Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will now be required to register their result with Service NSW.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new registration process was an important part of managing the pandemic.
“NSW residents can register their result with just a few clicks on the Service NSW website or by using the Service NSW app,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide you with advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home, to connect high risk people to clinical care services and to help inform the ongoing public health response.”
Most people do not need a PCR test to confirm they are positive for COVID-19.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the reporting of a positive RAT will be required under a public health order.
“Ensuring individuals are connected to the appropriate public health advice and keeping a watch on trends is the prime purpose,” Mr Hazzard said.
If you are under 65 years of age, have had two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, do not suffer from any chronic health conditions and are not pregnant, you may be able to safely manage COVID-19 at home.
Customer Service and Digital Government Minister Victor Dominello said privacy would be at the forefront of this new feature.
“This technology has been built with trust and security at its core. Service NSW will send the information directly to NSW Health, it isn’t shared with any third parties, and is then deleted from Service NSW records within days,” Mr Dominello said.
“There are more than seven million Service NSW account holders but we’re also committed to making this process inclusive for those without that access. Those who need assistance can contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.”
Most people with COVID-19 will have a mild illness and will recover in a few days or so, with some people having no symptoms at all.
Please contact your GP or call the NSW Health COVID-19 Care at Home Support Line on 1800 960 933 if you are pregnant, or if you have a chronic condition.
For the most up-to-date COVID information visit nsw.gov.au
Author: admin
Four rescued after ute swept into flooded creek – Hunter Valley
Four people have been rescued after a ute was swept into a flooded creek 20km north of Muswellbrook overnight.
Emergency services were called to Wells Gully Road at McCulleys Gap about 10pm (Tuesday 11 January 2022), after a utility was swept off the spillway into Sandy Creek.
A 49-year-old man, a 16-year-old boy, and two girls aged 14, were forced to climb onto the roof of the utility after it began to sink in strongly-flowing floodwaters.
A multi-agency rescue operation was coordinated by officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, and involved Fire and Rescue NSW and members from NSW Rural Fire Service and SES, with all four retrieved safely.
There were no injuries; and the ute will be recovered when safe.
Man charged with alleged child grooming offences – Hunter region
A man has been charged over the alleged grooming of two teenage girls in the Hunter Region.
Officers from Newcastle City and Port Stephens-Hunter Police Districts commenced an investigation following reports a man was allegedly grooming two girls, aged 15 and 16.
Folllowing extensive inquiries, detectives attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District stopped a vehicle on Clarence Town Rd, Glen Oak about 12.40pm yesterday (Tuesday 11 January 2022).
A 51-year-old man was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.
A short time later, officers executed a search warrant at a home in Glen Oak, where police seized electronic items, drugs, firearms and ammunition, which will undergo forensic examination.
Following inquiries, the man was charged with groom child for unlawful sexual activity, possess child abuse material, three counts of possess prohibited drug, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and six counts of holder of Category A or B licence not have approved storage.
He was refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Wednesday 12 January 2022).
The anti-government Morrison government a recipe for chaos on covid and climate
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.”
$44 million to expand Australia's future health and medical research capability
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
| Name | Grant Title | Admin Institution | Total |
| Dr Luke McLean | Understanding response and resistance to immunotherapy in immunocompromised patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas | University of Melbourne | $135,002 |
| Dr Yew Li Dang | Using twin studies to investigate epilepsy aetiology and antiepileptic drug-induced birth defects | University of Melbourne | $135,002 |
| Dr Lucy McGrath-Cadell | Understanding the genetics and mechanisms of spontaneous coronary artery dissection | University of New South Wales | $97,640 |
| Dr Ralley Prentice | The Pregnancy in Crohn’s and Colitis – Observations, Levels and Outcomes Extension (PICCOLO – X) study | Monash University | $101,377 |
| Dr Julia Lai-Kwon | Harnessing the power of Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs): demonstrating novel applications of PROs in the care of oncology patients | University of Melbourne | $135,002 |
| Dr Michael Zhu | Long-term Outcomes of Surgery for Diseases of the Aortic Valve in Children | Murdoch Childrens Research Institute | $116,321 |
| Dr Jayson Jeganathan | Negative Symptoms of Psychosis | University of Newcastle | $93,904 |
| Dr Ouli Xie | Evolution of Streptococcal pathovars | University of Melbourne | $123,794 |
| Dr Adrian Lee | Towards the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of autoantibody-mediated systemic diseases: new approaches to old problems | Garvan Institute of Medical Research | $135,002 |
