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)
25 June
The COVID spotlight is on dexamethasone, but it's not for everybody
While the steroid medicine dexamethasone may help people with serious COVID-19 illness, it should only be given to people very ill in hospital and shouldn't be taken by anyone to try to prevent COVID-19 or for less severe cases. A new consumer-friendly article from NPS Medicine Wise explains the role of dexamethasone in treating COVID-19. 'For some people, the body overreacts when fighting COVID-19, causing such strong inflammation that it damages the lungs and other organs, sometimes leading to death,' says Merida Packham, Medicines Line manager at NPS Medicine Wise and pharmacist.
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TAS: $10 million building maintenance for our health system
The Tasmanian Government is focused on rebuilding the state as its continues through the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. 'We know the construction sector delivers wide reaching benefits across Tasmania's economy, delivering thousands of jobs in our community,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney. 'This is why we are pursuing the most aggressive program in Tasmania's history - $3.1 billion across two years, to build our way out of the COVID-19 pandemic.' Already $70 million has been made available for maintenance, with this funding boost set to fast-track public building maintenance.
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TAS: Mobile COVID testing clinics on the move
The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians is the Government's number one priority as it continues the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing a high testing rate is really important as Tasmania tries to avoid a second wave of COVID-19 in the community. 'That's why, despite 40 days without a positive COVID-19 case in Tasmania, it is vital people continue to get tested as we bring forward Stage 3 restrictions from Friday,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney.
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24 June
Victorians with cold and flu symptoms urged to get tested for COVID-19
Almost 90 clinics have now been established across Victoria to test people with cold and flu symptoms for COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The Government is encouraging all Victorians with such symptoms, especially those living in one of the six identified coronavirus hotspots, to be tested at a GP-led Respiratory Clinic (GPRC) or Victorian Government-run fever clinic. The 27 GPRCs in Victoria, together with 60 fever clinics run by Department of Health and Human Services Victoria, are doing a great job in minimising the spread of coronavirus across the state.
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Staying vigilant on the frontline of food safety
There is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through food or food packaging. Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said Australian consumers can continue to have confidence in the safety of their food. 'Australia's food safety standards are among the highest in the world,' Minister Littleproud said. 'With the Covid-19 pandemic, our food production and distribution chains have stepped up and lifted their standards even higher. Not only are they keeping food on the shelves, they're minimising the spread of this virus.'
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ACT: Free and accessible testing facilities in the ACT
The ACT Government is reminding the community about free and accessible facilities across the ACT where Cambrians can be tested for COVID-19. The ACT has consistently produced strong testing figures having now conducted close to 27,000 tests since early March. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT's high testing rate is a fantastic achievement and helps to give the most accurate picture of the virus in the community.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 24 June 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported no new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The State's total stands at 607. There are four active cases in WA - all are in hotel quarantine. A total of 594 people have now recovered from COVID-19 in WA. 987 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 937 were assessed and 929 were swabbed. To date there have been 167,201 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those tested, 29,312 were from regional WA.
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WA: COVID-19 Response Bill to support health care workers
The WA State Government will introduce a Bill to ease the burden on health care workers who contract COVID-19 and require access to workers' compensation entitlements, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook. Many essential health care workers are working in difficult circumstances and are at a higher risk of exposure to contracting COVID-19. The Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 will be amended to establish a presumption of work-related injury for specified diseases suffered in specified classes of employment, said WA Minister for Industrial Relations Bill Johnston.
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23 June
Disinfectants for use against COVID-19 in the ARTG for legal supply in Australia
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recently received a number of enquiries seeking to know which disinfectants have been entered into the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for use against COVID-19. Claims that a disinfectant has an effect against any virus must be expressly permitted by the TGA before being used in consumer advertising (including on the label). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the TGA has permitted SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 virus claims. The following list is comprised of disinfectant products that have been entered into the ARTG with specific claims against SARS-Cov-2 (COVID 19) or COVID-19 on the product label.
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22 June
COVID-19, the health sector and Australia's international relations
The health system will be the focus of the first public hearing of the inquiry on the impact of COVID-19 on Australia's Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. Witnesses from pharmaceutical company IDT, and peak body the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, will give evidence on the impacts on the healthcare sector of the pandemic. Senator David Faucet, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence & Trade (JSCFADT), emphasised the importance of the healthcare system to Australia's national resilience.
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ACT: Contact tracing training program goes global
A contact tracing training program developed by ACT Health and the Australian National University (ANU) in response to COVID-19 is now helping international public health departments in the USA, Germany, the European Union and Mediterranean. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the global recognition being received from international partners was a testament to ACT Health, Canberra's strong knowledge economy and tertiary education institutes. 'We have made excellent progress in suppressing COVID-19 in the ACT. Much of this success can be attributed to the intense planning, preparation and strong epidemiological response provided by ACT Health,' said Minister Stephen-Smith.
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21 June
QLD: Updates list of COVID-19 hots pots
Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young has updated the number of declared COVID-19 hots pots in Victoria. The declared hots pots now include all 31 Local Government Areas (Gas) in Greater Melbourne, as well as five bordering Gas - Marinading, Mitchell, Mirabile, Macedon Ranges and Greater Geelong, said the Queensland Department of Health. Anyone who has travelled to or lived in one of the declared hots pots within 14 days of travel to Queensland must self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering Queensland, unless the travel to Queensland is for a limited number of essential purposes.
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VIC: State of Emergency extended to keep slowing the spread
The State of Emergency will be extended until 11.59pm on 19 July 2020, which allows the Victorian Government to continue to enforce physical distancing and isolation requirements, as well as other directions from the Chief Health Officer. Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos and Victorian Minister for Police Lisa Neville said: 'Our message is clear: stay safe. If you do need to see people keep your distance. No handshakes and no hugs. Maintain good hygiene. Don't share food or drinks. Avoid crowds. And if you're unwell - stay home.'
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WA: COVID-19 update - 21 June 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported one new active case of COVID-19, bringing the State's total to 605. The new case, a woman in her 20's, is related to overseas travel and she is in hotel quarantine. There are currently three active cases in State and 593 people have recovered from the virus in WA. 346 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics; of these 326 were assessed and 324 were swabbed as a result of the assessment.
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20 June
VIC: Statement from the Premier
'From the outset, we have always listened to our medical experts. And they're telling us we've come to a critical crossroads. Today, our case numbers have hit the highest they've been in more than two months. I know that's not what people want to hear - but sadly, that is our reality,' said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. The experts tell us that, largely, the numbers are being driven by families - families having big get-togethers and not following the advice around distancing and hygiene. In fact, around half of our cases since the end of April have come from transmission inside someone's home.'
