Marking one year since the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global commitment to eliminate cervical cancer, the Australian Government is investing $5.8 million to back our pledge to be the first nation in the world to achieve this goal.
The National Cervical Screening Program encourages a simple five-yearly test (changed from every two years in 2017) that checks for HPV – a common infection that causes almost all cervical cancers – before any cancerous cells develop.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said this program had been a game-changer in Australia’s efforts to eliminate cervical cancer.
“In the program’s 30 years it has halved the incidence of cervical cancer and mortality in Australia,” Minister Hunt said.
“We however do not rest on our laurels, there is more work to be done. Our Government continues to work to ensure as many people as possible engage with the support available, particularly by ensuring access and equity in under-screened groups.”
“The funding announced today will support the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer to collaboratively develop a National Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy by the end of 2022 to help us ensure our goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health concern is met by 2035.”
The Strategy will require coordinated efforts throughout the health system to overcome cultural and structural barriers to cervical cancer prevention programs and treatment, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other under-screened populations.
The funding will also support Australia’s largest clinical trial, the Compass Trial, which will produce world-first evidence on the interactions between HPV vaccination and HPV-based screening. The trial will inform improvements to the National Cervical Screening Program to ensure participants continue to receive the right care.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Women, Marise Payne, said Australia was committed to the WHO’s elimination strategy by championing and leading the resolution on the Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer.
“We are committed to continued support for this and other global initiatives on cervical cancer elimination,” Minister Payne said.
“Australia’s HPV vaccination program and National Cervical Screening Program are world-leading and have put us on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035.”
Developed at the University of Queensland, the introduction of the HPV vaccine (Gardasil) onto Australia’s National Immunisation Program was a world first, and will help to protect young people from getting a range of HPV-related cancers and diseases, such as cervical cancer. Since 2012-13, we have spent close to $386 million on HPV vaccines and distributed around 6.4 million doses.
The introduction in July 2022 of self-collection for cervical screening tests, announced on 8 November 2021 is expected to encourage many more women to take the test by making the process easier, more comfortable and less invasive.
Australia will be one of the first countries in the world to offer the ‘game-changing’ self-collect option through our National Cervical Screening Program.
Ensuring access and equity in the prevention, early detection and treatment of cervical cancer will be central to reach the WHO elimination targets in Australia.
Author: admin
Morrison government strengthens Australia’s university sector to withstand foreign interference
Updated guidelines to assist Australian universities strengthen their resilience to foreign interference risks, while protecting students, staff and research that contribute to Australia’s prosperity, have been released today.
The updated guidelines will better address how foreign interference threats have evolved since the initial guidelines were released in 2019, and will assist universities to better identify and respond to the risk of foreign interference.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said espionage and foreign interference posed a challenge to Australia’s democracy, but that the Morrison Government would continue to protect Australia’s institutions, including our universities.
“These updated guidelines are more important than ever – with international students set to return to many Australian jurisdictions soon, we need to ensure our University campuses embody the free, open, transparent debate that is so vital to an Australian education, and to our way of life,” Minister Andrews said.
“The guidelines will protect universities, students and researchers from hostile foreign actors and intelligence services; who have been known to target sensitive research, muzzle debate, and intimidate foreign students.”
Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the updated guidelines are more specific, measurable and will support greater consistency of actions to counter foreign interference across the university sector.
“Australia is home to some of the world’s leading academics who are producing world-class research. These guidelines will ensure our researchers are protected,” Minister Tudge said.
“We have seen that Australian universities are a target for foreign interference with foreign actors using sophisticated and deceptive means to steal Australian research and intellectual property.
“The Morrison Government takes research integrity very seriously and will continue to prevent efforts to steal information and interfere in our universities.”
More information is available at https://www.dese.gov.au/guidelines-counter-foreign-interference-australian-university-sector.
COVID safe Council meeting
Tonight’s Committee meetings will be held in the Council Chambers. To ensure COVID safe practices for City of Newcastle’s Council meetings, arrangements have been made for members of the public to observe the meeting from the digital library space on the ground floor of the City Administration Centre, in accordance with Public Health Orders.
