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Improving the lives of Australians through health and medical research

The Morrison Government is investing $9.2 million in 12 new health and medical research projects, transforming their ideas into innovative, life-saving medicines, devices and treatments for the patients of the future.
Through our landmark Medical Research Future Fund, the Government is providing $9.2 million across two programs – $5.2 million to develop new approaches that tackle diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and $4 million to develop new medical technologies to treat a range of conditions.
The funding is provided through two programs – the Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) and BioMedTech Horizons (BMTH) – which aim to support the development of novel preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and products for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and translation and commercialisation of world-leading health and medical research projects.
The $47 million TTRA was set up to improve the lives of patients with chronic conditions. It will support seven diabetes and cardiovascular disease research projects to develop improved mental health support via telehealth, a new therapeutic for treatment of diabetes-induced kidney disease, and a new injectable therapy to treat Peripheral Arterial Disease.
Other projects include the development of a new antithrombotic therapy to treat clots and reduce stroke, a new medical device to detect unstable plaques to prevent heart attacks, a diagnostic software tool to assess plaque vulnerability, and a software program to improve management of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease in general practice.
The $45 million BioMedTech Horizons has funded 41 innovative and collaborative health technologies to date. The BMTH will support five projects to develop new technologies for blindness and vision impairment, improved neonatal resuscitation, precision monitoring of fetal complications during birth, real-time atrial fibrillation/cardiac monitoring for patients at home, and patient matched spinal fusion implants.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Government was providing unprecedented support for health and medical research in this country.
“We are backing our best and brightest researchers to transform today’s ideas into breakthrough treatments for the patients of tomorrow,” Minister Hunt said.
“We recognise that research is the single best way to advance health and medical care and previous funding rounds have focused on precision diagnostics, 3-D printed medical devices, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, emergency medicine and digitally-enabled medical devices.
“I am pleased to announce this funding for the 12 recipients under these two exciting programs.”
The programs are being delivered by MTPConnect, who will work in partnership with researchers to improve knowledge and its translation into practice. This funding has attracted an additional $14.2 million in industry contributions.
MTPConnect will shortly open their next funding round – with up to $6 million available through Round 2 – for TTRA research projects. Details can be found on the MTPConnect website at www.mtpconnect.org.au/programs/TTRA
The Morrison Government’s $20 billion MRFF, is a long-term, sustainable investment in Australian health and medical research, helping to improve lives, build the economy and contribute to the sustainability of the health system.
Funding recipients:
Targeted Translation Research Accelerator ($5.2 million to seven projects)


Project	Recipient	Funding
Low Intensity Mental Health Support via a Telehealth Enabled Network (LISTEN) for adults with diabetes and CVD: Effectiveness and scalability	Deakin University	$748,384
Development of novel safe adjunctive antithrombotic therapies for the improved treatment of acute ischaemic stroke	Heart Research Institute and University of Sydney	$750,000
Lead optimisation of novel inhibitors of IRAP for the treatment of fibrosis in diabetes-induced renal and cardiovascular disease	Inosi Therapeutics Pty Ltd	$704,230
NIRAF Guidewire for Detection of Unstable Coronary Plaques to Prevent Heart Attack and Death	Nirtek Pty Ltd	$750,000
Towards a diagnostic tool for atheroma assessment to better manage vulnerable patients	Queensland University of Technology	$745,623
Future Health Today and TorchRecruit: Changing the course of chronic disease	University of Melbourne	$749,981
Local Regulation of Inflammation for the Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease therapy	University of Sydney	$739,128
Total		$5,187,346

BioMedTech Horizons (total funding of $4 million to five projects)


Project	Recipient	Funding
Developing a non-invasive bionic vision wearable development prototype for blind and vision impaired	Aria Research Pty Ltd	$800,000
Development of the “Juno”, a novel ventilation monitoring system for neonatal resuscitation	ResusRight Pty Ltd	$800,000
Developing ‘Sense Cardiac’, a cloud enabled wearable cardiac monitor for at-home use	Seer Medical	$800,000
Development of a precision real-time fetal biosensor for the prevention of stillbirth and fetal complications during childbirth	VitalTrace Pty Ltd	$797,276
Personalised spinal surgery for Australians; a clinical trial of 3DMorphic’s advanced manufactured patient-specific spinal fusion devices	3DMorphic Pty Ltd	$800,000
Total		$3,997,276

