The Australian Government welcomes the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) provisional approval of the first oral treatments for COVID-19 in Australia, Lagevrio® (molnupiravir) and Paxlovid® (nirmatrelvir + ritonavir).
Lagevrio and Paxlovid are oral anti-viral treatments that have been found to be effective in treating people with mild to moderate COVID-19 who have a high risk of progressing to severe disease, reducing admissions to hospital and ICU and potential death.
The Government has secured access to 300,000 treatment courses of Merck Sharp & Dohme’s (MSD) Lagevrio® and 500,000 courses of Pfizer’s Paxlovid® for supply throughout the course of 2022, with the first deliveries of both medicines anticipated over the coming weeks.
These oral antiviral treatments need a prescription and are taken every 12 hours for five days. They are designed to interfere with the virus’ ability to multiply.
The clinical trials of these treatments show they reduce the risk of hospitalisation or death in patients with COVID-19 who are at high risk of progressing to severe disease.
Lagevrio and Paxlovid will supplement the existing National Medical Stockpile supplies of Xevudy (sotrovimab) and Veklury (remdesivir) and future supplies of Evusheld (tixagevimab with cilgavimab), the later pending a final TGA decision on registration.
Xevudy is an intravenous monoclonal antibody that can also be used to treat people with mild to moderate COVID-19 who have a high risk of progressing to severe disease. It has proven effective against the omicron variant with additional supply also secured for delivery over the coming months.
Veklury is being used for the clinical care of people with moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms who have been admitted to hospital but do not require ventilation assistance in line with the recommendations of the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce.
As with other TGA approved COVID-19 treatments not everyone who contracts COVID-19 will require access to Lagevrio and Paxlovid and these treatments will be of most benefit for people most at risk of severe disease and through the oversight from a healthcare professional.
We are working to target access to those most vulnerable including the elderly and those in aged care through the National Medical Stockpile (NMS) with the view to transition to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) arrangements as supply continues to grow.
By law medicines can only be listed on the PBS following a positive recommendation from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).
Whilst vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19 our Government continues work to ensure that Australians have early access to safe and effective treatments as they are approved for use by the medical experts. These agreements reinforce our strong response to managing COVID-19 outbreaks and ensures that Australia benefits from new pharmaceutical technologies.
As with all COVID-19 treatments, both of these medications have been rigorously assessed by the TGA for safety, quality and effectiveness before being provisionally registered for use in Australia.
The TGA is treating all COVID-19 treatment applications with the greatest priority as part of the Department of Health’s response to the pandemic.
Author: admin
HSC Class of 2021 celebrate their results
The wait is over for 76,000 students who have today received their Higher School Certificate results.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said this is a momentous day for school leavers, who have achieved outstanding results on par with previous years.
“The Class of 2021 should feel so proud of what they have achieved today, succeeding despite the challenges of a global pandemic,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Everything our latest graduates have accomplished over the past two years will hold them in good stead for their next chapter, whether they are looking to go to university or start training or work.
This year, despite the challenges, results across the performance bands remained consistent with previous years, including the number of students who achieved in the highest bands.
1,476 students were recognised on the ‘All Round Achievers’ list, for results in the highest possible band across 10 units of study, while 786 students were featured on the Top Achievers list for earning one of the top places and a result in the highest band.
17,820 students received at least one band six to be recognised on the ‘Distinguished Achievers’ list.
“To see students come out of the HSC with the results they worked so hard for is fantastic. I also want to remind students that if you didn’t receive the results you wanted, there are still countless pathways available to help you achieve your goals,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Thank you to our incredible school staff and communities, including exam staff, families and friends, who supported our HSC students this year and helped to keep our schools and exams safe.
“In particular, thank you to our dedicated and resourceful teachers who kept HSC students learning, motivated and engaged throughout the lockdown period.
“I know these results are just as meaningful to those who supported our students as they are to the young people who have achieved them.
“Congratulations to the HSC Class of 2021 and all the best for your futures.”
Visit the NESA website to view the 2021 HSC Merit Lists.
