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)
19 November
Sydney man fined $10,656 for alleged unlawful advertising including a reference to Coronavirus
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, has issued four infringement notices totalling $10,656 to a man from Sydney for the alleged unlawful advertising of hydrogen peroxide and Condy's crystals (potassium permanganate). The man allegedly advertised, on his eBay store, medicines containing hydrogen peroxide for internal therapeutic use and Condy's crystals (potassium permanganate). Neither medicine, at the time of advertising, were included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
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Nafara Australia Pty Ltd fined $13,320 for alleged unlawful importation of medical face masks in relation to COVID-19
The TGA, part of the Department of Health, has issued an infringement notice for $13,320 to Sydney-based company Nafara Australia Pty Ltd (Nafara Australia) for the alleged unlawful importation of medical face masks in relation to COVID-19. Nafara Australia allegedly breached a condition of the Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices-Face Masks and Other Articles) (COVID-19 Emergency) Exemption 2020(link is external) (the exemption) by importing medical face masks that were not, at the time of the importation, included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and were not being imported for supply to the National Medical Stockpile.
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Support for masks falling as spending and activity recover
Support for wearing masks and other measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is falling, according to the latest Melbourne Institute Taking the Pulse of the Nation survey. The survey, conducted in early November, shows 80 per cent of Australians support mask wearing, down from 89 per cent in early August. Support for other restrictions, including weekly testing, 14-day quarantines, reducing public transport capacity and closing nonessential businesses, has also fallen. However, support for using mobile phone data for contact tracing has increased from 59 per cent to 62 per cent.
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VIC: Temporary border controls with South Australia
In response to the coronavirus outbreak in South Australia, the Victorian Government is taking decisive action to protect the incredible achievement of Victorians in delivering zero cases for 20 days and will implement temporary border controls. Fragments of the virus that causes coronavirus were detected in untreated wastewater taken from Portland and Benalla wastewater treatment plants on Tuesday 17 November. The preliminary positive test results are unexpected and concerning given there are no residents of either area known to have had a recent coronavirus illness or diagnosis, said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley.
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18 November
Working from home must remain central to COVID-19 response
Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Omar Khorshid, has urged a cautious approach to returning Australians to the workplace, with the Adelaide COVID-19 cluster showing Australia is still not out of the woods with the global pandemic. Ten major employers have signed up to a City of Melbourne CEO pledge to return at least 70 per cent of their workforce back to the CBD as soon as public health restrictions are eased, but Dr Khorshid said it is too soon for a mass return to workplaces and public transport.
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ACT: Public Health Emergency extended
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith has announced a further extension of the ACT Public Health Emergency for 90 days, effective until 17 February 2021. This decision has been made based on the advice of the ACT Chief Health Officer and recognises the ongoing threat of COVID-19 in Australia. The unfolding situation in South Australia is another reminder that this pandemic is not over and is an example of how quickly things can change.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded no new cases of locally acquired COVID-19, Seven cases were reported in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine. This brings the total number of cases in NSW to 4,320 since the start of the pandemic. NSW Health is treating 64 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases - 97 per cent - are being treated by NSW Health in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. Following the recent case notifications in South Australia, health and travel advice has been upgraded. NSW residents are now advised to defer non-essential travel to Adelaide.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 18 November 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported six new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia, bringing the State's total to 794. All six confirmed cases are returned travellers who are in hotel quarantine. The five males and one female are aged between 5 and 32. WA Health is monitoring 18 active cases and 767 confirmed cases have recovered from the virus in WA. 811 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 802 were assessed and 800 were swabbed.
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17 November
Commonwealth must take the lead in South Australia to prevent another COVID outbreak in aged care facilities
The Greens said that it is imperative that the Commonwealth learn the hard lesson from the Victorian aged care COVID outbreak and take leadership before it is too late. 'All providers must be focused on preventing the entry and spread of COVID-19 in aged care facilities,' Greens spokesperson on Ageing Senator Rachel Siewert said. Prevention is key to stopping older Australians from experiencing another disastrous outbreak of COVID-19.
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16 November
Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (16 November 2020 at 2pm)
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre continues to provide the robust response effort required to protect the most vulnerable senior Australians living in aged care from the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of aged care outbreaks since 1 January 2020 is 177 and there is now 1 active outbreak, which is in the enhanced surveillance phase. Enhanced surveillance is conducted over the 14 days since the last resident or staff member was cleared or at the facility, and negative testing has occurred 11 days after these events. This facility is on alert to identify any early symptoms.
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Caution needed in the community, not complacency
The South Australian COVID-19 outbreak highlights the need for all Australians to remain vigilant and be tested for the virus, AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said. The rapid escalation of cases linked to the Adelaide cluster - from four infections to 17 - is of particular concern, Dr Khorshid said. South Australia has moved to open up significantly after a long period of no community transmission, which makes the community more vulnerable to outbreaks as a result. 'There is no doubt that people are becoming more complacent as restrictions ease and governments aim for 'COVID-normal' by Christmas,' Dr Khorshid said.
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Royal Melbourne Hospital's response to COVID-19 infections in health care workers
Royal Melbourne Hospital endured the largest institutional outbreak of COVID-19 in health care workers in Australia to date, but rapidly controlled its spread, according the Medical Journal of Australia. Between 1 July and 31 August 2020, 262 cases of COVID-19 were identified among Royal Melbourne Hospital staff. Fifteen individuals (5.7%) required inpatient care and 13 (4.9%) received care by a hospital in the home service. Two were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), none requiring mechanical ventilation, with no deaths. Nurses were most commonly affected, followed by support staff (such as food and cleaning services) and doctors (17/21 of these being doctors-in-training).