Easing restrictions to get workers back on the tools

The Berejiklian Government is easing restrictions for the construction industry, by resuming full capacity at unoccupied construction sites with COVID-safe plans, and removing the cap on outdoor workers at occupied premises from next week, so long as vaccination requirements are met.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the construction industry was crucial to the NSW economy contributing around $46.8 billion each year and directly employing 380,000 people.
“Construction is going to play a key role in our economic recovery and it’s vital we get tradies back on the tools as quickly and safely as possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The industry has shown the way when it comes to getting back to work and is a prime example of how our workplaces will progressively reopen as we reach vaccination targets and will provide a much-needed boost to the State’s economy.”
From Monday 27 September, the cap on construction will be removed completely for all unoccupied construction sites, and the cap on the number of outdoor workers at occupied sites will also be removed. Workforce vaccination requirements and requirements for COVID-safe site plans remain in place.
Workers from LGAs of concern who meet vaccination requirements are already permitted to leave their LGAs for construction on unoccupied sites. From Monday, workers will also be able to leave their LGAs to do outdoor work on occupied sites, provided they meet the current vaccination requirements for authorised workers.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said the easing of restrictions is an important step on the road to construction fully reopening in NSW and to keeping people in jobs.
“Today’s announcement comes in recognition of the effort made by the construction industry to put COVID safe practices in place and to get workers vaccinated in large numbers. Those other measures will remain in place even once the cap is lifted,” Mr Ayres said
“We would like to thank the industry for the work they have put in to get the right outcome for the industry and for the wider community.”
“Getting vaccinated workers back on the tools as soon as possible is our priority, but we need to ensure it is done in a safe way to protect both workers and the community.”
To ensure the safety of the community, all current restrictions on indoor work at occupied premises will remain in place.

More cash to fix local roads in the bush

Hundreds of additional roads across regional NSW will receive funding for vital works to improve journeys for regional communities, farmers and freight.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole today announced $153 million for 94 regional councils to fix, maintain and seal priority roads in the bush through Round 3 of the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program.
“Our Government is investing in the local infrastructure our regional communities rely on, with today’s announcement giving councils across rural and regional NSW a helping hand to deliver the projects that really matter,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Under this program, hundreds of millions of dollars are flowing to regional councils, delivering safer journeys for families and improving the freight network in the bush.
“This funding will deliver more than 130 additional road projects across regional NSW, easing the burden on local councils and creating hundreds of jobs across rural and regional NSW at a time when they’re needed most.”
Mr Toole said Fixing Local Roads had already delivered more than $394 million for 361 projects across 91 regional Local Government Areas from Armidale to Albury in the first two rounds.
“Communities across the state are already reaping the benefits of this program with 97 projects now open to traffic – and today’s announcement will see councils deliver a further 138 projects over the next two years,” Mr Toole said.
“These projects won’t just ensure that locals see the benefits of this investment every time they get behind the wheel, they’re also supporting an additional 1,374 jobs throughout construction.
“Small projects like these not only make a big difference to the roads locals use every day, but they’ll also support the domestic tourist market when our regions open up again.”
Fixing Local Roads is a $500 million NSW Government program, which was boosted by the Commonwealth Government over the first two rounds with an additional injection of $191 million. Further information can be found at nswroads.work/fixinglocalroads.

