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.
This is the final edition of the Health Newsletter for 2021. The next edition will be published on Friday 14 January 2022.
Major Announcements
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
22 December
Strengthening support for front line workforces as booster rollout continues
The Australian Government is ensuring the COVID-19 vaccine booster rollout continues at pace, investing over $120 million to support additional financial incentives for General Practice, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics and community pharmacists providing booster vaccines in time for the summer holiday period. From 23 December 2021, a booster incentive of $10 will be paid to these health care providers for the administration of booster doses in addition to existing funding they receive, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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Release all medical and scientific analysis, modelling and advice to national cabinet
Independent Senator Rex Patrick called for the immediate release of all medical and scientific analyses, modelling and advice that will be considered at the meeting of Prime Minister Scott Morrison's National Cabinet. 'Regrettably though unsurprisingly Prime Minister Morrison is looking at the unfolding Omicron outbreak more with a view to the coming Federal election than anything else,' Senator Patrick said.
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TAS: Increased testing capacity
'As we reconnect with the rest of the country, we are ensuring that we have the appropriate health and safety nets in place to keep on top of COVID-19. We know that widespread testing of people with cold or flu-like symptoms, even mild, is vital to track and slow the spread of COVID-19. We have already deployed significant resources towards testing but acknowledge that demand has been high,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff.
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TAS: Mobile testing clinics essential to fighting COVID
With many exposure sites now being listed across Tasmania it is critical the government gives Tasmanians ample opportunity to be tested for COVID. Tasmanian Shadow Health Minister Anita Dow said getting tested plays an incredibly important part in stopping the spread of COVID across communities. 'It is vital COVID testing is made available to rural and regional communities as we start to see exposure sights across the state,' Ms Dow said.
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21 December
Protecting remote communities in the Northern Territory from COVID-19
'The Australian Government has implemented further measures to protect remote communities during the current COVID-19 outbreak in the Northern Territory. As Minister for Health and Aged Care, I have made a determination under section 477 of the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act 2015 to prevent a person from entering or exiting Ali Curung and surrounding homelands, which is aimed at stopping any further spread of COVID-19 in the region,' said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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A national plan is needed now to tackle Omicron
The AMA is calling on National Cabinet to institute a national plan to tackle Omicron, urging its members not to wait until it is too late AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said Omicron is quickly overtaking the Delta variant around the world and is increasingly driving infection rates in Australia. 'Tightening public health restrictions should not be seen as a policy failure. COVID-19 has thrown many different challenges at governments, and we need to be able to respond to these, otherwise we put people's lives and livelihoods at risk.'
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QLD: Quarantine period for close contacts halved to 7 days
The quarantine period for close contacts of COVID-19 cases has been halved. Close contacts include anyone with 15 minutes of face to face contact with a case. Fully vaccinated close contacts will need to quarantine for seven days, not 14. They will need to return negative tests on day 1 and day 5, said Queensland Acting Minister for Health Steven Miles.
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20 December
QLD: $200 million boost for COVID fight
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a $200 million boost for Queensland hospitals. The immediate injection will go towards dealing with increasing COVID cases and any pressures on the health system as a result. It's made possible by Queensland's strong economic recovery revealed in the Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Review. The Premier said the first dollars from this dividend will be spent on continuing to keep Queenslanders safe.
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QLD: First accommodation complete at Wellcamp
The first stage of the Government's regional quarantine facility at Wellcamp has been completed construction and is almost ready to take the first arrivals in 2022. Queensland Minister Miles visited the Queensland Regional Accommodation Centre to view the first completed structures. 'Today marks an important milestone in the delivery of Queensland's first purpose-built regional quarantine facility,' Mr Miles said. 'Construction is now complete on the first 130 accommodation modules and in the process of being fitted-out, furnished and ready for travellers to arrive in early 2022,' Mr Miles said.
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TAS: Testing clinics must be adequately resourced over summer
An increase in demand for COVID-19 testing clinics now borders are open must be addressed by the government. Tasmanian Shadow Minister Dow said with more and more exposure sites being added daily the necessity for testing has become incredibly important. 'Maintaining high levels of testing is an essential way we can keep on top of COVID in our state and keep our community safe,' Ms Dow said.