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Northern Territory's strict COVID-19 isolation smashes curve
The Northern Territory's strict public health measures in response to COVID-19 have so far proved successful in containing community transmission and preventing any deaths, despite the NT hospital system often operating 'beyond capacity', according to the authors of a research letter published by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). 'Hospitals in the Northern Territory often operate beyond capacity and serve a sparsely distributed population with rates of chronic disease and household overcrowding that are higher than in many other parts of Australia,' wrote the authors, led by Dr Nicholas Douglas.
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ACT: Caution on travel to and from South Australia
ACT Health is monitoring the COVID-19 situation in South Australia closely, with 17 new community cases having been detected in Adelaide in recent days. ACT residents are being asked to reconsider non-essential travel to South Australia while SA Health continues its investigations. SA Health has identified a number of potential exposure sites associated with this outbreak. A full list of exposure sites has been published by SA Health here and will be updated as new sites are identified.
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NT: Update on declaring and revoking hotspots for travel to the NT
The Chief Health Officer has declared all of South Australia as a hotspot for the purposes of travel to the Northern Territory, effective immediately. This follows on from an outbreak that has occurred in the northern suburbs of Adelaide and has grown to include 17 positive COVID-19 cases. Anyone travelling to the Northern Territory from South Australia will need to do undertake 14 days of mandatory, supervised quarantine, said the NT Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet.
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SA: Health tracing new cluster
In light of the cluster, SA Health is conducting contact tracing of known COVID-19 cases. SA Health is contacting people who were in the Emergency Department at Lyell McEwin Hospital between 5.30 pm Friday 13 November and 4.00 am Saturday 14 November who may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. However, anyone who was at the Emergency Department during these hours and has not been contacted by SA Health should self-quarantine immediately and contact SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787.
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SA: Contact tracing
SA Health is in the process of contacting everyone who was in the Emergency Department at Lyell McEwin Hospital between 5.30 pm Friday 13 November and 4.00 am Saturday 14 November who may have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.
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TAS: Tasmanian response to Adelaide COVID-19 cluster
The health and safety of Tasmanians remains the number one priority. 'Today has been a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of COVID-19, and we will continue to take a proactive and responsible approach to managing our borders, scaling up or down swiftly as needed, to manage risk.' said Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein. Public Health officials in Tasmania have determined South Australia a 'medium risk jurisdiction' for passengers coming into the state via air and on the Spirit of Tasmania.
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15 November
NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
No cases of locally acquired COVID-19 were diagnosed in NSW. Nine cases were reported in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,306 since the start of the pandemic. There were 17,226 tests reported, compared with 17,184. NSW Health thanks the community for its support, as every person who comes forward for testing is playing an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19. With the weather becoming warmer and people starting to attend more social gatherings, NSW Health is calling on the community to maintain the COVID safe behaviours that have been key to stopping the spread of the virus.
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14 November
NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
No cases of locally acquired COVID-19 were diagnosed in NSW. Four cases were reported in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,297 since the start of the pandemic. There were 17,184 tests reported, compared with 18,941. NSW Health thanks the community for its support, as every person who comes forward for testing is playing an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19. NSW Health is treating 70 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases - 94 per cent - are being treated by NSW Health in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.
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13 November
National Cabinet
The National Cabinet met for the 31st time to discuss Australia's COVID-19 response, the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, the Framework for National Reopening by Christmas, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID-safe environment and getting the economy moving again. National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions to the health and economic consequences of COVID-19. The Acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, provided an update on the latest epidemiological data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19. There have been more than 27,600 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 907 people have died. There are now around 80 active cases in Australia, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
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NSW: Public health alert - New Zealand arrivals
NSW Health is contacting 455 people who have arrived from New Zealand since 5 November following a locally acquired case of COVID-19 in Auckland. These passengers have been sent a message with NSW Health advice and are being called to be alerted to a number of venues of concern in Auckland, consistent with advice provided in New Zealand. This advice was also provided to passengers arriving in Sydney from New Zealand on the flight. No passengers reported having attended the venues of concern and none had symptoms.
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Aged Care
17 November
Commonwealth must take the lead in South Australia to prevent another COVID outbreak in aged care facilities
The Greens said that it is imperative that the Commonwealth learn the hard lesson from the Victorian aged care COVID outbreak and take leadership before it is too late. 'All providers must be focused on preventing the entry and spread of COVID-19 in aged care facilities,' Greens spokesperson on Ageing Senator Rachel Siewert said. Prevention is key to stopping older Australians from experiencing another disastrous outbreak of COVID-19.
Download
16 November
Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (16 November 2020 at 2pm)
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre continues to provide the robust response effort required to protect the most vulnerable senior Australians living in aged care from the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of aged care outbreaks since 1 January 2020 is 177 and there is now 1 active outbreak, which is in the enhanced surveillance phase. Enhanced surveillance is conducted over the 14 days since the last resident or staff member was cleared or at the facility, and negative testing has occurred 11 days after these events. This facility is on alert to identify any early symptoms.
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15 November
NSW: Developing aged care training business case
The 2020-21 NSW Budget will invest $2.5 million into developing a business case for a TAFE NSW Residential Aged Care Centre of Excellence training facility to put innovation and industry engagement front and centre of the sector. NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the centre could be located in either a metropolitan or regional area, depending on opportunities across the State in aged care. NSW Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the TAFE NSW Centres of Excellence are game-changers for education and training in NSW.
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13 November
VIC: Helping Victorians to age well
Landmark research bringing together the voices of almost 5000 older Victorians will guide the care, support and services needed for Victorians to age well. Victorian Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan launched the Ageing Well in a Changing World report, which identifies what seniors in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne say they need to thrive in their later years. The groundbreaking research, one of the largest of its type undertaken in Australia, was led by the Commissioner for Senior Victorians Gerard Mansour.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
None this edition.
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Allied Health
None this edition.