New protections for high value conservation areas

The NSW Government has today announced the opening of nominations to identify and protect Areas of Outstanding Biodiversity Value (AOBVs) on both private and public lands across NSW.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said these new legal instruments will fill a gap in conservation measures in NSW by preserving key landscapes that protect a broad range of our natural heritage.
“I want to leave our planet in a better state for future generations and this is another tool to ensure areas of irreplaceable biodiversity on private and public lands across NSW can be protected,” Mr Kean said.
“Local communities or private landholders can now conserve areas that would otherwise not be captured or recognised through any other legal instrument, such as in National Parks.”
Once identified, AOBVs are an ‘automatic priority’ for investment by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), meaning landholders can access funds to manage the land for conservation.
Chair of the BCT, the Hon Niall Blair said AOBV’s will help improve conservation especially on private land.
“The BCT already has a number of mechanisms that provide private landholders across the state a financial incentive to conserve biodiversity on their own properties,” Mr Blair said.
“This new mechanism will help us capture areas and pockets of high value biodiversity that otherwise may have slipped through the net.”
Identified by rigorous scientific assessment, AOBVs are designed to conserve high value conservation sites, threatened species or critical habitats. This includes climate refugia, migratory pathways or areas with a high variety of biodiversity values.
AOBVs can only be declared with landholders’ consent, with nominated areas assessed against key scientific criteria set out in the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Further info available HERE.

Funding boost for disability advocacy services

People with disability will be better supported to access services and support under the NSW Government’s new Disability Advocacy Futures Program.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said organisations can now apply for contracts under the program, which fulfils the intent of NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald’s report into the sector.
“Advocacy empowers people to overcome barriers that affect their ability to participate in our community,” Mr Henskens said.
“The Commissioner’s report provided a blueprint for a contemporary and sustainable advocacy system and now organisations have the opportunity to be a part of this exciting new chapter.
“I look forward to seeing the innovation, collaboration and new ways of delivering support that this commissioning process will deliver.”
More than $13 million under the Disability Advocacy Futures Program will be allocated to organisations across individual, systemic and representative advocacy types.
It will support the more than 1.4 million people with disability in NSW, not just those accessing services and supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The NSW Government is investing $3.6 billion in the NDIS in 2021-22.
“Our investment in disability advocacy and workforce development programs like More Jobs More Care are examples of NSW going above and beyond our multi-billion NDIS investment,” Mr Henskens said.
“We’re working to create a more inclusive and accessible NSW that supports all people with disability to reach their full potential and these investments are testament to that.”
For more information about the program, and to apply, visit the NSW Government’s eTendering website.

Free WHS safety advice for farming businesses

The NSW Government and NSW Farmers have launched a workplace safety program providing education and advice to the agriculture industry to help reduce farm-related death, injury and disease.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government has invested $2 million over four years for the Farm Safety Advisory Program to support farming businesses in developing an effective work health and safety culture and keeping workers safe.
“This $2 million investment from the NSW Government is part of our mission to create a safer and stronger regional NSW. All NSW small to medium farming operations with fewer than 50 workers are eligible to participate in this free program,” Mr Anderson said.
“The agriculture sector is the backbone of our regional economies and is a significant employer in regional communities. It is imperative as a government we do everything we can to support farm workers and keep them safe.
“The program will improve farm safety practices by providing education directly to farming businesses. This allows the NSW Government to continue to work alongside the agriculture industry on a wide range of farm-related safety issues.”
NSW Farmers President James Jackson said working life on the farm includes a diverse range of safety risk factors.
“Farming is a rewarding but potentially dangerous occupation; the more we talk and learn how to manage the risks and dangers, the better,” Mr Jackson said.
“The Farm Safety Advisory Program is a winner for me and other farmers in achieving this. The program has dedicated advisors who can provide support, advice and resources to improve WHS on farms.
“A session with an advisor can be delivered in various settings, including your own farm with discussions tailored specifically to your farm business operations.”
Delivery of the program will start on Tuesday 28 September with a Harvest Ready webinar from 6-7pm and the launch of the phone call back and email service.
The program’s COVID safe methods will enable one-on-one and group participation to occur through both face-to-face and online interactions as appropriate.
For more information and to register your interest, call NSW Farmers on 1300 764 000 or email nswfarmsafety@nswfarmers.org.au.