City of Newcastle’s COVID Safe Plan for the digital library space restricts the number of people who can attend and requires members of the public to check-in via QR code, be fully vaccinated, and wear face masks. Members of the public are also able to view the proceedings via the livestream.
$4 million investment for nsw police with four new tactical marine vessels launched
The capabilities of the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command have been significantly bolstered with the addition of four new purpose-built marine vessels, valued at more than $4 million.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM today to unveil the new Class 5 rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) as part of an ongoing commitment to provide safer waterways across the State.
Premier Perrottet said this investment forms part of the $29 million Marine Vessel Replacement program and will enhance tactical marine responses.
“These fast response vessels are multifunctional and will strengthen the police marine operational capabilities as we approach the busy summer months,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, police have played an integral role in keeping us all safe. As we return to a sense of normality it is vital police have the equipment to undertake policing, both on land and water.”
Minister Elliott said the Government continues to provide police with the resources they need to enhance operations in NSW and offshore waters.
“With a multi-purpose capability, the RHIBs will be used for criminal detection and counter terrorism operations, search and rescue, port and maritime security and high visibility policing,” Mr Elliott said.
“Importantly these vessels will enhance boarding capabilities and fast roping for police in operational settings.”
Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said officers attached to the Marine Area Command were instrumental in the design of these fit-for-purpose tactical vessels.
“These Class 5 RHIBs are highly-manoeuvrable and are fitted with the latest navigation and communication equipment, as well as surveillance and tracking systems,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.
“Importantly these fast, agile and responsive vessels are a significant boost to our capabilities to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime on the water.”
Each vessel has two 400hp four-stroke outboard motors and can reach speeds of 53 knots. The vessels feature the newest technology including a forward looking infra-red (FLIR) camera to assist police crews search for lost mariners or detect crime threats. The navigation and electronics are supported by the NSW Police Force integrated telecommunication and satellite systems.
The 11 metre RHIBs were built by Sydney based Zodiac Milpro Australia Pty Ltd. They have a 10-person capacity and will be located in Sydney, San Souci, Newcastle and Port Kembla but can be deployed as far north as Tweed Heads, and Eden to the south.
Two up – Triple-A credit ratings for NSW
Global ratings agency Moody’s has reaffirmed New South Wales’ triple-A credit rating, just days after Fitch also awarded the State the same top tier rating.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Moody’s triple-A rating highlights the resilience of the NSW economy, which is being bolstered by businesses reopening after the extended three-month lockdown due to the Delta outbreak.
“The triple-A ratings reaffirm the economic strength of NSW which has remained resilient despite a myriad of challenges over the past two years,” Mr Perrottet said.
“NSW is the only state in Australia with a Moody’s triple-A credit rating which we have retained despite allocating about $45 billion to support people and businesses and to bolster the health system to combat COVID-19.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the two triple-A ratings recognise the NSW Government’s strong economic management during COVID-19.
“The NSW Government has been assigned two triple-A credit ratings despite the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been due to our diverse, resilient and flexible economy, and world-leading response to COVID-19.” Mr Kean said.
“The latest Moody’s rating highlights the State’s ability to manage our record $108.5 billion infrastructure pipeline as we continue to invest in our economy, transport, health, education and innovative technologies.”
The Moody’s report said the triple-A rating reflects the State’s “proven history of fiscal resolve”, which is highlighted by NSW’s “debt retirement strategy following the recently completed WestConnex transaction.”
NSW has two triple-A credit ratings (Moody’s and Fitch) and one double-A plus credit rating (S&P Global).
Fork in the road for single-use plastics
The end is near for single use plastics, including bags, straws, cotton buds, plates, bowls and cutlery, after the Plastics and Circular Economy Act 2021 passed NSW Parliament today.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said plastic packaging and single-use plastics make up 60 per cent of litter across the state, with single-use plastics to be phased out from June next year.
“Only 10 per cent of plastics in New South Wales are recycled, with the rest ending up in landfill, or worse, littering our streets, dumped in our parks and washing up in our waterways,” Mr Kean said.
“The NSW Government is spending $356 million over the next five years to deliver the NSW Plastics Action Plan and the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041. This will help reduce the environmental impacts of plastics litter, while encouraging the development of new and innovative products.