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Children's Health
19 November
New organisation tackling childhood dementia - a fatal disease that's long gone under-researched, underfunded and highly neglected
On November 23rd, Childhood Dementia Initiative (CDI) will be launching their new organisation at the Parliament House and releasing alarming research findings. An event will be held at Parliament House to reveal a troubling health system blind spot on November 23. Childhood Dementia Initiative are launching their organisation at this event, along with the release of a Burden of Disease and White Paper report, to detail the extent, impact and horrific nature of childhood dementia. These reports expose that a disease that is usually only associated with the elderly has fatal impacts on children across Australia and the world.
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16 November
Eliminating rheumatic heart disease by 2031
Updated and culturally appropriate guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease have been published, along with a 31-page supplement from Telethon Kids, by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune disease triggered in some children and young adults by infection with group A streptococci. Repeated or severe ARF leads to rheumatic heart disease (RHD), with high morbidity and mortality.
Download
15 November
Life-saving SMA medicine to be made available to Australian babies
Access to a life-saving and life-changing medicine will soon be expanded for Australian children and infants with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), thanks to a breakthrough medicines listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). From 1 December, subsidised access to the life-changing medicine Spinraza (nusinersen) will be expanded to include children and infants genetically diagnosed with the most severe types of SMA before the onset of symptoms (pre-symptomatic). SMA is a rare inherited genetic muscle wasting disease characterised by a loss of motor neurons. It causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting, and its most severe forms can cause paralysis and death, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
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Clinical Governance
None this edition.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
20 November
Work under way on Fraser Coast palliative hospice
Work has begun to construct a $7 million palliative care facility for terminally ill people in Hervey Bay. The new purpose-built Fraser Coast Hospice will provide 24-hour home-like accommodation, professional and compassionate care to clients at the end of their life, and bereavement care to their families. Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt, on behalf of the Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, represented the Government at a sod-turning event to commemorate the start of construction. Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Nola Marino, said the project was an important part of the Hinkler Regional Deal's vision for Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and its surrounds.
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16 November
$1 billion manufacturing agreement secures Australia's national health security
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Health Greg Hunt said under the agreement, Seqirus would invest $800 million in the development of a new high-tech vaccine manufacturing facility project, creating 520 construction jobs, commencing in 2021. Seqirus is currently the only company making influenza and Q fever vaccine in Australia, and the only company in the world making life saving antivenom products against 11 poisonous Australian creatures (snakes, marine creatures and spiders), said Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews.
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13 November
New $4.57 million clinical training facility expands healthcare access in Bega
A new clinical training facility at the Bega Hospital will expand healthcare access for residents across the region, following its official opening. The training facility will support medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health students to learn directly from health professionals and pursue their careers in Bega. Minister Hunt said the new training facility will ensure people in Bega and the surrounding region have better access to healthcare in their community, where and when they need it. Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said the new facility was another example of the Government's commitment to providing Australians with world-class healthcare no matter where they live.
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Dental
19 November
VIC: All smiles as school dental vans back on the road
The Victorian Government's Smile Squad free dental vans are getting back on the road, after a temporary pause as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to Victorians playing their part, staying home and getting tested, we've been able to ease some restrictions, including increasing access to public dental services. Last week, Smile Squad began resuming rolling out for Term 4 in regional schools in Greater Bendigo and Latrobe to be followed soon by Wodonga. Smile Squad services will return gradually, progressing towards rollout across the state from Term 1, 2021, said Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley.
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Disabilities
19 November
Update on NDIS coronavirus supports in South Australia
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert has confirmed NDIS participants in South Australia have access to a range of temporary measures to ensure they can receive their disability-related supports, in line with public health advice. In addition, with a focus on the safety of NDIS participants during the COVID-19 restrictions period in South Australia, the NDIA is reaching out to connect and check-in with vulnerable participants, to ensure they continue to have supports in place and offering phone or online planning meetings during lockdown.
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
None this edition.
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E-Health
None this edition.
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Education and Training
None this edition.
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Funding
19 November
$22 million investment to tackle the global health threat of antimicrobial resistance
The Government is taking strong steps to address the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as part of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week. Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Government has committed $22.5 million in this year's Budget to address the priorities identified in Australia's National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy - 2020 & Beyond. Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said shared responsibility across health, agriculture and environment was needed to address antimicrobial resistance.
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16 November
NSW: $29 billion for future-focused health Budget
The budget will see almost $3 billion in health capital works delivered in addition to recurrent funding of more than $26 billion, taking the total 2020-21 health budget to more than $29 billion. NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the investment would continue the NSW Government's record infrastructure program, ensuring that the 29 new and upgraded hospitals and health facilities announced prior to the 2019 election will commence before March 2023. NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said health spending accounted for almost one-third of the NSW Budget, which demonstrated the NSW Government's commitment to world-class health services for communities across the state.
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13 November
NSW: $100 million for rural ambulance infrastructure
The Lake Cathie community will have a new purpose-built ambulance station thanks to a NSW Government boost of $100 million to ambulance infrastructure in rural NSW. NSW Minister Hazzard said the initial $122 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration (RAIR) program had proved such a success the NSW Government will invest an additional $100 million in Stage 2. 'This funding boost will help NSW Ambulance deliver the most contemporary, efficient new ambulance stations to support our paramedics as they continue to deliver high quality emergency medical care to rural and regional communities,' Mr Hazzard said.
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Health Professionals
None this edition.
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Hospitals
18 November
NSW: $438m Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment fast-tracked
The NSW Government is investing an additional $4 million to fast-track the redevelopment of Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital to begin in 2020-21. NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the funding boost will bring the total spend for the project to $438 million, which will also support the acquisition of nearby Nowra Park. 'The NSW Government is committed to investing in regional hospitals to ensure patients receive high-quality healthcare closer to home,' Mr Hazzard said.
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16 November
Royal Melbourne Hospital's response to COVID-19 infections in health care workers
Royal Melbourne Hospital endured the largest institutional outbreak of COVID-19 in health care workers in Australia to date, but rapidly controlled its spread, according the Medical Journal of Australia. Between 1 July and 31 August 2020, 262 cases of COVID-19 were identified among Royal Melbourne Hospital staff. Fifteen individuals (5.7%) required inpatient care and 13 (4.9%) received care by a hospital in the home service. Two were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), none requiring mechanical ventilation, with no deaths. Nurses were most commonly affected, followed by support staff (such as food and cleaning services) and doctors (17/21 of these being doctors-in-training).