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19 December
RACGP provides guidance for GPs caring for 'long COVID' patients
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has released new guidelines to help GPs and their teams care for patients with post-COVID-19 conditions, commonly called 'long COVID'. The condition of long COVID, now officially recognised by the World Health Organization, refers to a range of symptoms that can last for months after the initial COVID-19 illness. The ongoing effects remain unknown, and prolonged illness could potentially last for years. The symptoms can be very debilitating and include fatigue, breathlessness, anxiety and depression, chest pain, 'brain fog' as well as changes to taste and smell.
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TAS: Masks to be mandatory for indoor settings
Effective from 12.01am Tuesday 21 December, masks are mandatory for all indoor settings except in places of residence, including on public transport or in taxis or ride sharing where people could come into contact with another person. Masks are a cheap, easy way of reducing the likelihood of COVID-19 spreading in the community, and they are already mandatory in higher-risk settings such as events or large sporting events. Mandating them for indoors in Tasmania will add another important safeguard in the defence against potential COVID-19 spread in the community, said the Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein.
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18 December
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting
On Wednesday 15 December 2021 ATAGI reviewed the latest developments relating to COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccine safety. In addition, ATAGI continues to monitor COVID-19 epidemiology in Australia including the Omicron variant of concern and the timing of COVID-19 booster vaccination. ATAGI stresses that vaccination is a key public health intervention to prevent infection, transmission and severe disease due to SARS-CoV-2. ATAGI recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all Australians from 5 years of age.
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17 December
QLD: Masks mandated to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Queenslanders will be required to wear masks in certain settings across the state to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections. Queensland Minister for Health Yvette D'Ath said the mask-wearing requirements would apply to all of Queensland from 1am Saturday 18 December. Ms D'Ath said the rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases infectious in the community meant it was time for Queenslanders to mask-up again.
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Aged Care
20 December
Strengthening leaders and governance across aged care
The Government launches an education program to help aged care providers strengthen organisational governance and leadership. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck said strong leadership within the sector is critical for driving the cultural change required for high-quality levels of care. The 'Governing for Reform in Aged Care' education program is an important component of the Government's once-in-a-generation aged care reform plan aimed at supporting providers to fulfil responsibilities to consumers.
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17 December
More than $100 million invested to improve aged care service delivery
The Government announces an additional $22 million to ensure senior Australians can access sustainable, high-quality residential care, under a new round of funding through the Business Improvement Fund (BIF). Minister Colbeck said latest investment underlined the Government's commitment to strengthen the business framework for providers across the country. The Government invested in nearly 200 residential aged care providers through the first round of the BIF to improve service delivery and viability and ensure the needs of senior Australians are met.
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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
21 December
Australian childhood vaccination remains at record levels
Australia's global reputation as an immunisation nation has continued, as parents protect their children from disease at record rates. Australians have embraced vaccination against COVID-19, it has helped to save lives and protect lives. In addition, the nation has continued its excellent record of vaccination against other serious diseases, said the Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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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
22 December
VIC: Boost for dental catch-up care
The Government is ensuring that more Victorians are getting the dental care they need, where they live - with more 'catch-up' care beginning in January. A new $27 million package to deliver more check-ups and treatments will kick off right across Victoria and run until June. This funding will help public dental providers catch up and meet increased demand for dental services - targeting waiting lists and providing immediate access to public dental services and treatment for Victorians who have delayed or deferred treatment during the pandemic, said Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley.
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Disabilities
17 December
Continued support for NDIS participant vaccination and boosters
Support for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants to access the COVID- 19 vaccination and boosters will continue into 2022, Minister for the NDIS Linda Reynolds announced. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has a temporary pricing arrangement in place, for eligible providers to support participants to get their two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination. This support for the first two doses will be extended to the end of March.