| Dr Jessica Fairley | Meeting an unmet need in systemic sclerosis: defining the burden of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death | University of Melbourne | $135,002 |
| Dr Michael Lim | Randomised Evaluation of the Impact of Catheter Ablation versus Medical Therapy on Psychological Distress and Neurocognitive Function in Atrial Fibrillation | Melbourne Health | $135,002 |
| Ms Tara Guckel | Advancing the prevention and early intervention for co-occurring anxiety and alcohol use disorders | University of Sydney | $93,056 |
| Dr Adithya Balasubramanian | Targeting immune resistance mechanisms to enhance anti-tumour immunity in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer | Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research | $97,640 |
| Dr Larissa Trease | Risk factors for and burden of low back pain in elite athletes. | La Trobe University | $135,002 |
| Dr Lachlan Batty | Young people with old knees: The role of matrix metalloproteinase 3 and type 2 collagen C-telopeptide fragments in predicting post traumatic osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction | La Trobe University | $101,377 |
| Dr Yi Chao Foong | Validation and implementation of smartphone-based digital biomarkers in multiple sclerosis to define subclinical progression and treatment failure: the ACTIVE MS study | Monash University | $135,002 |
| Miss Sophia Garlick Bock | Comorbid Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Use Among Sexuality and Gender Diverse Young People in Australia | University of Sydney | $93,056 |
| Dr Sonali Shah | Hypertension with low renin – new insights into prevalence, pathophysiology and management | Monash University | $135,002 |
| Ms Desiree LaGrappe | Maternal and Child Health Nursing: A golden opportunity to integrate screening for reproductive coercion and increase effective contraception use? | La Trobe University | $101,542 |
| Ms Olivia Price | Preventing infectious disease and reducing associated harms among people who inject drugs | University of New South Wales | $93,056 |
| Ms Isabelle Meulenbroeks | The impact of COVID-19 and associated health policies on access to allied healthcare, care quality, and health outcomes in Australian residential aged care facilities | Macquarie University | $101,542 |
| Ms Katie Lee | Genomic architecture of skin in the vicinity of previous melanoma in photodamaged and non-photodamaged areas | University of Queensland | $77,630 |
| Dr Gemma Reynolds | High-risk lymphoproliferative malignancies in the era of novel therapies: Infection risk, surveillance and prophylaxis | University of Melbourne | $135,002 |
| Dr Elizabeth Armari | Developing and evaluating an evidence-based training program for improving labour and childbirth care in India. | Burnet Institute | $101,377 |
| Shania Liu | Responsible pre-operative Opioid use for Hip and knee ArthropLasTy (OpioidHALT) study | University of Sydney | $81,985 |
| Dr Anthony Hew | Revolutionising System Reform in Mental Health: Addressing Gaps in the System through Big Data and Data Linkage | Monash University | $116,321 |
| Dr Noa Amir | Identifying and addressing the needs and priorities of patients with genetic kidney disease and their families | University of Sydney | $97,640 |
| Dr Aaron Kee Yee Wong | Personalising Pain Relief for People With Cancer: The Right Opioid For the Right Person at the Right Time | University of Melbourne | $93,904 |
| Dr Laura Eades | Biomarker profiles in Indigenous Australians with systemic lupus erythematosus | Monash University | $135,002 |
| Dr Edmund Chung | Treatments to expand regulatory T cells and/or deplete autoantibody production in primary membranous nephropathy | University of Sydney | $97,640 |
| Dr Hiu Tat Chan | Towards vaginal microbiota stability: new treatment paradigm for bacterial vaginosis | La Trobe University | $97,640 |
| Mr Dominic Delport | Using mathematical models to generate evidence to support Australia’s COVID-19 responses and prepare for future pandemics | Burnet Institute | $93,056 |
| Mr Karan Shah | Economic evaluation of strategies to increase kidney donation and transplantation | University of Sydney | $80,201 |
| Dr Yasmin Hughes | Improving Syphilis diagnosis and management in the community | Monash University | $135,002 |
| Dr Madeleine Gill | Understanding Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy | Centenary Institute | $123,794 |
| Dr Garry Hamilton | Radial artery conduits in coronary artery bypass surgery: the impact of prior instrumentation with a focus on the vascular biology and clinical outcomes. | University of Melbourne | $135,002 |
| Dr Prianka Puri | An integration of multi-omics and machine learning to stratify patients with lupus nephritis for precision medicine | University of Queensland | $131,266 |
| Dr Sean Tan | Cardiovascular Screening in Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors | Monash University | $135,002 |
| Dr Alexandra Stewart | The role of cytochrome polymorphisms in primaquine metabolism and effects on its activity in radical cure of Plasmodium vivax infection | University of Melbourne | $135,002 |
| Dr Tanya Ross | Informing future recommendations for prevention and treatment of ovarian cancer using population data | University of Queensland | $90,168 |
| Mr Samuel Tu | Cardiometabolic, Genetic and Lifestyle Risk Factors for Arrhythmias | University of Adelaide | $77,630 |
| Ms Isobel Todd | Perinatal and early childhood risk and protective factors for paediatric infection | Murdoch Childrens Research Institute | $93,056 |
| Ms Melissa Savaglio | Developing a community-based psychosocial intervention for young people with mental illness | Monash University | $67,346 |
