Category: Australian News

Research into issues affecting older Australians has taken another step forward with the new national academic centre at Frankston Hospital – which will house the National Centre for Healthy Ageing – opening its doors today.

Through a partnership between the Government, Peninsula Health and Monash University, the academic centre will work towards transforming health service development, implementation, research and evaluation for older people, as well as those with addiction and mental health issues.

One of the key research points of the Centre will be to explore new and innovative ways to harness technology and data to help senior Australians remain independent.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Centre will deliver better ways to care for elderly Australians, with successful models then able to be rolled out nationally.

“The Frankston and Mornington Peninsula has one of the fastest ageing populations in the country,” Minister Hunt said. “It is an ideal place to explore innovative health care solutions for older people, whether it be at home or in residential aged care.”

“Our Government is pleased to partner with Monash University and Peninsula Health to make the project a reality.”

“By delivering sustainable, evidence-based, efficient models of care, it will support people with increasingly complex health conditions to live their best lives.”

The Morrison Government invested $32 million in the healthy ageing component of the Centre, delivered through the $1.25 billion Community Health and Hospitals Program.

Supported by state-of-the-art ‘living labs’ for research activities and the latest technology, the new centre will help deliver the Government’s commitment to ensuring all Australians can access quality health care, when and where they need it.

Investing in health and medical research is a key pillar of the Morrison Government’s Long Term National Health Plan. Over the next four years, we will invest more than $6.6 billion in lifesaving health and medical research.

Australians will have access to four new medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from March 1 to help fight COVID-19, chronic graft versus host disease, leukaemia and a rare blood disease called paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH).

COVID-19 Treatment

From March 1, a prescription-only COVID-19 treatment will be available on the PBS for Australians highest risk of developing severe COVID-19.

Lagevrio® (molnupiravir) is an oral anti-viral medicine which can be used by patients with mild-moderate COVID- 19 who have a high risk for developing severe disease, reducing the need for admission to hospital.

Adults who have mild to moderate COVID-19 confirmed by a PCR or RAT verified by the prescribing doctor and who can start treatment within five days of symptom onset, can be prescribed PBS-subsidised Lagevrio by their doctor if:

• they are 65 years of age or older, with two other risk factors for severe disease (as increasing age is a risk factor, patients who are 75 years of age of older only need to have one other risk factor); or
• they identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin, and are 50 years of age or older with two other risk factors for severe disease, or
• they are moderately to severely immunocompromised.

A PBS listing for Lagevrio means eligible Australians can access this medicine from their local community pharmacy on a prescription from their doctor.

It is important that patients continue to follow local health guidance to isolate if they test positive for COVID-19, including using telehealth to see their doctor and asking their pharmacy to arrange for Lagevrio to be delivered at home, if necessary.

Graft versus host disease

Uvadex® (methoxsalen) is being listed on the PBS for the first time for Australians with chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD), a complication that can occur when patients undergoing cancer treatment receive transplanted stem cells from a donor.

cGVHD is a complication of allogeneic stem cell transplant, that occurs when donor bone marrow or stem cells start recognising the recipient’s body as foreign and start attacking the recipient’s body cells.

This causes damage in the body, especially to the liver, skin and gut. cGVHD can appear immediately or any time after a patient’s allogeneic transplant.

Uvadex® will be used as part of an integrated, closed system extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) service for the treatment of cGVHD.

ECP is a type of treatment which removes some of a patient’s blood using a machine. The machine separates the white blood cells—then red blood cells and plasma go back into the body.

The white blood cells are mixed with Uvadex^®, then exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light and put back into the patient.

The listing of Uvadex® on the PBS will benefit around 180 Australians a year, who without subsidy could pay more than $9,200 per course of treatment.

Leukaemia

Mylotarg^® (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) is also being listed for the first time for Australians with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)

AML is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which the bone marrow makes immature white blood cells in high numbers. These abnormal cells crowd the bone marrow, preventing it from making normal blood cells.