Helping local small businesses in Bega survive COVID
Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, welcomed the Perrottet Government announcement of additional rent relief for small businesses across the region.
The Government has extended its rent relief regulation until March 13, giving local small businesses an additional two months of rent relief to help deal with the COVID-19 challenges.
Dr Kotvojs said that many local businesses are going through tough times, and the Government assistance will help them keep going.
“It’s been really encouraging to see commercial owners and tenants working together through these challenges. I particularly want to recognise the way that the local business community have been working constructively together to overcome all of the challenges created by the pandemic and keep local jobs going.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said it was a difficult time for many businesses and this extension will provide much-needed support for small commercial and retail tenants to keep their doors open over the coming weeks and months.
“Small business is the engine room of our economy and we need to make sure we support impacted businesses through this latest Omicron wave,”
Mr Kean said. “With staff shortages and reduced foot traffic, many businesses are struggling at the moment but the ability to negotiate rent will give them a buffer so they can keep the lights on now and recover more quickly.”
Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said eligibility for rent relief would remain unchanged.
“We know that rent is one of the biggest fixed costs for small businesses and this measure will provide crucial support helping them get through the next couple of months,” Ms Petinos said.
Commercial and retail tenants will be eligible for the rent relief if they have an annual turnover of less than $5 million and continue to meet the eligibility criteria for JobSaver or the Micro-business Grant, had those programs continued.
Landlords of tenants that have received protections for any period under the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2022 are prohibited from evicting their tenants for certain breaches of the lease, without first attending mediation.
NSW landowners will also have more time now to apply for land tax relief, with applications extended until 28 February for eligible commercial and residential landowners.
Eligible landlords can access the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund, which provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3,000 per month per property.
Eligible landlords can access the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund, which provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3,000 per month per property.
To find out more about land tax relief: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/applycovid–19–land–tax–relief
To find out more about the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/commercial–landlord–hardship–fund–guidelines
For more on the rent relief extension, go to: https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/gethelp/covid–19/commercial–leases–and–covid–19–faqs
Booster doses to be brought forward
Millions more people in NSW are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination after NSW Health brought forward the interval between doses by a month.
State-run vaccination clinics will begin offering COVID-19 booster vaccinations three months after people have received their second dose from Friday January 21.
The change from a four-month interval to three months means there are now an additional 3.55 million people in NSW who can book in for their third dose of vaccine.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said being triple vaccinated offers extra protection against the effects of the Omicron variant.
“The advice is clear – getting boosted means there’s less chance you’ll get the virus and, if you do, the effects are generally much milder,” Mr Perrottet said.
“That’s why we are offering more people the opportunity to get the booster sooner.
“I urge everyone who is eligible to get boosted to do so as soon as possible. This will help to protect our older population, as well as vulnerable members of the community.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there are more than 40 state-run vaccination clinics spread throughout NSW as well as mobile outreach locations that these clinics visit.
“Along with public health safety measures including wearing masks indoors, working from home where practicable, not singing and dancing and minimising the size of gatherings in homes, the other big protection is getting a booster vaccination. Being able to get that booster at 3 months after your second dose gives the opportunity to be much safer, much sooner,” Mr Hazzard said.
“In addition to the state facilities opening at three months for boosters, individuals can still attend with their GPs or pharmacies when the Federal Government authorises them to provide boosters at three months, in due course.”
NSW Health Deputy Secretary Patient Experience and System Performance Susan Pearce, who leads the NSW Health vaccination rollout, said the change to the vaccine schedule in NSW will help people maintain a high level of protection against the COVID-19 virus.
“As we face into the challenges brought of the Omicron variant, a booster dose will ensure people have increased immunity, and a lower risk of requiring hospital treatment,” Ms Pearce said.
NSW Health has delivered a total of 440,681 third/booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines in support of the Federal Government’s vaccine program.
NSW Health is contacting people who are registered in the NSW Health vaccination booking system with a reminder text message.
NSW Health clinics offer Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to people aged 18 years and over.
Eligible people can also receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine from their GP and participating community pharmacies.
