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)

11 September

Australian made nasal swab kits for COVID-19 testing
The Government has signed a $3.7 million contract with a Melbourne company to supply sterile nasal swab kits to the National Medical Stockpile. 3DMeditech will supply Australian made, 3D printed nasopharyngeal swab kits, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The kits will be issued from the stockpile to general practitioners, private pathology providers and state and territory governments according to their need for ongoing coronavirus testing. The kits will include a nasopharyngeal swab, viral transport 'media' (salt solution), and a bio hazard bag. The swabs are the first sterile 3D printed swabs to be included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
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10 September

ACCC grants authorisation to cooperate in the supply of medical equipment
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a determination granting authorisation to Medical Technology Association of Australia Limited, its members, and relevant non-members in the medical technology industry to cooperate in the supply of medical equipment and related supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACCC considers that authorising the proposed conduct is likely to result in public benefits, including ensuring a sufficient supply of medical equipment and related supplies through coordination of manufacturing and supply activities, and providing effective and transparent advice to governments on the supply of medical equipment and related medical supplies where required.
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9 September

COVID-19 vaccine development
Australia's COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy supports early access to, and delivery of, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, as soon as they become available. The Australian Government is pursuing a diversified COVID-19 vaccine strategy, ensuring that Australia is well placed to access a successful vaccine. TGA and the Department of Health are working closely with vaccine developers to monitor the progress of the Phase 3 clinical trials. AstraZeneca have temporarily put on hold the Phase III study of the University of Oxford COVID-19 vaccine following an unexplained illness in one trial participant in the United Kingdom, said Minister Hunt.
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Additional Commonwealth support to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19
The Australian Government is implementing three new measures to help provide increased protection to help reduce the number of healthcare workers being infected with COVID-19. Three new measures will be introduced to help all states and territories learn from what has occurred in Victoria and new information from around the world. Firstly, a new partnership has been established between the Infection Control Expert Group (ICEG) and the National COVID-19 Evidence Taskforce led by the Living Guidelines Consortium, said Minister Hunt and President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), Omar Khorshid.
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Labor supports continued agreements with AstraZeneca
Labor supports the Federal Government in continuing their engagement and agreement with the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine candidate. News that AstraZeneca has 'voluntarily paused vaccination to allow review of safety data by an independent committee' is a process to be expected during clinical trials to ensure vaccine safety. 'We understand the relevant data monitoring safety board should provide a full explanation of any adverse reactions of the vaccine and we appreciate the transparency of AstraZeneca as they investigate findings. We also wish the best for any trial participant suffering adverse reactions,' said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen.
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QLD: Queensland COVID-19 update
Queensland has eight new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) to report, bringing the state's total cases to 1,143, said QLD Health. Most of the new confirmed cases were detected in quarantine as they are household contacts of previously confirmed cases. One is a household contact of a previous confirmed case and a student of St Edmund's College at Ipswich. The risk is considered low due to the student's limited time at the school prior to being diagnosed. The school will reopen after undergoing a deep clean.
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VIC: Looking to the sewers for early coronavirus warning
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos and Victorian Minister for Water Lisa Neville said that Victoria's wastewater can hold clues to the presence of coronavirus in communities where there are no known cases, and our sewage surveillance program is just one of the defences we'll be relying on, as we take our next steps towards COVID Normal. Testing of sewage samples collected in Apollo Bay in recent days has shown viral fragments of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus. A further wastewater sample taken on Saturday 5 September was also positive for viral fragments. The Department of Health and Human Services has stepped up testing in the area with the help of local health services.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 9 September 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported no new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The State's total remains at 658. WA now has three active COVID-19 cases, following two recoveries. To date, 646 confirmed cases have recovered from the virus in WA. 784 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 765 were assessed and 763 swabbed. There have been 371,204 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those tested, 63,820 were from regional WA.
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8 September

