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)

21 October

COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report - 21-10-2021
Vaccination against COVID-19 is the most effective way to reduce deaths and severe illness from infection. Millions of people have now received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring ever conducted in Australia. Three COVID-19 vaccines are currently in use in Australia - Comirnaty (Pfizer), Spikevax (Moderna) and Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca). To be registered for use, these vaccines must meet the TGA's high standards for quality, safety and effectiveness, said the Department of Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
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Pharmaceutical companies and rich nations delivering just one in seven of doses promised to developing countries
Oxfam reported that developing countries have been hit with an endless tide of inadequate gestures and broken promises from rich countries and pharmaceutical companies, who are failing to deliver billions of doses they promised while blocking the real solutions to vaccine inequality, according to a new report published by the People's Vaccine Alliance. The report, A Dose of Reality, found that of the 1.8 billion COVID vaccine donations promised by rich nations only 261 million doses - 14% - have been delivered to date.
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QLD: Queensland women urged to get vaccinated to protect themselves
Women of all ages in Queensland, particularly those experiencing domestic and family violence, are being encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccination to protect themselves and their families. While speaking at the Micah Projects Women's Safety, Security + Stable Housing Forum, Queensland Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch called on women to roll up their sleeves and get the jab. 'The safety and wellbeing of women is so important, particularly as we tackle the issue of domestic and family violence in our communities,' Ms Enoch said.
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20 October

ACT: Ensuring vaccinations for disability support and community aged care workers
Disability support workers and in-home and community aged care workers in the ACT will soon need to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The ACT Chief Health Officer will sign a new public health direction that will require workers in these settings to be vaccinated as a condition of work or to provide in-home care or services. Staff working across these sectors will be required to receive their first vaccine dose by no later than 1 November and be fully vaccinated by 29 November. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the decision to introduce mandatory vaccinations to these occupations was supported by recommendations from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, including the creation of national definitions.
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QLD: More access to vaccinations in the Far North with hub at Cairns Convention Centre & new pop up clinics
20 OCT: COVID-19 vaccinations are returning to the Cairns Convention Centre, alongside a new pop- up clinic appearing at the Far North's largest shopping centre. 'We need Far North Queenslanders to get vaccinated,' Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said that the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service would be reopening its popular mass vaccination hub at the Cairns Convention Centre, 7 days a week, commencing on Thursday, October 21.
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QLD : More pop up vaccination clinics to open in Townsville
Townsville residents will soon be able to get their COVID jab at new locations across the city including the Strand night markets. Seven new pop-up clinics will soon open in Townsville as part of the Government's push to get North Queenslanders vaccinated before Christmas. The Queensland Premier will visit Townsville as part of the Queensland Government's vax-a-thon week across the state, encouraging Queenslanders to get protected against COVID-19. Premier Palaszczuk said as well as the current vaccination hub at THHS Townsville Community Vaccination Location at West End, seven new pop-up clinics would open in the coming weeks.
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WA: Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy to further protect WA
WA Premier Mark McGowan and WA Minister for Health Roger Cook said that based on the latest health advice, the State Government has outlined an overarching mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy with a phased approach to a majority of occupations and workforces within Western Australia. Mandates already in place include workers in industries considered the highest risk, including those interacting with people at an increased risk of being infected or vulnerable to COVID-19, or necessary to avoid catastrophic risk to the safety of the community.
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19 October

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded 273 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19. No new cases were acquired overseas, and eight cases have been excluded following further investigation. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is 71,734. Sadly, NSW Health is reporting the deaths of four people - three men and one woman. Three people were in their 60s, and one person was in their 80s.
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VIC: Helping Victorians who find it the hardest to get vaccinated
Whether it's arranging transport to a vaccination hub, help booking an appointment, child minding or promoting up-to-date public health information through trusted community leaders - the Victorian Government is boosting targeted support to ensure no Victorian is left behind. A $21 million package will boost tailored support for Victorians who may face additional barriers to vaccination - including people living with disability, at risk youth, seniors, culturally diverse and multi-faith communities, social housing residents and victim survivors of family violence, said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Youth Ros Spence.
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18 October