AML is one of the rarer forms of cancer, accounting for 0.8 per cent of all cancers diagnosed, but it can occur at any age and is more common among adults over the age of 60.

Mylotarg^® is being listed for the first time for the treatment of patients with previously untreated de novo CD33-positve AML, for use in combination with standard intensive chemotherapy.

Mylotarg^® works by stopping the abnormal growth of these cells and destroying them.

The listing of Mylotarg^® on the PBS will benefit around 900 Australians a year, who without subsidy may pay around $18,000 per course of treatment.

Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria

Australians with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH)—a condition that produces defective blood cells—will have access to a new treatment, Ultomiris^® (ravulizumab).

PNH is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition in which red blood cells break apart prematurely. Symptoms occur because of the production of defective blood cells and because the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells.

The specific symptoms and progression of the disorder vary greatly, and some individuals may have mild symptoms, which remain stable for many years; while others may have serious symptoms, which can progress to cause life-threatening complications. Blood clots are a very serious complication of PNH.

Ultomiris ^® protects the red blood cells from damage and destruction by blocking the body’s inflammatory response.

Ultomiris^® will be listed for the first time for patients with PNH and will benefit around 160 Australians a year, who without subsidy may pay around $550,000 per year for treatment.

At the same time, Soliris^® (eculizumab), which has been available through the Life Savings Drug Program for the treatment of PNH, will move to the PBS.

This PBS listing has been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Morrison Government’s commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.

“Instead of paying thousands of dollars to access these treatments, from March 1, Australians will pay $42.50 per script, or as little as $6.80 with a concession card,” Minister Hunt said.

“Since 2013, the Coalition Government had approved more than 2,800 new or amended listings on the PBS. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $14.3 billion.”

This is a strong contrast to Albanese and Labor, who when last in Government stopped listing essential medicines and treatments on the PBS.

Soldiers from the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, who were deployed to aged care facilities as part of Operation COVID-19 Assist, assisted with flood preparation and subsequent recovery efforts at Brisbane-based facilities.

From Friday 25 February 2022, following a request by Queensland Police, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) commenced assistance to Queensland authorities and communities in the South-East of the state, affected by severe flooding.

Two Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopters from the School of Army Aviation, based at Oakey near Toowoomba, immediately commenced search and rescue operations on Friday evening. The helicopters are crewed by Australian Army personnel and Defence contractors.

Aircrews continue to conduct rescues under extremely difficult weather conditions and an additional ADF personnel are on standby and making preparations to further support efforts at the direction of the State Government.

THE RELEASE of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report has clearly shown the clock is ticking on climate, with impacts rapidly accelerating around the globe and Australia is squarely in the cross-hairs.

The report, compiled by almost 300 scientists across 67 countries, clearly spells out that climate change is already dramatically altering ecosystems, affecting our physical and mental health, water security and food production, cities and infrastructure, and more.

Serious risks to Australia include irreversible loss of coral reefs, loss of alpine species, collapse of forests in southern Australia, loss of kelp forests, sea-level rise, an increase in severe fire weather days and a dramatic increase in fatal heatwaves. 

The central message of the IPCC report is clear: governments must rally to drastically cut emissions and cease the extraction and burning of fossil fuels this decade. Every fraction of a degree of warming saved, will be counted in lives saved. 

Professor Will Steffen, former IPCC report author, Climate Councillor, climate change expert and ANU Emeritus Professor said: 

“For most Australians, this report is long, technical and at times dry. But its message is anything but. We are being harmed by climate change now, and the future is potentially terrifying.”

”We are seeing climate change play out in real time with unprecedented rainfall and flooding taking a horrible toll on communities in QLD and NSW. These events will only get worse if we don’t act now to reduce emissions.” 

Climate Council’s Director of Research Dr Simon Bradshaw said: 

“Australia is one of the most vulnerable developed countries in the world. Right now, communities in Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW are being pummelled by extraordinarily intense rainfall and flooding. These communities have hardly had time to recover from past disasters and again they’re facing profound heartbreak and loss.”