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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ACT: COVID-19 Update - 8 September 2020
The ACT Department of Health announced that 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 84,122.
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QLD: COVID-19 update - 8 September 2020
The Queensland Department of Health has recorded just one new case of COVID-19, with a returned traveller testing positive. The woman, aged in her 20s, is in hotel quarantine on the Sunshine Coast. Her diagnosis takes Queensland's total cases to 1,134. Of these, 25 cases are active and 12 are in hospital. In the past 24 hours, 7,660 tests were performed. Contact tracing is continuing as part of the public health response to the COVID-19 cluster stemming from the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre cluster. Queensland Health on the weekend expanded its list of locations where confirmed cases from the cluster have visited.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 8 September 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported one new case of COVID-19 in Western Australia, bringing the State's total to 658. The new case is a woman in her 50s, who has returned from overseas and is in hotel quarantine. WA now has five active COVID-19 cases. To date, 644 confirmed cases have recovered from the virus in WA. 790 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 751 were assessed and 747 swabbed. There have been 368,130 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those tested, 63,306 were from regional WA.
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7 September

Australia secures onshore manufacturing agreements for two COVID-19 vaccines
A free COVID-19 vaccine will be available progressively throughout 2021 in Australia, if promising trials prove successful, following a $1.7 billion supply and production agreement between the Australian Government and pharmaceutical companies. Under the agreement, the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca and the University of Queensland/CSL will provide more than 84.8 million vaccine doses for the Australian population, almost entirely manufactured in Melbourne, with early access to 3.8 million doses of the University of Oxford vaccine in January and February 2021, said Prime Minister Morrison, Minister Hunt and Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews.
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The COVID-19 road ahead for regional Victoria
'Regional Victoria is diverse,' said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack. 'You can't treat the whole of regional Victoria as a singular entity for COVID-19 recovery. Re-opening the border at Mildura should not be reliant on case numbers in Wodonga. Individual communities need to be treated based on their own circumstances - not on case numbers hundreds of kilometres away. Making the removal of restrictions in Mallacoota contingent upon case numbers in Swan Hill, more than 800 kilometres away, would be like closing Sydney down until Melbourne's numbers drop.'
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Record Medicare bulk billing rates through COVID-19
The Government's steadfast commitment to Medicare has been underlined by a record GP bulk billing rate of 87.5 per cent for 2019-20, said Minister Hunt. The bulk billing rate in Bradfield was 67.8 per cent, meaning on average more than 6 out of 10 visits to the GP were provided with no out-of-pocket cost. 'This is just another example of the Government's commitment to Medicare and bulk billing in Bradfield and across Australia,' said Member for Bradfield Paul Fletcher.
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Labor welcomes COVID-19 vaccine deals
Labor welcomes the news that the Government has finally signed two deals for the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca and University of Queensland/CSL COVID-19 vaccine candidates. Already 6 billion vaccine doses have been snapped up around the globe in over 50 costed agreements. It was past time for the Government to play catch up and start signing supply agreements for vaccines, said Shadow Minister Bowen.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Four new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,929, said NSW Health. There were 10,129 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 38,526 in the previous 24 hours. While the latter number (38,526) appears to be a record, it includes 18,956 tests conducted by a private laboratory between 10 August and 2 September but not previously reported to NSW Health. All of these tests had negative results and there was no impact on the timely notification of results to any individual tested. The private facility has now resolved the issue.
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6 September

Initial Commonwealth response to Victorian Roadmap
The announcement from the Victorian Government to extend lockdown arrangements will be hard and crushing news for the people of Victoria, and a further reminder of the impact and costs that result from not being able to contain outbreaks of COVID 19, resulting in high rates of community transmission, said Prime Minister Morrison. It is vital to the national interest to restore Victoria to a COVIDSafe environment, where they can reopen the economy and reasonably restore the liberties of all Australians, whether in Victoria or anywhere else, said Minister Hunt. The proposed roadmap will come at a further economic cost, said Treasurer Frydenberg.
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Extended Victorian lockdown will help avoid third wave
AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said extending COVID-19 restrictions across Victoria will help that State and the nation ultimately recover from the pandemic sooner. In response to Premier Daniel Andrew's extension of Victoria's physical isolation measures, Dr Khorshid said the extended restrictions will also help quicken the path to economic recovery. 'The Victorian Government has made necessary decisions based on sound medical advice, in the best interests of the nation's health and the nation's economy,' Dr Khorshid said. 'The Victorian Government modelling shows what doctors already knew. If restrictions were lifted this week, the State would see infections rise again.'
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Ten new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,925, said NSW Health. There were 38,526 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 30,339 in the previous 24 hours. While the number appears to be a record figure, it includes 18,956 tests conducted by a private laboratory between 10 August and 2 September, which were not previously reported to NSW Health. All of the previously conducted tests had negative results and there was no impact on the timely notification of results to any individual tested. The private facility has now resolved the issue.
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5 September