COVID surges likely after border opens even at 80% vaccinated: Modelling
Modelling shows opening the international borders while there is still highly transmissible SARSCoV- 2 circulating in the community will lead to surges in both infections and hospitalisations that will require increased public health measures. The modelling study led by Dr Mark Hanly from the Centre for Big Data Research in Health at the UNSW Sydney, examined eight scenarios applying various assumptions regarding transmissibility (R0 = 3.5 or 7.0), vaccine rollout speed (slow or fast), and scale of border reopening (mean of 2500 or 13 000 overseas arrivals per day), said the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA).
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Wastewater testing takes flight in the fight against COVID-19
In an extra line of defence against COVID-19, Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, has analysed wastewater samples from long haul flights of returning Aussies which prove signals of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be detected even before passengers show symptoms. The world-leading research from CSIRO scientists, working with Qantas and the University of Queensland, demonstrates that wastewater surveillance can provide valuable data for public health agencies and help improve confidence in Australia's safe reopening to the world.
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NT: Vital vaccine milestone within reach
The NT Government's vaccine rollout is rapidly approaching a key target with 70% of Territorians set to be fully vaccinated early. This means the Territory remains on track to reach the 80% full vaccination rate required to progress to Stage 3 of the National Plan next month. More than 80% of Territorians have received their first dose and more than 69% of Territorians are fully vaccinated, said NT Minister Fyles.
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NT: Upcoming changes to COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the Top End
Territorians in the Top End have access to a broad range of options to get their COVID-19 vaccinations, with the Northern Territory Government opening two new clinics in Coolalinga and Palmerston last month. Starting from Monday 18 October, the Palmerston COVID-19 Vaccination Hub will expand operations from five days per week. from Wednesday to Sunday to seven days per week, said the NT Department of Health.
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QLD: Queensland's COVID Vaccine Plan to unite families and protect Queenslanders
Queensland Premier Palaszczuk has released Queensland's COVID Vaccination Plan to unite families, protect Queenslanders and chart a course through the next stages of the pandemic. Key features include greater freedoms for those who are fully vaccinated including being able to cross the border from interstate hotspots in time for Christmas. This will be achieved in cautious and measured stages once 70 and 80% of eligible Queenslanders are double-dosed. The Premier said how quickly these milestones are achieved depends on how quickly Queenslanders come forward to be vaccinated.
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SA: Out-of-hospital care to support SA getting COVID-ready
South Australians will benefit from an additional 149 community beds being created, as part of the SA Government's strong COVID-ready plan. The investment will see more South Australians receiving hospital-level care from the comfort of their home, in a residential aged care facility or disability accommodation. The investment will further ease pressure on the state's hospital system in preparation for relaxed borders and eased restrictions. SA Premier Steven Marshall said expanding out-of-hospital capacity is a key area of the SA Government's $123 million COVID-ready capacity investment.
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TAS: Tasmanians are heeding the advice to get tested and get vaccinated
'Another record day of Tasmanians turning out for testing has revealed no new positive COVID-19 cases to date and is very welcome news. In the past 24 hours, a total of 1,769 tests have taken place. This rate of response helps to give us the information we need to make good decisions about our response to COVID-19 and this lockdown. I want to thank Tasmanians for stepping forward to get tested,' said Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein.
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TAS: Southern Tasmanian lockdown to end
'With testing numbers remaining high and no further cases recorded, the lockdown in southern Tasmania will end as planned from 6pm tonight. This is very positive news and I want to thank all Tasmanians in the south for their efforts to minimise their movements and help us mange the risk of COVID in our community. As we have seen with Delta outbreaks in other states, you can never go too hard or early, you can only go too late, which is why we took the steps we did and can now say we are on top of this,' said Tasmanian Premier Gutwein.
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TAS: Anger is understandable - but staying safe is more important
Tasmanians are warranted to feel angry and let down at the recent blatant breach of COVID rules but keeping each other and the community safe is more important during a difficult lockdown period. Tasmanian Leader of the Opposition Rebecca White encouraged everyone to keep coming forward for testing and vaccinations as public health officials and police work around the clock to ensure the community remains safe.
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TAS: Serious questions over COVID breach remain unanswered
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein needs to give Tasmanians a guarantee that investigations into a breach of hotel quarantine will be thorough and the findings will be made public, said Tasmanian Shadow Minister for Police Michelle O'Byrne. Ms O'Byrne said important questions about how a COVID positive man was able to depart Melbourne for Hobart and then walk out of hotel quarantine had so far not been adequately addressed by the government. 'The Premier was adamant that after the recent case of a 15-year-old who walked out of home quarantine in Launceston another breach could not be allowed to occur,' Ms O'Byrne said.
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VIC: Safe and sensible isolation changes
With Victoria soon to hit its 70 per cent double dose vaccination target and first dose vaccination figures soon to hit 90 per cent, safe and sensible changes can now be made to how close contacts are managed. On the advice of the Chief Health Officer, from 11.59pm Thursday 21 October, non-household primary close contacts (PCCs) who are fully vaccinated will only need to quarantine for 7 days. This change will also apply to industry, where all workplace primary close contacts will be required to isolate for 7 days if they are fully vaccinated, said Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley.
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WA: New COVID-19 vaccination clinic boosts opportunities to get vaccinated
A new community vaccination centre will open at the offering local residents another opportunity to get vaccinated. The State-run vaccination clinics will initially provide around 3,000 appointments each week and will ramp up depending on demand. There have been 2,714,227 COVID-19 vaccinations administered to Western Australians across the State. About 75 per cent of Western Australians aged 16 and over have received one dose while more than 56 are fully vaccinated. said WA Minister Cook
Armadale
Mirrabooka

