New Medicare items will encourage eligible health providers to work together more closely to support the health of vulnerable Australians.
From today, allied health professionals will – for the first time – be reimbursed through Medicare for taking part in case conferences to support people with chronic diseases or young children with developmental disorders like autism.
To date, allied health professionals could take part but were unpaid. These additional items will improve care coordination and deliver better outcomes to patients with complex needs who have multiple care providers.
Working together, health care teams can make an enormous difference to the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care of many vulnerable Australians.
The Morrison Government committed $13.7 million in the 2021–22 Budget to create the new Medicare items – in response to recommendations to the MBS Review – which will also increase the number of doctor-led multidisciplinary case conferences in primary care.
Under the change, allied health professionals will be paid to attend multidisciplinary conferences held by the patient’s regular doctor – in person, via video conference or phone –to discuss diagnosis, care and treatment plans.
The new items are for eligible allied health professionals participating in multidisciplinary case conferences for people with chronic disease under the care of a General Practitioner as part of Team Care Arrangements, as well as children aged under 13 years under the care of a specialist, consultant physician or GP to provide early diagnosis and treatment of autism or any other pervasive developmental disorders.
For chronic disease management, eligible professionals include: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners and health workers, audiologists, chiropractors, diabetes educators, dietitians, exercise physiologists, mental health workers, occupational therapists, osteopaths, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists and speech pathologists.
For children with pervasive developmental disorders: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners and health workers, audiologists, mental health nurses, mental health workers, occupational therapists, optometrists, orthoptists, physiotherapists, psychologists and speech pathologists can take part.
More information can be found on MBS Online.
Recommendations of review into COVID outbreaks in aged care accepted
The Morrison Government has accepted all 38 recommendations from a review into COVID-19 outbreaks in residential aged care facilities.
The Independent Review of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities, will underpin continued improvements as the Government and aged care sector prioritise the health and wellbeing of senior Australians in care.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the review was an important blueprint as we navigate the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
“It has been an extremely challenging time for all of us, but particularly senior and vulnerable Australians and those who care for them,” Minister Hunt said.
“The review’s 38 recommendations will help aged care facility administrators better prepare for and respond to future COVID-19 outbreaks and will assist the Government in monitoring and evaluating these measures.”
Minister Colbeck said the review was already guiding measures for the protection of aged care residents and workers in the current New South Wales, Victoria and ACT outbreaks.
“Importantly, the findings show that while community transmission is the biggest predictor of COVID‑19 outbreaks in aged care settings, effective leadership at all levels is the most critical factor in defending against the virus,” Minister Colbeck said.
He said the information in the report will also provide input and guidance into the principals required as we move towards living with COVID-19 in residential aged care.
The report outlines nine key lines of defence to minimise risk of COVID-19 outbreaks:
- Built environment and infrastructure;
- Clinical care;
- Effective interagency communication;
- Emergency response;
- Infection prevention and control;
- Leadership, management and governance;
- Planning and preparation;
- Preventing social isolation; and
- Workforce and staff mental health.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and its Aged Care Advisory Group have considered the recommendations.
Minister Hunt said the Government will continue to adapt the way it prepares for and responds to an outbreak, based on what has been learned.
“This will be done in collaboration with the aged care sector, state and territory governments and health authorities,” Minister Hunt said.
“It will also be important that, as the community transitions to living with COVID, we continue with critical strategies such as vaccinations and testing, so that aged care residents and staff are protected.”
Minister Colbeck said since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Morrison Government has committed over $2.1 billion in funding for aged care COVID support.
“We have listened to the experiences and stories of those living, working and caring in the aged care sector throughout the pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said. “We are committed to improving our preparation for and response to outbreaks, and better supporting our most vulnerable Australians.”
The Ministers thanked the authors of the review and the residents, families, friends, carers, providers and workers who contributed to this and the previous four independent reviews.
The full report can be found here.
Please note that the release of the report may be confronting for anyone affected by the impact of the pandemic on Australia’s aged care sector. The following support is available:
- The Older Persons Advocacy Network can be reached on 1800 700 600
- The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement can be reached on 1800 22 22 00
- The Essential Network for health professionals– a website and mobile app by the Black Dog Institute available at blackdoginstitute.org.au/ten or via the Google Play and Apple Store
- Smiling Mind – a mobile application with practical tools to support good mental health during challenging times, available via the Google Play and Apple Store.