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Five new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,915, said NSW Health. There were 30,339 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 23,169 in the previous 24 hours. Of the five new cases:
- One is a returned traveller in hotel quarantine
- Four are locally acquired and linked to the CBD cluster.
All four local cases are contacts of previously reported cases linked to the CBD cluster, bringing the total linked to this cluster to 61.
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NSW: Public health alert - Hyde Park Medical Centre
NSW Health is alerting anyone who attended Hyde Park Medical Centre on the ground floor of 175 Liverpool St Sydney that two cases of COVID-19 have attended the centre. NSW Health is assessing potential exposure to COVID-19 of people who attended the Hyde Park Medical Centre and physiotherapy, pathology, dermatology and dental practices and pharmacy on the ground floor of the building from Monday 24 August 2020 to Saturday 5 September 2020. Anyone who worked at these locations from Monday 24 August to date should get tested for COVID-19 immediately and isolate until a negative result is received.
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WA: COVID-19 update
The WA Department of Health has reported no new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The State's total stands at 655. WA has two active COVID-19 cases - both from interstate. To date, 644 confirmed cases have recovered from the virus in WA. 801 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 764 were assessed and 751 were swabbed.
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4 September

National Cabinet
The National Cabinet met to discuss Australia's COVID-19 response, the Victorian outbreak, easing restrictions, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVIDsafe environment, border restrictions and getting the economy moving again, said Prime Minister Morrison. The Acting Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, provided an update on the measures underway, the latest data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19. There have been more than 26,000 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 737 people have died. Following Victoria's second wave, there are now around 2,500 active cases in Australia. Daily infection rates have remained low in all states and territories, other than Victoria.
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Greens welcome Grattan Institute approach to zero transmission and call on Government to show national leadership and present a long term national strategy
The Greens welcome the strategies proposed by the Grattan Institute Report Go For Zero and support the goal of zero transmission, said Senator Rachel Siewert. Instead of passing the buck off to the states or getting into verbals with State Premiers the Government must show leadership and look to how Australia can get to zero transmission in the community and have a view to long term planning and a strategic approach, rather than making vague announcements about 'opening up' in the media.
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QLD: Queensland COVID-19 - Saturday August 29 to Friday September 4: Mental health, tourism support and crossborder arrangements
Tourism recovery funding, mental health and family violence programs, and cross-border coordination have been the focus of Queensland's COVID-19 health and economic response as health officials continue to manage cases arising from a recent cluster. 15 new cases were reported, with almost 90,000 tests conducted - leaving 25 active cases, 1,088 recovered and a total of 1,128 as at Friday September 4. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that was encouraging.
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Aged Care

10 September

Splashy announcements but Government delivers just 300 more home care packages
New evidence has revealed the Government will deliver just 300 'new' home care packages by 2024 despite a series of announcements promising tens of thousands more. Documents tendered at the Aged Care Royal Commission show that hundreds of millions of dollars in funding promised for thousands of packages will result in just 300 additional packages by 2024. Scott Morrison and his failed Minister for Aged Care promised older Australians a lot but are failing to deliver, said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins.
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9 September