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13 November
NSW: New helipad for Port Macquarie Base Hospital
Patients across the Mid North Coast will soon have faster access to emergency care at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, via a new $10 million helipad on its rooftop. NSW Minister Hazzard and NSW Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams announced $10 million will be included in the 2020-21 NSW Budget to commence construction of a new helipad on the roof of the hospital's emergency department to improve aeromedical services for local patients.
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Insurance
17 November
17 NOV 2020: DEPT OF HEALTH: Private Health Insurance Circular PHI 77/20 - Private Hospital Declaration
APRA releases quarterly private health insurance statistics for September 2020
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its quarterly private health insurance (PHI) publications for the September 2020 quarter. The publications provide industry aggregate summaries of key financial and membership statistics for the private health insurance industry. COVID-19 and associated economic impacts continued to influence PHI performance during the quarter as the rates of hospital and general treatment utilisation increased with a flow-on increase in the claims paid by the industry, which increased 1.5 per cent to $6.2 billion in the September quarter 2020.
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Medicare
None this edition.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
19 November
New campaign to tackle workplace mental health emergency
A new initiative has been launched to encourage action on workplace mental health to respond to the increasing rates of mental injuries in the workplace. The Mind Your Head campaign aims to raise awareness about mental health hazards like the impact of isolated work, high job demands and violent events so that they're understood and dealt with like physical workplace safety issues like electrical or trip hazards. Unlike physical hazards, employers often don't identify workplace mental health hazards or put systems and practices in place to address them, said the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
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18 November
Productivity Commission report recognises GP role in mental health care, but offers little support
A proposal to scrap GP mental health treatment plans and replace them with an online assessment tool would undermine the holistic approach needed to care for patients with mental health concerns, Australian Medical Association (AMA) President Dr Omar Khorshid said. The proposal is among the recommendations of the Productivity Commission's long-awaited Mental Health Inquiry Report, which calls for a $2.6 billion overhaul of the system, estimating the total cost of poor mental health and suicide to be as much as $70 billion per year.
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Productivity Commission acknowledges the need for more recognition and support for mental health family and friend carers
Carers Australia welcomes the long-awaited release of the Productivity Commission's final report from its Mental Health Inquiry, and its range of recommendations to improve supports available to family and friend carers. 'As is the case with carers of people with other conditions, mental health carers often provide care at considerable cost to their own wellbeing, including their own health, peace of mind, financial security and the opportunity to pursue their own education, employment and interests,' said Liz Callaghan, CEO of Carers Australia.
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17 November
Mental health report needs action now
The Consumers Health Forum supports the final report of the Productivity Commission on Mental Health and urges governments to implement the findings as a comprehensive package. 'This report is a valuable first step in reshaping Australia's mental health services to meet the overwhelming demand for improvement when so many people struggle to get the life-changing care they need,' the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells, said. 'We particularly welcome the strong focus on early intervention approaches, including in schools, workplaces and in suicide prevention and stigma prevention. Important also is recognition that intensity of care --- both clinical and non-clinical --- should change and adapt to meet individual needs.'
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NSW: Record $2.4 billion investment for mental health services across the state
The NSW Government will invest a record $2.4 billion into mental health services this year to continue to support people across the State as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget. NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and NSW Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the funding would ensure quality services were available for the people of NSW. 'This record Budget will allow a range of initiatives to support mental health and wellbeing right across the state,' Mr Perrottet said.
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16 November
$133.5 million for child, youth and perinatal mental health
The Government has announced an investment of $133.5 million to support child, youth and perinatal mental health programs. Approximately 560,000 Australian children and adolescents are estimated to have a mental illness and one in four young Australians aged 16 to 24 experiences mental illness in any given year. In addition, each year almost 100,000 Australian parents are affected by perinatal depression and anxiety. Intervention early in life and at an early stage of illness can reduce the duration and impact of mental illness, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
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Key reports call for a compassionate whole of Government approach for suicide prevention
National Suicide Prevention Adviser to the Prime Minister, Ms Christine Morgan, has welcomed the public release of the Interim Advice documents prepared to shape Australia's suicide prevention approach. Released by the Prime Minister, the Interim Advice consists of three interrelated reports: Compassion First, detailing the experiences of people with lived experience of suicide, the Interim Advice Report containing 13 in-principle recommendations, and Shifting the Focus which outlines a whole of government approach to suicide.
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National Mental Health Commission welcomes Productivity Commission report
The National Mental Health Commission has welcomed the tabling of the Productivity Commission's report for their Inquiry into Mental Health, calling it a defining moment for mental health and suicide prevention reform for all Australians CEO Christine Morgan noted that this report is a substantial examination of the mental health system in Australia.
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Productivity Commission Inquiry report a crucial next step for mental health reform in Australia
Mental Health Australia has welcomed the release of the Final Report from the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health, and the interim report from the National Suicide Prevention Adviser, and sees the government response to these reports as a crucial next step in the future of mental health reform and service delivery in Australia. Mental Health Australia CEO Dr Leanne Beagley said the Final Report from the Productivity Commission is a culmination of nearly two years of extensive consultation and consideration, and could not come at a more important and critical time.
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Government has been offered a clear way forward on mental health and they need to act
The Greens have welcomed the Productivity Commission report into Mental Health and say that it has provided a clear way forward for the Government in reforming Australia's mental health system. 'It is a great shame that this report has not been released earlier and that the Government didn't take the opportunity in the recent budget to start the process of reform that is so urgently needed,' Senator Rachel Siewert said.
