU)
Despite world-leading tobacco control, smoking remains Australia's leading cause of preventable disease and death, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In many countries, e-cigarettes are explicitly or implicitly marketed as aids to smoking cessation and, among e-cigarette users, smoking cessation is a commonly reported reason for use. However, the substantial majority of smokers who quit successfully do so unaided and no e-cigarette products have been approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration as smoking cessation aids; the situation is similar in many other countries.
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Annual Report
Anglicare Australia
It's clear that this year's emergencies will have significant long-term social and economic impacts for the country. Cooperation will be essential for recovery. Only by working together will governments, business, unions and the community sector find ways to ensure Australia builds back stronger from disaster. Continuing to prioritise the health and well-being of people, families and communities will be vital.
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Hansards
Federal
25 SEP 2020: SENATE NOTICE PAPER: Questions on Notice - 2203 Senator Kitching: Minister for Health - With reference to funding of $13.5 million for Community Wellbeing and Participation
25 SEP 2020: SENATE NOTICE PAPER: Questions on Notice - 2167-2178 Senator Kitching: Ministers Listed Below - With reference to announcement of mental health services for emergency personnel, individuals & communities impacted by bushfire
Tasmania
22 SEP 2020: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - End-of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020 (No. 30) - Second Reading
22 SEP 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Launceston General Hospital - Negative Pressure Ward
22 SEP 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Disability Voices Tasmania
22 SEP 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - COVID-19 -Support for Disability Sector
22 SEP 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - COVID-19 - Escalation Plans for Hospitals
17 SEP 2020: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions - Ambulance Tasmania - Recruitment Campaign
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 9) (PB 89 of 2020)
Legislative instrument - F2020L01268
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under sections 84AF, 84AK, 85, 85A, 88 and 101 of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act), is to amend the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012 (PB 71 of 2012) to make changes to the pharmaceutical benefits listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and related matters.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 8)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01267
This is the National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No.8) (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 (Pharmaceutical benefits - early supply) Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 8) (PB 90 of 2020)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01265
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under subsection 84AAA(2) of the National Health Act 1953 is to amend the National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits-early supply) Instrument 2015 (PB 120 of 2015) (the Principal Instrument). PB 120 of 2015 specifies the pharmaceutical items that are in pharmaceutical benefits for which Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) safety net entitlements will not apply for early supplies, and to specify the period following previous supply.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 8)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01262
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 ('chemotherapy pharmaceutical benefits') 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 (Price and Special Patient Contribution) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 8)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01258
The Act provides for the Minister and the responsible person to agree a price that is taken to be the appropriate maximum price of a brand of a pharmaceutical item for the purposes of Part VII of the Act (section 85AD). Section 85B of the Act applies if the Minister and the responsible person have been unable to reach an agreement on a price for the pricing quantity. Whether or not an agreement is made for the pricing quantity, section 85B also applies if the responsible person is dissatisfied with the proportional ex-manufacturer prices that will apply to other pack quantities.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Originator Brand) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 6)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01257
This legislative instrument amends the National Health (Originator Brand) Determination 2015 to determine the originator brand of a pharmaceutical item for four drugs new to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) F2 formulary on 1 October 2020. It also determines one brand of three pharmaceutical items on the PBS F2 formulary that is being renamed at the request of the sponsor company.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Prescriber bag supplies) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 4)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01256
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under sections 93 and 93AB of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act), is to amend the National Health (Prescriber bag supplies) Determination 2012 (PB 73 of 2012) to make changes to the list of pharmaceutical benefits that may be supplied by medical practitioners and authorised nurse practitioners, respectively, directly to patients (prescriber bag supplies) and to the maximum quantity or number of units of these pharmaceutical benefits which may be obtained during a specified period by a medical practitioner and an authorised nurse practitioner.