17 October

Australia secures additional COVID-19 treatments
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that the Australian Government has secured access to two additional COVID-19 treatments to support the National Plan to Transition Australia's COVID-19 response, following expert medical advice. Under a new agreement with Roche Products Pty Ltd, Australia will be supplied with 15,000 doses of the COVID-19 antibody-based therapy, Ronapreve. First supply of this treatment is expected to be available by the end of this month through an initial shipment of 5,000 doses and will be held in the National Medical Stockpile. Use of this treatment will occur in line with the regulatory approval by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and advice from the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce.
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Commonwealth COVID-19 hotspot to end in NSW on 17 October 2021
The Department of Health reported that the Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has confirmed the Commonwealth hotspot declaration in New South Wales will cease at 11:59 pm on 17 October 2021. This follows confirmation that the double-dose COVID-19 vaccination rate in NSW has reached 80%. Under the National Plan agreed to by all First Ministers, the Commonwealth's hotspot declaration automatically ceases within a particular state or territory once the 80% fully vaccinated rate has been reached within that jurisdiction, with hotspot-related support to cease two weeks thereafter.
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Flights to resume from the South Island of New Zealand; continued pause to green zone flights from the North Island
The Department of Health reported that a statement from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly about New Zealand green zone flights from the South Island of New Zealand to Australia A number of locally acquired cases of COVID-19 with the Delta variant of concern continue to be detected in New Zealand. Considering this, the Australian Government will continue the pause of green zone flights from the North Island of New Zealand until 11:59 pm (AEST) on 31 October 2021, with all flights being classified as Red Zone flights until this time.
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CBA partners with NSW Health to provide increased translation support
Hundreds of CBA employee volunteers join NSW Health to support people who require translation assistance. Commonwealth Bank has partnered with NSW Health to provide increased translation support for Sydney Local Health District's COVID-19 support line. Sydney Local Health District has provided more than 1.32 million COVID-19 vaccinations since February 22 this year, across multiple fixed and mobile sites. The District's COVID-19 support line operates seven days a week and receives about 1700 calls a day from people needing assistance to book vaccination appointments, consolidate records, or locate centres. About a quarter of all callers need basic language support.
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TAS: Has the Health Minister finally asked the Prime Minister for help?
Tasmanian Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff must outline for Tasmanians what he has done to ensure the state's hospitals are prepared for a potentially wider outbreak of COVID-19 and if he has finally demanded more help from Canberra. Tasmanian Shadow Minister for Health Anita Dow said Mr Rockliff needed to assure Tasmanians he was actively lobbying Scott Morrison for increased health funding since he had admitted the response to his last request had been 'less than satisfactory'.
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TAS: Tasmanians want important questions on COVID breach addressed
Important questions about how a COVID positive man was able to depart Melbourne for Hobart and then walk out of hotel quarantine need to be addressed so it cannot happen again. Tasmanian Shadow Treasurer Shane Broad said Tasmanians who had been forced into lockdown as a result of the breach wanted travel arrangements urgently reviewed and tightened so there were no future breaches. 'After the recent case of a 15-year-old who walked out of home quarantine in Launceston, the Premier said it could not be allowed to occur again,' Dr Broad said.
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VIC: Victorians' hard work means hitting target ahead of time
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Minister Foley said that after an incredible effort from Victorians and record vaccination rates, Victoria is set to hit its 70 per cent double dose vaccination target in the Roadmap nearly a week early and significant restrictions are set to be eased. Victoria's Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan has set Victoria on a hopeful path to opening while preserving the health system and ensuring Victorians can still get the healthcare they need when they need it most. The Roadmap was developed based on expert modelling from the Burnet Institute and is set against COVID-19 thresholds, including hospitalisation rates and the vaccination targets already set out in the National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID-19 Response.
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16 October