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WA: COVID-19 update - 20 June 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported no new active cases of COVID-19. However, the State's total now stands at 604 after a historical case was identified through serology testing. The historic case relates to a woman in her 60's who was a returned overseas traveller and former cruise ship passenger on the Costa Luminous. There are currently two active cases in WA and 593 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
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19 June
QLD: COVID-19: Major stimulus while restrictions ease
The Queensland Government's plan for ongoing recovery from COVID-19 has continued, as another day of no new cases is recorded and active cases fall below five. There are now four active cases, 1053 recovered and a total of 1066. Queensland Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk said only one new case had been confirmed when a major new phase of economic recovery stimulus was announced, along with the easing of restrictions on aged care, sporting crowds and funerals.
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Aged Care
25 June
Updates to the CHSP Program Manual
The CHSP Program Manual has been updated for the extension of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2022, said the Department of Health. Older Australians who require access to urgent and immediate services can contact My Aged Care and arrange to access CHSP services for up to 6 weeks without an assessment. If services are required for longer than 6 weeks, CHSP providers must help the client to arrange for an assessment.
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Supporting quality aged care for older Australians through appropriate funding a top priority
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), the voice of aged care, welcomed the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety's calls for submissions on financing aged care, to ensure the care system makes Australia the best place in the world to age. 'It is critical to establish an agreed funding system that ensures high-quality services and support for older Australians,' said LASA CEO Sean Rooney. 'We need fundamental changes including increasing overall financial support for care.'
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23 June
New march House
'As the national regulator of Commonwealth subsidised aged care services, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has been acutely aware of the health risk posed by COVID-19 to older Australians,' said the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. 'During the pandemic, we have used our broad range of regulatory functions to help manage risks to consumers and monitor the performance of aged care providers. We have also partnered with public health responders to support the management of suspected and confirmed outbreaks of COVID-19 at aged care services.'
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LASA calls for health system coordination to protect older Australians and the staff who care for them
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) is joining aged care peak bodies in calling for nationally coordinated health system protocols to protect the rights of older Australians and the proud and passionate staff who care for them. 'Our aged care providers and staff remain on the frontline, doing all they can to save lives,' said LASA CEO Sean Rooney. 'They must be supported by governments and health authorities with adequate staffing, funding, PPE and health system coordination to maximise the safety of older people from COVID-19. LASA is saddened by the tragic situation at Newmarch House.'
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22 June
LASA welcomes aged care priority for new Community Pharmacy Agreement
LASA has welcomed the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA) which commits more than $96 million next financial year to increase medication management, with a focus on aged care. The Royal Commission's Interim Report raised serious concerns about the use of antipsychotic pharmaceuticals in aged care and LASA worked closely with the Government to ensure strengthened medication reviews for older Australians. 'The allocation of $96.4m for medication management programs in Year 1 demonstrates a genuine commitment to helping aged care overcome some of the concerns highlighted by the Royal Commission,' Mr Rooney said.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
24 June
Options for funding Australia's future aged care needs
The suggestion that working Australians could pay into a social insurance scheme to fund their future age care needs is among a series of options canvassed in a new consultation paper released by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Australia's aged care system needs a secure and sustainable source of funding now and into the future. With the changing age profile of the working population, and the growing number of people aged over 85 years, the pressure on aged care spending will only increase. The consultation paper, Financing Aged Care, prepared by the Royal Commission, is available on the Commission's website.
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23 June
Aged Care Royal Commission hearings to resume in July
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety will resume hearings next month after a break to protect hearing participants and staff during the initial stages of the COVID- 19 pandemic. The suspension has also allowed those working in the aged care sector to focus on managing the impact of the pandemic on their delivery of aged care services. At the time the Royal Commissioners suspended hearings on 20 March 2020, a hearing was to commence on mental health, oral health and allied health care in aged care provision. This hearing will now take place in Melbourne from 15 to 17 July 2020.
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Allied Health
23 June
Rural Health Commissioner's report on allied health services welcome
'We welcome the Rural Health Commissioner's recently-released report on improving and sustaining the quality and availability of allied health services in rural and remote areas', said Alison Verhoeven,, Chief Executive of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA). 'The report will act as a much-needed catalyst to setting up systems that are locally-run and where services and training are integrated in a single professional pathway that leads to fulfilling local jobs. We strongly advocated for a 'Grow your own' allied health training system in rural areas.'
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Children's Health
25 June
Health groups welcome strengthening of the precautionary position
The Australian Council on Smoking and Health, Cancer Council Australia, National Heart Foundation Australia and Public Health Association of Australia have welcomed the strengthening of Australia's precautionary position on e-cigarettes. It follows recent restrictions on the importation of liquid nicotine and an interim decision from the independent Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to reject a tobacco industry application to relax poison controls and green light the sale of novelty tobacco products being heavily promoted to young people in the US.
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22 June
Caution needed implementing Safer Baby Bundle
Caution must be used when implementing the recently launched Safer Baby Bundle, so that population-level reductions in the stillbirth rate are not offset by healthcare-induced harm to healthy babies, according to the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia. The Safer Baby Bundle is a national program that aims to reduce stillbirth in Australia by 20% by 2023. It is made up of five components:
- supporting women to stop smoking in pregnancy;
- improving awareness of a safe maternal sleeping position;
- improving decision making about timing of birth;
- improving the detection and management of fetal growth restriction (FGR); and
- raising awareness and improving care for women with decreased fetal movements (DFM).
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WA: Early 'wee' may be key to asthma diagnoses
A simple urine test may soon be available to take the guesswork out of diagnosing asthma in early childhood. Despite being the age group most commonly hospitalised for asthma, children under the age of four years of age are at high risk of misdiagnosis, with around 70 per cent of wheezy preschoolers outgrowing their condition by school age. Assistant Director General Clinical Excellence at the WA Department of Health, Dr James Williamson, welcomed the promising early results of Dr Schulz' research which he said exemplified the important research taking place across the WA Health System.
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Clinical Governance
24 June
Consumer Commission to press for lessons of COVID-19 to drive a better health system
The Consumers Health Forum is establishing a Consumer Commission to take forward the lessons the COVID-19 experience offers for a better and more consumer-focused health system. The demands COVID-19 imposed on health care have triggered fresh impetus for system reforms. CHEF's mission is to draw on consumer and community knowledge and experience to help shape innovation and improvements to the Australian health and human services system.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
23 June
Advanced US proton therapy system to treat cancer at new Australian medical facility
US-based Pro Tom International will install its Radiance 330® Proton Therapy System at the new Australian Brag Centre, said the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Astroid). Based in Adelaide, South Australia, the A$500 million centre will be the first clinically dedicated proton therapy centre in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere to deliver advanced precision radiation treatment. The Centre is expected to be completed in late 2023, with the first patients to be treated approximately 18 months later. The project is supported by a A$68 million grant from the Australian Government and A$47.4 million from the South Australian Government.