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Changes to the NDIA Board
Minister Reynolds announced a number of appointments and reappointments to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board. Four new members have been appointed to the Board with effect from 1 January 2022; Ms Leah van Poppel; Dr Peta Seaton AM; Ms Meredith Allan and Dr Denis Napthine. Minister Reynolds said these appointments were made in consultation with the states and territories, and with careful consideration of the specialist skills, knowledge and experience required to guide the NDIA through its next phase.
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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
22 December
Extension to Image Based Prescription Special Arrangement
The Department of Health has extended the 'image based prescription' interim measure which allows the supply of PBS medicines from a digital image of a prescription. Under this Special Arrangement, following a Medicare-subsidised telehealth consultation a prescriber is able to create a digital image of a legal paper prescription. With the patient's permission, the prescriber may forward the copy of the prescription to the pharmacy of the patient's choice by email, text message or fax.
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20 December
NT: Improving Telehealth Services in the Territory
The Territory Government has partnered with Healthdirect Australia to bolster telehealth care services across the Territory. The new video call service will be implemented in two stages with stage one already underway. Under stage one, 10 specialities and services are live on the new platform including the Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospital's Women Children and Youth Division, RDPH Allied Health and the Central Australia Medical Retrievals and Consultation Centre. Stage two will expand the rollout to all remaining relevant specialties and services across NT Health, said NT Minister for Health Natasha Fyles.
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17 December
ACCC proposes to authorise arrangements for Primary Health Network to scale up data extraction tool for wider use
The ACCC has issued a draft determination proposing to authorise arrangements which allow WA Primary Health Alliance Ltd (WAPHA) and a group of organisations managing other Primary Health Networks (PHNs, collectively, the Participating PHNs) to jointly scale up and develop their own data extraction software for use by the Participating PHNs and their affiliated General Practice (GP) clinics (the Proposed Conduct).
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Education and Training
21 December
SA: Health courses most popular as uni offers go live
Aspiring doctors, nurses and medical researchers are among more than 12,000 South Australian students receiving a university offer. A total of 12,641 offers will arrive in inboxes in the main round of offers, after Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) scores for the Class of 2021 were released. Medicine and health proved the most popular area of study with 4,635 successful applicants, followed by humanities, social sciences and religious studies, education and teaching, business and economics and engineering. SA Minister for Education John Gardner congratulated all those entering university next year.
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Funding
21 December
Be UV aware and help turn the tide on skin cancer
A $10 million national awareness campaign will hit iconic Australian beaches this summer to remind Australians to be UV aware and stay safe in the sun in 2022. The campaign is part of a $20 million Australian Government investment over the next two years in skin cancer awareness activities, the Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said skin cancer is estimated to cause more than 1,315 deaths in Australia in 2021, a figure that is far too high.
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Health Professionals
None this edition.
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Hospitals
19 December
QLD: More than 100 extra ambulance officers to hit the road
The Government is hiring an extra 108 frontline ambulance officers to meet the ever-growing demand for ambulance services. With 44 of the new officers having already commenced their induction training, those new officers will be on road or taking Triple Zero (000) calls by Christmas. The remaining new recruits will be out in the field by March 2022. 'The government has already recruited an additional 179 ambulance officers this financial year and now there are an extra 108 ambulance officers on the way,' Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said.
