Category: Australian News

Greens acting Leader, Nick McKim says the confusion and mismanagement of the pandemic on a Federal level is symptomatic of a Government led by people who want government to do as little as possible.
The Morrison-Joyce ‘small government’ neoliberal ideology has contributed to failures on quarantine, vaccination rollout, aged care and massive pressure on state run health systems.
The Greens will take a message to the election that a better resourced, better run government willing to take responsibility for programs can do more to mitigate and adapt to the twin challenges of climate and covid.
Greens acting leader Senator Nick McKim said:
“Confusion continues around testing, vaccines for kids, aged care and isolation rules. Scott Morrison and Barnaby Joyce don’t really believe in government, and it shows.
“The Greens know that a democratic government can be a powerful force for good, and that the Australian people are becoming increasingly sick of a government that wants to outsource every responsibility.
“We should make big corporations and tycoons pay their fair share of tax so we can fund government programs to respond to the challenges of Covid and climate change.
“Australia deserves better than people who scream about wanting no government at all, while occupying the highest offices in the government.
“At every turn the neoliberal ideology has stopped us from taking action, from purpose-built quarantine to domestic mRNA vaccine production. The government always claims it’s ‘too hard’, but really they would just ideologically prefer a corporation do it.
“We also need a government led response on climate. Market incentives alone are not going to move fast enough for Australia to do it’s part to meet the Paris goals for a safe climate.”

The Morrison Government is investing in the future competitiveness of Australian health and medical research with more than $44 million for postgraduate scholarships, international collaboration and research infrastructure and equipment through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Investment in health and medical research capability through postgraduate scholarships and international partnerships is critical to both create and maintain Australia’s competitive sector.
This funding is part of the $1 billion available for NHMRC’s 2021 grant round, the highest yet through the Medical Research Endowment Account.
The postgraduate scholarships will create opportunities for many graduates in medicine and health sciences to pursue their ideas and tackle the health challenges facing our community.
Today’s investment also includes funding to support international collaboration by established researchers.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said sharing scientific knowledge enables Australian researchers to develop best practices and build international research networks that will accelerate discoveries and their translation into better health outcomes.
“NHMRC’s international partnerships bring researchers together to promote global health objectives and strengthen Australian participation in international research efforts,” Minister Hunt said.
“This announcement is also an investment in the next generation of Australian medical research leaders, with the careers of many of Australia’s foremost health and medical researchers kick-started by an NHMRC postgraduate scholarship.”
Funding announced today comprises:

• $25.7 million to contribute to infrastructure costs of research for 21 independent medical research institutes through the Independent Research Institutes Infrastructure Support Scheme (IRIISS).
• More than $7.24 million to support the early research careers of 65 outstanding health and medical graduates through NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships.
• More than $2.8 million to support collaboration with our regional neighbours, sharing vital resources and ideas to combat complex regional health challenges through NHMRC’s participation in the e-ASIA Joint Research Program.
• More than $2.5 million to support collaborative research with partners through the 2021 NHMRC – European Union Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND) Grants and NHMRC – National Institute for Research Health (UK) Collaborative Research Grants.
• $5.7 million for 45 grants for the procurement of equipment to support the highest quality health and medical research.

“A strong health and medical research system relies on scientists, clinicians and others working together to share knowledge and accelerate discoveries and their translation into better health outcomes,” NHMRC CEO Professor Anne Kelso AO said.
“This collaboration begins with postgraduate research students learning from their mentors, sharing skills and ideas, and continues with international partnerships when researchers around the world come together to solve shared health challenges.”
NHMRC Postgraduate scholarships