Financial transparency in aged care
An independent report on aged care providers' financial information said that there is insufficient financial transparency about the use of funds from Government and people in care, which in 2018-19 totalled approximately $25 billion. The Royal Commissioners into Aged Care Quality and Safety engaged global professional services firm BDO to analyse the data supplied by aged care providers to the Australian Department of Health. BDO's findings are presented in Research Paper 12 - Report on the profitability and viability of the Australian aged care industry which is available on the Royal Commission's website.
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New research slams Morrison Government's aged care secrecy
New research commissioned by the Aged Care Royal Commission has slammed the Morrison Government's lack of transparency on aged care funding. Despite billions of dollars being poured into aged care, Australians are in the dark about where taxpayer funding is going. This secrecy is exactly why Labor's 8-point plan for aged care called on the Government to ensure transparency of funding. It's not good enough that Australians are in the dark on how taxpayer money is spent, said Shadow Minister Collins.
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8 September

Financial transparency in aged care - Research Paper 12 - Report on profitability & viability of Australian aged care industry
An independent report on aged care providers' financial information said that there is insufficient financial transparency about the use of funds from Government and people in care, which in 2018-19 totalled approximately $25 billion. The Royal Commissioners into Aged Care Quality and Safety engaged global professional services firm BDO to analyse the data supplied by aged care providers to the Australian Department of Health. BDO's report provides potentially important insights ahead of the Royal Commissioners' upcoming hearings about the funding, financing and prudential regulation of aged care, which the commissioners wish to have tested and receive robust responses.
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Time for transparency on aged care
The Government must be more transparent about older Australians who have tragically passed away from COVID-19 in aged care homes. It's time to end the secrecy and be honest with Australians about which aged care homes have been impacted by COVID-19, and how many cases and deaths have occurred at each facility. The Department of Health has previously tried to defend this secrecy because of 'reputational issues' relating to providers with outbreaks, said Shadow Minister Collins.
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7 September

VIC: Operational update - Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (5 September 2020 at 6pm)
There are currently no facilities categorised as high risk, said the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre. This is a significant milestone in the stabilisation of aged care facilities in Victoria. There were 13 facilities in the Response Centre's 'high risk' category in early August when the Centre first began operating. There continues to be fewer than 100 facilities with outbreaks. There are 92 facilities with current outbreaks; this has dropped by 17 in the past week.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

8 September

Financial transparency in aged care - Research Paper 12 - Report on profitability & viability of Australian aged care industry
An independent report on aged care providers' financial information said that there is insufficient financial transparency about the use of funds from Government and people in care, which in 2018-19 totalled approximately $25 billion. The Royal Commissioners into Aged Care Quality and Safety engaged global professional services firm BDO to analyse the data supplied by aged care providers to the Australian Department of Health. BDO's report provides potentially important insights ahead of the Royal Commissioners' upcoming hearings about the funding, financing and prudential regulation of aged care, which the commissioners wish to have tested and receive robust responses.
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Allied Health

None this edition.

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Children's Health

9 September

Australia leading the fight against FASD
As part of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day, the Government has committed nearly $24 million of funding for FASD Diagnostic and Support Services. FASD is a brain injury resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol. This funding will reduce waiting times for FASD diagnostic services, and support infant Australians who have been diagnosed, as well as their families and carers, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
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Fare welcomes federal government commitment to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) welcomes Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt's announcement of nearly $24 million for diagnostic and support services for people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to coincide with International FASD Awareness Day. The Government also reaffirmed its commitment to a national campaign on the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, including FASD, which will be developed and delivered by FARE.
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TAS: International FASD Awareness Day
The Tasmanian Government welcomes the $24 million in support of families and their babies with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FSAD) announced by the Commonwealth Government. FASD is a lifelong disability caused by consuming alcohol during pregnancy, impacting on the physical health, learning, communication, social and motor skills of children, said Tasmanian Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Jeremy Rockliff. On International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day, the importance of staying alcohol-free throughout pregnancy is being highlighted, especially given it is a 100 per cent preventable disability.
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6 September

Putting kids first: National Child Protection Week 2020
Assistant Minister for Children and Families Michelle Landry has welcomed the launch of this year's National Child Protection Week. National Child Protection Week is an important event in the nation's calendar, and the launch marks 30 years of its ongoing dedication to reducing child abuse and neglect in Australia. Assistant Minister Landry said that with the unprecedented and enormous challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic had inflicted on families and communities across Australia, this year's event was especially important.
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Clinical Governance