“Increasingly, we see that communities are being hit with one disaster after another, like drought followed by fire, followed by flood. The compounding effect of these disasters is taking a heavy toll.

“The report is very clear: any further delay in global action will miss the brief and closing window to secure a liveable future.” 

Climate Councillor, former IPCC author and Distinguished Professor of Biology at Macquarie University, Professor Lesley Hughes said:

“Right now, inadequate global action means the Earth is heading towards catastrophic warming of over 2°C. Governments must slash emissions this decade and rapidly transition away from burning fossil fuels.

If all countries copied Australia’s dangerously weak response, we would be headed for warming in excess of 3°C – far beyond anything it is possible to adapt to.”

Greg Mullins, Climate Councillor, former Commissioner, Fire and Rescue NSW and founder of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (ELCA) said: 

“The latest IPCC report spells out a frightening fire future that demands we cut our emissions swiftly and urgently this decade.” 

“It is offensive to me, other firefighters and Australians dealing with climate change, that we are not only the worst climate performer out of all developed countries but we have a federal government that is actively making the problem worse by funding new fossil fuel developments.”

Nicki Hutley, Climate Councillor, leading economist and former Partner at Deloitte Access Economics said: 

“The IPCC report makes it clear that Australia’s economy faces significant and growing economic challenges due to climate change. However, it is also clear that urgent emission reductions through renewable energy and new clean industries could see us avoid the worst financial shocks and bring about incredible economic opportunities, especially for our regions.” 

“Anyone who thinks climate action is “not a race” has obviously not read this report. The first movers in the new industrial revolution will take first, second and third prize. Sadly for Australia, the Morrison Government is moving at a snail’s pace.”

Cheryl Durrant, Climate Councillor and former director of preparedness and mobilisation at the Australian Department of Defence said: 

“Climate change is already undermining the security of Australia and our region. Threats to food and water security, to health, and to critical supply chains, are escalating fast. More and more people are at risk of displacement. If our government cares about the safety and security of our region and beyond, then it must get serious about tackling the climate crisis.”

Dr Kate Charlesworth, Climate Councillor and public health physician said: 

“The IPCC report shows that the climate crisis is a health crisis. What we do in the next decade will be measured in Australian lives. Failing to act will mean many more lives lost from dangerous heat, drought, floods and bushfires.” 

The Australian Children’s Music Foundation is excited to announce the commencement of its  ‘Music for Hope’ project supporting the Kempsey community, whose 30,000 residents were among those worst affected by the 2019 – 2020 devastating bushfires.  The announcement made by the Australian Government that the Australian Children’s Music Foundation will receive significant funding as part of the Black Summer Bushfire Grants Recovery program has been a welcome one.   “The funding for the ‘Music for Hope’ program means we can focus on supporting the recovery and resilience of school children & communities impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires, and through the magic of music give these children hope & joy and improve their emotional and mental well-being.” – Frances Georgeson, ACMF General Manager. The ACMF will employ local, experienced teaching musicians to work weekly with children within 7 schools across the Kempsey area who have suffered great trauma and loss as a direct result of the Black Summer Bushfires. The Australian Children’s Music Foundation music programs will involve a variety of approaches including singing, song writing workshops, choir groups, instrument tuition, ensembles, percussion, and djembe drumming workshops as well as a permanent donation of all instruments used throughout the program.  This will support the children, schools, and community heal through the magic of music and ensure the sustainability of the music program long-term. “It has been a very difficult few years for the Mid North Coast region. As well as the COVID-19 pandemic, we had the major 2019 bushfires which occurred over many months, and severe flooding. These national disasters have taken a toll on children and young people, with those being directly impacted experiencing trauma.” – Terry Rob, Blue Sky Community Services This musical activity provides a direct method of addressing and working through the emotional toll after the devastation and trauma caused by bushfires, as well as providing a raft of other mental health, socialization, and educational benefits, including increased emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, confidence, life skills, aspirations, interpersonal relationships, and musical competency. “At Kempsey South Public School, we face many challenges, including low attendance, students with varying disabilities in mainstream classes, as well as three Multi-Category Disability classes, and students who live difficult and traumatic lives. The ACMF’s long-term music program will increase child engagement and attendance will drastically improve.” – Paul Byrne, Executive Principal.