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21 June
TAS: Ward 4K redevelopment resumes
Works have resumed on the $20 million Ward 4K redevelopment at the Launceston General Hospital. 'I am delighted that Stage One of the works has now been completed, which will deliver brand new facilities for young Tasmanians,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney. Importantly, this stage includes two negative pressure rooms which have an air lock and en suite, allowing patients to isolate, the first ever bariatric room for adolescents at the LGH, a new adolescent lounge area and a contemporary school room to support learning by patients across both primary and secondary age ranges.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
22 June
National Disability Research Partnership paves the way for further improvements to disability policy
The Government has announced the launch of the National Disability Research Partnership, led by the Melbourne Disability Institute at the University of Melbourne. Minister for Families and Social Services, Anne Ruston and Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert said over the next two years, the National Disability Research Partnership will prepare and progress a research agenda, research capability road map, and practical guides for disability-inclusive research to strengthen the disability research sector.
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National Disability Research Partnership welcome but needs to include carers
The National Carer Network and Carers Australia welcomes the announcement of a National Disability Research Partnership. The approach, put forward by Ministers Roberts and Ruston, highlights a new approach that progresses a research agenda, research capability road map, and practical guides for disability inclusive research to strengthen the disability research sector. Chief Executive Officer of Carers Australia, Ms Liz Callaghan said: 'This new approach will hopefully lead to translational outcomes for the sector.' Ms Callaghan also pointed out that the partnership should include, where relevant, family members and carers of people with disability within the scope of the research principles.
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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
23 June
Healthcare providers use of technology surges in the face of COVID-19
New data released by the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) shows another big lift in the use of the My Health Record system across pharmacies, GAP's and now public hospitals as Australian healthcare providers accelerate their use of technology during COVID-19. As pharmacies took advantage of changes made in March to allow medicines to be dispensed based on an electronic prescription, pharmacies registered for the My Health Record also increased from 91% to 97% in May and the viewing and their uploading also increased from 69% to 78%. GPs similarly had a big increase in viewing and uploading from 73% to 82%.
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Education and Training
None this edition.
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Funding
None this edition.
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Health Professionals
25 June
PPE for GPs near the ski fields
The Australian Government is providing personal protective equipment (PPE), including gowns, masks, gloves and goggles, to general practices in the ski fields in NSW and Victoria. The Australian Government is providing personal protective equipment (PPE), including gowns, masks, gloves and goggles, to general practices in the ski fields in NSW and Victoria. This will help to protect frontline health workers during the ski season. Minister for Health Greg Hunt said it was 'critical general practitioners were able to quickly and effectively respond to potential cases of COVID-19.'
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Doctors denigrate their own profession again
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch President Professor Trent Twomey said the statements by the AMA Queensland are unfounded and unsupported of a modern and efficient healthcare system, that's supportive of advancements for women's health. 'The old scare campaigns voiced by some doctors are anti-patient and do reputation al damage to their own profession. It's disappointing that some doctors still maintain an 'us' versus 'them' mentality based on their hip-pocket,' said Professor Twomey.
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SA: Nurses, midwives deliver 'YES' vote for new pay deal
South Australia's 19,000-strong nursing and midwifery workforce has voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Government's Enterprise Agreement offer, in a move that locks-in pay rises of 2% per annum over the next two years. A two-week state-wide ballot resulted in 95% of those nurses and midwives who returned a ballot voting in favour of the agreement. SA Treasurer Rob Lucas welcomed the result as a 'resounding vote of confidence' in the SA Government's commitment to investing in its world-class health system and its expert workforce.
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24 June
WA: COVID-19 Response Bill to support health care workers
The WA State Government will introduce a Bill to ease the burden on health care workers who contract COVID-19 and require access to workers' compensation entitlements, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook. Many essential health care workers are working in difficult circumstances and are at a higher risk of exposure to contracting COVID-19. The Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 will be amended to establish a presumption of work-related injury for specified diseases suffered in specified classes of employment, said WA Minister for Industrial Relations Bill Johnston.
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23 June
Healthcare providers use of technology surges in the face of COVID-19
New data released by the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) shows another big lift in the use of the My Health Record system across pharmacies, GAP's and now public hospitals as Australian healthcare providers accelerate their use of technology during COVID-19. As pharmacies took advantage of changes made in March to allow medicines to be dispensed based on an electronic prescription, pharmacies registered for the My Health Record also increased from 91% to 97% in May and the viewing and their uploading also increased from 69% to 78%. GPs similarly had a big increase in viewing and uploading from 73% to 82%.
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Hospitals
25 June
QLD: Queensland to guarantee protective equipment for health services
The Queensland Government will create a Clinical Stock Reserve to ensure frontline services always have the supplies and equipment they need to care for the community. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the COVID-19 pandemic had shown that changes needed to happen to clinical stock supply arrangements, both within Australia and globally.
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QLD: Cairns patients to see elective surgery blitz
Over 2,500 patients in Cairns will benefit from the Government's elective surgery blitz, announced earlier this month to get non-urgent surgeries back on track following COVID-19. Minister Miles said Queensland suspended non-urgent elective surgeries following Prime Minister Scott Morrison's announcement that all states and territories would stop non-urgent procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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24 June
No more excuses, fix Mass hospital
A Labor Government will invest $4.7 million to return maternity services to Mass Hospital, said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen and Labor Candidate for Eden-Monaro Kristy McNeil. Yass Hospital does not currently provide maternity services, forcing around 200 mothers a year to travel an hour to Canberra or Goulburn to give birth. Faced with a lack of local services, a number of women have given birth on the Barton Highway.
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23 June
QLD: Mackay patients to see elective surgery blitz
Over 1,100 patients in Mackay will benefit from the Government's elective surgery blitz, announced earlier this month to get non-urgent surgeries back on track following COVID-19. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said Queensland Health suspended non-urgent elective surgery following Prime Minister Scott Morrison's announcement that all states and territories would stop non-urgent procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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22 June
QLD: Major Logan Hospital expansion tenders released
The major Logan Hospital Expansion is continuing to progress and is one step closer to delivering more health care for the Logan community thanks to the Queensland Government. Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick, State Member for Logan Linus Power, State Member for McAllister Melissa McMahon and Minister for Employment Shannon Fentiman said tenders to deliver Logan Hospital's $460 million expansion have been released, kick starting two projects that will support more than 1000 jobs during construction.