7 September

Funding available for Veterans' Health Week activities
Veterans and their families are being encouraged to keep socially connected as part of Veterans' Health Week, with $200,000 in funding available to community groups and ex-service organisations to assist with activities. Veterans Health Week will be held from Saturday, 24 October to Sunday, 1 November 2020 and communities are being encouraged to get creative to ensure events can still take place, with organisations able to apply for $720 in funding to support their activities, said Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester.
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6 September

Australia leads way on global health action
Australia has led a successful push for worldwide action to tackle two key global health issues - cervical cancer and eye health, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne. The Government welcomes the recent adoption of two Australian-led resolutions by member states of the World Health Organization:
- Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control: Accelerating the Elimination of Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem.
- Integrated People-Centred Eye Care, including Preventable Vision Impairment and Blindness.
Australia was successful in adding Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control to the World Health Assembly agenda in 2018, and led the development of the resolution.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

9 September

ACT: Investing in infrastructure and maintenance at Canberra's public hospitals
The ACT Government will invest $12.5 million to improve Information and communication technology, upgrade infrastructure and fast track maintenance programs at Calvary Public Hospital Bruce. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said funding will support critical infrastructure projects at the hospital, engage local contractors and support up to 100 local jobs. Calvary Public Hospital Bruce will receive funding to upgrade the fire safety system and undertake electrical upgrades, including a new distribution board.
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8 September

NSW: $700 million for Shellharbour Hospital
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the $320 million funding boost is part of the NSW Government's COVID-19 Recovery Plan to fast-track infrastructure and create jobs across the state. 'The NSW Government has increased its contribution from $250 million to $570 million to deliver the Illawarra a state-of-the-art hospital on a new site,' Ms Berejiklian said. NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, NSW Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock and NSW Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said a total of $700 million will be funnelled into the project from the state and Australian Government.
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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

10 September

WA: Disability services partnership to deliver jobs at Alkimos
An innovative partnership between an indigenous business owner and two disability enterprises has won a major State Government contract that will create a diverse range of new jobs in Perth's northern suburbs. Kardan Construction, collaborating with disability enterprises Intelife and Workpower, won the three-year facility maintenance contract at Alkimos Beach and Alkimos Vista following a competitive tender process, said WA Minister for Disability Services Stephen Dawson.
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9 September

Update on NDIS participants and COVID-19
Below is the daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and COVID-19 for Wednesday, 9 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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7 September

Update on NDIS participants and COVID-19
Below is the daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and COVID-19 for Monday, 7 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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WA: $14 million to assist WA disability sector move to the NDIS
WA Minister Dawson has announced a further $14 million is being made available in 2020-21 through the WA Sector Transition Fund. This funding will assist the State to transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The WA Sector Transition Fund is designed to safeguard the sustainability of the Western Australian disability sector and the success of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in WA.
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4 September

Update on NDIS participants and COVID-19
This is the daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and COVID-19 for Friday, 4 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. The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments are delivering a $15 million Worker Mobility Reduction Payment initiative to enable disability residential service providers to implement worker mobility restrictions where possible to help prevent the spread of infection in disability residential facilities, said Minister Robert.
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Independent review into the circumstances relating to the death of Ms Ann-Marie Smith
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner, Mr Graeme Head AO, has released the report from the independent review commissioned by the Commissioner in response to the tragic death of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant, Ms Ann-Marie Smith, in South Australia, said Minister Robert. The 'Robertson Review' was conducted by former Federal Court Judge, the Hon Alan Robertson SC. Ms Smith's death remains subject to a criminal investigation by South Australia Police, which has resulted in a charge of manslaughter against her former carer.
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Independent review finds Government's disability watchdog a pup
'Labor welcomes the ten recommendations of the Robertson review of the tragic death-by-neglect of South Australian woman Ann Marie Smith,' said Shadow Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten. 'We thank Mr Robertson for his work. We urge the Government to accept and urgently implement these important recommendations. Many of the recommendations are so vital and obvious that a seven-year-old Government and a two-year-old watchdog should really not need a review to be told to bring them about.'
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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