Aged care workers can also access mental health support available to all Australians including:
- Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service can be reached on 1800 512 348 or at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
- Lifeline can be reached on 13 11 14
- Head to Health provides access to free and low cost digital and phone mental health services and supports, available at headtohealth.gov.au
City of Newcastle helps drive lifesaving blood and plasma donations
With months of lockdown causing a massive shortfall in blood and plasma donations, City of Newcastle staff and Councillors have volunteered their time (and arms) to help raise awareness of the urgent need to give blood.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said staff jumped at the chance to help get the message out to increase donations.
“At least 2,300 donations are needed each month just in Newcastle to meet the current demand to assist cancer patients and to get people through other serious health challenges in their lives,” Mr Bath said.
“City of Newcastle considers the situation to be so serious that we are encouraging our staff, several times each year, to travel to the Australian Red Cross at Broadmeadow during work time to donate blood.
“This year, City of Newcastle’s Lifeblood team have made 137 donations, meaning 411 lives have been saved, but this number is lower than previous years due to COVID-19 restrictions.”
City of Newcastle Senior Project Officer Tania Antony co-ordinates City of Newcastle’s Lifeblood team said her personal journey drives her to encourage others to donate blood.
“For me, my brother suffered from aplastic anaemia. On two occasions in his life, he needed three platelet transfusions and one whole blood transfusion each week, just to survive until transplant time. He literally came alive after each transfusion,” Ms Antony said.
“I am so appreciative of those strangers who gave their blood to save my brother’s life. Before that, I was just a casual donor, now I do whatever I can to drive donations.
“I encourage more organisations and businesses to band their employees together to form a Lifeblood team.”
The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Manager Brian Bruce said a lift in donations in Newcastle is urgently needed, and the community are encouraged to come forward to donate as restrictions ease across the city.
“Newcastle is in particular need of O negative blood and plasma donations with supply at a ten-year low due to the pandemic,” Mr Bruce said.
“Collectively, Lifeblood teams in Newcastle have helped save 17,800 lives so far in 2021. More than a third of our blood supply locally comes from groups donating together from local business, sporting, and community groups.
“Thank you to City of Newcastle’s Lifeblood team for setting a great example by helping us to raise awareness and get the message out to the community to come and donate blood as restrictions ease and feel great knowing they are saving lives.”
Regional Job Creation Fund bringing thousands of new jobs to the bush
An advanced manufacturing precinct at Narromine that will create more than 250 jobs is among the latest projects to benefit from the Perrottet Government’s $130 million Regional Job Creation Fund.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Deputy Premier Paul Toole today announced an additional $55.5 million in funding had been awarded, leveraging $180.3 million in private investment across 69 projects across regional NSW as part of Round One of the Regional Job Creation Fund.
“No matter where you live in our State we are focused on providing the right support to ensure businesses can grow and have the confidence to invest to create and support new jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The Regional Job Creation Fund has already funded projects that will create thousands of jobs and the projects now being delivered will help generate thousands more and support work for tradies and suppliers across the State.
“This program will help deliver jobs where they are needed as we recover from the pandemic by helping businesses small and large to get off the ground as well as attracting major international businesses to expand or relocate to regional NSW.”
The Regional Job Creation Fund aims to create more than 6,500 new direct jobs in regional NSW over the next three years.
It provides co-funded grants between $100,000 and $10 million to fast track projects that enable emerging industries, help businesses expand operations or provide incentives for operations to relocate to regional NSW.
Mr Toole said a $4.8 million grant will help engineering company Simmons Global relocate its operations from Western Australia to Narromine, creating up to 253 full time local jobs and providing a major boost to the State’s advanced manufacturing sector.
“This funding will help deliver an advanced manufacturing precinct that produces everything from unmanned aerial drones to solar UV monitors that tell teachers when students should play in the shade, as well as help upskill local indigenous and youth workers through apprenticeships,” Mr Toole said.
“This will drive the creation of hundreds of new jobs right here in the Central West.”
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the establishment of Simmons Global in Narromine was a great example of what the Regional Job Creation Fund is designed to deliver.