“This legislation is expected to stop 2.7 billion single-use items from ending up in our natural environment and waterways over the next 20 years, and is a game-changer in the fight against plastic waste across our state.”
Businesses will be supported to transition to alternative products before the phase outs come into effect. Excemptions will also apply for members of the community who rely on particular single-use plastics for disability of health needs.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Felicity Wilson said a range of education and engagement campaigns will run to support consumers and businesses transition.
“I want to thank the many businesses and households who have already voluntarily taken action to reduce their single-use plastics, particularly those who take their own reuseable bags to the shops,” Ms Wilson said.
“By this time next year, the NSW Government will have phased out plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and bowls, as well as cotton buds with plastic sticks and microbeads in personal care and cosmetic products.
“Our goal is to reduce as much plastic waste as possible, while protecting the environment, sustainably managing resources and ensuring materials circulate in our economy for as long as possible.”
The NSW Government has established a legislative framework to tackle harmful and problematic plastics though the setting of design standards.
The first design standard has been set for microbeads in cosmetic and personal care items, and will ensure microbeads are phased out from 1 November 2022.
The legislation will prohibit the supply of lightweight plastic bags from 1 June 2022. The supply of other items will be prohibited from 1 November 2022, including single-use plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers, cotton buds, plates and bowls, and expanded polystyrene foodservice items.
For more information on the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021 visit http://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plastics
Heat on Labor and Liberal as 1.5 alive but coal & gas on death row
The Greens have said the next election will be a climate fight with the heat now on Liberal and Labor, after the Glasgow Climate Pact put coal & gas on death row and committed countries to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, which will mean Australia taking to next year’s summit 2030 targets of 75% emissions cuts.
However, within hours of signing up to the Glasgow Climate Pact, Angus Taylor has ruled out setting new 2030 targets prior to COP27 in November 2022, which the Pact explicitly requests and urges Australia to do.
Keith Pitt has also used the opportunity post-Glasgow to state that “we won’t be closing mines and closing coal-fired power stations”, in direct contradiction to the Pact’s agreement to accelerate the phase-down of unabated coal power.
All parties to the pact also recognized that the impacts of climate change will be much lower at the temperature increase of 1.5 °C compared with 2 °C and resolved to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C.
The independent Climate Targets Panel has determined that a 74% emissions reduction on 2005 levels is required by 2030 for Australia to do it’s fair share to limit global heating to 1.5°C.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“Forget whether it’s ‘phase out’ or ‘phase down’, the Glasgow pact has put coal and gas on death row.
“I’m not sure the government has fully realised what they’ve signed up to or the implications for Liberal and Labor next year.
“The Glasgow pact means getting out of coal, but Liberal and Labor want 116 new coal and gas projects.
“With such a strong focus on limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees, the Glasgow pact has upped the ante for Liberal and Labor, as neither have 2030 targets consistent with 1.5 degrees but both must pledge higher ambition before next year’s climate summit in Egypt.
“From now on, anything less than a 75% by 2030 target and a pledge for no more coal and gas means giving up on the Glasgow pact.
“The next election will be a climate fight and the heat is now on Liberal and Labor to stop their push for more coal and gas and lift 2030 targets to 75% to keep 1.5 alive.
“Only the Greens’ policies are in line with Glasgow.
“With Greens in balance of power after the next election, we’ll kick the Liberals out and push the next government to go further and faster for no more coal and gas and a 75% cut by 2030.”
Attorneys-General need to lift their game and raise the age to 14, say Greens
The Australian Greens condemn the move by the Meeting of Attorneys General (MAG) towards raising the age of legal responsibility from 10 to 12 years of age.
“The MAG announcement shows a deliberate disregard of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, medical evidence and First Nations advocates. The experts all agree: we need to raise the age of legal responsibility to 14.” Said the Greens spokesperson for Justice and First Nations, Senator Lidia Thorpe.
“499 children aged between 10 and 13 were imprisoned last year: 91% were 12 or over. MAG’s proposal would keep most of our kids in jail.” Said Thorpe.