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19 June
QLD: Green light for Red land Hospital car park
Red land Hospital is set to receive a new $50.5 million five-level car park to provide easier and more secure access for patients, visitors and staff. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the multi-level car park would reduce the stress of searching for a car park for patients and visitors by bringing the total number of on site car parks to 1162. 'We promised the Redlands Coast community more car parks at Red land Hospital, and that's exactly what we're delivering - with 713 undercover parking spaces,' Deputy Premier Miles said.
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WA: Peel Health Campus redevelopment proposal received
The WA Government has received a proposal from Rams ay Health Care to redevelop the Peel Health Campus. The proposal, from the current private operator, contemplates a significant contribution from the State Government. The WA Government will assess all the options to ensure the future healthcare demands in the Peel-Murray region can be met, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook.
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Insurance
25 June
CHOICE response to private health insurers backflip on returning members' money
CHOICE Health Campaigner Dean Price said: 'Most health insurers were charging people the full price during COVID-19 and promised to give any windfall gains back to their customers. The attempt to re brand their profits as savings doesn't change the fact that people had their surgeries cancelled, many insurers closed their dental centres and other services were severely restricted. People were paying full price for services they couldn't access.'
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Health funds keep their promise to members impacted by COVID-19.
As the government's ban on elective (essential non-emergency) surgery lasted only six weeks, the savings predicted by some have not eventuated for health funds. Health funds will evaluate their financial position in line with regulatory capital requirements and consider if savings need to be returned to members or if no savings eventuated as a result of COVID-19. Private Healthcare Australia Chief Executive Dr Rachel David said Australia's 13.6 million health fund members can be assured that funds are already giving back to members in various ways. All health funds postponed the April 1 premium increase by six months.
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24 June
DEPT OF HEALTH: PHI 43/20 - Hospital & Second-Tier Updates - Paper
23 June
How to get the best deal on your health insurance
As coronavirus restrictions are lifting, more and more health services are available to Australians once again - meaning that you might be using your health insurance for the first time in a while. CHOICE health insurance experts have found that you can save up to $1,578 by switching to a different insurer. 'With coronavirus restrictions easing and private hospitals beginning to start elective procedures again, now's the time to look at your health insurance policy,' said CHOICE health insurance expert, Kate Bower.
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22 June
Extra extras - ahm customers get another year to use any unclaimed extras annual limits
Hundreds of thousands of ahm customers will have any unused extras annual limits rolled over into the following year for services such as dental, psychology and fizzy. The customer giveback, valued at around $10 million, recognises the timing of the COVID- 19 Lockdown which was close to ahm's annual limit reset date of 1 July. Midbrain Chief Customer Officer David Cookware said any unused annual limits on an ahm customer's extras cover this financial year, excluding optical and non-annual limits, will automatically be added to customers' limits.
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Medicare
None this edition.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
25 June
Mental health support for more secondary students
Secondary school students in Melbourne's north-west and the Central Highlands will soon have access to the school-based mental health support they need, thanks to the Government. Minister for Education James Merlino announced that more schools across Victoria will receive support under the Mental Health Practitioners initiative which is aimed at improving mental health outcomes for students in Victorian secondary schools. The $51.2 million initiative, which started in July last year, has so far provided funding for 120 secondary school campuses to recruit a suitably qualified mental health professional.
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23 June
VIC: Woomera gets extra mental health outreach support
More Victorians in the Woomera Southern Mallee will get the mental health support they need closer to home, family and friends, with a funding boost from the Victorian Government. Victorian Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley announced an additional $300,000 for the Rural Outreach Program, which helps people struggling with psychological distress get access to the supports they need locally. The program is delivered by Edenhope And District Memorial Hospital and coordinated by Woomera Primary Care Partnership.
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22 June
Be You: Schools' bush fire recovery though mental health
With a $98.6 million investment from the Australian Government, Be You aims to transform Australia's approach to supporting mental health in early learning services and schools. According to Beyond Blue, one in seven young people aged between four and 17 has experienced a mental health issue in the past 12 months - that's 560,000. Children spend around 30 hours at schools or in care each week, so educators are confronted with these issues every day, said the Department of Education. Be You is providing educators with the tools, skills and resources to help them respond to the mental health impact of events, and to support the mental wellbeing of children and young people in their care.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals
25 June
Country of origin and medicine quality
Some medicines make country of origin claims, however there is no requirement for a medicine to display the country of origin on the label, said the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). No matter how many manufacturers are involved or where they are located, all medicines supplied in Australia must demonstrate quality manufacture:
- Australia-based manufacturers must be licensed by the TGA
- manufacturing facilities located overseas must be approved by the TGA
- manufacturing facilities must be regularly inspected by the TGA or, for some overseas facilities, a partner agency to confirm that standards are being met.
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The COVID spotlight is on dexamethasone, but it's not for everybody
While the steroid medicine dexamethasone may help people with serious COVID-19 illness, it should only be given to people very ill in hospital and shouldn't be taken by anyone to try to prevent COVID-19 or for less severe cases. A new consumer-friendly article from NPS Medicine Wise explains the role of dexamethasone in treating COVID-19. 'For some people, the body overreacts when fighting COVID-19, causing such strong inflammation that it damages the lungs and other organs, sometimes leading to death,' says Nerida Packham, Medicines Line manager at NPS Medicine Wise and pharmacist.
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24 June
High-dose codeine
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has conducted an analysis of trends in the utilisation of high-strength codeine funded by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), finding a temporary spike after the up-scheduling of low-dose codeine that subsequently diminished entirely over time. The decision to up-schedule all codeine products to prescription only was taken after evidence showed that medicines containing low-dose codeine combined with parameters or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nsaids) - such as ibuprofen or aspirin - were generally no more effective than other non-codeine medicines.
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Water for injection and hemolysis
Health professionals are reminded that water for injection can cause hemolysis resulting in patient harm, including death, if large quantities are inadvertently administered intravenously without being rendered isotonic. Water for injection, which is hypotonic, is indicated for dissolving or diluting injectable therapeutic substances for parenteral administration (where water is a suitable solvent). The TGA is aware of international reports of mix-ups between 1 litre bags of water for injection and other 1 litre bags, including sodium chloride 0.9% and glucose 5%.