A booster vaccination can be booked through the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.
CCTV images released as shooting investigation continues – Hunter region
Strike force detectives have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to as inquiries continue into the shooting of another man in the state’s Hunter Region early last year.
About 10.45pm on Tuesday 9 March 2021, emergency services were called to a property on Golden Whistler Avenue at Aberglasslyn, following reports a man had been shot in the abdomen.
Police were told the injured man – aged 34 – was assaulted by two men, before being shot in the stomach by a third.
The injured man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being airlifted to hospital. He has since been released.
Detectives attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established Strike Force Pedvin to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Investigators have since charged two men – aged 26 and 34 – in relation to the shooting; both men remain before the courts.
As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to as part of ongoing investigations.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 175cm to 180cm tall, of medium build, with short dark cropped hair and distinctive tattoos on his neck, left arm, left leg and right hand.
He was wearing a black t-shirt with printed logo on the front, green shorts, joggers and sunglasses.
Anyone who may recognise this man, or who may have additional information which could assist strike force detectives, is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Man wounded during armed robbery – Morpeth
Police are investigating an armed robbery where a man was wounded in the Hunter early this morning.
About 5.15am (Thursday 20 January 2022), three men entered a grocery store on Swan Street, Morpeth, and approached the tills.
The group began removing cash from the drawers before the employee, a 47-year-old man, approached the trio and challenged them.
One of the men struck the employee with an unknown object. All three fled the scene a short time later in a white sedan.
The injured man suffered a wound to his abdomen and was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and established a crime scene.
As inquiries continue, detectives are urging anyone who may have dashcam footage from the Morpeth area between 4.50am and 5.30amto contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
New $10m training centre for health students in Central Queensland
Locals interested in a health care career will soon be able to study in the Central Highlands of Queensland, with the Federal Coalition Government today announcing a University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) will be established in Emerald.
The Nationals in Government are providing $10 million to James Cook University (JCU) to establish the UDRH, which will offer education and training for allied health students to train locally.
The new facility will also improve the distribution of health workforce in the region, and provide more access to healthcare professionals for local patients.
During a visit to Emerald today, Federal Regional Health Minister, Dr David Gillespie and Member for Flynn, Ken O’Dowd said the new centre would be a boon for regional Queensland.
“The establishment of the Central Queensland Centre for Rural and Remote Health (CQCRRH) in Emerald will build on their success with educating students in regional, rural and remote locations and give students access to tertiary education and training locally,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“We know people who study and have a positive training experience in the bush are more likely to stay and practice in the bush.
“By establishing these outreach university departments, the Liberal and Nationals Government is demonstrating its commitment to the health of every Australian, regardless of where they live.”
Minister Gillespie, a former regional doctor for more than 30 years, said this new campus was the 17th UDRH in regional Australia but only the 3rd in Queensland.
“Our Government is acutely aware of the need to boost regional workforce and training opportunities, which is why we focus on establishing these UDRHs where there are gaps in what health care training people can access locally, Dr Gillespie said.
CQCRRH will firstly establish training sites in Emerald and service-learning outreach in the surrounding Gemfields regions, strongly focused on primary care.
“Initial courses planned for rollout include nursing, first and final years of pharmacy, occupational therapy, entry to practice psychology, and a Diploma of Education,” Mr O’Dowd said.
Dr Gillespie said the UDRH will be locally led, and expansion beyond Emerald to Biloela is already planned for 2023.
Mr O’Dowd said it was pleasing that JCU will purchase housing in Emerald to provide accommodation facilities for allied health, nursing, midwifery, and dental students from other areas to undertake clinical placements locally.
Dr Gillespie said the $10 million was provided under the Coalition Government’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program.
“Right across regional Australia, the RHMT program offers health students the opportunity to train in rural and remote communities via a network of training facilities,” he said.
The new UDRH will also undertake targeted enrolment, mentoring and support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students; build Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership roles in RHMT activities and will contribute to improved local health outcomes of rural and remote communities, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Community invited to comment on ambitious shared vision for Newcastle
Newcastle will be a liveable, sustainable and inclusive global city in 2040 under an ambitious long-term vision developed with the community.