NHMRC e-ASIA 2021 Joint Research Program

2021 NHMRC-European Union Joint Programme on Neurodegenerative Disease Research – JPND

2020 NHMRC-NIHR Collaborative Research Grant Scheme Round 3

Three million vaccines are being distributed ahead of the start of the school year to enable the 2.3 million children now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID to get their first vaccine.
They will join children aged 12 to 15, who are rapidly taking up vaccination as part of Australia’s successful vaccination program.
Australia is one of the most vaccinated countries against COVID-19, with over 91 per cent of the eligible population now fully vaccinated and more than three million boosters administered to date.
Australia is also one of the first countries to commence vaccinating children against COVID-19, with the United States also offering children aged 5-11 the Pfizer vaccine.
Over 73 per cent of 12 to 15 year old children have been fully vaccinated and now children aged 5 to 11 can come forward and benefit from the protection a COVID-19 vaccination provides.
High rates of vaccination among children not only contributes to overall community protection but also reduces the chances of outbreaks causing further disruption to children’s schooling and other activities.
Following the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) approval of the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine for the 5 to 11 age group, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has advised the Australian Government on how best to safely incorporate it into Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program.
Parents, carers and guardians can be reassured that by vaccinating their children against COVID-19 they have done everything possible to keep their child safe from this virus.
The Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds will be distributed to vaccine providers in different packaging to the vaccine approved for people 12 and over, and will be clearly differentiated by being dispensed from orange-capped vials instead of grey or purple capped vials.
As with other age groups, the use of this vaccine in children aged 5-11 years should be given in two doses at least 8 weeks apart.
Vaccine deliveries began in late 2021 and have undergone rigorous batch testing in the TGA laboratories.
This vaccine – like all other vaccines – is safe, effective and free and has undergone extensive testing for safety and efficacy before being approved by the TGA.
To date, Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for use in this age group.
The TGA is also currently evaluating an application from Moderna for its COVID-19 vaccine to be used in Australia for children aged 6 to 11 and the Government already has supply deals in place to make it available should it be approved by the TGA and recommended by ATAGI.
Bookings can be made via the Commonwealth’s Vaccine Clinic Finder.

Parents of young children will get help to build their parenting skills under a new Morrison Government-funded national program grant opportunity opening today.
The Parenting Education and Support Program will enable all parents of children up to 11 years of age to develop the confidence and skills they need to support the mental health and wellbeing of their children, including identifying potential problem behaviours early.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said the program was one of a number of initiatives announced in the 2021-22 Budget in response to key recommendations and actions from the Productivity Commission’s Mental Health Inquiry Report and the Government’s world-first National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
“The Parenting Program will offer free, universal, easily accessible, and interactive online parenting education and the Morrison Government is investing $42.3 million over four years from 2021-22 to 2024-25 to make it happen,” Minister Hunt said.
“Our Government will provide funds to an organisation to deliver engaging and interactive parenting resources, strategies and learning tools for parents and carers with a child 0-11 years of age, supported by a national promotion campaign.”
“The Parenting Program will mean more confident parents and carers, and more emotionally well and resilient children. It will improve understanding of children’s mental health and wellbeing, enabling parents and carers to better identify potential behaviour problems, and when and how to access help earlier.”
“The Morrison Government is profoundly committed to protecting the mental health and wellbeing of children and their families – and I am confident the Parenting Program will fill a real need in this area.”
A national study supporting the Children’s Strategy found low levels of child mental health literacy among most Australian parents. It revealed 65% of parents in Australia are not confident they could identify the signs of social or emotional problems in their children and 66% don’t know where to go for help.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman said a key objective is to reduce stigma when parents and carers ask for help and support for themselves and their children.
“The Parenting Program will become the ‘go to’ online resource for people looking to improve their mental health literacy – a normal, proactive parenting option for parents and carers, both new and experienced,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“The Parenting Program will be promoted widely through schools, early learning services, child health and mental health centres, general practitioners, headspace services, Adult Mental Health Centres, Head to Health Kids Hubs and Primary Health Networks.”
“A national multi-media communication campaign will also promote the availability and value of the program, including tackling stigma around participation.”
The Morrison Government is providing unprecedented funding and support for mental health, investing a record $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform.
The guidelines for the grant opportunity will be advertised on the GrantConnect website. More information can be found on this website at: www.grants.gov.au

An Albanese Labor Government will commit $163 million to conserve the Great Barrier Reef and support the tens of thousands of jobs that depend on it.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s national icons. It is central to Queensland life and the Queensland economy. In a normal year, the Reef supports 64,000 jobs and generates $6.4 billion in income.
Preserving national assets like the Great Barrier Reef is an important part of Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia.
In protecting the reef, we are also protecting our future.
To immediately boost conservation efforts and jobs, Labor will commit $85 million to scale up ‘shovel-ready’ work for coral to coast reef resilience and land restoration projects in Reef catchments.
To defend the Reef against the risk of being added to the World Heritage ‘in danger’ list, Labor will commit to funding the Reef 2050 program through to the end of the decade, committing an extra $63 million over the forward estimates.
The current Liberal National Government handed almost half a billion dollars to a tiny, ill-equipped, private foundation in a backroom deal, without a tender.
Labor will terminate the much-criticised funding arrangement with that private foundation, and reallocate any unspent funds, while retaining worthwhile programs.
The future of our reef cannot be dependent on a dodgy Liberal jobs-for-mates deal.
Labor will commit $15 million to marine research in the Southern part of the Great Barrier Reef, to scale up the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre in Gladstone.
The Reef faces significant conservation challenges, in addition to climate change, which remains the greatest threat to Reef health.
Alongside these environmental risks, perceptions about Reef health as well as the COVID-19 pandemic have meant extraordinarily tough times for tourism operators, environmentalists, traditional owners, and regional communities.
The Morrison-Joyce Government has gone missing when it comes to backing North Queensland through this tough time. And they have no plan for what happens next.
Australia’s incredible natural environment is part of who we are as a country and is a drawcard for tourists all over the world. We need to shore up the future of these natural assets just like we do other parts of the economy.
Only an Albanese Labor Government can be trusted to stand up for the Reef and the jobs and communities it supports.
Only Labor will build a better future for Queensland.