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VIC: New family counselling service for LGBTIQ+ Victorians
The Victorian Government is investing $2.5 million for a new specialised counselling service for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people and their families. Victorian Minister for Mental Health James Merlino and Victorian Minister for Equality Martin Foley announced the funding and invited community organisations to apply to run the service. Evidence shows LGBTIQ+ Victorians are more likely to experience mental health issues than other Victorians - and the added stresses of the pandemic have made support and connection with family more important than ever.
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15 November
NSW: $46.8 million to expand successful wellbeing nurses in schools program across the state
The NSW Government has earmarked $46.8 million over four years as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget to deliver 100 new school-based nurses to support the health and wellbeing needs of students and their families. NSW Treasurer Perrottet said the new funding would mean thousands more students across the State would have access to a nurse at school. NSW Minister Taylor said an evaluation of the pilot sites found the wellbeing nurses had successfully supported vulnerable students for a range of health and mental wellbeing issues.
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NSW: $6 million to help communities tackle suicide
The NSW Government is investing $6 million over three years as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget to establish 12 Community Wellbeing Collaboratives in communities at high risk of suicide. The collaboratives organise the response from all services in the local area in times of need bringing together doctors, nurses, police, ambulance, media, teachers, parents, carers, Aboriginal organisations and local councils. NSW Treasurer Perrottet said the funds would be directed to organisations including headspace and Lifeline, which will lead the coordination. NSW Minister Taylor said the collaboratives would work with the community even when there wasn't a crisis.
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13 November
NSW: Labor calls for Royal Commission into mental health and suicide in NSW
NSW Labor is calling for the Government to back a Royal Commission into mental health and suicide in the upcoming State Budget. 'In the past 12 months, the community has faced enormous mental health challenges,' said the NSW Opposition Leader Jodi McKay. 'I'm calling for a Royal Commission so we can hear from people with mental health conditions and ensure everyone gets the help and support they need.'
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals
19 November
Cat Media Pty Ltd fined $13,320 for alleged unlawful advertising of a FatBlaster complementary medicine
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, has issued an infringement notice for $13,320 to Sydney-based company Cat Media Pty Ltd (Cat Media), for the alleged unlawful advertising of a complementary medicine. Cat Media allegedly advertised, on the company's 'FatBlaster' website, a therapeutic good called FatBlaster Apple Cider Vinegar and Garcinia Max. It is alleged that the product was not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and was neither exempt nor excluded from the operation of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
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ANPROS Pty Ltd fined $39,960 for alleged unlawful advertising of hydrogen peroxide
The TGA, part of the Department of Health, has issued three infringement notices totalling $39,960 to Melbourne-based company Analytical Products & Services Pty Ltd (ANPROS), for alleged unlawful advertising of hydrogen peroxide. ANPROS allegedly advertised, on the company's website, a medicine containing hydrogen peroxide for internal therapeutic use that at the time of advertising was not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Unless a specific exemption, approval or authority applies, therapeutic goods must be entered in the ARTG before they can be lawfully advertised to the general public in Australia.
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15 November
Life-saving SMA medicine to be made available to Australian babies
Access to a life-saving and life-changing medicine will soon be expanded for Australian children and infants with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), thanks to a breakthrough medicines listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). From 1 December, subsidised access to the life-changing medicine Spinraza (nusinersen) will be expanded to include children and infants genetically diagnosed with the most severe types of SMA before the onset of symptoms (pre-symptomatic). SMA is a rare inherited genetic muscle wasting disease characterised by a loss of motor neurons. It causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting, and its most severe forms can cause paralysis and death, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
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Research
16 November
Eliminating rheumatic heart disease by 2031
Updated and culturally appropriate guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease have been published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune disease triggered in some children and young adults by infection with group A streptococci. Repeated or severe ARF leads to rheumatic heart disease (RHD), with high morbidity and mortality. Group A streptococcus infection risk is associated with socio-economic factors such as household crowding. High rates occur in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, especially in rural or remote settings.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
20 November
Work under way on Fraser Coast palliative hospice
Work has begun to construct a $7 million palliative care facility for terminally ill people in Hervey Bay. The new purpose-built Fraser Coast Hospice will provide 24-hour home-like accommodation, professional and compassionate care to clients at the end of their life, and bereavement care to their families. Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt, on behalf of the Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, represented the Government at a sod-turning event to commemorate the start of construction. Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Nola Marino, said the project was an important part of the Hinkler Regional Deal's vision for Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and its surrounds.
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18 November
National Rural Health Commissioner backs rural generalists to improve maternity outcomes
The importance of strengthening rural primary care to improve outcomes for mothers and their babies has been highlighted in an address to the National Press Club, this World Prematurity Day by National Rural Health Commissioner, Professor Ruth Stewart. Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said premature birth was a universal concern, with access to services being integral to good outcomes. 'As many as 15 million babies are born pre-term each year across the globe and it goes without saying the chances of surviving and thriving from this position are closely linked to the access one has to appropriate services when they need it,' Minister Coulton said.
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17 November
Bush benefits from $1 billion agreement
Regional Australians - especially those in livestock industries - will benefit from a landmark agreement between the Australian Government and Seqirus to secure the nation's Q Fever vaccine production. The Government announced a new high-tech vaccine manufacturing facility will be developed in Melbourne to secure Australia's long-term critical health products, including Q Fever, and life-saving antivenoms. Minister Coulton said the new laboratory, which would see local production secured until 2036, helps ensure the safety of some of the nation's hardest workers.
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Women's Health
18 November
National Rural Health Commissioner backs rural generalists to improve maternity outcomes
The importance of strengthening rural primary care to improve outcomes for mothers and their babies has been highlighted in an address to the National Press Club, this World Prematurity Day by National Rural Health Commissioner, Professor Ruth Stewart. Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said premature birth was a universal concern, with access to services being integral to good outcomes. 'As many as 15 million babies are born pre-term each year across the globe and it goes without saying the chances of surviving and thriving from this position are closely linked to the access one has to appropriate services when they need it,' Minister Coulton said.