9 September

Three weeks to go until telehealth trouble
'Today marks three weeks until the temporary telehealth measures introduced by the Government for the COVID-19 pandemic will lapse. The Government should urgently extend these Medicare Benefits Schedule subsidies due to expire on September 30. Well the pandemic isn't over. And until we have a vaccine for COVID-19 we need to ensure the continuation of health care for Australians and protect the safety of our health care workers,' said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen.
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Greens call for Government to extend Medicare funded mental health telehealth sessions past September
The Greens warn that ending access to telehealth items for mental health care at the end of September will have dire consequences for Australians particularly those in Victoria, in quarantine or COVID hotspots. Temporary MBS telehealth items for mental health care are due to expire on 30th September, but the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian Medical Association have called for telehealth to be made permanent, Australian Greens spokesperson on Mental Health Senator Rachel Siewert said.
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8 September

Understanding Australia's virtual care needs
Consumers Health Forum (CHF), Deloitte Access Economics, Curtin University, Digital Health (CRC) said that health systems around the world have been looking closely at ways that virtual care could enhance the sustainability of health services, a shift accelerating as COVID-19 drives a rapid and widespread uptake of telehealth technology by consumers and health care providers. A new project starting this month will explore how Australia can best cater for health consumers' needs as we move from telehealth toward virtual care. This collaboration between the Consumers' Health Forum of Australia (CHF), Curtin University, Deloitte and Digital Health CRC will canvas health consumers, practitioners, providers and government to develop direction for future digital healthcare delivery in Australia, anchored in the patient experience.
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Education and Training

10 September

Rising applications for RACGP's specialist 'Rural Generalist' training for GPs
A rising number of junior doctors have applied for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' (RACGP) 'Rural Generalist' training to become specialists in rural and remote general practice. It comes after the RACGP, which represents over 9,500 GPs living and working in rural and remote communities, introduced more flexible training in March to attract junior doctors to the Rural Generalist pathway. To date, there has been a 40% rise in junior doctors ticking the Rural Generalist box when applying for the RACGP's 2021 Australian General Practice Training (AGPT), compared to applications for 2020 training.
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Funding

None this edition.

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Health Professionals

9 September

Additional Commonwealth support to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19
The Australian Government is implementing three new measures to help provide increased protection to help reduce the number of healthcare workers being infected with COVID-19. Three new measures will be introduced to help all states and territories learn from what has occurred in Victoria and new information from around the world. Firstly, a new partnership has been established between the Infection Control Expert Group (ICEG) and the National COVID-19 Evidence Taskforce led by the Living Guidelines Consortium, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt and President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), Omar Khorshid.
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7 September

TAS: Nursing, aged care and disability training hub for TasTAFE
TasTAFE students will be better equipped for the workforce and trained to the latest industry standards following the opening of a state-of-the-art nursing, aged care and disability hub at the Alanvale campus. The facilities are part of a $4 million campus upgrade and include simulated hospital wards, aged care and disability spaces, along with a nurse's station, task training rooms, classrooms and tech labs. These replica real work facilities provide students with job-ready skills and experiences before entering the workforce, and the opportunity to train on the latest equipment, said Tasmanian Minister Rockliff.
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Hospitals

None this edition.

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Insurance

None this edition.

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Medicare

9 September

Greens call for Government to extend Medicare funded mental health telehealth sessions past September
The Greens warn that ending access to telehealth items for mental health care at the end of September will have dire consequences for Australians particularly those in Victoria, in quarantine or COVID hotspots. Temporary MBS telehealth items for mental health care are due to expire on 30th September, but the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian Medical Association have called for telehealth to be made permanent, Australian Greens spokesperson on Mental Health Senator Rachel Siewert said.
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7 September