QLD: Queensland to declare southern Tasmania a hotspot
Queensland Health declared all southern Tasmania a COVID-19 hotspot, after the state entered a 3-day lockdown. From 1am Sunday 17 October, southern Tasmanian local government areas (LGAs) will be declared as hotspots and anyone arriving into Queensland after this time will need to go into hotel quarantine. Any Queenslanders who have already arrived or are arriving before 1am Sunday 17 October should monitor their symptoms and get tested immediately if they experience symptoms.
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TAS: Continuing the response to COVID-19 in Tasmania's south
'Record testing yesterday has so far revealed no further cases of COVID-19, and we thank Tasmanians currently in lockdown for helping contact tracers to do their job. I recognise this snap three-day lockdown is not easy, with businesses, events, and lives disrupted. By taking early action we aim to protect lives and relieve restrictions by Monday, 18 October at 6:00pm. For Tasmanians who are forced into 14 days of quarantine and can't earn an income because they must self-isolate, quarantine, or care for someone who has COVID-19 there is support available through the $1,500 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment,' said Tasmanian Premier Gutwein.
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15 October

COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests that are approved in Australia
The TGA has approved the following COVID-19 self-tests (home use tests) for supply in Australia from 1 November 2021. Please refer to the instructions on how to use each test (that are provided in the table below) for further information on what sample types the test can be used with (e.g. nasal swab or saliva).
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Community pharmacies partner with CS Health on COVID-19 vaccinations
Pharmacy Guild of Australia said that the NSW coal mining industry's health organisation, CS Health, is partnering with community pharmacists to deliver fast, efficient and safe vaccinations against COVID-19. The agreement is great news for workers across this industry sector. It means vaccination doses will be available with little or no wait times, close to where people work or live, from trained pharmacist professionals. The partnership will help instil confidence that the industry's workers, their families, and their communities are protected against the virus.
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Aged Care

20 October

Admissions into aged care
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) said that Australia's aged care system offers a range of services to support people's varying personal and health circumstances. AIHW released a factsheet that presents highlights from the GEN topic Admissions into aged care. In 2019-20, there were 246,700 admissions to aged care services in Australia (nearly 70,000 to permanent residential care, over 83,000 to respite residential care, over 70,000 to home care, and over 24,000 to transition care).
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

None this edition.