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COVID-19 delays to adoption of TGO 91 labels
The transition period from TGO 69 to TGO 91 will expire on 1 September 2020. However, due to the pressures of COVID-19, some prescription medicine manufacturers are experiencing difficulty introducing TGO 91 assessed labels into their manufacturing process. In response, the TGA has implemented a streamlined section 14 process. The sponsor will need to identify affected goods by reference to batch number(s) or a time period which would cover manufacture of the affected batches. If using the latter approach, a rationale for the time period must be provided.
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22 June
Transition to new GMP requirements for medicinal products
There have been a number of updates to the PIC/S Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice since the publication of the January 2017 version (PE009-13), which is the most recent applicable standard adopted by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The Revision history 2017 to 2018 table below details these revisions. The majority of updates clarify existing GMP regulatory expectations, said the Department of Health. However, some manufacturers may need to implement and/or modify operational processes and procedures to maintain compliance following these updates.
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The Poisons Standard (the SUSMP)
The Poisons Standard is a Legislative Instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, said the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The Poisons Standard consists of decisions regarding the classification of medicines and poisons into Schedules for inclusion in the relevant legislation of the States and Territories, said the Department of Health. The Poisons Standard also includes model provisions about containers and labels, a list of products recommended to be exempt from these provisions, and recommendations about other controls on drugs and poisons.
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New RADAR article on new and amended PBS opioid listings
A new RADAR article Opioids: new and amended PBS listings has been published on the NPS Medicine Wise website. On 1 June 2020, changes were made to the listings of many opioids and multiple formulations listed on the PBS General Schedule. Changes included new listings for half pack sizes, increased restrictions, and new and amended clinical criteria, prescriber instructions and administrative advice. The RADAR article explains these changes which have been made to support the appropriate prescribing and use of opioids and reduce harms.
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Real-time prescription monitoring: Importance of follow-up care
Restricting access to high-risk medications via a real-time prescription monitoring program such as Victoria's Safe Script may help reduce inappropriate use, but integrated mental health and drug treatment services may be necessary to offset the risk of increased mortality, according to the authors of a letter published online by the Medical Journal of Australia. Researchers from the Burnet Institute introduced questions about the use of real-time prescription monitoring in to their Super MIX study - a prospective cohort study of about 1300 people who inject drugs - with the aim of exploring the effects of the introduction of Safe Script.
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Research
25 June
$21.8 million for neurological disorders research
The Government is investing $21.8 million in vital research that could mean major breakthroughs in treating a range of neurological disorders, including early Alzheimer's disease, autism and encephalitis, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. This research could change lives. It could save lives. Neurological disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent in Australia. They account for a third of all diseases, with the number of people affected increasing by almost 20 per cent between 2003 and 2015.
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$8 million to help immune system hunt down and beat cancer
Life-saving research into how the human immune system can hunt down and eradicate cancer has been given an $8 million boost from Canberra's Terry Snow and the Snow family, said the Australian National University (ANU) in May 2021. The fellowship funding will support her leading cancer research for eight years, with $1 million per year. 'The Snow Fellowship provides a tremendous opportunity for me to focus on unlocking the power of cancer immunotherapy-an emerging treatment which uses the power of a patient's immune system to help hunt down and destroy cancer,' Dr Burr said.
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24 June
$35.9 million boost for rare cancers, rare diseases and unmeet medical needs
The Government will invest $35.9 million in 17 cutting-edge research projects including projects to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, improve neonatal outcomes and to prevent bone loss in critically ill women, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. Melbourne University will receive almost $2.4 million to trial the use of Fibroblastic Activation Protein Inhibitors (FAPI) as a novel radiopharmaceutical to diagnosis and treatment of patients with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP). The FAPI-CUP trial seeks to address the unmeet need for more effective diagnosis and treatment options for people with Cancer of Unknown Primary.
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23 June
Advanced US proton therapy system to treat cancer at new Australian medical facility
US-based Pro Tom International will install its Radiance 330® Proton Therapy System at the new Australian Brag Centre, said the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). Based in Adelaide, South Australia, the A$500 million centre will be the first clinically dedicated proton therapy centre in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere to deliver advanced precision radiation treatment. The Centre is expected to be completed in late 2023, with the first patients to be treated approximately 18 months later. The project is supported by a A$68 million grant from the Australian Government and A$47.4 million from the South Australian Government.
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Unique study uncovers barriers to cervical screening for Indigenous women
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women's voices are at the center of a new study in to barriers to Australia's cervical screening program. Indigenous Australian women experience a higher burden of cervical cancer than other women and currently only one-third participate in cervical screening. The study aimed to describe experiences and views of Indigenous women who had participated in screening in order to provide insight into factors that support women to access screening services. Led by Menzies School of Health Research, the research team held yarns with 50 Indigenous Australian women aged 25-70 years who had completed cervical screening in the past five years.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
23 June
Rural Health Commissioner's report on allied health services welcome
'We welcome the Rural Health Commissioner's recently-released report on improving and sustaining the quality and availability of allied health services in rural and remote areas', said Alison Forehooves, Chief Executive of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA). 'The report will act as a much-needed catalyst to setting up systems that are locally-run and where services and training are integrated in a single professional pathway that leads to fulfilling local jobs. We strongly advocated for a 'Grow your own' allied health training system in rural areas.'
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Unique study uncovers barriers to cervical screening for Indigenous women
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women's voices are at the center of a new study in to barriers to Australia's cervical screening program. Indigenous Australian women experience a higher burden of cervical cancer than other women and currently only one-third participate in cervical screening. The study aimed to describe experiences and views of Indigenous women who had participated in screening in order to provide insight into factors that support women to access screening services. Led by Menzies School of Health Research, the research team held yarns with 50 Indigenous Australian women aged 25-70 years who had completed cervical screening in the past five years.
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20 June
TAS: Tasmanian communities to beat arrest with new heart-starting defibrillators
The Government has now delivered 180 defibrillators for community groups, individuals and not-for-profit organisations all over the state, thanks to the Government's Community Defibrillator Fund. 'I'm delighted the Rowella Hall in Kana is one of 89 groups and organisations to receive a defibrillator under the second round of this program, which was a commitment from the 2018 election,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney. This latest round followed an earlier round in 2019, which delivered 91 defibrillators.
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Women's Health
24 June
$35.9 million boost for rare cancers, rare diseases and unmeet medical needs
The Government will invest $35.9 million in 17 cutting-edge research projects including projects to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, improve neonatal outcomes and to prevent bone loss in critically ill women, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. Melbourne University will receive almost $2.4 million to trial the use of Fibroblastic Activation Protein Inhibitors (FAPI) as a novel radiopharmaceutical to diagnosis and treatment of patients with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP). The FAPI-CUP trial seeks to address the unmeet need for more effective diagnosis and treatment options for people with Cancer of Unknown Primary.