Seven clinical trials testing the use of potential breakthrough combination therapies to treat debilitating mental illnesses will receive a total of almost $15 million from the Morrison Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
It is estimated four million Australians experience a mental health disorder ever year, and almost half of all Australians will be affected at some point in their lifetime. Depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders are the most common mental illnesses affecting Australians. Not all patients achieve good results from standard treatments, and few new medications have become available in recent years.
However, there is growing evidence that substances such as psilocybin, and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and cannabidiol (CBD) when used in a controlled environment and supported by psychological/ psychiatric care, may help treat mental illness that has not responded to other treatments.
The seven projects awarded funding under the Government’s Innovative Therapies for Mental Illness Grant will accelerate global efforts to find new treatments for mental illness by supporting Australian-led research into the safety and efficacy of these drugs compared to standard therapies when used in controlled conditions and accompanied by psychotherapy.
The trials have the potential to provide breakthrough treatment for people suffering from persistent mental illness including major depression with alcohol use, anorexia nervosa, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders.
The largest of the grants, more than $3.8 million, will go to a research team at the University of Melbourne for a trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment resistant social anxiety in young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Social anxiety is common in young adults with autism and adds to their disability and distress. Current treatments are often ineffective.
Other trials will use psilocybin for anorexia nervosa, depression and alcohol use; MDMA for alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder; CBD for anxiety disorders in youth; and DMT for major depression and alcohol use.
All the trials are subject to regulatory approvals, including additional approval requirements from states and territories for the use of these drugs.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Government’s MRFF is helping ensure that Australia’s medical research sector remains at the forefront of global innovation.
“It is vital that we continue to support the search for new and better treatments for mental illness. This funding will boost local research into potentially life-saving therapies and offers hope all those suffering from mental illness,” Minister Hunt said.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said mental health and suicide prevention is one of the Government’s highest priorities.
“The prevalence and impact of mental illness is devastating for individuals, families and communities. This research is about ensuring that we explore every avenue of potential treatment for Australians diagnosed with a mental illness,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
The Government’s Medical Research Future Fund is a $20 billion endowment fund, providing sustainable support for Australia’s best and brightest researchers. Further information about the Medical Research Future Fund is available at www.health.gov.au/mrff

National Cabinet met today to discuss our response to COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, new approaches to test, trace isolate and quarantine including the use of rapid antigen tests (RATs) and the vaccine rollout and booster programme.
The Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on the spread of the Omicron variant. Omicron case numbers continue to increase in Australia and globally. Omicron continues to show greater infectivity than the Delta variant, but with less severity.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 612,106 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 2,289 people have died. More than 56 million tests have been undertaken, with 1,643,841 million tests reported in the past 7 days.
Globally there have been over 294.9 million cases and sadly over 5.4 million deaths, with 2.6 million new cases and 7,169 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.
National Cabinet received a detailed update on Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program from Lieutenant General John Frewen, Coordinator General of Operation COVID Shield.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out continues to expand. To date 43 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including 212,497 in the previous 24 hours.
In the previous 7 days, more than 754,500 vaccines have been administered in Australia. More than 94.5 per cent of the Australian population aged 16 years and over have now had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including 98.7 per cent of Australians aged 50 years of age and over and more than 99 per cent of Australians aged 70 years of age and over.
More than 91.6 per cent of Australians aged 16 years and over are now fully vaccinated including more than 96.8 per cent of Australians aged 50 years of age and over and more than 99 per cent of Australians aged 70 years of age and over.
Over 2.7 million booster doses have been administered. Australia has sufficient supplies of boosters, with nearly 18 million mRNA vaccines in stock in Australia. Yesterday, over 176,000 boosters were administered across Australia. Following the widening of eligibility for boosters on 4 January to those who had their second dose at least four months earlier, over 33.8 per cent of those eligible for boosters have had a booster and 28.6 per cent of Australians aged 70 years of age and over have had a booster in the last 8 weeks since the booster program commenced.
National Cabinet will meet again on Thursday 13 January 2022.
Rapid Antigen Tests
National Cabinet noted that COVID-19 tests are free and available at state testing clinics for people who have symptoms or are a close contact.
National Cabinet agreed that up to 10 Rapid Antigen Tests over three months (a maximum of 5 in a month) will be made available free through pharmacies to people holding the following cards:

• Pension Concession Card
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange Card
• Health Care Card
• Low Income Health Card

These free tests will become available in the next two weeks. However, anyone with COVID-19 symptoms and close contacts should attend a state clinic for free testing and not go to a pharmacy to receive a free test. Costs for providing these tests will be shared 50:50 between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories consistent with COVID shared funding agreements.
National Cabinet noted the Commonwealth will provide 10 million RATs to states and territories (a combination of predominantly Point of Care Tests and self tests) to assist with testing and laboratory capacity. National Cabinet agreed to fund these in line with the existing National Partnership Agreement on the COVID-19 Response.
National Cabinet received a briefing from Joe Buffone, Director-General of Emergency Management Australia, on behalf of the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM). Supply chain issues continue to be one of the main disruptors of broad access to RATs. National Cabinet noted that the Commonwealth is working through the NCM to finalise anti-hoarding measures with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and other major retailers that stock RATs to limit the number of RATs available for sale to each individual.
National Cabinet noted the Commonwealth will prohibit price gouging of and the non-commercial export of RATs, similar to actions taken earlier in the pandemic relating to essential goods such as masks, other PPE and hand sanitiser. As was the case previously, price gouging will be defined as supplying or offering to supply essential goods at a price that is more than 120% of the initial purchase price (a 20% markup) and penalties for not complying with this direction will range up to five years imprisonment or $66,000.
Changes to testing requirements
National Cabinet agreed changes to testing requirements for all states except for Western Australia including:

• Removing the requirement for truck drivers to have rolling seven days tests.
• Testing will not be required before patients present to hospital.
• Confirmation PCR test will not be required after a positive RAT. Individual states and territories will provide further information on how a positive RAT will be recorded. Anyone who tests positive is encouraged to contact their GP for support as required.
• Testing before interstate travel will no longer be required except for Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia, with Queensland and Tasmania to review these requirements in the coming weeks. State testing clinics will not be able to be used for interstate travel purposes.
• A second post arrival test for international travelers will not be required except for Queensland, who will review this requirement when they reach 90 per cent double vaccination rate.

Workplace Health and Safety
National Cabinet noted the impact on business of current state workplace Health and Safety laws that could imply requiring employees to return a negative RAT test in order to present to work. National Cabinet agreed the Commonwealth Attorney General will convene a meeting of relevant ministers from all jurisdictions to consider workplace health and safety requirements with a view to removing any potential obligation to impose testing requirements in workplaces on employees
National Return to School Framework
National Cabinet tasked the First Secretaries Group (FSG) let by Mr Phil Gaetjens, Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to develop a national framework to enable students to return to school on day one of term one, and for schools to stay open with consistent requirements across all jurisdictions to be in place prior to the first day of the first term of school. The FSG will report back to National Cabinet at the next meeting.

Two clinical trials which could save lives through new therapies to treat breast cancers that have low rates of survival have been funded, thanks to the Morrison Government.
Tragically, young women diagnosed with breast cancer have a higher rate of recurrence and death from the disease.
To combat this, researchers at the University of Melbourne have conducted a genomic analysis of breast cancer samples from women under 45 years of age. They have identified a new drug target that may improve the prognosis for these young women.
The Morrison Government is directing more than $4.9 million to the researchers to evaluate these new therapies in a clinical trial.
In addition, researchers at the University of New South Wales have turned their attention to treatment resistant triple-negative breast cancer, where new therapies are urgently needed to improve survival rates.
The researchers discovered that blocking what’s called an androgen receptor prevents and treats chemotherapy-resistant triple-negative breast cancer. Pre-clinical models have shown that, when combined with chemotherapy, overall survival rates are significantly improved.
The researchers will use almost $670,000 in Government funding to test this new therapy in a clinical trial.
The funding for both of these trials has been provided through the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Rare Cancers, Rare Diseases and Unmet Need (RCRDUN) clinical trials initiative.
There are limited effective treatment options for many rare cancers and diseases, and the combined health burden is significant.
Through RCRDUN, the Government is increasing trial activity in Australia, supporting high quality research and encouraging novel and innovative treatments.
The two projects announced today are a small part of the 2021 RCRDUN grant program. A further 6 streams are being assessed and recipients will be announced in due course.
The $20 billion MRFF is a long-term investment supporting Australia’s best and brightest researchers. Further information about the MRFF is available at www.health.gov.au/mrff
MRFF 2021 Clinical Trials Activity – Rare Cancers, Rare Diseases and Unmet Need (RCRDUN) Grant Opportunity – Stream 2