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Allied Health

15 October

Join in and 'get moving' during Veterans' Health Week
More than 720 events that focus on veteran wellbeing will kick off across Australia on 16 October as part of the country's largest Veterans' Health Week to date. The Australian Government has provided a record $540,000 funding for Veterans' Health Week activities that focus on enhancing the overall health of veterans and their families. Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said this year's theme, Get Moving, will promote physical health and encourage veterans and their families to stay active. 'I'm delighted this year's Veterans' Health Week is the biggest yet, with ex-service organisations and community groups coming together to host more than 720 events around the country between Saturday and the end of November,' Minister Gee said.
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Children's Health

21 October

National Centre to provide leadership in supporting victims and survivors of child sexual abuse
On the third anniversary of the National Apology for Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, commemorating the childhoods that were stolen and renewing the Government's commitment and responsibility to protecting Australia's children. In honour, the Government announced that the Blue Knot Foundation, along with its key consortium partners the Australian Childhood Foundation and The Healing Foundation, would establish and deliver the National Centre for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston.
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17 October

WA: Record $10 million boost for health and wellbeing of WA kids
WA Premier Mark McGowan presented a record $10 million donation to Telethon for it to undertake critical work funding charities to deliver key services and programs, which benefit and improve the lives of Western Australian children. The boost represents an increase of $4.5 million in support from last year's contribution and is the biggest donation from the State Government yet, with $8 million going towards the Telethon Trust. Part of the State Government's support includes a $2 million contribution towards the WA Child Research Fund (WACRF) program, said WA Premier Mark McGowan and WA Minister for Health Roger Cook.
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15 October

Extending support for Australian families following infant loss
The Government is providing $400,000 to fund an extension of the highly regarded Red Nose Hospital to Home Program for a further six months, which provides intensive support to grieving families following the loss of a baby. The Hospital to Home Program aims to reduce the likelihood of complications with grief that can lead to mental health issues, poor productivity and other lifelong issues for families that experience the loss of a baby. Minister for Health Greg Hunt, said the Hospital to Home Program provides support to bereaved parents at a time when they are at most risk of isolation and psychological distress.
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Clinical Governance

None this edition.

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Construction and Health Infrastructure

None this edition.

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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

None this edition.

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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

21 October

OAIC publishes annual report on digital health
The independent privacy regulator for the My Health Record system and Healthcare Identifiers Service has detailed its compliance and monitoring activity in its 2020-21 digital health annual report. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) regulates the privacy provisions contained in the My Health Records Act 2012 and the Healthcare Identifiers Act 2010. Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner Angelene Falk said the annual report highlights the OAIC's work to ensure privacy measures for Australia's digital health systems are upheld.
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Education and Training

15 October

Help identify hidden young carers this National Carers Week
Educational institutions around the country are being encouraged to identify and support young carers in their classrooms with the help of a new toolkit from Australia's peak body for unpaid carers. The Young Carer toolkit, a part of the National Carers Week 2021 Caring for Carers resources, can help teachers and support staff recognise that a young person in their school may have caring responsibilities. Carers Australia CEO, Liz Callaghan, said, 'The COVID-19 pandemic has seen more people than ever fulfilling a caring role. This is particularly impacting young carers as they've been required to isolate at home with the person they care for, and deal with disrupted schooling.'
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Funding

21 October

VIC: Jobs Boost: Backing Medical Manufacturing In Geelong
The Victorian Government is supporting a Geelong-based company to create 100 new jobs and drive the state's competitiveness in producing Australian-made medical equipment. Victorian Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas visited the North Geelong headquarters of Care Essentials, which is expanding its medical manufacturing capability backed by funding from the Victorian Government's Regional Jobs Fund. Locally owned and operated Care Essentials has a history of entrepreneurship and innovation, exporting medical equipment and products to more than 60 countries including the US, the UK, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada.
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20 October