Record Medicare bulk billing rates through COVID-19
The Government's steadfast commitment to Medicare has been underlined by a record GP bulk billing rate of 87.5 per cent for 2019-20, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The bulk billing rate in Bradfield was 67.8 per cent, meaning on average more than 6 out of 10 visits to the GP were provided with no out-of-pocket cost. 'This is just another example of the Government's commitment to Medicare and bulk billing in Bradfield and across Australia,' said Member for Bradfield Paul Fletcher.
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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

10 September

Letter to the Editor - World Suicide Prevention Day
'The power of individuals to make a difference to someone's mental health should not be underestimated and looking out for your mates who may be experiencing mental health challenges is something we can all do,' said Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester. 'A text, phone call or a private message on social media asking 'are you ok?' can make a world of difference to someone who is struggling. If the answer is 'no, I'm not' that's nothing to be scared of - you don't need all the answers and you can't fix everything, you just need to listen.'
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One month to go until World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October
As World Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK? Day activities culminate in awareness and action, we are all reminded that it's now just one month to go until World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October. This year's World Mental Health Day campaign is encouraging everyone to make a promise to 'Look after your mental health, Australia.' It is a simple call to action for the one in five Australians affected by mental illness annually, said Mental Health Australia CEO Dr Leanne Beagley.
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COVID-19 and the mental health crisis: R U (really) OK?
'The year of 2020 has been a tumultuous and challenging year for everyone,' said Mission Australia. 'So many of us have faced a decline in our mental health spurred on by the myriad ramifications of COVID]19. These stressors have included unemployment, financial stress, isolation from family, friends and colleagues, ill health, escalating domestic and family violence, homelessness, home schooling and remote working challenges. Loneliness and social isolation are causing many people significant emotional pain and can have a negative impact on our health and wellbeing.'
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A message from the National Suicide Prevention Adviser
CEO of the National Mental Health Commission, Christine Morgan said: 'Today (10th September) marks World Suicide Prevention Day and RUOK? Day in Australia. Now more than ever it is important that we continue to work together as governments, communities, families, colleagues and individuals to ensure a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention and empower people to reach out and support each other through tough times. The impact of someone's suicidal behaviour will affect most Australians at some point in their lives, often leaving long lasting and far-reaching impacts on individuals, families, workplaces, schools, services and communities.'
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Mental health and relationships
New research released by Relationships Australia reveals the importance of relationships in supporting and maintaining the mental health of all Australians. The findings, launched on World Suicide Prevention Day and national R U OK? Day reflect the views of almost 700 respondents on the links between our relationships and our mental health. The survey was conducted against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides useful insights into the challenges facing all Australians in this difficult time. The pandemic has changed the national conversation about mental health, showing us all how important it is that we talk openly, honestly and frequently about these issues.
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Suicide: Australia faces 'black swan' COVID19 event, must act now
A rare 'blackswan' event is posing serious consequences for Australia's suicide rates, as three-quarters (78%) of frontline suicide prevention services and workers report increased demand in the wake of COVID-19. The findings are from the inaugural Australian State of the Nation in Suicide Prevention report - released to coincided with World Suicide Prevention Day 2020. Nieves Murray, CEO of Suicide Prevention Australia - who released the report - said a key solution included Government introducing a standalone National Suicide Prevention Act taking a whole-of-government - not just mental health - approach.
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NSW: Teaming up to boost mental health fitness in regional coastal communities
Coastal communities in Northern NSW will be encouraged to boost their mental fitness thanks to a five-way partnership led by Surfing NSW with funding from the NSW Government's Mental Health Sports Fund. NSW Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor launched the initiative at Surfing NSW headquarters at Maroubra Beach. She said the 'Surfing Mental Health 360' program will bring together Surfing NSW, Batyr, Waves of Wellness, Man Anchor and the Rise Foundation to deliver programs aimed at boosting the mental health and wellbeing in communities impacted by drought.
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TAS: Young Tasmanians need mental health support
On World Suicide Prevention Day, Labor has called for increased support for young Tasmanians to ensure good mental health. Tasmanian Shadow Minister for Mental Health Sarah Lovell said recent figures released by Lifeline show a surge in demand for mental health support. 'Young Tasmanians in particular have had a very difficult year. Providing adequate mental wellbeing support is essential not only to help them get through this time, but also to improve their mental health and resilience into the future. COVID-19 has presented many challenges that have adversely affected the mental health of young people.'
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9 September