Explanatory Statement
Poisons Standard October 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020L01255
The purpose of this instrument is to make a new Poisons Standard, the Poisons Standard October 2020, in substitution for the previous Poisons Standard, the Poisons Standard July 2020, which was registered on 9 July 2020 and commenced on 10 July 2020, and which is repealed and replaced by this new Poisons Standard. The Poisons Standard October 2020 incorporates a number of changes to the Poisons Standard July 2020. These amendments principally involve changes to existing entries, and the inclusion of a number of specified substances in the Poisons Standard for the first time.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Continued Dispensing) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 1)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01252
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under subsection 89A(3) of the Act, is to amend the National Health (Continued Dispensing) Determination 2012 (Principal Determination) to make changes to the pharmaceutical benefits eligible to be provided as a Continued Dispensing supply, and to update a definition used in the Principal Determination. The Principal Determination specifies the pharmaceutical benefits that may be supplied, and the conditions that must be satisfied when those pharmaceutical benefits are supplied, by an approved pharmacist without a current prescription, but on the basis of a previous prescription from a PBS prescriber (a Continued Dispensing supply).
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Listed drugs on F1 or F2) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 9)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01251
This instrument makes amendments to the Principal Determination. The Act provides that PBS listed drugs may be assigned to formularies identified as F1 and F2. F1 is intended for single branded 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. Section 84AC of the Act provides that a drug is on F1 or F2 if there is a determination in force under section 85AB that the drug is on F1 or F2.
Explanatory Statement
National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 8)
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01250
The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under subsection 89A(3) of the National Health Act 1953 , is to amend the National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Determination 2020 to make changes to the pharmaceutical benefits eligible to be provided as a Continued Dispensing supply. The National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Determination 2020 (the Principal Instrument) expands the list of pharmaceutical benefits that can be supplied by an approved pharmacist under Part VII of the Act without a prescription, and provides the conditions for such a supply.
Explanatory Statement
Legislation (Deferral of Sunsetting-National Health Midwives and Nurse Practitioners Instruments) Certificate 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01240
The purpose of the sunsetting framework is to ensure that legislative instruments are kept up to date and only remain in force for so long as they are needed. Subsection 50(1) of the Legislation Act provides that a legislative instrument is automatically repealed on 1 April or 1 October immediately on or following the tenth anniversary of its registration, unless it was registered on 1 January 2005. Legislative instruments registered on 1 January 2005 were subject to the staggered sunsetting timetable set out in subsection 50(2) of the Legislation Act. Under paragraph 51(1)(c) of the Legislation Act the Attorney-General can issue a certificate to defer the sunsetting day of an instrument for a period of six, 12, 18 or 24 months. The instrument will then be repealed on the day specified in the certificate instead of the previously scheduled sunsetting day.
Explanatory Statement
Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices - Information that Must Accompany Application for Inclusion) Amendment (COVID-19 Measures - Class I Medical Devices) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01236
The kinds of information specified in the Principal Determination relate to the conformity assessment documents that are required to demonstrate that appropriate conformity assessment procedures have been applied by the manufacturer to its quality management system and the particular kind of medical device. The conformity assessment documents include certificates and other documents which have been issued or recognised by the Secretary and, in the alternative, comparable overseas regulators as defined in section 41BIB of the Act.
Explanatory Statement
Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 6) 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L01244
The Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No.6) 2020 (the Amendment Rules) amends 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 make consequential amendments to the Benefit Requirements Rules and the Complying Product Rules to reflect changes to minimum accommodation benefits in Tasmanian public hospitals (amendments were made by other jurisdictions from 1 July 2020), and new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for cardiac services and GP and Allied Health mental health services that took effect on 7 August and 15 September 2020.
Explanatory Statement
New South Wales
25 SEP 2020: NSW, HAZZARD: Legislation - Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments - Public Health Amendment (COVID-19 Spitting and Coughing) Regulation (No 3) 2020 - Public Health Act 2010 - 2020-576
25 SEP 2020: NSW, HAZZARD: Legislation - Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments - Mental Health Amendment (COVID-19 Special Provisions) Regulation 2020 - Mental Health Act 2007 - 2020-575
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
New South Wales
25 SEP 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 240: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 5) 2020
25 SEP 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 233: Government Notices - Health and Education
Western Australia
25 SEP 2020: WA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE: General Gazette No. 161 - Health
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Consolidated Legislation
Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Cardiac Services) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00869
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Section 3C - Cardiac Services) Determination 2020.
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New Bills
None this edition.
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New Acts
None this edition.
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