World-renowned academic Professor Elizabeth Taylor AO has received Australia’s most prestigious engineering honour at the 2021 Engineers Australia Pinnacles Awards. 

“Professor Taylor’s leadership in helping shape modern engineering education and her passion for humanitarian work and diversity make her a worthy recipient of the Peter Nicol Russell Career Achievement Memorial Medal,” said Engineers Australia CEO Dr Bronwyn Evans AM. 

National Engineer of the Year Awards were also presented across five categories to individuals who represent outstanding examples of innovation and resourcefulness within the engineering profession, as well as the President’s Prize and honorary fellowships for 2021. 

“Spanning sectors such as defence, academia, emergency services and consulting, this year’s finalists and winners demonstrate the depth and breadth of Australian Engineering talent, and I congratulate them all for their extraordinary contribution to our profession,” Dr Evans said. 

Peter Nicol Russell Career Achievement Medal – Professor Elizabeth Taylor AO
Elizabeth Taylor has transitioned from success as a professional engineering practitioner to a world-renowned engineering education academic. Her expertise and leadership have helped shape modern engineering education and the broader engineering profession. Her governance wisdom has directed humanitarian efforts that have changed many lives in desperate natural or man-made disaster situations. Her role as Chair of the Washington Accord and other bodies has greatly influenced world engineering.

Professional Engineer of the Year – Prof Saeid Nahavandi (Geelong) 
Prof Nahavandi is an outstanding innovator whose work in integrating haptic (tactile feedback) technology into robots and virtual reality systems is transforming how we engage with the virtual world. His research has been successfully commercialised into motion simulators, medical robotics and training simulators for emergency services and defence applications. He is a leader in promoting STEM education, has a passion for supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and is an advocate for increasing awareness and consideration of the ethics associated with the rise in artificial intelligence and automation in society.

Young Professional Engineer of the Year – Brittany Coffs (South Australia) 

Brittany Coffs has achieved both academically and practically, with a focus on the sustainability of our planet’s water resources. She advocates for the profession via committee and training programs, professional mentoring roles and her work with high school students. 

Young Engineer Associate of the Year – Damien Richards (Queensland)
Damien Richards joined the Royal Australian Navy at the age of 17, as a Marine Technician on the HMAS Wewak, Leeuwin and Melville and shore establishments HMAS Cerberus and Cairns. His deployments include Operation Resolute, Anode, Pacific Partnership and PNG Assist providing humanitarian aid, peacekeeping and disaster relief. 

Engineering Technologist of the Year – Ashley Flower (Queensland)
Ashley Flower specialises in complex projects, with a background in major infrastructure design including over 100 km of major highway and motorways. He also has a passion for creating engaging community places, is a leading specialist in cycling infrastructure and has designed some of Australia’s most celebrated landscape projects.

Engineering Associate of the Year -Wade Godbee OAM (Queensland)
Wade Goodbee joined the Royal Australian Air Force as a 16-year-old Engine Fitter Trade Apprentice, his work spanning the Canberra Bomber, F-111 Bombers, Chinook Helicopters, and Macchi aircraft. A leader and role model, previous accolades include the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and the Federation Star Defence Long Service Medal for 40 years of service.

President’s Prize – Australian Tunnelling Society for the Tunnel Design Guideline
The guide has been produced by a team of skilled and enthusiastic practitioners from the Young Members of the Australian Tunnelling Society, chaired by Dr Harry Asche. 