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Insurance
23 December
Delivering Australia's lowest private health insurance premium change in 21 years
'The Government’s ongoing reforms to private health insurance have contributed to the lowest annual average premium change for consumers since 2001, which will be 2.70 percent in 2022. The 2022 premium change is not only the lowest over two decades, but approximately half that of those when Labor was last in government. Our Government has delivered on its commitment to improve the value and affordability of private health insurance, delivering the eighth successive decline in premiums changes since the Coalition was elected in 2013,' said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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Medicare
23 December
Medicare bulk billing remains high across Australia
High numbers of Australians continue to receive the medical care they need at no cost to themselves, with recent data showing almost 9 out of 10 visits to the GP in the last quarter were provided with no out-of-pocket cost for the patient. GP bulk billing rates reached 89.6 per cent in the quarter from July to September 2021. This is an increase of 0.7 percentage points from the previous quarter (April to June 2021). It is also 7.9 percentage points higher than July to September 2012-13 (81.7%). Across all Medicare services, the bulk billing rate reached 82.4%, an increase of 6.5 percentage points since 2012-13 (76.0%), said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
21 December
VIC: Specialist mental health care for Victorian women
An investment of more than $100 million will deliver the Australian-first Specialist Women's Mental Health Service - with 35 acute mental health beds in Melbourne and Shepparton to support women with a range of complex conditions. This service will provide care for those who have experienced trauma and sexual abuse, women presenting with eating disorders, women experiencing perinatal mental health concerns and women who identify as LGBTIQ+, in partnership with Alfred Health, Ramsay Health Care and Goulburn Valley Health, said Victorian Minister for Mental Health James Merlino.
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20 December
VIC: Better access to mental health support in Geelong
Victorians living in the Geelong region seeking mental health support, will have access to additional services and quality support over the holiday period through the Federal Government's new Head to Health centre. The Geelong Head to Health centre will commence phone and outreach services, ahead of offering its full suite of services in 2022. These services will ensure Victorians in the Geelong region can access high quality mental health services to support them through the holiday period and beyond. Victorian Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt, Victorian Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman and Victorian Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said Head to Health focused on recovery and individual needs.
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19 December
VIC: Building the mental health workforce of the future
The Government has released a blueprint to build and support Victoria's mental health workforce, with extra funding to immediately deliver more than 350 jobs to make sure the once-in-a-generation mental health reforms are matched with a workforce to deliver the specialist care Victorians need, close to home. The new Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Strategy 2021-2024 will guide the Government's work to grow the mental health system's most important asset: a workforce that delivers world-class care, with clinicians who feel rewarded and supported in their vital work, said Victorian Minister Merlino.
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18 December
Additional mental health support for the Devonport community
The Government is providing $800,000 in urgent mental health support to the community of Devonport to assist people affected by the jumping castle tragedy, including families, children and first responders. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister Hunt and Assistant Minister Coleman said the mental health package would also include a community grants program, support for the local headspace to ensure young people impacted have appropriate trauma-informed care, and training for first responder organisations and the broader community in trauma informed care and psychological first aid.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
22 December
Tocilizumab (Actemra) shortage: Supply improving
22 DEC: Roche Products Pty Limited (Roche Australia) have advised that availability of tocilizumab (Actemra) in Australia is improving but supply disruptions to some tocilizumab products will continue beyond January 2022, said the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). A small amount of 400mg IV tocilizumab is arriving in Australia in late December. Following supply modelling and collaboration between the TGA, Roche Australia, the Australian Rheumatology Association and Arthritis Australia, it has been advised that the use of IV tocilizumab (Actemra) in some patient groups can be increased.
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Extension to Image Based Prescription Special Arrangement
The Department of Health has extended the 'image based prescription' interim measure which allows the supply of PBS medicines from a digital image of a prescription. Under this Special Arrangement, following a Medicare-subsidised telehealth consultation a prescriber is able to create a digital image of a legal paper prescription. With the patient's permission, the prescriber may forward the copy of the prescription to the pharmacy of the patient's choice by email, text message or fax, said the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
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19 December
New treatment for heart failure to support thousands of Australian patients
From 1 January 2022, tens of thousands of Australians with symptomatic heart failure will have access to a new treatment option on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), saving lives and protecting lives across the nation. The Government is expanding the listing of Forxiga (dapagliflozin) for the treatment of symptomatic heart failure. Forxiga is currently listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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17 December
Commcare (WA) Pty Ltd (St Francis Pharmacy) fined $39,960 for alleged advertising breaches relating to medicinal cannabis
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued three infringement notices totalling $39,960 to Western Australian-based company Commcare (WA) Pty Ltd (trading as St Francis Pharmacy), for alleged unlawful advertising of medicinal cannabis in breach of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act). Commcare (WA) allegedly made reference to medicinal cannabis in advertising on its website. In Australia, medicinal cannabis is regulated as a prescription medicine and cannot be advertised to the public. It is alleged that the company also advertised, on a poster displayed in its shop, medicinal cannabis that was not entered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) at the time of advertising.