New strategy and research centre to support Australians with eating disorders

For the first time, Australia has a 10-year strategy which will guide critical research and transform how we treat and care for nearly one million Australians who suffer from bulimia, anorexia and other eating disorders.
Today the Morrison Government is launching the Australian Eating Disorder Research and Translation Strategy 2021–2031. The Strategy, which has been developed under a $4 million federal grant by the InsideOut Institute, identifies the top 10 priority areas in greatest need of additional research.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said eating disorders were serious, complex and life-threatening mental illnesses and the Strategy provides a clear national approach to ensuring best-practice prevention, early intervention, and treatment now and in the future.
“At any given time, approximately one million Australians, or around four per cent of the population, are living with an eating disorder,” Minister Hunt said.
“Tragically, eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric illness, with anorexia being the deadliest of all mental health conditions.”
“Strengthening eating disorder research and translation in Australia will ensure that we find and deliver the latest and best possible support for those impacted and their families and carers. It will lead to significant improvements in the wellbeing of those with an eating disorder and, most importantly, will save lives.”
The 10 research priorities identified in the Strategy are prevention, risk and protective factors, early identification, equity of access, treatment outcomes, individualised medicine, family support, early intervention, positive and negative treatment impacts, stigma and health promotion.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said eating disorders are extremely complex and we need to do a lot more to better understand them.
“The 2021-22 Budget also provided a further $26.9 million for eating disorder research and support, including $13 million to establish a National Eating Disorder Research Centre,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“This new dedicated centre of excellence will lead ground-breaking research to help advance our understanding of eating disorders and the most effective approaches to prevention, early intervention and treatment. It will also ensure that Australia remains at the forefront of the international efforts to combat these devastating illnesses.”
A grant opportunity will open on September 22 to identify an organisation, or a consortium of organisations, to lead the establishment of the research centre. Grant guidelines will be published on Grant Connect at www.grants.gov.au.
The Morrison Government has made mental health a national priority, and since 2018 has delivered unprecedented support for eating disorder research, support and treatment. This includes historic investments such as $110.7 million to provide up to 40 Medicare-subsidised psychological and 20 dietetic therapy sessions, $63 million for establishment of a national network of residential eating disorders treatment centres, $5 million for research through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), and $13.4 million for the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC).
Through the $2.3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan in the 2021-22 Budget, the Morrison Government continues to transform the mental health system to ensure that all Australians can access, high-quality, person-centred care when and where it is needed.
If you or anyone you know is concerned about eating disorder or body image issues, you can contact the Butterfly Foundation’s national eating disorders helpline, ED Hope, on 1800 33 4673 or through www.butterfly.org.au.
Anyone experiencing distress can also seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).

Federal Government delivers mental health support in Mackay-Isaac region

Residents in the Mackay-Isaac region have better access to mental health care and support thanks to the Federal Coalition Government’s strong investment in regional mental health services.
During a virtual visit this week hosted by local MP George Christensen, Regional Health Minister, Dr David Gillespie said the Federal Government is providing millions of dollars in funding to boost mental health services in rural, regional and remote Queensland.
“Ensuring all Australians can access the mental health care they need is a priority for the Nationals in Government, and I know George Christensen has been a very strong advocate in expanding local support for mental health services,” Minister Gillespie said.
“Additional funding is being provided both for ongoing reform of mental health services and to address the mental health impacts of the pandemic.”
Mr Christensen said the Federal funding reflects both ongoing reform of mental health services and the extra mental health issues caused by the pandemic.
“Whatever the cause, there’s no shame in feeling stressed, anxious or depressed and it’s important to reach out and get advice and support,” Mr Christensen said.
“With strict border closures and on-and-off lockdowns, the past 18 months have been far from normal.”
The Federal Coalition is investing more than $93 million over four years to the North Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) for critical mental health and suicide prevention services.
The Federal funding committed by the PHN into local initiatives, includes:

More than $10 million over four years for Safe Spaces, including the new crisis space at Mackay Base Hospital. These spaces provide alternatives to emergency departments for people in mental distress
More than $1 million over three years to allow people in NQPHN to be referred to the Way Back Support Service in Cairns. The service provides non-clinical, follow up care and practical support to people who have had a suicidal episode
Almost $400,000 in 2021-22 to establish and operate a new headspace service for the Whitsunday, expected to open in December. This new headspace service is part of the Government’s $111.3 million funding commitment to establish 30 new headspace services. The new service will be a satellite from the existing headspace Mackay, which will receive more than more than $896,000 in federal funding this financial year; and
$8 million over two years from 2021-22 to NQPHN to continue its psychosocial support program for people with severe mental illness who are not in the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Dr Gillespie said the region was continuing to benefit from important initiatives aimed at reducing mental health toll of the COVID pandemic.
“Through our investment in telehealth, 38,000 Medicare-subsidised mental health services were delivered via telehealth in the region in 2020-21, building on our $100 million Better Access Initiative delivering further mental health support,” Dr Gillespie said.