$25 million to boost stem cell research in Australia
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said that the Government is boosting Australian led stem cell research through $25 million in grants, to help find and develop innovative, safe and effective treatments for devastating diseases and injuries. Through the Government's Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), the Stem Cell Therapies Mission is investing $150 million over 10 years to support world-leading stem cell research, which will improve health outcomes, in partnership with patients and carers. Minister Hunt, said previous projects funded by the Mission are already starting to show promising results.
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16 October

VIC: Boost for metropolitan health services
The Victorian Government is ensuring health services have the infrastructure they need to deliver the care Victorians deserve, said Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley. Minister Foley announced the 26 health services, community health and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations who will share in the newly created $200 million Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund (MHIF). The MHIF is ensuring health services across metropolitan areas can continue to provide world-class healthcare for all Victorians with almost 50 projects receiving funding under the first round of the program.
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Health Professionals

21 October

GPs urgently need support to tackle looming health crisis
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling on government to undertake genuine, sustainable, and properly funded health system reform to better support community-based healthcare. The call comes via the RACGP's General Practice: Health of the Nation report, an annual health checkup on general practice in Australia. RACGP President Dr Karen Price said that general practices across Australia were doing a tremendous job in challenging circumstances.
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Hospitals

19 October

VIC: New respiratory clinics to reduce pressure on hospitals
Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley said that the Victorian Government will rapidly set up 20 new GP respiratory clinics to enable hundreds of Victorians to access COVID-19 testing and respiratory assessments close to home, without going to hospital. This $23.8 million initiative will see primary care clinics playing a greater role in easing the load on hospitals by reducing emergency department presentations and avoidable visits to hospital. It's estimated the respiratory clinics will support more than 350 patients of all ages a week who have respiratory symptoms, to ensure they receive immediate support in the management of their illness.
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18 October

QLD: Funding Fail: Six ICU beds in two years
There are serious questions about what the State Government has been doing to invest in more ICU beds since the COVID pandemic began. Government data from a Parliamentary Question on Notice shows only six new ICU beds were funded in two years across the entire state. Queensland Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli said the LNP is asking the state government to clarify why it hasn't committed to more permanent fully funded ICU beds.
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15 October

Public hospitals in a cycle of crisis, AMA warns
A new report from the Australian Medical Association (AMA) has described how Australia's public hospitals are caught in an unending cycle of crisis caused by a funding formula which fails to arrest the steady and sustained decline of hospital performance over the last decade. The AMA's latest analysis, 'Public Hospitals: Cycle of Crisis', paints a disturbing picture of even greater unmet demand, fewer hospital beds, overcrowded emergency departments (ED) and longer waits for elective surgery, risking the lives of all Australians. Hospitals are full - there simply aren't enough hospital beds or enough doctors and nurses - and tragic stories of deaths, deterioration and delayed care are becoming increasingly commonplace.
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WA: Derby Hospital solar contract awarded to local companies
A contract to install rooftop solar at the Derby Hospital has been awarded to two West Kimberley companies as part of the WA Recovery Plan. The 364 kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar system will supply around 40 per cent of the hospital's energy requirements and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 334 tonnes annually. Generators and Off-Grid Energy together with Aboriginal-owned construction specialists H&M Tracey Construction have been awarded the contract to design and install the system. WA Minister for Health Roger Cook: 'The Horizon Power solar system will supply up to 40 per cent of the Derby Hospital's electricity, saving over $500,000 a year in electricity charges.'
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WA: $200 million Bunbury Regional Hospital redevelopment underway
WA Minister Cook said that Bunbury Regional Hospital's $200 million redevelopment is officially underway with the car park works tender awarded to Western Australian construction company Devlyn Australia Pty Ltd. More than 200 additional car parking bays will be added to the hospital making it easier for patients and staff to access regional WA's busiest healthcare facility. This step forward marks the Western Australia Government's commitment to improve health infrastructure, ensuring residents of the South West have access to a contemporary facility that meets their growing needs.
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Insurance

None this edition.