“We’re talking about the safety and wellbeing of our children in this country. This is far too important to be wasting time with pointless announcements.”
“Aggressive policing, coupled with racist laws and policies like the refusal to raise the age to at least 14, is deliberately targeting First Nations children who account for a staggering 65% of children who are jailed in this country. Often for low level, non-violent offending.”
“Having such a low age of legal responsibility is impacting First Nations children the most. Separating children from their families, communities, education and culture is causing lasting damage.”
“Children who are at risk of getting trapped in the criminal legal system need supportive bail and community corrections programs to divert them away from prisons and back into the community.”
“Children do their best when they are in loving and caring environments with access to great healthcare, education and community support. This amounts to nothing more than smoke and mirrors from the Morrison Government. It’s a complete and total sham by the MAG.”
“In solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services, First Nations health services, human rights, legal, and medical services and their peak bodies, The Greens are demanding that the MAG increase the age of legal responsibility from 10 to at least 14.”
“Instead of jailing children for minor crimes, the Morrison government needs to fund and resource First Nations organisations in particular to support children to get back on the right path through culturally safe and supportive diversionary programs.”
“I commend Greens across the country who are pushing for this change, like Attorney-General of the ACT Shane Rattenbury, Dr Tim Read in Victoria, and Michael Berkman in Queensland. If the MAG won’t do what’s right they must step out of the way because The Greens will.” Said Thorpe.
Greens use Barnaby to step up campaigns against inner city Liberals
As Barnaby Joyce and Matt Canavan call for more coal before the ink on the Glasgow Climate Pact is even dry, the Greens have begun hitting the streets in target inner-city Liberal seats like Ryan, Brisbane, Kooyong and Higgins to unseat incumbents by reminding them that if you vote Liberal, you get Barnaby.
Appearing on Afternoon Briefing yesterday, Joyce claimed that despite being Deputy Prime Minister, he had apparently not agreed to the Cop26 Pact which Australia is signatory, and derided Alok Sharma and other Cop26 attendees as just wanting “to get on television”. Matt Canavan said that Glasgow is a “green light for coal” despite Australia being urged by the Pact to return to Cop27 with stronger emissions targets.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“A vote for the Liberals is a vote for Barnaby Joyce setting climate policy.
“A vote for even ‘moderate’ Liberals still gives Barnaby the power to push us beyond the point of climate no-return.
“There’s no way around the equation: vote Liberal, get Barnaby.
“The Greens are hitting the streets and the billboards are going up, reminding voters that if you vote Liberal, you get Barnaby.
“The price of the Nationals’ climate deal is becoming clearer by the day: more coal and no lifting of Australia’s woeful 2030 targets.
“Liberal moderates will never have the kingmaker power of the Nationals.
“Australia’s climate policy under the Liberals will be set by Barnaby “won’t be bullied by science” Joyce and Matt “a cold snap means climate change isn’t real” Canavan.
“This time, voters in inner-city seats can send the Liberals a powerful message about climate by voting Greens.”
Greens Commitment to Extend Telehealth
The Australian Greens have today announced their plan to make Telehealth a permanent part of our healthcare system, investing $772 million over the forward estimates into our healthcare system.
Telehealth has been widely available since March 2020 and has enabled many people to access healthcare on the phone or by video conference. The changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule that enabled these appointments are set to end on 31st December 2021.
Greens spokesperson on Health and Mental Health Senator Jordon Steele-John said:
“Telehealth has been invaluable to our community. It has enabled people to access health services during lockdowns, it has closed the access gap for people living in regional and remote areas, and has allowed disabled people and older people to access support from home.
“So many people have told me that accessing telehealth has meant they haven’t missed a whole day of work, or study, to have a 15-minute appointment with their GP.
“We must ensure that we are building a health system that meets the needs of our community into the future.
“The Australian Greens are committed to making telehealth a permanent feature of our Medicare system. I am calling on the government to give certainty to health care providers, and the community. They must commit to ongoing support for telehealth services.
“The Australian Greens want everyone who needs health care to access it. Today’s announcement to make telehealth permanent builds on our commitment to clear public hospital surgery waiting lists, and get dental health care and mental health care included in Medicare.”