City of Newcastle engaged with more than 5000 people during the development of the draft Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was important to understand the community’s vision for the future of Newcastle and how it relates to the policies and projects being delivered during the next decade and beyond.
“Newcastle 2040 has been developed in consultation with the community over a period of 12 months and represents the collaboration of thousands of interactions, including face-to-face conversations, workshops, surveys, online feedback, advisory committees and stakeholder engagement,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Through this extensive community consultation, we have developed four key themes that reflect the aspirations and values of our community, which are underpinned by our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“The priorities and objectives contained within this plan will enable us to celebrate our unique city, protect our natural assets, optimise opportunities, build resilience, champion inclusion and encourage innovation and creativity.
“The next decade is set to be an exciting and rewarding time for all of us as Newcastle grows from a great regional city to an emerging global city.
“Newcastle 2040 represents the highest level of strategic planning carried out by Local Government. It will guide our project delivery plans and annual budgets over the next decade and beyond as we work together to help make Newcastle a better place to live, work and enjoy.”
The draft plan’s four key themes are: Liveable Newcastle, Sustainable Newcastle, Creative Newcastle and Achieving Together – each of which have been expanded to include a range of priorities and objectives.
Cr Nelmes said the delivery of Newcastle 2040 will require shared decision-making and collaborative partnerships with government agencies, non-government organisations, business and the local community.
The community are being invited to provide feedback on the draft plan from today, after Councillors voted on Tuesday to place it on public exhibition for 28 days.
Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay to comment on the draft plan.
A Community Strategic Plan is required to be prepared every four years and must be adopted by June 30 of the year following a local government election.
Major construction of Western Harbour Tunnel to begin in mid-year
Construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel will begin within months, after a $722 million contract was awarded to deliver the first stage of tunnelling.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the joint venture between John Holland and CPB will build about 1.7 kilometres of tunnels from Rozelle to Birchgrove.
“This is a critical milestone which will support hundreds of jobs and ensure significant benefits for drivers, including improved travel times and reduced congestion,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The tunnel will not only revolutionise how we get around Sydney but also take the pressure off other major roads including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor.”
The Western Harbour Tunnel will link WestConnex at Rozelle with the Warringah Freeway at North Sydney via 6.5 kilometre tunnels under Sydney Harbour, with three lanes in each direction.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the new tunnel is part of a major infrastructure boost to expand our motorways and serve our growing city.
“We all want to have the quickest and smoothest journey possible and this terrific project will slash travel times from one side of the harbour to the other,” Mrs Ward said.
“You’ll save up to 20 minutes in a journey from Sydney Olympic Park to North Sydney and up to 15 minutes from North Sydney to the airport at Mascot.”
It’s estimated the new tunnel will reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by 35 per cent, Harbour Tunnel by 20 per cent and Harbour Bridge by 17 per cent.
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said that early works, including geotechnical investigations into the detailed tunnel design, will start this month.
“Major construction will begin in the middle of this year and I know drivers can’t wait to reap the rewards of this much-needed additional harbour crossing,” Ms Wilson said.
John Holland and CPB are currently delivering the Rozelle interchange as part of WestConnex, with the new Western Harbour Tunnel contract ensuring a seamless continuation of tunnelling work already underway.
Man critically injured following stabbing; man arrested – Muswellbrook
A man remains under police guard after another man was seriously injured following a domestic-related stabbing incident in the state’s Hunter Region overnight.
About 9.20pm (Tuesday 18 January 2022), emergency services were called to Brooke Street, Muswellbrook, following reports a 47-year-old man had been stabbed to the neck.
The injured man drove himself to Muswellbrook Hospital, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and established a crime scene, as detectives commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following inquiries, investigators attended Hunter Terrace, Muswellbrook, about 2am (Wednesday 19 January 2022), and arrested a 53-year-old man.
He was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station before being transferred to John Hunter Hospital for treatment, under police guard.
Inquiries are continuing.