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Essential Principles - consent for noncompliance
There are Criminal Offences under S41MA and Civil Penalties under S41MAA of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, for persons who import, supply or export medical devices that do not meet the Essential Principles for safety and performance. However, there may be extenuating circumstances preventing compliance to one or more parts of an Essential Principle for a limited period of time. In such circumstances sponsors may request consent to import, supply or export medical devices which do not meet an Essential Principle, said the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
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AMA calls on TGA to stop publishing details of misleading smoking cessation services
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has called on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to stop immediately publishing details of 'pop-up' online services that are misrepresenting themselves as smoking cessation services. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid has written to the TGA to express his deep concern that it has published a list of authorised prescribers of nicotine vaping products, some of which 'masquerade' as smoking cessation services when in fact they do nothing more than provide easy access to nicotine vaping products.
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Research
22 December
Researchers find key to drivers of kidney disease
For the first time researchers at the Australian National University have identified a gene that shows the kidney has its own way of resisting damage. The finding has major implications - especially for Indigenous people with kidney diseases such as Tiwi Islanders. The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, sequenced the genome of patients with autoimmune kidney disease and Tiwi Islanders with extremely high rates of kidney disease.
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19 December
$276 million to back Australia's brightest health scientists
To continue support for Australian medical research, the Government is making $276.4 million available through twelve research grant opportunities to improve health outcomes for all Australians and tackle the global challenges in health. Australian health and medical research continues to drive innovation to develop new therapies and treatments for a range of illnesses, increasing the understanding of human health, and developing new ways of improving the health of all Australians, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
None this edition.
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Women's Health
None this edition.
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Transcripts
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
22 DEC: Transcript of Interview with Jayne Azzopardi, Today Show
Subjects: Booster rollout, GPs and pharmacies funding, COVID-19 testing, Modelling, Mask mandates, Omicron variant, Federal election
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
22 DEC: Transcript of Interview with Edwina Bartholomew and Matt Shirvington, Sunrise
Subjects: Restrictions, Booster shots, SunSmart campaign, Omicron variant, Health system, Vulnerable Australians, COVID testing, National cabinet
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt
22 DEC: Transcript of Interview with Chris Smith, 2GB Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19 vaccine booster roll out, Vaccine rollout, ATAGI advice, Vaccinating children, Vaccine supply, Pharmacy vaccine rollout, Modelling, National Cabinet, Novavax
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud
22 DEC: Transcript of Interview with Gabriella Power, Sky News
Subjects: Queensland border restrictions, Increased COVID-19 protective measures, Holiday season, Drought program, Agriculture, Water resources
Acting Leader of the Australian Labor Party Richard Marles
22 DEC: Transcript of Interview with Cathy Van Extel, ABC RN Breakfast
Subjects: Meeting of National Cabinet, Booster rollout, Funding to GPs and Pharmacists, Mask mandates, Vaccine rollout, Omicron variant
Acting Leader of the Australian Labor Party Richard Marles
22 DEC: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Geelong
Subjects: Lazarus Community Centre in Geelong, National cabinet, Vaccine rollout, Rapid antigen testing, Mask mandates, Omicron variant, Modelling, GPs and pharmacy funding
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt
21 DEC: Transcript of Press Conference, Bribie Island
Subjects: Melanoma and skin cancer, Sun smart campaign, Childhood vaccination, National skin cancer campaign, National Cabinet, Omicron, Mask mandate
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
21 DEC: Transcript of President, Dr Omar Khorshid's Interview, Perth Press Conference
Subjects: Calls for national plan to combat threat of Omicron, Booster program
Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler
21 DEC: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Adelaide
Subjects: Prime Minister, Booster rollout, COVID-19 testing wait times, Mask mandates, Rapid antigen tests, Full vaccination, Independent candidates
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
20 DEC: Transcript of President, Dr Omar Khorshid's Interview with David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffreys, Channel 9 Today
Subjects: Omicron outbreak, Public restrictions, Border restrictions, Lockdowns
Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler
20 DEC: Transcript of Interview with Cathy van Extel, ABC RN Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19 booster vaccine rollout, Omicron variant, COVID-19 vaccine booster program, Vaccine demand, Border restrictions, Hospital system capacity
Shadow Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten
20 DEC: Transcript of Interview with David Campbell & Michelle Stephenson, Today Show
Subjects: COVID-19, Omicron variant, Christmas, Public health measures, Lockdown, Economic recovery
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt
19 DEC: Transcript of Press Conference, Canberra
Subjects: PBS heart disease medication, Medical research funding, COVID-19 Boosters, Netherlands lockdown, International vaccines, Restrictions
Acting Leader of the Australian Labor Party Richard Marles
19 DEC: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: Critical skills shortage, Prime minister, Booster rollout, Education and training funding, Omicron variant, Mask mandates, Lockdowns
Premier of Tasmania Peter Gutwein, Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley and Prime Minister Scott Morrison
18 DEC: Transcript of Press Conference, Hobart
Subjects: Devonport tragedy, Nuyina, Antarctic science program, COVID, Vaccination rate, Inflatable equipment, Omicron, Booster shots, Restrictions, Indigenous vaccination rates
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
18 DEC: Transcript of Interview of President, Dr Omar Khorshid, ABC News
Subjects: Record daily COVID-19 infections in New South Wales and Omicron, Restrictions
Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler
18 DEC: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Adelaide
Subjects: Booster rollout, Grant program, Funding to GPs and pharmacists, Omicron variant, Prime Minister, Employment, Vaccine shortage
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Reports
Therapeutic Goods Advertising Consultative Committee - Communique 6 December 2021
Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
The Therapeutic Goods Advertising Consultative Committee (TGACC) met on 6 December 2021. The TGACC comprises a range of stakeholder organisations with an interest in the advertising of therapeutic goods in Australia, including from the business, media, consumer and health professional sectors.
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Provisional Mortality Statistics
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
In 2021, 124,184 deaths occurred by 31 October and were registered by 30 November. The number of deaths were slightly above historical averages in September and October but mortality rates remain below average.
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COVID-19 Mortality
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
1,671 deaths due to COVID-19 that occurred by 31 October 2021 have been registered by 30 November and received by the ABS. The ABS expects to receive further registrations for this period from the jurisdictional Registries of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
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Health Expenditure Australia 2019-20
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
Regular reporting of national health expenditure is vital to understanding the health system and its relationship to the economy as a whole. In 2019-20:
- total health spending was $202.5 billion, equating to $7,926 per person
- health spending increased by 1.8% in real terms, which was lower than the decade average of 3.4% in the first year of COVID-19, government health spending increased faster while non-government spending reduced compared to previous years.
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Hansards
None this edition.
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
Biosecurity (Emergency Requirements - Remote Communities) Determination (No. 3) 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01885
The Biosecurity (Emergency Requirements-Remote Communities) Determination (No. 3) 2021 (the 'Determination') replicates the requirements contained in Biosecurity (Emergency Requirements-Remote Communities) Determination (No. 2) 2021 (which was repealed at 5pm Northern Territory time, 22 December 2021), commencing immediately after registration and will be in force until 5pm Northern Territory time, 23 December 2021.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01884
The Australian Government is committed to offering every person in Australia access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. On 22 December 2021, the Australian Government announced a new temporary Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item will be made available to support GPs to provide COVID- 19 booster doses. The item, which will pay a $10 incentive on top of existing MBS items when a patient receives a COVID-19 booster vaccination, will be available from 23 December 2021 to 30 June 2022.
Explanatory Statement
Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 7) 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01879
The Amendment Rules make consequential amendments to the Benefit Requirements Rules and the Complying Product Rules to implement changes to the private health insurance clinical categorisations and procedure type classification of items of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) to reflect changes to MBS items that take effect from 1 January 2022.