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Transcripts
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
19 NOV: Transcript of Interview with David Koch, Sunrise
Subjects: South Australia lockdown, Hotel quarantine, Japan-Australia relations, China-Australia relations, Defence Force, Director of Public Prosecutions
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack
19 NOV: Transcript of Interview with David Eisenhauer, Sounds of the Mountains
Subjects: Regional Recovery Partnership, Federal Minister for Regional Health, NSW Rural Doctors Network, GPs, Medical services, COVID-19, JobKeeper
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
19 NOV: Transcript of Interview with Leon Byner, 5AA
Subjects: COVID-19 Vaccines, South Australia COVID-19 outbreak, Border closures, Medi-hotels, Mass gatherings, Hospitality
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham
19 NOV: Transcript of Interview with Lisa Millar, ABC News, News Breakfast
Subjects: South Australian COVID-19 outbreak, SA disruption to tourism, China-Australia trade relationship
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
18 NOV: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Tokyo, Japan
Subjects: Relations with Japan, Reciprocal Access Agreement, Death penalty, China, Carbon neutral commitment, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Vaccine development
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack
18 NOV: Transcript of Interview with Karl Stefanovic, The Today Show
Subjects: Coronavirus, Border Closures, South Australia, Medical advice, National Cabinet, Economy
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack
18 NOV: Transcript of Interview with David Koch, Sunrise
Subjects: Coronavirus, Border Closures, South Australia, Hotel quarantine, ADF, Holidays, Travel
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham
18 NOV: Transcript of Interview with Hamish Macdonald, Radio National Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19, Public health, SA outbreak, Defence Treaty with Japan, China-Australia trade relations, G20
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham
18 NOV: Transcript of Interview with David Bevan & Ali Clarke, ABC Radio Adelaide Mornings
Subjects: Public health, COVID-19, Adelaide outbreak, Border closures, Isolation, Interstate travel, Tourism
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham
18 NOV: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC Afternoon Briefing
Subjects: COVID restrictions in SA, Victoria, Hotel quarantine workforce, Australia-China trade relationship, International arrivals
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham
18 NOV: Transcript of Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News Afternoon Agenda
Subjects: South Australian lockdown, Australia-China trade relations, Japan, COVID-19 test wait times, Contact tracing
Department of Health
18 NOV: Transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview with David Koch & Monique Wright, Sunrise
Subjects: COVID-19, South Australia, Venues, Public transport, Isolation, ADF, Border restrictions, Hotel quarantine
Department of Health
18 NOV: Transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview with Hamish McDonald, ABC RN Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19, South Australia, Venues, Public transport, Isolation, ADF, Border restrictions, Hotel quarantine
Department of Health
18 NOV: Transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd's interview with Danica Di Giorgio, SKY News
Subjects: COVID-19, Testing, Vaccines, South Australia, Hotel quarantine, Mental health, Masks
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese
18 NOV: Transcript of Address to 2020 Remote Federal Labor Business Exchange Program
Subjects: Business, Labour force, Jobs, COVID-19, Economic recovery, Infrastructure, Vaccine, Energy, Manufacturing, Hydrogen, Emissions, Childcare
Shadow Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones
18 NOV: Transcript of Interview with Danica De Giorgio, Sky News
Subjects: COVID-19, Japan defence pact, Tax reform, Indo-Pacific, Trade, National security, Public health, Federal Opposition
Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Murray Watt, Member for Solomon Luke Gosling, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy
18 NOV: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Darwin
Subjects: NT COVID-19 response, SA COVID-19 cases, Fed Govt Emergency Response Fund, Disaster season preparation, Brereton Inquiry, Renewable energy, Cashless debit card
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy
18 NOV: Transcript of Interview with Karl Stefanovic & Chris Smith, Today Show
Subjects: COVID-19, South Australia border closures, Social distancing measures, Public health, Social isolation, US
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
17 NOV: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Canberra
Subjects: Blood donation drive, COVID-19, Outbreak in SA, ADF support, Moderna vaccine, US troops in Afghanistan & Iraq, 2021 Tokyo Olympics
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
16 NOV: Transcript of Speech, Parkville
Subjects: National suicide prevention adviser, Chief Medical Officer, Productivity Commission, Indigenous Australians, Aus' mental health workers, HeadSpace, Impact of COVID-19 on mental health
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
16 NOV: Transcript of Interview with Tony Pilkington, 5AA Adelaide
Subjects: South Australian COVID-19 outbreak, Contact tracing, Hotel quarantine, Aged care, Vaccine, National Cabinet response
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
16 NOV: Transcript of Interview with Neil Mitchell, 3AW
Subjects: Victorian Premier, Victorian outbreak, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Contact tracing, SA outbreak, Home quarantine, National Cabinet, Border restrictions, Vaccine manufacturing facility
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
16 NOV: Transcript of Interview with Neil Mitchell, 3AW
Subjects: COVID-19, Victoria, Hotel quarantine failures, Melbourne lockdown, Victorian Premier
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister for Health Greg Hunt, Chief Medical Officer
16 NOV: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Broadmeadows, Victoria
Subjects: Vaccine manufacturing facility, Employment, Manufacturing industry, Public health, COVID-19 vaccine, South Australian COVID-19 outbreak
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
16 NOV: Transcript of Interview with Paul Kennedy, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Adelaide cluster, Contact tracing, Border restrictions, Biotech centre, Vaccine manufacturing facility, Vic Premier, Vic outbreak
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
13 NOV: Transcript of Press Conference, Brisbane
Subjects: University of Queensland, COVID-19 vaccine trials, Healthcare workers, International borders, Institute of Infectious Diseases in Melbourne
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Reports
Insights 1 - Findings from Ten to Men: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health, 2013-16 - Report
Department of Health, Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS)
Key findings include:
Australian males are more likely than females to experience certain health concerns, including bowel and skin cancer, obesity, diabetes and stroke. They are more likely to engage in risk behaviours such as alcohol and other drug use. Males have a heightened risk of mortality, yet are more likely to think that their health is fine and that they can independently manage health concerns. Men are also less likely to engage with health services compared to women.