Greens call for Government to extend Medicare funded mental health telehealth sessions past September
The Greens warn that ending access to telehealth items for mental health care at the end of September will have dire consequences for Australians particularly those in Victoria, in quarantine or COVID hotspots. Temporary MBS telehealth items for mental health care are due to expire on 30th September, but the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian Medical Association have called for telehealth to be made permanent, Australian Greens spokesperson on Mental Health Senator Rachel Siewert said.
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7 September

TAS: Improving mental health supports for young Tasmanians
'The Government acknowledges that there are longstanding issues and gaps within our Child and Adolescent Mental Health system (CAMHS) which is exactly why we commissioned a Review last year,' said Tasmanian Minister Rockliff. 'We welcome reform to CAMHS, and we are committed to getting it right as young Tasmanians deserve nothing less than the best possible mental health supports and services.' The Review is in fact a key part of the Tasmanian Mental Health Reform Program and is being undertaken by independent consultant, Professor Brett McDermott.
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TAS: Overhaul needed on child and adolescent mental health
A leaked report on the state of Tasmania's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) confirms the need for system-wide reform and funding to meet the scale of the challenge. Tasmanian Shadow Minister Lovell said the report paints a damning picture of chronic under-resourcing and systemic failure. 'This report confirms what we have long known - that the approach to service delivery in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services is deeply flawed,' Ms Lovell said.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals

10 September

Divestments overcome strong competition concerns with pharmaceutical merger
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will not oppose Mylan NV's proposed merger with Pfizer's Upjohn Inc division, after Mylan and Upjohn offered a court-enforceable undertaking to divest three off-patent branded pharmaceuticals in response to the ACCC's competition concerns. Mylan and Upjohn are global pharmaceutical businesses competing across a range of therapeutic products including cardiovascular and glaucoma treatments. After the transaction, the combined Mylan and Upjohn businesses will be owned by Upjohn, which will be renamed 'Viatris'. The divestiture undertaking accepted by the ACCC means that competition that would have been lost as a result of this merger will be replaced by competition from the ACCC approved buyer of these off-patent brands.
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9 September

Flucelvax Quad
The Australian Prescription Medicine Decision Summary provides a short overview of the Therapeutic Goods Administration's (TGA) evaluation process leading to the registration of a new prescription medicine on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). More in-depth information about the evaluation will be available in the Australian Public Assessment Report (AusPAR) for a particular prescription medicine, which can be found on the AusPAR search page once published.
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8 September

Safety advisory - risk of serious skin reactions
Consumers and health professionals are advised that first aid creams containing bufexamac will be removed from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) on 18 September 2020 and will no longer be sold in Australia. The TGA has determined that, based on our assessment and independent advice from the Advisory Committee on Medicines ACM), the safety and effectiveness of bufexamac-containing products are unacceptable. Bufexamac is associated with a risk of serious skin reactions (also known as allergic contact dermatitis). The TGA has also determined that there is inadequate evidence that the bufexamac ingredient in these products is effective.
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7 September

Court proceedings commenced against HEALTHHUB247 and its director for alleged illegal activity relating to performance enhancing drugs
Following an investigation by the TGA, part of the Department of Health, criminal court proceedings have been initiated in response to alleged breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act) by Brisbane-based company HEALTHHUB247 PTY LTD and its director. The court will hear thirty-five charges in relation to the alleged manufacture, counterfeit, supply and advertising (across the company's website, eBay, Facebook and Instagram) of performance enhancing products including Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).
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Information for medicine advertisers: Additional allergen warnings effective 1 September 2020
The TGA is reminding advertisers that additional mandatory health warnings for medicines containing specific allergens are required in certain advertising from 1 September 2020. The allergens, including tree nuts and tree nut products, are specified in Part of 4 of Schedule 1 of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No.2) 2018 (the Code).
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