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23 June
Unique study uncovers barriers to cervical screening for Indigenous women
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women's voices are at the center of a new study in to barriers to Australia's cervical screening program. Indigenous Australian women experience a higher burden of cervical cancer than other women and currently only one-third participate in cervical screening. The study aimed to describe experiences and views of Indigenous women who had participated in screening in order to provide insight into factors that support women to access screening services. Led by Menzies School of Health Research, the research team held yarns with 50 Indigenous Australian women aged 25-70 years who had completed cervical screening in the past five years.
Download
22 June
NT: BreastscreenNT open in Alice Springs
BreastscreenNT is open for breast screening to the women of Central Australia until 3 July. All women aged 50 to 74 years are encouraged to access this free service every two years, said the NT Department of Health. 'A screening only takes a few minutes and it could save your life,' said Kim Counter, Manager of Cancer Screening Services NT. A second screening block of eight weeks will be held from 10 August to 2 October this year.
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19 June
TAS: Maternity services and palliative care support changes
'The health, wellbeing and safety of all 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. 'We know that hospital visit restrictions have been really hard for many Tasmanians, so I am pleased the Hospital Visitor Policy has now been further updated to allow two support persons to attend during labour and birth. This change means women in labour can now have an additional important person in the room, whether that be a friend, partner, parent, other family member or other support such as a doula.'
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Transcripts
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
25 JUN: Transcript of Interview by President, Dr Tony Bartone, with Michael Rowland & Lisa Millar, ABC
Subjects: COVID-19, Victorian outbreak, Centre for Disease Control, Social distancing measures
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
24 JUN: Transcript of Press Conference, Melbourne
Subjects: Health, $35 million commitment to rare cancers, Rare diseases medical research, COVID-19, VIC cases spike, Communication to diverse communities, Testing clinics, Hotel quarantine
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
24 JUN: Transcript of Deputy CMO, Dr Nick Coatsworth's Interview with Natalie Barr, Sunrise
Subjects: COVID-19, Testing, Health, VIC outbreak, lockdown, AFL
Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party Richard Marles
24 JUN: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC24 Afternoon Briefing
Subjects: COVID-19, VIC outbreak, Health restrictions, ADF, Ruby Princess, Energy policy, Bipartisan energy framework, Technology Road map, Climate change
Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen and Labor Candidate for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain.
24 JUN: Transcript Doorstop of Interview, Yass
Subjects: Eden-Monaro by-election, Health, Maternity ward, Hospital, Women, Franking credits, Higher education fee change, COVID-19, Renewable energy investment, Climate change, Social media
Labor Member for Cowan Anne Aly
24 JUN: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC
Subjects: COVID-19, State borders, Calf communications, ADF, VIC State Got, Public health
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
23 JUN: Transcript of Interview with Fran Kelly, ABC Radio National
Subjects: COVID-19, VIC infection spike, State borders, Localised shutdowns, Social distancing, lockdown, Vaccine development, Testing, Protests, International borders
Chief Medical Officer
22 JUN: Transcript of CMO, Professor Brendan Murphy's Press Conference
Subjects: COVID-19, Health, VIC, NSW, Increased restrictions, Testing, Hotel quarantine, Vaccine, Social distancing, Interstate travel, Protests, lockdown
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
22 JUN: Transcript of Interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News First Edition
Subjects: Coronavirus cases in Victoria, Coronavirus restrictions, Cavitates app, Interstate travel
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
22 JUN: Transcript of Interview with Fran Kelly, ABC Radio National
Subjects: Coronavirus cases in Victoria, Coronavirus restrictions, Interstate travel, Community transmission, Second wave
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
22 JUN: Transcript of Interview with Natalie Barr & David Koch, Channel 7 Sunrise
Subjects: Coronavirus cases in Victoria, School holidays, Coronavirus restrictions, AFL
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
22 JUN: Transcript of Interview with Ben Fordham, 2GB Breakfast
Subjects: Coronavirus cases in Victoria, Coronavirus restrictions, Interstate travel, Community transmission
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
22 JUN: Transcript of Interview with Lisa Millar, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: VIC Coronavirus numbers, Coronavirus restrictions, Masks
Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer
22 JUN: Transcript of CMO, Alison McMillan's Interview with Linda Mottram, ABC Radio Canberra
Subjects: COVID-19, VIC cases spike, Community transmission, Health, Vaccine, Social distancing, Diverse communities
Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer
22 JUN: Transcript of CMO, Alison McMillan's Interview with Waleed Ali, Steve Price & Carrie Bickmore, The Project
Subjects: COVID-19, VIC cases spike, Health restrictions, Social distancing, Protests
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Reports
Effectiveness of Aged Care Quality Assessment & accreditation framework for protecting residents from abuse & poor practices
Australian Government
Since the Minister for Health and Sport Greg Hunt referred the Inquiry into the Quality of Care in Residential Aged Care Facilities in Australia to the Committee on 6 December 2017, as acknowledged in the Report, there have been substantial reforms progressed regarding the provision of quality of care in aged care services, including the 2018-19 Better Quality of Care and the 2018-19 and 2019-20 More Choices for a Longer Life Budget measures.
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National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, 2018-19
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Key statistics include:
- More than four in 10 (46%) people had at least one chronic condition that posed a significant health problem in 2018-19, up from 40% in 2012-13.
- The proportion of people with asthma in remote areas (9%) was around half the proportion for people living in non-remote areas (17%).
- More than one in 10 people aged two years and over reported having anxiety (17%) or depression (13%).
- More than four in 10 (45%) people aged 15 years and over rated their own health as excellent or very good in 2018-19, up from 39% in 2012-13.
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Implementation of ANAO and Parliamentary Committee Recommendations - Education and Health Portfolios
Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)
The operations and performance of Australian Government entities are subject to external scrutiny from the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) and other parliamentary committees, and the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). The JCPAA reviews all Auditor-General reports tabled in Parliament, including the recommendations and audited entities' proposed actions, and reports the results of its deliberations to both Houses of the Parliament. A key aspect of JCPAA inquiries is to hold Commonwealth entities accountable for the implementation of audit recommendations.
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Auditor-General Report No. 45 2019-20 - Management of Agreements for Disability Employment Services
Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)
The Australian Government spends approximately $800 million annually on Disability Employment Services (DES) to provide open employment1 opportunities for people with disability. DES provides specialist employment assistance to help people with disability, injury or health conditions find and retain sustainable employment in the open labour market. DES also provides support to employers and has a key role in assisting people in receipt of income support to meet their mutual obligation and participation requirements.