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National Suicide Prevention Taskforce's Compassion First: Designing our national approach from the lived experience of suicidal behaviour
Department of Health
This report summarises key insights from people with lived experience of suicidal behaviours, drawing on commissioned research to learn from thousands of people with first-hand experience. While there are some common experiences that may precede a suicide attempt, there was no simple or singular pattern of experiences suicidal behaviour is very personal and deeply distressing. For many, suicidal thoughts and behaviours could be traced back to childhood and adolescent experiences of abuse, violence, trauma, family conflict or bereavement.
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National Suicide Prevention Taskforce's Interim Advice Report: Towards a national whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention in Australia
Department of Health
The Interim Advice builds on the Initial Findings provided to government in November 2019. Those findings focused on current suicide prevention activities in Australia and examined their effectiveness. The Initial Findings called for a paradigm shift to a more assertive outreach approach aimed at preventing the onset of suicidal behaviours and responding much earlier to distress. It also called for the approach to be informed by lived experience.
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National Suicide Prevention Taskforce's Shifting the Focus: A national whole-of-government approach to guide suicide prevention in Australia
Department of Health
Suicide is a complex behaviour underpinned by a range of factors and accompanied by intense distress and despair. Suicidal thoughts and behaviours can occur when people feel overwhelmed by their problems or their situation. This can happen to anyone at any time. When people feel distressed, overwhelmed, trapped or defeated by their circumstances, they can find it hard to see a way through. People often report that they did not necessarily want to die, but they were unable to cope with the pain and despair any longer.
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Prime Minister's National Suicide Prevention Adviser - Summary of Interim Advice
Department of Health
This document provides a summary of the Interim Advice and 'in-principle' recommendations provided to the Prime Minister in August 2020. It builds on the Initial Findings submitted in November 2019 and outlines actions to deliver a more coordinated, comprehensive and compassionate approach to suicide prevention. Suicide will affect most Australians at some point in their lives, often leaving long lasting and far reaching impacts on individuals, families, workplaces, services and communities. There is still, however, little understanding of the complexities and the diverse individual experiences of suicidal behaviour.
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Mental Health - Inquiry Report - No. 95
Productivity Commission
In 2014-15, four million Australians reported having experienced a common mental disorder. Mental health is a key driver of economic participation and productivity in Australia, and hence has the potential to impact incomes and living standards and social engagement and connectedness. Improved population mental health could also help to reduce costs to the economy over the long term. Australian governments devote significant resources to promoting the best possible mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
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How far do people move to access aged care - Research Paper 16
Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety
If people who need care can access that care close to where they live, it can be easier for them to maintain social connection with family and friends and receive informal support from these people. This also helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to maintain connection with Country. This paper examines estimates of the drive distance and time that people move or travel to use residential care, residential respite and home care. The estimates are for people receiving these services at 30 June 2019.
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Residential Care Quality Indicator Profile: Volume 1 - By Provider Type
Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety
As part of the research conducted by the Office of the Royal Commission, detailed residential aged care quality and safety indicators were collated, for the first time in Australia, in a series of reports. The reports improve understanding of quality and safety in the aged care system. They also demonstrate the value of making data publicly available to inform the community about aged care services, support consumer choice, encourage continuous improvement, and foster research and innovation.
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Patient Experiences in Australia - Summary of Findings
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
The proportion of people seeing three or more health professionals for the same condition increased in 2019-20, according to the results of a survey of patient experiences by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). ABS health statistics spokesperson, Robert Long, said in 2019-20, 16.6 per cent of people saw three or more health professionals for the same condition compared to 15.1 per cent in 2018-19.
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Atrial Fibrillation in Australia
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
This report provides data on atrial fibrillation (AF) related hospitalisations, procedures and deaths in Australia, and identifies areas where additional data development activities will improve monitoring and surveillance. In 2017-18, there were over 72,000 hospitalisations in Australia with AF and it was associated with 9.0% of deaths in 2018. Increases were observed over the recent decade in rates of AF hospitalisation and deaths, as well as the rates of procedures undertaken in hospitals for AF.
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The health and welfare of women in Australia's prisons - Report
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
Although women make up a relatively small proportion of the total prison population in Australia, over the past 10 years the number of women in prison has been increasing and at a faster rate than the number of men in prison. Women in prison can have complex health and wellbeing needs and may require access to female-specific health services. The purpose of this report is to contribute to the understanding of women's health and wellbeing needs when they enter prison, during their time in custody, and at release from prison.
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Volume 213 No 10
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
An early cause for hope in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic was the observation that children are much less likely to experience severe illness than adults. This remains true, but has created a perception that children are less susceptible to infection and do not play a substantial role in transmission. In Australia, this perception has been reinforced by assurances from the Prime Minister that schools are safe and that physical distancing is unnecessary in this setting. However, emerging research suggests greater caution is needed.
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Additional Material - Counsel Assisting's final submissions
National Seniors Australia
At the outset of the Royal Commission, Prime Minister Morrison stated its primary purpose was to 'restore faith' in the system. Overall, National Seniors strongly supports the vision outlined by Counsel Assisting and supports most of the recommendations put forward. They provide the building blocks for the long process of restoring the Australian people's faith in aged care.
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VIC: Ageing well in a changing world
Commissioner for Senior Victorians
People over 85 years old are the fastest growing population group in Australia. Ensuring Victorians are supported to 'age well' must be a priority not just because it is the right thing to do for seniors and their loved ones, but because it is beneficial for society overall. Older Victorians are willing and able to continue to contribute to society in a positive way and fostering the conditions that enable them to age well will enable them to be able to do so.