| Mrs Lorelle Holland | Decolonising approaches for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with complex health needs exposed to the youth justice system in Australia: Reducing incarceration and recidivism rates | University of Queensland | $115,801 |
| Ms Amelia Hyatt | Determining health system and public policy elements for successful implementation and sustainability of cervical cancer elimination strategies at a country and regional level | University of Melbourne | $93,056 |
| Dr Deonna Ackermann | Optimising trial processes and generating translational gains: Studies Within A Trial (SWATs) for the MELSELF randomised controlled trial of patient-led melanoma surveillance. | University of Sydney | $62,204 |
| Mr Alexander Terrill | Application of advanced manufacturing technologies to offload diabetes-related foot ulceration | Queensland University of Technology | $85,245 |
| Stephanie Bond | Development and evaluation of strategies to improve syphilis screening of pregnant women to prevent congenital syphilis | Monash University | $135,002 |
| Ms Erin Madden | Improving evidence-based practice for comorbid alcohol and other drug and mental health conditions: the role of implementation science and quality improvement toolkits | University of Sydney | $93,056 |
| Anna Le Fevre | Investigating epigenetic regulators of disease and novel epigenetic treatment approaches for imprinting disorders | Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research | $135,002 |
| Dr Bernadette Ricciardo | Koolungar Urban Moorditj Healthy Skin: Determining the burden of skin disease in urban Aboriginal children and adolescents. | University of Western Australia | $123,794 |
| Dr Victoria Hall | Defining host immune response and prevention strategies for viral respiratory tract infections in patients with haematological malignancy | University of Melbourne | $135,002 |
| Dr Thomas Lew | Enhancing venetoclax and other pro-apoptotic agents to improve outcomes for patients with haematological malignancies | Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research | $135,002 |
| Dr Yin Yuan | Dissecting the challenge of AML | Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research | $135,002 |
| Ashwin Bhaskaran | Ventricular arrhythmia mechanisms and therapies | University of Sydney | $135,002 |
| Dr Sarah Holper | Untangling Neuroinflammation’s Role in Alzheimer’s Disease Development (UNRAVEL) | Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research | $135,002 |
| Dr Yara-Natalie Abo | A randomised controlled human challenge trial to evaluate Strep A vaccine efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity | Murdoch Childrens Research Institute | $135,002 |
| Ms Chandana Guha | Improving care and outcomes for vulnerable patients with chronic kidney disease – the young and the elderly | University of Sydney | $67,346 |
| Dr Kasun De Silva | Novel technologies and strategies to identify arrhythmogenic substrate and triggers for sudden cardiac death | University of Sydney | $90,168 |
| Alice Powell | Exceptional cognition in old age and interactions with other aspects of successful ageing | University of New South Wales | $123,794 |
| Miss Nicola Creagh | Evaluating the use of an open access self-collection cervical screening pathway: The solution to declining participation and to long standing inequities? | University of Melbourne | $93,056 |
| Dr Huong Nguyen | A Cognitive Ageing Risk Evaluation (CARE) Tool to Support Clinical Diagnosis of Dementia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples | University of Melbourne | $105,113 |
| Dr Oliver Cronin | The Science of Cold Snare Polypectomy | University of Sydney | $101,377 |
| Ms Thi Tran | How does methamphetamine use, mental health and treatment interventions affect one another? | University of New South Wales | $117,839 |
| Dr Robert Little | Modulation of the gut microbiome and mucosal immune response in IBD | Monash University | $135,002 |
NHMRC e-ASIA 2021 Joint Research Program
| Name | Grant Title | Admin Institution | Total |
| Dr Pengfei Cai | Innovative point-of-care diagnostics and environmental surveillance tools for the elimination of Asian schistosomiasis | QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute | $749,987 |
| Assoc Prof Jason Ong | Ending HIV transmission by Optimizing Pre-exposure prophylaxis in East Asia (HOPE) | Monash University | $667,191 |
| Prof Freya Fowkes | Vector sero-surveillance tools to accelerate malaria elimination | Burnet Institute | $745,125 |
| Assoc Prof Tao Liu | Targeting MYCN/NCYM for cancer therapy | University of New South Wales | $699,317 |
2021 NHMRC-European Union Joint Programme on Neurodegenerative Disease Research – JPND
| CIA Name | Grant Title | Admin Institution | Total |
| Prof Simon Lewis | COgNiTive propagation in pRodrOmaL Parkinson’s disease: CONTROL-PD | University of Sydney | $462,501 |
| Prof Sarah Spencer | Effects of early-Stress On Lipid mediators and Inflammation for early Detection of neurodegeneration (SOLID) | RMIT University | $499,605 |
| Dr Allan McRae | Leveraging medical records to identify patients at risk of neurodegenerative disease | University of Queensland | $482,706 |
2020 NHMRC-NIHR Collaborative Research Grant Scheme Round 3
| CIA Name | Grant Title | Admin Institution | Total |
| Prof Viviana Wuthrich | A randomised CONtrolled trial of Tailored Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for older people with treatment resistant Generalised Anxiety Disorder (CONTACT-GAD) | Macquarie University | $358,767 |
| Dr Calum Roberts | The neoGASTRIC trial: Avoiding routine gastric residual volume measurement in neonatal critical care, a multi-centre, randomised controlled trial | Monash University | $739,020 |
Australia’s kids roll up their sleeves in the fight against COVID-19
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.