Local Ex-Serviceman Ready to Fight for Townsville

Townsville born firefighter and ex-serviceman John Ring has been endorsed by the Labor Party to contest the seat of Herbert at the next Federal election.
John spent over 14 years in the RAAF and currently works at the Townsville Airport as an aviation firefighter.
The father of three, and Ignatius Park old boy, said today he felt privileged to have the opportunity to stand for election in his hometown.
“I know there is a lot of hard work ahead and I’m fully committed to doing my very best to highlight local issues and get a better deal for our region,” Mr. Ring said.
“We’re not getting the leadership we deserve from the Morrison Government, which is all about spin.
“The Government has failed on the vaccination roll-out, failed on aged care and veterans support, and failed to deliver adequate economic support for our communities.
“Our city and our residents deserve better than an MP who has failed to deliver for our community and stood by watching more government cuts, whilst he was preoccupied with playing politics.”
“I’m a local who loves my hometown and I believe with my 15 years of experience in the RAAF I have a strong understanding of the issues faced by our broader community and our service men and women.”
Mr. Ring said the Government’s attempt to cut aviation firefighting services in Australia, had inspired him to consider running as a candidate.
“Along with many of my firefighting colleagues we fought hard to stop the government from going ahead with the cutbacks that threatened to leave airports in regional QLD without a firefighting capacity stationed at the airport.
“That was a significant moment for me, and I wanted to do something about it for regional communities.”
Labor leader Anthony Albanese said that “Herbert is an electorate that needs an MP willing to fight for regional Queenslanders.”
“John will be a champion for better health services for his community and a strong advocate for good local jobs in the region.”
“Under a Labor Government we’ll always make sure Townsville gets its fair share and regional Queenslanders have a voice in Government.”

Books delivered direct to your door

Avid readers will be able to turn the pages of their favourite books once again following the launch of a new Newcastle Libraries service, Library 2U, which will see books, movies and music delivered to the homes of members.
The initiative ensures Newcastle Libraries members can continue to connect with library services during the current stay at home orders, following the temporary closure of all branches when lockdown began in early-August.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that Novocastrians love connecting with their libraries and the service will keep the community informed and entertained during a trying time.
“With more than 96,000 members, and loans reaching 1.3 million in the last year, it is clear that our community values the services and connection that the city’s libraries offer,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Everyone loves the feeling of being transported into the world of their favourite book or movie and although we can’t yet welcome people back inside branches, we’re pleased to be able to launch Library 2U.
“All it takes is a quick phone call or completing an online form and library staff will consider your preferences and hand-pick a selection of reading, watching or listening options, which will arrive at your door via contactless delivery the following business day.”
Library 2U is available now to all Newcastle Libraries members residing in the Newcastle Local Government Area. Up to five items will be selected for members based on their preferences and members can keep loans until return chutes reopen.
A click and collect service may also soon be available following recent changes to the Public Health Order allowing libraries to facilitate collections. The Newcastle Libraries click and collect service is expected to commence in early October.
Membership to Newcastle Libraries and the Library 2U service is free and can be arranged by phoning 4974 5300 or visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library
While library branches are closed members can access the eLibrary for a range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies, magazines and newspapers, by visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library or downloading the Newcastle Libraries app.
Newcastle Libraries membership and loan statistics:

Total membership is 96,603
In the last year Newcastle Libraries have gained almost 9,000 new members.
There were over 11,000 library app downloads in the last year
In the last financial year the library has celebrated 1.3 million loans in total across its physical and eLibrary selection.
Fiction loans account for 55% of total loans
eLibrary loans account for just under 40% of all loans
Within the eLibrary, 40% are eBooks and eAudiobooks, 20% of loans are music, movies and TV, 20% are magazines and newspapers and remainder are online learning and research databases.