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WA: Palliative Care in Western Australia - Progress Report - Final Report
WA Joint Select Committee on Palliative Care in Western Australia
The Committee found that there has been preliminary progress in relation to JSCEOLC recommendations 15-17 regarding ongoing professional development for health professionals about end-of-life treatment and decision-making. 9 The Committee received evidence that JSCEOLC recommendation 10 (WA Health implement a process to determine the unmet demand for palliative care and establish an ongoing process to measure the delivery of palliative care services) would not be progressed and instead that WA Health had determined to establish a process to determine unmet need for palliative care.
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Hansards
Tasmania
12 NOV 2020: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Notice of Question - Tasmanian Health Services - Tendering and Procurement Practices
12 NOV 2020: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions - Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment - Performance Issues
12 NOV 2020: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions - Tasmanian Health Service - Pain Management Service - Northern Tasmania
12 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - COVID-19 - Storage & Distribution of Vaccine
11 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - COVID-19 - Access to Vaccines
11 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - COVID-19 - Hospital Preparedness with Borders Reopening
10 NOV 2020: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Special Interest Matters - Movember and Mental Health
10 NOV 2020: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Motion - Medical Cannabis - Legalisation
10 NOV 2020: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions - Medicinal Cannabis - Eligible Conditions - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
10 NOV 2020: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - End-of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020 (No. 30) - Consideration of Amendments made in the Committee of the Whole Council, Suspension of Standing Orders, Third Reading
10 NOV 2020: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions - Launceston General Hospital - Survey - Queensland Consulting Firm - Supplementary Question
10 NOV 2020: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Motion - International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife
10 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Statement by Premier - End of Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020 - Proposed Legislation
10 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - COVID-19 - Health Screening at Tasmanian Ports of Entry
10 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - Budget 2020-21 - Mental Health System for Children and Adolescents
10 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions - COVID-19 - Access to Vaccines
10 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Bills - End-of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020 (No. 30) - First Reading
10 NOV 2020: TAS ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Review
30 OCT 2020: TAS COUNCIL HANSARD: Bills - End- of- Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020 (No. 30) - In Committee, Second Reading, Debate Adjourned
Western Australia
18 NOV 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health Services
18 NOV 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Mental Health Services
18 NOV 2020: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question on Notice 6495 - Answer Advice - Mental Health - Suicides - South West
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Australian Capital Territory
Public Health (Emergency) Declaration Further Extension 2020 (No 12)
Notifiable Instrument NI2020-725
This instrument extends the period during which the Public Health (Emergency) Declaration 2020 (No 1) [NI2020-153] is in force for a period of 90 days.This instrument commences the day after its notification day.
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
New South Wales
18 NOV 2020: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 320: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control - South Australia) Order 2020
Western Australia
17 NOV 2020: WA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE: General Gazette No. 191 - Health
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Consolidated Legislation
National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C01029
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Amendment Determination 2020 (No. 9) (PB 105 of 2020).
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National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement 2011 (PB 79 of 2011)
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C01025
PB 79 of 2011 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 9) (PB 107 of 2020).
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Health Insurance (General Medical Services Table) Regulations (No. 2) 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C01024
Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (2020 Measures No. 2) Regulations 2020.
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New Bills
New South Wales
Drug Supply Prohibition Order Pilot Scheme Bill 2020 - Committee report tabled, LC 2R debate, passed with amendments 17/11, LA intro, 1R, 2R debate, passed 18/11, awaiting assent
Mandatory Disease Testing Bill 2020 - Referred to committee 17/11, LA 2R debate 18/11
South Australia
Health Care (Safe Access) Amendment Bill 2020 - Assent 19/11, Act No. 39 of 2020
Victoria
Safe Patient Care (Nurse to Patient and Midwife to Patient Ratios) Amendment Bill 2020 - Assent 17/11/20, Act No. 36 of 2020
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New Acts
South Australia
A Private Member's Act (Cook) to amend the Health Care Act 2008.
LA: 1R 03/06/20, 2R 03/06/20, 17/06/20, 22/07/20, 23/09/20, Passed (with amendment) 23/09/20
LC: 1R 23/09/20, 2R 15/10/20, 11/11/20, Passed 11/11/20
LA: Final Stages 11/11/20
Assent 19/11/20, Act No. 39 of 2020
Commencement: This Act comes into operation on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
Victoria
Safe Patient Care (Nurse to Patient and Midwife to Patient Ratios) Amendment Act 2020
An Act to amend the Safe Patient Care (Nurse to Patient and Midwife to Patient Ratios) Act 2015 and the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 and for other purposes.
The main purposes of the Act are -
- to amend the Safe Patient Care (Nurse to Patient and Midwife to Patient Ratios) Act 2015 (the Principal Act) -
- to amend the rounding method used when determining staffing requirements; and
- to amend certain nurse to patient and midwife to patient ratios on specified shifts in certain wards; and
- to reclassify Warrnambool Base Hospital as a level 2 hospital; and
- to amend the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 to require providers of certain maternal and child health services to employ or engage nurses for those services only if the nurses have prescribed maternal and child health nursing qualifications.
LA: 1R 02/06/20, 2R 03/06/20, 17/06/20, 18/06/20, Passed (with amendments) 18/06/20
LC: 1R 18/06/20, 2R 18/06/20, 29/10/20, 10/11/20, Passed 10/11/20
Assent 17/11/20, Act No. 36 of 2020
Commencement:
(1) Subject to subsections (2), (3), (4) and (5), this Act comes into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed.
(2) Sections 8, 9, 10, 11 and 14 of this Act come into operation on the day after the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.
(3) Section 6 of this Act comes into operation on 1 March 2021.
(4) Sections 4, 5, 7, 12, 13 and 15 of this Act come into operation on 1 July 2022.
(5) If a provision of this Act (other than sections 4 to 15) does not come into operation before the day that is the anniversary of the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent, it comes into operation on that day.
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