“I’m thrilled to announce we are supporting this global company in expanding its business and creating local jobs for the Central West now and into the future,” Mr Saunders said.
“By setting businesses up for success, we’re helping them attract new customers, which means more people in work and earning a wage that they will spend in local shops, supporting our local economy.”
Simmons Global CEO and Group Technical Director David Simmons said the Regional Job Creation Fund grant is providing the company with the opportunity to get ahead, establish its factory and create jobs in regional NSW.
“Narromine is the ideal location to establish a manufacturing facility for the wide array of advanced technology devices we will produce and I would like to thank the NSW Government for supporting our group and helping us transition our manufacturing back onshore to New South Wales,” Mr Simmons said.
Other companies receiving support in the latest round include storage and production upgrades for a winery in Cudal, an innovative recycling facility in Kurri Kurri and upgrades for a family owned and operated sheet metal manufacturer in Narrabri.
Round One of the Regional Job Creation Fund has now closed and Round Two will open in early 2022.
More details on the full list of recipients as part of Round One will be announced shortly.
Two new innovative support services bring mental health support closer to home
People experiencing emotional distress will now be able to access support in two novel ways, thanks to a $46 million investment in new suicide prevention initiatives across NSW.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said that 20 calming non-clinical hubs called Safe Havens and 20 Suicide Prevention Outreach Teams (SPOTs) will add to the web of support the NSW Government has already embedded in communities across NSW.
“We know suicide prevention support needs to engage distressed people where they live their lives – if we can be there to provide support before someone needs to be hospitalised, we can help reduce the likelihood of further suicidal behaviours,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Instead of struggling alone or heading to a bustling emergency department, anyone who is experiencing mental health distress can now head to one of these purpose-designed Safe Havens.
“There are no appointments or referrals needed, so whether you need some peace and quiet, a chat with someone who understands what you’re going through, or some calming activities to reduce the intensity of your negative thoughts and feelings, you can walk right in.”
South Western Sydney Local Health District Mental Health Director Dr Claire Jones said the free and confidential service is a place where people can informally chat to trained staff, have a cup of tea or coffee, play board games or puzzles, join an activity or chill out in a quiet spot.
“Our Safe Haven provides a different type of support for people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. The Peer Support Team have had their own personal lived experience of suicidal distress and they can help people by linking them to the services and support programs that can assist them.’’
District Chief Executive Amanda Larkin said Campbelltown Safe Haven features a quiet room and sensory items, including a massage chair and weighted blankets to help people relax.
“The Safe Haven is a friendly and compassionate place where everyone is welcome,’’ Ms Larkin said.
“All of the staff members understand first-hand how hard it can be to experience suicidal thoughts. They come from all ages, cultures and backgrounds including people who identify as LGBTIQA+.”
In addition to the new Safe Havens, 20 new mobile SPOT teams will provide rapid outreach to people in suicidal distress in the community, with 14 teams already up and running.
“The new teams combine clinical expertise and lived experience of suicide, and care for people at or near their homes – ensuring they stay connected with their family, friends and other valuable support networks,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We know thoughts of suicide can be triggered by a painful experience – such as a divorce, unemployment, retirement or death of a loved one – and these mobile teams will support individuals in the places where they live their day to day lives.”
The NSW Government has invested $25.1 million in the Safe Haven initiative and $21.35 million in the Suicide Prevention Outreach Teams, which both contribute to the Towards Zero Suicides – a Premier’s Priority.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
Upgrade for inner west preschool students
Preschool students in Sydney’s Inner West will soon be learning in a new purpose built preschool at Wilkins Public School.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the new preschool facility would continue to be co-located at the primary school.
“Wilkins Public School is part of a vibrant and growing community who love having their preschool and primary school all in the same place,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The location makes it easy for parents and carers with young children on the school drop off and pick up.
“Early education is key to a student’s success later in life and this government is focused on lifting the quality of services across the State and helping families access them via our ongoing $150 million free preschool program.
“Globe Wilkins preschool has previously been recognised by the Australian Childcare Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) for their strong commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. It’s fantastic to see that quality early childhood education continues to be easily accessible for the community.”
The Inner West Council, which will continue to operate the preschool in its new facilities, will soon begin internal fit out works before preschool students move into their new facilities.