Labor calls on the Morrison Government to make Rapid Antigen Tests free for Australians via Medicare.
We have been saying for some time that nobody should be denied a test because they can’t afford one.
We have considered the options and it is clear that this is the simplest, most efficient, fairest and most responsible way to fix the mess that Scott Morrison has made of testing at this critical juncture of the pandemic.
As always, we are prepared to work with the Government to determine the best way to provide free tests through the Medicare system.
It’s clear from Scott Morrison’s ridiculous proposal today that he has absolutely no appreciation of the skyrocketing cost of these tests or the consequences of his failure to order enough of them, quickly enough.
We can’t have people at their most vulnerable and contagious being ripped off, or going undiagnosed, or travelling around cities, suburbs and towns searching in vain for tests they can’t find or afford.
Price is one consideration, we also need the Prime Minister to fix the supply issues he is responsible for as well.
In recent days we have been carefully considering the most economically responsible course of action and it’s clear that the cost of tests are dwarfed by the costs of the Prime Minister’s failures to do his job, his undermining of Medicare, and the economic and health consequences of people not being able to test for the virus.
This can’t wait for a change of government.
Scott Morrison needs to act now. His inability to take responsibility has cost Australians too much already.

Many of us have New Year’s resolutions but the most important one all Australians can make in 2022 is to get any health checks they put aside during the pandemic.
With the heavy focus on COVID-19 for the past two years, many of us haven’t prioritised other areas of our health.
Prevention is a key priority for the Morrison Government. Our 10-year National Preventive Health Strategy focuses on valuing health before illness, highlighting the immense value of maintaining good health throughout a person’s life.
Now is the time to do just that. Australia has a world-class health system and, like COVID, we can prevent many diseases and conditions from developing, or reduce their impact.
One of the best ways to prevent future illness is to keep up to date with regular health checks and early detection programs such as cancer screenings, regular immunisations, and tests for blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections.
Regular cancer screening saves lives and early detection leads to better outcomes for cancer treatments. Some types of cancer can be detected before symptoms appear, and screening can also find changes in cells before they become cancer.
There are three world-leading population-based cancer screening programs in Australia:

• Cervical screening every five years for women aged 25 to 74, subsidised by Medicare
• Breast screening – or mammograms – provided free every two years for women aged 40 to 74 years
• Bowel screening tests – a free, easy, at-home test posted to men and women aged 50 to 74 every two years.

The timing of your next screening will depend on your age, gender and when your last screening was. If you need screening in 2022, you may need to book an appointment.
To book in for a cervical screening test or check when you’re due, contact your GP or healthcare provider.
To book a free mammogram, call BreastScreen Australia on 13 20 50 and you will automatically be directed to your nearest service.
For bowel screening, a kit will be mailed to you every two years once you become eligible. If you need a replacement kit, order one for free online.
Sexual health is also important to your overall health and decreases in testing and treatment for blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections (BBV and STI) mean there could be a lot of people who aren’t aware they have an infection.
If you think you may be at risk, talk to your GP about testing. Medicare items are available for telehealth consultations relating to BBV and STI.
For smokers, the best way to help your health in 2022 is to quit. We know it isn’t always easy, but help is available and there are huge benefits when you kick the habit.
For help to quit smoking, talk to your GP, call Quitline, or visit www.quit.org.au. Research shows that getting the support of a health professional greatly improves a smoker’s chance of successfully quitting.
To help, our Government has extended specific Medicare items for GP nicotine and smoking cessation services – including via telehealth – to 31 December 2023.
For those looking for assistance in reducing their reliance on alcohol and drugs, there is also support available.
Australians can talk to your GP or call the free and confidential National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015. If you prefer to seek online treatment, you can visit Counselling Online, a free and confidential service at: https://www.counsellingonline.org.au/.
The pandemic has not only taken a physical toll on some Australians. Many people have also experienced mental health issues.
Since March last year, our Government has provided more than $1 billion in funding to expand mental health services, including a substantial investment in telehealth.
Help is at hand if you are struggling with your mental health, and there are many ways you can get it. Talk to your GP or visit the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
Anyone experiencing distress can also seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).
Our health system is in a strong position to support Australians with health challenges, throughout the pandemic and beyond.
COVID-19 has taught us the importance of our health and speaking to our health experts when we notice something out of the ordinary. In 2022, I urge you to attend medical appointments and health checks and follow through on any referrals for blood tests or scans. It is about living well for long – it could just save your life.