Honorary Fellows
Ian Johnston AM
Judith Uren
Christopher Vonwiller
Hon Trish White AM
John Wilson
Kevin Young

Farmers are calling on the Federal Government to step up its game on emissions reductions and protect Australian farming families following the release of a new global report.

The latest IPCC report shows Australian agriculture is already copping it and that without deep cuts this decade worse is to come. This includes a drop in wheat yields by up to 30 per cent in south-west Australia, alongside lower milk production and livestock reproduction as a result of extreme weather events.  

We need deep emissions cuts this decade to protect Australian farmers. Agriculture is leading the way on emissions reduction but we need deep emissions cuts in transport and energy.

Regional Australia has so much to gain from emissions reduction. It will not only protect our farmers and our food supplies, but we can create tens of thousands of regional jobs in green hydrogen and renewable power generation.

The IPCC report confirms again Australia will produce less food in key farming areas. Hot days, more heatwaves and less rain through cool seasons in the south-west and south-east of the continent will mean more heat stress for livestock and reduced grass growth. Ultimately this will mean Australia produces less red meat and less of the country will be suitable for growing crops.

Farmers for Climate Action CEO Fiona Davis said:

Farmers for Climate Action is a movement of 7000 farmers and agricultural leaders working to ensure that farmers, who are on the frontlines of climate change, are part of its solution.

Australian Greens Animal Welfare spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has welcomed the Department of Agriculture’s decision to extend consultation and delay the final report of the Review of live sheep exports by sea to, or through, the Middle East during the Northern Hemisphere summer.

Senator Faruqi said:

“The government has proposed a substantial weakening of the Northern Summer prohibition. It will put thousands more sheep at risk of mortality and heat stress every year.

“Even the Department’s own draft report acknowledged the inadequate quantity and quality of available data to properly review the Northern Summer prohibition. They need to go back to the drawing board.

“A short, abrupt consultation over the holiday period was never going to provide a meaningful opportunity for the Department to hear from everyone concerned about the proposed changes.

“The Department must listen to expert animal welfare organisations and scientists, and expand, rather than weaken, the prohibition.

“The Northern Summer prohibition should be extended to cover May through to October. And ultimately, live export must be banned.

“Live export is inherently cruel and the Australian government should be developing plans to shut it down, not expand it further.”

Today the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne and the President of Nauru Lionel Rouwen Aingimea met in Sydney to discuss further steps to deepen the close and enduring bilateral partnership between our two countries, and our shared commitment to strong and unified regional institutions.

Both leaders committed to working together to upgrade Nauru’s international airport, to strengthen Nauru’s connectivity, safety and security.

Minister Payne announced Australia would provide a $40 million grant finance package, including $30 million through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP). This investment is a practical demonstration of Australia’s commitment to supporting critical infrastructure in our region, in response to the priorities of Australia’s Pacific partners.

Australia’s funding will support the re-surfacing of Nauru’s runway and the provision of vital air traffic equipment to enable critical air transport services for decades to come. The funding will also enable climate-resilient upgrades to sections of the Nauru ring road. The project will employ Nauruan workers and use local materials where possible, to help stimulate Nauru’s economy.

Today’s commitment builds on the joint announcement on 12 December 2021 of the partnership between Nauru, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Australia, Japan and the United States to build the East Micronesia Cable, which will provide Nauru with internet connectivity through a submarine cable for the first time.

President Aingimea and Minister Payne discussed Australia’s support for Nauru’s COVID-19 response. They shared concerns about enduring and emerging international security threats, including deep concerns about Russia’s unprovoked and unacceptable aggression towards Ukraine. They reaffirmed both countries’ support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Minister Payne also extended congratulations to President Aingimea in advance of the formal opening of the new Nauru High Commission in Canberra.

One year since the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Morrison Government has achieved significant reform across the five pillars of its five year plan to deliver respect, care and dignity for every senior Australian.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the Government called the Royal Commission because it recognised change was needed.

“We responded to the recommendations and are now implementing this once-in-a-generation reform that puts senior Australians first,” Minister Hunt said. 