The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
NSW schools to receive permanent improvements to indoor air quality
The Perrottet Government is continuing the rollout of its ventilation program with thousands of classrooms set to benefit from automatic fresh air ventilation systems.
The $100 million investment in an air quality assurance program for NSW public schools has already delivered permanent air quality improvements to schools across NSW and forms part of the economic recovery to COVID-19.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the comprehensive audit of all NSW public school learning spaces have helped make schools COVID safe and identified opportunities for permanent improvements to enhance natural ventilation.
“Schools have received a mix of temporary and permanent remediation works, and in some cases have adapted the way they use spaces as part of their COVID-19 Safety plan,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our focus now is on leveraging the insights from the audit of all our public schools to deliver permanent improvements to air quality through this investment.”
“The advice from experts is that maximising natural ventilation is the most effective method of minimising the spread of COVID-19 and we will continue to implement measures that support this.”
Almost 2,000 learning spaces, identified by the audit, are set to receive permanent automatic fresh air ventilation systems to complement natural ventilation and airflow. The ventilation systems are currently being procured and will be progressively installed.
Temporary measures, including the use of air purifiers, have been put in place in these learning spaces to supplement natural ventilation and to ensure that they are safe for use.
Ventilation is only one COVID safe measure in NSW public schools. Vaccinations, cohorting, restricted access and mask wearing all play an important role in keeping students safe.
New RFS helicopters and aviation centre of excellence for regional NSW
Labor Announces Candidate for Reid
Labor leader Anthony Albanese has today announced the ALP’s candidate for Reid, Sally Sitou.
Sally and her husband are Homebush locals, where they live with their young son Max. Sally is the daughter of hardworking Chinese parents who fled Laos after the Vietnam war.
She believes passionately in the education and work opportunities that allowed her family to thrive and prosper in Australia.
Sally is a doctoral researcher at the University of Sydney Business School where her focus is the finance industry and how to strengthen leadership in this sector by empowering more women and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Before commencing her PhD, Sally worked in the international education and international development sectors, including stints with AusAID in Samoa and with a not-for-profit advocating for the elderly in China as an Australian Government Youth Ambassador for Development.
Anthony Albanese said:
“Sally is an exceptional candidate. She joined the Labor Party because she believes that with hard work, a good education, strong community support and secure employment, everyone can build the life they want for themselves and their children – regardless of their background or where they come from.
“Sally knows what matters to the working families of Reid and she will work hard every day to elect a Labor Government focused on affordable housing and childcare, a stronger Medicare, quality aged care and cheaper power bills.’’
Free hospitality training caters for skills gap
Whether it’s a first job or a career change, the NSW Government is out to attract job seekers with free training opportunities designed to help fill skill shortages in the hospitality sector.
The NSW Government today announced around 3000 free training places across 29 different courses are now available to study at TAFE NSW and other registered training providers, including barista training, safe food handling, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) and introduction to cooking courses.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the free training would help attract more workers to hospitality venues, at a critical time in the sector’s recovery from the pandemic.
“People from all over the State are lining up to get into pubs and clubs and we want to support those businesses with enthusiastic and skilled staff,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We know businesses are struggling without the international workforce they depended on pre-lockdown. That’s why opportunities like this are so valuable, filling labour gaps and giving jobseekers the opportunity of a bright future in hospitality.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the sector had been calling out for help to staff venues, and the NSW Government is responding.
“We’ve opened the doors to the State, and now we want to equip the sector with the confidence to thrive with the rest of the economy,” Mr Lee said.
“This training not only helps businesses staff venues, but it also opens up career opportunities for people looking to make their start in the once again booming hospitality industry.”
“There are great career pathways in hospitality; today’s bartender or wait staff can become tomorrow’s pub, bar or restaurant owner.”
Australian Hotels Association Chief Executive John Whelan said the training had come at the right time as pubs and resturaunts dial up business.
“The NSW government is to be congratulated. This comprehensive program provides the skills to build a new era of hospitality – both school leavers and those looking for a career change,” Mr Whelan said.
Today’s announcement complements the free training already being funded under the joint State and Federal JobTrainer program.
To enrol in a free TAFE hospitality course, visit: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/skills-served-up
To explore other free hospitality courses available to study, visit: https://bit.ly/3GpNEKW