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Alcohol health warnings + pregnancy
Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education (FARE)
Alcohol is a teratogen, an agent that can impact the development of an embryo or fetus. Alcohol use during pregnancy can result in damage to the brain and other organs of the unborn baby, as well as low birth weight, failure to thrive, stillbirth and miscarriage. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the term used to describe a range of lifelong physical and/or nondevelopment impairments caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential.
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WA: Western Australian Burden of Disease Study 2015
WA Department of Health
Burden of disease studies provide an assessment of the impact of diseases, injuries and risk factors on a population. This impact is measured as 'Disability-adjusted Life Years' (DALY); that is, the sum of 'Years of Life Lost Prematurely' (YLL) and 'Years Lived with Disability' (YLD). YLL represents the number of deaths by sex and age multiplied by an 'ideal life span' (according to a reference life table). YLD is a measure of years lived with ill-health or disability, which accounts for the person-time with the condition multiplied by a weight representing the severity of the condition.
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Hansards
Australian Capital Territory
18 JUN 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Workers - COVID-19
18 JUN 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Bills - COVID-19 Emergency Response Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 (No 2) - Introduction, First Reading, Debate Adjourned
18 JUN 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Bills - Public Health Amendment Bill 2020 - Second Reading, Third Reading
18 JUN 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Committees - Select Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic Response - Reporting Date
18 JUN 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Committees - Standing Committee on Health, Ageing and Community Services - Statement by Chair
18 JUN 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statement - ACT economic response to COVID-19
18 JUN 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statement - COVID-19 Pandemic Response - Update
18 JUN 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Motion - Health - Home birth Trial
18 JUN 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - ACT Health - SPIRE Project
18 JUN 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Education - COVID-19
18 JUN 2020: ACT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Schedule of Amendments - Schedule 1: Public Health Amendment Bill 2020
Northern Territory
25 JUN 2020: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Supplementary Question - COVID-19 - Mental Health Sector Response
Western Australia
25 JUN 2020: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - School Health Nurses
25 JUN 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Grievance - Peel Health Campus
25 JUN 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Statement by Member for Geraldton - Midwest Rescue Helicopter Service
25 JUN 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Grievance - Kalamunda Hospital, Palliative Care
24 JUN 2020: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - National Disability Insurance Scheme - Transition
24 JUN 2020: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Coronavirus - Young People in Care
24 JUN 2020: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Urgent Care Clinics - Data Collection
24 JUN 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Bills - Health Services Amendment Bill 2019 - Second Reading, Point of Order, Debate Adjourned
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
Medicare Guarantee (2019-20 Credit No. 2) Determination 2020
Notifiable Instrument - F2020N00074
An amount of $1,393,701,000.00 is to be credited to the Medicare Guarantee Fund (Treasury) Special Account on the first business day after this determination commences, for the budget year beginning on 1 July 2019.
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Medicare Guarantee (2020-21 Credit No. 1) Determination 2020
Notifiable Instrument - F2020N00073
An amount of $37,245,985,000.00 is to be credited to the Medicare Guarantee Fund (Treasury) Special Account at the start of 1 July 2020 for the budget year beginning on 1 July 2020.
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National Health (Weighted average disclosed price - October 2020 reduction day) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00777
This legislative instrument determines a 'weighted average disclosed price' (WADP) for listed brands of pharmaceutical items in the 2020 October Cycle under subsection 99ADB(4) of the Act. This legislative instrument also determines a reduction day of 1 October 2020 for listed brands in the 2020 October Cycle with a data collection period ending on 31 March 2020.
Explanatory Statement
National Disability Insurance Scheme (Specialist Disability Accommodation Conditions) Amendment Rules 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00770
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to provide people with disability with the reasonable and necessary supports that they need to live their lives and achieve their goals. Ensuring that supports are safe and of high quality is important to the everyday quality of life of people with disability receiving supports or services under the NDIS.
Explanatory Statement
National Disability Insurance Scheme (Specialist Disability Accommodation) Rules 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00769
The purpose of repealing and replacing the SDA Rules 2016 is to bring the Rules into line with regulatory best practice, and to refine and rationalise the instrument in accordance with best practice drafting standards. Further amendments have been drafted to remove limits upon occupancy of SDA in order to provide support that is more flexible for families, and make other technical amendments.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Quality Assurance Activity - Breaststrokes Quality Audit) Declaration 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00767
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Quality Assurance Activity - Breaststrokes Quality Audit) Declaration 2020 (the Declaration) is to declare the Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (Breaststrokes) Quality Audit (BQA) activity to be a quality assurance activity to which Part VC of the Act applies. The BQA is a clinical audit that collects breast cancer surgery information from breast surgeons. The BQA compares surgeons' clinical results with Quality Threshold for Key Performance Indicators (Kips) set by the BQA Subcommittee, relating to a patient's optimal care pathway.
Explanatory Statement
ACT
Public Health (Restricted Activities - Gatherings, Business or Undertakings) Emergency Direction 2020 (No 3)
Notifiable Instrument NI2020-332
This instrument commences at 12.00 noon on 19 June 2020. This Direction is in force for the period ending on the day the declared emergency (as extended or further extended) ends, unless it is earlier revoked. This instrument revokes the Public Health (Restricted Activities - Gatherings, Business or Undertakings) Emergency Direction 2020 (No 2).
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Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Amendment Regulation 2020 (No 2)
Subordinate Law SL2020-21
This Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Amendment Regulation 2020 (No 2) (amendment regulation) amends the MPTG Regulation to provide clarity on record keeping requirements concerning faxed or electronically submitted supply authorities (prescriptions) during a 'Commonwealth special arrangement' as notified under Section 100 of the National Health Act 1953 (Cth). This amendment regulation seeks to recognise the record keeping obligations of a faxed prescription as detailed by a Commonwealth special arrangement, as in force from time to time.
Explanatory Statement
Victoria
23 JUN 2020: VIC, MIKAKOS: Tobacco (Victorian Health Promotion Foundation) Further Amendment Regulations 2020 - S.R. No. 54/2020
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
NSW
24 JUN 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 131: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order (No 2) 2020
24 JUN 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 131: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order (No 2) 2020
22 JUN 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 130: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Aged Care Facilities) Order (No 2) 2020
Western Australia
19 JUN 2020: WA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE: General Gazette No. 100 - Health
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Consolidated Legislation
Federal
National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00528
PB 71 of 2012 Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 5).