“Our financial commitment is now more than $18.3 billion to fund this agenda for change across home care, residential care, quality and safety, workforce and governance.”

The Government’s comprehensive response to all 148 recommendations outlines a five-year plan to reinforce the quality of care for senior Australians.

Minister Hunt said the establishment of the National Aged Care Advisory Group and the Council of Elders was another important step to ensure tangible outcomes and support for the implementation of the reforms.

“The continued implementation of the reforms are now guided by these two important groups of representatives to ensure each measure that is introduced continues to meet the needs and expectations of senior Australians, families, carers and the wider community,” Minister Hunt said.

“To make access to aged care services easier to navigate, we have begun rolling out in-person help at many Services Australia centres, local care finders, a regional network pilot, and aligned with a program to better connect culturally and linguistically diverse seniors, families and carers.”

More than 33,000 extra training places have been created for people who want to work in aged care, and 191 registered nurses have joined the new Aged Care Transition to Practice Program.

The Government has also awarded 115 scholarships to increase the knowledge and skills of nurses working in aged care.

To encourage registered nurses to stay in aged car, we’ve introduced the Aged Care Registered Nurses’ Payment, and nurses in rural and remote areas will receive an additional annual payment.

Minister Colbeck said a key priority in the first year of reform had been to boost home care packages.

“We recognise that most Australians want to stay in their own home as they get older, and home care packages make that possible,” Minister Colbeck said.

“At the end of 2021, 217,724 senior Australians had access to a home care package – that’s up 25 per cent since the end of 2020, thanks to the rollout of the first of the 80,000 packages announced in response to the Royal Commission. 

“In the same period, the priority waiting list has come down by 29 per cent and for those assessed as a high priority receiving a package within a month.

“There is greater transparency in home care funding, with the Government paying providers monthly which means the maximum amount of package funds go towards a person’s support.

“Residential aged care providers are also receiving extra funding of $10 per resident per day to improve care and services, especially food and nutrition, and must report care staffing minutes to make sure senior Australians get appropriate care.”

To ensure the safety of senior Australians, we introduced the Serious Incident Reporting Scheme, electronic medication charts, improved quality indicators, and ensured that restrictive practices can only be used as a last resort.

Our Government has also established a new Workforce Advisory Service to support providers, which provides free, independent and confidential help with workforce planning.

We’ve also provided more than $100 million in funding to support nearly 200 residential aged care providers to improve their financial viability through the Business Improvement Fund.

Further measures to support the sustainability of the sector currently before Parliament (The Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Royal Commission Response Bill.2) include:

• The introduction of the funding model for aged care, the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) will be introduced from October 1, 2022 and will deliver a funding boost to increase the amount of front line care to residents.   The AN ACC will deliver more than $3.9 billion in increased funding to rural and remote residential aged care services, as well as specialised homeless and remote Indigenous services, to reflect the increased costs of delivering care in these services;
• A registration scheme which will provide a nationally consistent pre-employment screening for aged care workers of approved providers to replace existing police checking obligations; and
• An expansion of the Serious Incident Response Scheme to home and flexible care from July 1, 2022.

The expanded Independent Hospital Pricing Authority has also commenced work on aged care pricing, and will consider the delivery of high quality care as a central pillar of its work, with recommendations to be made to Government for the 2023-24 Budget.

Change of this magnitude needs diverse input and collaboration across the aged care sector and the community, so a big thanks is owed to all who have engaged with us so far

More than 4000 people have engaged on reforms such as quality improvements, star ratings and the new support at home program, and more than 18,000 people have participated in webinars.

The next stage of the reforms is underway including the draft legislation of a new Aged Care Act; quality of life indicators; the new support at home program; innovative, dementia-friendly accommodation design; and dementia education and training.

For more information and to engage in the design of upcoming changes, visit the Aged Care Engagement Hub at www.agedcareengagement.health.gov.au or call 1800 200 422.