Explanatory Statement
Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Vaccination Information) Principles (No. 2) 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01873
The Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Vaccination Information) Principles (No. 2) 2021 (Amending Principles) amends the Accountability Principles 2014 (Accountability Principles), the Information Principles 2014 (Information Principles) and the Records Principles 2014 (Records Principles).
Explanatory Statement
National Health (COVID-19 Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment (Additional Extension) Special Arrangement 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01870
The National Health (COVID-19 Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment (Additional Extension) Special Arrangement 2021 (the Amendment Instrument) amends the National Health (COVID-19 Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Special Arrangement 2020 (the Special Arrangement). The Amendment Instrument extends the date of repeal of the Special Arrangement by three months, so it is repealed at the start of 1 April 2022.
Explanatory Statement
Biosecurity (Emergency Requirements - Remote Communities) Determination (No. 2) 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01863
The Biosecurity (Emergency Requirements-Remote Communities) Determination (No. 2) 2021 (Determination) determines requirements (referred to as remote communities' requirements) to prevent or control the entry or spread of the listed human disease 'human coronavirus with pandemic potential' (COVID-19) in parts of Australian territory defined as designated areas. The designated areas are described in Schedule 1 to the Determination and are located in the Northern Territory.
Explanatory Statement
Therapeutic Goods (Serious Scarcity and Substitutable Medicine) (Tocilizumab) Amendment Instrument 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01852
The Therapeutic Goods (Serious Scarcity and Substitutable Medicine) (Tocilizumab) Instrument 2021 ('the Principal Instrument') is a legislative instrument made under subsection 30EK(1) of the Act. It declares two medicines as scarce medicines, ACTEMRA tocilizumab (rch) 162mg/0.9mL solution for injection pre-filled syringe, and ACTEMRA tocilizumab (rch) 162g/0.9mL solution for injection prefilled pen, ACTPen Autoinjector, and has the effect that each are specified as being substitutable for the other in the relevant permitted circumstances.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Accredited Pathology Laboratories - Approval) Amendment (Relevant Standards) Principles (No. 2) 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01850
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Accredited Pathology Laboratories - Approval) Amendment (Relevant Standards) Principles (No.2) 2021 (the Amending Instrument) is to amend the Principles to incorporate the following revised and new accreditation standards:
- Requirements for Use of Digital Images as an Alternative to Direct Microscopy (First Edition 2021)
- Requirements for Procedures related to the Collection, Processing, Storage and Issue of Human Haemopoietic Progenitor Cells (Sixth Edition 2021)
- Requirements for Point of Care Testing (Second Edition 2021).
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Section 3C General Medical Services - Telehealth and Phone GP Fee Alignment) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01839
In 2004, the Government announced a number of policies to increase the bulk-billing rate for GP services. One of the measures was to increase the benefit for GP items from 85% of the schedule fee to 100% of the fee. Ongoing GP items are currently prescribed in subsection 28(1) of the Health Insurance Regulations 2018 (HIR). On 1 March 2022, the Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No. 4) Regulations 2021 will amend the HIR to include a number of general practice remote service items that were originally created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic but have been continued following the realisation of the need for these services in these forms. This includes all GP and medical practitioner (excluding specialist and consultant physician) items in Group A40, A41, A42, A43 and A45.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Section 3C Midwife and Nurse Practitioner Services) Amendment (No. 2) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01838
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C Midwife and Nurse Practitioner Services) Amendment (No. 2) Determination 2021 (the Amendment Determination) is to implement the Government's response to the Participating Midwives Reference Group (PMRG) recommendations 4, 5 and 7 of the MBS Review Taskforce's Report on Primary Care, amending three items and inserting four new items for participating midwife attendances.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) Amendment (Limit to Intermediate and High Risk Surgical Patients) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01837
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) Amendment (Limit to Intermediate and High Risk Surgical Patients) Determination 2021 (the Amendment Determination) is to amend the Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) Determination 2018 (the Principal Determination) to amend transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedural item 38495 and introduce new item 38514 to reflect the two separate clinical populations that have been supported by the MSAC for the TAVI procedure.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Medical Services - General Practice Attendance for Assessing Patient Suitability for a COVID-19 Vaccine) Amendment (No. 4) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01816