Administered by: Health
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Health Insurance (Allied Health Services) Determination 2014
Consolidated Legislation - F2020C00523
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - COVID-19 Telehealth and Telephone Attendances) Amendment (Further Expansion of Remote Attendance Items) Determination 2020.
Administered by: Health
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New Bills
Western Australia
A Bill for an Act to amend :
- the Health Services Act 2016; and
- the Mental Health Act 2014; and
- the Motor Vehicle (Catastrophic Injuries) Act 2016; and
- the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre Act 1966; and
- the University Medical School, Teaching Hospitals, Act 1955.
The Bill amends the Health Services Act 2016 (the Act) to refine the Act's effectiveness. The Bill amends the functions and powers of the Minister for Health (the Minister), the Department CEO and health service providers (Hasps) to improve the functioning of the WA health system and to overcome operational and administrative burdens that have been encountered since the Act commenced. It also rectifies drafting errors and amends the parts of the Act that have not been operating effectively due to ambiguous interpretation.
The Bill also makes consequential amendments to the Mental Health Act 2014; Motor Vehicles (Catastrophic Injuries) Act 2016; Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre Act 1966; and (d) University Medical School, Teaching Hospitals, Act 1955.
LA: Notice of Motion: 29/10/19
LA: Into 30/10/19, 2R 30/10/19, 19/03/20, 24/06/20, Passed TBA
LC: Into TBA, 2R TBA, Passed TBA
Assent TBA, Act No. TBA
Commencement: This Act comes into operation as follows -
(a) Part 1 - on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent;
(b) the rest of the Act - on a day fixed by proclamation, and different days may be fixed for different provisions.
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New Acts
Federal
Health Insurance Amendment (Continuing the Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner) Act 2020
An Act to amend the Health Insurance Act 1973, and for related purposes.
The National Rural Health Commissioner Office (the Office) is currently due to cease on 1 July 2020. The Bill amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 (the HIA) to continue the Office and amend the functions of the Office.
It is essential that the Office continues to function to give rural communities confidence that the enduring challenges of health workforce shortages, higher burden of disease, and the ever present threat of external shocks such as droughts and bushfires, are central to health policy formulation and implementation.
The new Office will be a key source of advice to the Minister, the Department of Health and other agencies in the development of policies and programs. It will take a strategic view of rural-focused initiatives, ensuring they are joined up and complementary. The new Office will provide practical implementation support to Government initiatives - guiding them to work efficiently, effectively and predictably to deliver their intended outcomes for rural health professionals and communities.
The Office will have the capacity to undertake projects to improve rural health access, sustainability and quality. In undertaking projects, the Office will have a strong outcomes focus, considering the practical implementation aspects of reform proposals.
Reps: Into 12/06/20, 2R 12/06/20, 17/06/20, Passed 17/06/20
Senate: Into 18/06/20, 2R 18/06/20, Passed 18/06/20
Assent 25/06/20, Act No. 74 of 2020
Commencement:
- Sections 1 to 3 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table - The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.
- Schedule 1 - The later of: (a) immediately after the commencement of Schedule 2 to the Health Insurance Amendment (National Rural Health Commissioner) Act 2017; and (b) the start of the day this Act receives the Royal Assent.
Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2020 Measures No. 1) Act 2020
An Act to amend the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, and for related purposes.
The Act makes a number of amendments to the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the TG Act).
These amendments:
a) align the definition in the TG Act of ' Medical device', and of a number of other device-related definitions, more closely with the equivalent definitions in the European Union (the EU), to support the harmonisation of the regulatory scheme for medical devices in Australia with international jurisdictions like the EU;
b) enable the Secretary to provide early, scientific advice to sponsors of registrable medicines about prescribed aspects of the safety, quality or efficacy of their medicines, before they apply for marketing approval, to assist sponsors to better understand the level and nature of information needed to support a successful application for marketing approval, and to reduce delays in accessing new medicines for Australian consumers;
c) introduce a targeted data protection regime for assessed listed medicines, in relation to clinical trial data that supports an indication (these are statements about a product's therapeutic use) for such medicines, to foster innovation in Australia's complementary medicines industry; and
d) make a number of more minor amendments, principally to reduce regulatory burden (including to remove an unintended barrier to access for provisionally registered medicines), improve consistency or make other more minor amendments and corrections.
Reps: Into 04/03/20, 2R 04/03/20, 14/05/20, 17/06/20, Passed 17/06/20
Senate: Into 17/06/20, 2R 17/06/20, 18/06/20, Passed 18/06/20
Assent 25/06/20, Act No. 75 of 2020
Commencement:
- Sections 1 to 3 will commence the day this Act receives the Royal Assent.
- Schedule 1, Part 1 will commence the later of:
- (a) 25 August 2020;
- (b) the 28th day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.
- Schedule 1, Parts 2 to 4 will commence the day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.
- Schedules 2 to 4 will commence the 28th day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.
- Schedules 5 to 10 will commence the day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.
NSW
Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020
An Act with respect to criminal proceedings involving persons with a mental health impairment or cognitive impairment and the care, treatment and control of those persons; and for other purposes.
The objects of this Act are as follows -
(a) to provide for criminal procedures relating to offences where defendants or accused persons have mental health impairments or cognitive impairments,
(b) to clarify procedures and Local Court powers when diversion of defendants with mental health impairments or cognitive impairments is raised in summary proceedings,
(c) to replace the special verdict of not guilty by reason of mental illness with a special verdict of act proven but not criminally responsible,
(d) to provide a statutory test for whether a defendant is fit to be tried,
(e) to provide for the treatment, care and detention of forensic patients and prisoners who have a mental illness or other condition that may be treated in a mental health facility and the powers of the Mental Health Review Tribunal (the Tribunal) to review and make orders about those persons,
(f) to re-enact provisions establishing a Victims Register for victims of forensic patients, (g) to provide for other miscellaneous related matters,
(h) to update the Crimes Act 1900 in relation to the offence and partial defence of infanticide and the partial defence of substantial impairment by abnormality of mind, including by updating terminology to refer to mental health impairments or cognitive impairments,
(i) to make consequential amendments to other Acts and provide for savings and transitional matters as a consequence of the enactment of the proposed Act.
LA: Notice of Motion 02/06/20
LA: 1R 03/06/20, 2R 03/06/20, 16/06/20, Passed 16/06/20
LC: 1R 16/06/20, 2R 16/06/20, Passed 16/06/20
Assent 23/06/20, Act No. 13 of 2020
Commencement: This Act commences on a day or days to be appointed by proclamation.
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