COVID jabs for juniors start today
Vaccinations for children aged five to 11 commence today with parents and carers urged to book their children an appointment as soon as possible.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty) will be made available for the roughly 720,000 children in that age group across NSW.
“More than 18,000 kids aged five to 11 have caught COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, which highlights why vaccination is so important,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We saw a great vaccination response for children aged 12-15 years, so we hope parents will book in their younger children before they start or go back to school.
“I want to also encourage anyone who has not yet received a COVID-19 vaccination to do so. This includes adults who had their second dose four months ago and are now due for a booster.”
Children aged five to 11 will be able to receive their COVID-19 vaccine in a range of centres and local community settings including general practitioners, community pharmacies, NSW Health clinics and other providers such as Aboriginal Medical Services.
NSW Health has so far delivered more than 326,027 booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines, in support of the Federal Government’s vaccine program.
People aged 18 years and older can get a booster at least four months after receiving their second dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines registered for use in Australia.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said most parents have always embraced the public health messaging which has helped lift our childhood vaccination rates across NSW.
“Whether it be measles or whooping cough or Pneumococcal or Hepatitis B, parents in NSW have always listened to the science to help protect their kids,” Mr Hazzard said.
“No one wants to see their child in hospital and the best way we can safeguard our kids against COVID-19 and importantly, the elderly around them, is to get them vaccinated.”
NSW Chief Paediatrician Dr Matthew O’Meara said parents should protect their children against the risks of getting COVID-19.
“Everyone who can get vaccinated should get vaccinated whether they’re healthy or not, and it’s especially important for kids who have underlying medical problems or are above a healthy weight.”
Bookings can be made at a NSW Health clinic, GP or pharmacy via the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.
100 Million Rapid Antigen Tests for NSW
The first batch of 100 million Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will be distributed to NSW essential public workers and vulnerable communities from this week to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government will receive 50 million tests from mid-January to February, with a further 50 million tests being sourced for delivery from February and into March.
“We are ensuring essential workers in our public workforce and vulnerable communities have access to free kits in this first round,” Mr Perrottet said.
“These tests, all approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, will help them to quickly ascertain if they need to self-isolate and ensure support and health advice is provided to those who need it.”
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Stuart Ayres said the Government’s procurement teams have worked hard to secure tests that meet the TGA’s robust standards.
“The NSW community has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, which is why we’re able to confidently shift to this new phase of test and isolate.”
“The procurement of these additional rapid antigen tests will support the NSW public sector workforce, support our return to school plan and provide support to those most in need.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the boost to NSW’s RAT supply will help alleviate the pressure on the NSW Health system – as well as provide protection for our most vulnerable.
“Most people should now use a RAT to confirm if they are positive for COVID-19. This allows PCRs to be used when medically required for clinical care, as well as drastically reducing the queues for PCR testing,” Mr Hazzard said.
“While this is an important step in our management of COVID-19, I urgently remind everyone that vaccination and boosters are the best way to keep hospitalisations down and loved ones safe.”
NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice will jointly lead distribution of the RATs, with logistical support from NGOs and Primary Health Networks.
Vulnerable populations will be prioritised, including:
- Aboriginal communities
- people receiving aged care services in the home
- people with a disability in supported independent living accommodation
- refugees
- social housing tenants, rough sleepers and women’s refuges
- vulnerable families and children and young people in residential and out-of-home care
Critical government settings have also been prioritised to ensure continuity of essential public services, including return to school, health and transport.
Planning is underway for the rollout of additional tranches of Rapid Antigen Tests in the coming months
More than 42,000 tests are already on their way to 44 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and NGOs supporting rough sleepers and refugees for distribution from tomorrow.
The NSW Government has allocated $250 million to procure the first tranche of 50.1 million RATs.
For more information on rapid antigen testing, please go to:
New program to help parents support their child's mental health
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
Labor will protect the Great Barrier Reef
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.