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - General Practice Attendance for Assessing Patient Suitability for a COVID-19 Vaccine) Amendment (No. 4) Determination 2021 (the Amendment Determination) is to introduce two new items to allow COVID-19 vaccine suitability assessment services to be performed outside of consulting rooms by qualified health professionals under remote supervision by a medical practitioner.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Professional Services Review Scheme) Amendment (Prescribed Pattern of Services) Regulations 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01815
The PSR Scheme protects patients and the community by reviewing and examining possible instances of inappropriate practice by practitioners when they provide Medicare services. Addressing inappropriate practice, which is linked to lower quality health care and unnecessary servicing, leads to improved patient care.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No. 3) Regulations 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01814
The purpose of the Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No. 3) Regulations 2021 (the Regulations) is to amend the GMST, DIST and PST to remove certain telehealth items, and make minor policy and administrative changes.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No. 4) Regulations 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01812
The purpose of the Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No. 4) Regulations 2021 (the Regulations) is to amend the GMST to implement the Government's response to recommendations form the MBS Review Taskforce (the Taskforce) regarding pain management, anaesthesia, and gynaecological services.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Telehealth Clinical Support Services) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01811
The purpose of the Health Insurance Amendment (Telehealth Clinical Support Services) Determination 2021 (the Determination) is to implement changes which will remove and consolidate telehealth items listed across three Principal Determinations.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Section 3C Diagnostic Imaging - Cardiac MRI for Myocarditis) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01810
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C Diagnostic Imaging - Cardiac MRI for Myocarditis) Determination 2021 (the Determination) is to list a new temporary item for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose myocarditis associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The item is for use in circumstances where myocarditis cannot be definitively diagnosed using conventional imaging and other diagnostic tests. This Determination commences on 1 January 2022.
Explanatory Statement
Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No. 4) Regulations 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01809
The purpose of the Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No. 4) Regulations 2021 (the Regulations) is to amend the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990 (the TG Regulations) and the Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices) Regulations 2002 (the MD Regulations), principally to reduce regulatory burden for sponsors and manufacturers of medical devices.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Extension of Cessation Dates and Pathology COVID-19 Services Amendments) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01808
The purpose of the Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Extension of Cessation Dates and Pathology COVID-19 Services Amendments) Determination 2021 (the Amendment Determination) is to:
- amend the cessation date of three legislative instruments; and
- make Government policy changes to the COVID-19 pathology services from 1 January 2022.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Telehealth and Telephone Attendances) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument - F2021L01805
From 1 January 2022, patient access to certain general practitioner (GP), specialist and allied health telehealth and phone services will be continued. Telehealth and phone services have been available since March 2020, but these items were temporary and created specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Telehealth and Telephone Attendances) Determination 2021 (the Determination) is to provide patients continued access to certain remote service options.
Explanatory Statement
Western Australia
14 DEC 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions On Notice - Fiona Stanley Hospital - Cardiology Services
14 DEC 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions On Notice - WA Country Health Service - Kimberley - Nurses
14 DEC 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Homelessness - Deaths
14 DEC 2021: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions On Notice - Hospitals - Elective Surgery - Cancellations
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
NSW
18 DEC 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 657: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order (No 4) Amendment (No 1) Order 2021
16 DEC 2021: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 653: Extraordinary Gazette - Public Health Act 2010 - Section 7 - Public Health (COVID-19 Vaccination of Education and Care Workers) Order (No 2) 2021
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Consolidated Legislation
Health Insurance (Pathologist-determinable Services) Determination 2015
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C01316
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Pathologist-determinable Services) Amendment Determination 2021.
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National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement 2021
Act Compilation - F2021C01315
PB 27 of 2021 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (December Update) Instrument 2021.
Download
National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2021C01313
PB 71 of 2012 Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No. 11).
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New Bills
None this edition.
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New Acts
None this edition.
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