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Medicare

15 October

More Australians set to receive a free shingles vaccine
Australians aged between 71-79 years will continue to be able to receive a free Zostavax shingles vaccine, with the Morrison Government extending the program for another two years to 31 October 2023. Shingles is a painful rash which can blister, caused by the same virus as chickenpox. It is a serious infection that is particularly debilitating for older people. One in three adults are at risk of developing the virus in their lifetime. Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said originally announced in 2016, we're extending the catch-up program to enable more Australians to receive the free vaccine and prevent shingles.
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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

21 October

VIC: Mental health support through and beyond the pandemic
Victorian Minister for Mental Health James Merlino said that as lockdown ends thanks to the incredible efforts of Victorians stepping up to get vaccinated, the Victorian Government is providing more mental health support for the community as the state recovers from the pandemic. The Victorian Government's 20 pop-up mental health services are now open and taking referrals for in-person and telehealth appointments to reach those who need support right across the state - with locations in every region to ensure everyone can access quality care, no matter where they live. On top of the $247 million the Victorian Government has invested in the mental health of Victorians during the pandemic, a further $5.68 million will deliver more specialised care for vulnerable people who need intensive support.
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20 October

Federal Government urged to tackle mental health and wellbeing crisis by investing in social prescribing
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Consumer Health Forum of Australia (CHF) and Mental Health Australia urged the government to implement a national social prescribing scheme to tackle Australia's mental health and wellbeing crisis in the 2021 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO). Mental ill health is a growing problem in Australia and has been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. The RACGP, CHF and Mental Health Australia are calling on the Australian Government to support the development of a nationally coordinated scheme dedicated to tackling the problem with innovative local solutions.
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Youth health leaders call for action on the 'missing middle'
Consumers Health Forum of Australia Youth Health Forum said that young leaders have released a Call to Action to promote a much stronger role for young Australians in the design of health services to meet the 'missing middle' needs of teenagers and young adults in health policy. The Call to Action seeks innovations including the creation of a youth healthcare card, a National Youth Commissioner and education in schools to promote understanding of the health system. The call flows from the recent Youth Health Forum National Summit which brought together hundreds of advocates and young people from across Australia to discuss the health system challenges experienced by people aged 18 to 30.
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ACT: Mental Health Minister's first year report card a fail
ACT Shadow Minister for Health Giulia Jones said that: 'After a year in the job, the Minister for Mental Health Emma Davidson seems to have little understanding of the system the Barr Government has entrusted her with administering. In Estimates Hearings, the Minister displayed an alarming lack of knowledge of how the mental health system in Canberra is supposed to work. Under questioning, the Minister confirmed she has not received a single report for improvement in the mental health acute system from the Chief Psychiatrist. 'The Minister offered no timeframe for the implementation of the recommendations of the Assembly's Inquiry into Youth Mental Health of August last year.'
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NSW: Caring for care workers
A new training program will be piloted to help care workers look after themselves and the people they work with amid growing demand for trauma training. The trauma training program, funded by the NSW Nationals in the state government, will see existing aged, disability and community services workers learn about the effects of trauma on themselves and others, and how to maintain their own personal health. NSW Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said participants will gain an understanding of how trauma can affect different people and their families and carers.
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19 October

ACT: New website helps young Canberrans navigate mental health support
ACT Minister for Mental Health Emma Davidson said that a new online tool, MindMap, has launched to help young Canberrans better navigate mental health services and resources. This will improve understanding and access to the many support services available so young people are empowered to make informed decisions for their mental health and wellbeing needs. The website helps children and young people under 25 to navigate support in a practical, safe and anonymous way by providing information on expected wait times, how to access services, advising if a referral is required and linking to resources which are best suited to their needs.
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WA: WA Government helping reduce alcohol-related harm
WA Minister for Health Roger Cook and WA Minister for Mental Health Stephen Dawson said that the WA Government announced Healthway funding of $1.18 million to boost the Mental Health Commission's Alcohol. Think Again campaign. The campaign helps raise awareness about the serious health risks associated with alcohol, urging Western Australian adults to reduce their alcohol use. The partnership between Healthway and the Mental Health Commission is part of the State Government's commitment to achieving a 10 per cent reduction in risky alcohol use by 2024, as recommended by the Sustainable Health Review.
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18 October

Head to Health pop-up mental health clinic to support Canberrans
A new Head to Health pop up clinic will open its doors providing additional mental health support for Canberra residents who have been substantially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government invested more than $1 million to rapidly establish a Head to Health pop-up clinic as the ACT navigates the COVID-19 outbreak. Canberra residents seeking help can call a dedicated number (1800 595 212) to talk to a mental health professional and be directed to the most appropriate care for their individual needs, said Minister Hunt, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman and Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja.
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NSW: Mental health support for NSW child protection frontline
Child protection caseworkers will receive more frequent and easily accessible mental health services as part of the NSW Government's $130 million mental health recovery package. NSW Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor said child protection caseworkers have been working around the clock to keep kids safe during the pandemic, often under challenging circumstances. NSW Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the expansion of caseworker wellbeing checks is in line with objectives of the recently established Child Wellbeing Taskforce.
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NSW: Mental health focus on sport and multiculturalism
The NSW Government is investing in sporting clubs and multicultural communities to provide support for people whose mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The $130 million investment over four years will fund initiatives to offer mental health resources to local sporting groups, training opportunities for community members and a multilingual mental health line. 'The pandemic's impact on people's mental health throughout our state has been significant,' NSW Minister Taylor said.
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NT: Design tender awarded for 18-bed mental health inpatient unit
The NT Government has awarded a $1.8 million design tender to build an 18-bed inpatient unit and Stabilisation and Referral Area in the Top End. Local business Ashford Group Pty Limited was awarded the tender for design work which is expected to be completed by early-2022. The $30 million inpatient unit and $7.5 million Stabilisation Referral Area will bolster capacity at Royal Darwin Hospital and provide a more therapeutic environment for mental health patients, said NT Minister for Health Natasha Fyles.
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17 October

NSW: The Government's economic roadmap has mental health as a top priority with a record
$130 million to provide immediate access to help for anyone whose mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. NSW Premier Perrottet said the lockdown combined with working from home and home schooling has seen a record number of people reach out to crisis lines. NSW Minister Taylor said the new funding will provide public access to private psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health beds as well as training 275,000 people in the community to become mental health first aiders NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the funding builds on the $2.6 billion 2021-2022 NSW Mental Health Budget - the largest mental health investment in the state's history.
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NSW: Commissioner's Champion Award recognises community-led efforts to improve mental health and wellbeing
Tireless efforts to improve the mental health and wellbeing of diverse communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and bushfires have been recognised through the Commissioner's Champion Award, as part of the 2021 NSW Mental Health Matters Awards. Mental Health Commissioner of NSW Catherine Lourey announced the winners of her Commissioner's Champion Award and, for the first time, selected multiple winners to reflect the variety, scale, and importance of community efforts to improve mental health and wellbeing.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

20 October

Melbourne-based individual fined $18,648 for alleged unlawful advertising of nicotine vaping products
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued seven infringement notices totalling $18,648 to a Melbourne-based individual responsible for the Vapespot website, for alleged breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act). The alleged breaches relate to the advertising of nicotine vaping products. The TGA gave the individual detailed guidance about the legal requirements for importers, suppliers and advertisers of nicotine vaping products. Although changes were made to the website, they failed to substantially address the TGA's concerns and it appeared that attempts were made to conceal ownership of the website.
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18 October

AMA welcomes TGA oral contraceptives over-the-counter interim decision
The AMA welcomed the TGA's interim decision rejecting over the counter access to oral contraception. The AMA said the interim decision preserves safe access to these medicines and ensures people can come to informed decisions about the best contraception for their needs, as part of a holistic approach to care. In the interim report the TGA said the complexity of prescribing and risk factors necessitated regular medical reviews with a GP even after initial consultation.
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