From July 1, thousands of Australians and their families suffering from rare cancers and genetic disorders are set to benefit from expanded listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
We are expanding the listing for Opdivo® and Yervoy® (nivolumab and ipilimumab), for the treatment of patients with unresectable malignant mesothelioma.
Unresectable malignant mesothelioma is an insidious cancer that cannot be treated surgically and can take decades to emerge after initial exposure to asbestos. Symptoms are often mistaken for less serious illnesses, which can complicate early diagnosis.
When used in combination, Opdivo® and Yervoy® helps the immune system to attack and destroy the cancer cells.
More than 700 patients a year will benefit from this listing. Without PBS subsidy, patients might pay more than $130,000 per course of treatment for this medicine.
Our Government is also expanding the listing of Kuvan® (sapropterin) on the PBS to include treatment of maternal phenylketonuria (MPKU).
MPKU is a condition when a woman who has phenylketonuria is pregnant. During pregnancy, the levels of phenylalanine affect both the mother and the developing foetus.
MPKU is a genetic disorder requiring lifelong management that prevents the normal breakdown of a protein found in some foods.
This medicine works in combination with dietary restrictions, to help lower the amount of amino acid phenylalanine in the blood.
Kuvan® reduces phenylalanine in the blood of people with phenylketonuria. Elevated levels can cause abnormal mental and physical development.
Around 30 patients each year will benefit from access to this treatment option. Without PBS subsidy, patients might pay over $215,000 per course of treatment.
Without proper treatment this condition can lead to problems with brain development and cause intellectual disability, difficulties with attention, and psychiatric disorders like anxiety or depression.
These treatments will now be available for as little as $41.30 per script, or just $6.60 for patients with a concession card.
Each of these listings has been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Since 2013, our Government has approved more than 2,600 new or amended listings on the PBS.
This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $13.2 billion.
The Morrison Government’s commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.’
Great Barrier Reef in danger, government in denial
The Greens have slammed the government’s knee-jerk climate denialism as the world delivers yet another stark warning that we risk losing the Great Barrier Reef.
Quotes attributable to Greens Leader, Adam Bandt:
“It’s coal or the reef, but you can’t have both.
“The Great Barrier Reef is under threat because of the mining and burning of coal and gas.
“We have ten years to save the Reef, but on the same day the Reef is put on death watch, Liberal and Labor support opening up new gas fields.
“Barnaby Joyce has been brought back from the dead to kill the Reef. He has been brought back to fight for the billionaires, like Gina Rinehart and Clive Palmer, who want to build more coal mines in the Galilee Basin.
“If the world heats up over 1.5 degrees, the Reef will die. The only party in Australia with climate targets in line with 1.5 degrees is the Greens.
Quotes attributable to Greens Queensland Senator and co-Deputy Leader, Larissa Waters:
“It’s a cruel irony that on the day that the World Heritage Committee has, after eight years of warnings, recommended that the Great Barrier Reef be declared ‘in danger’, that a reactionary climate-denier has been elevated to the second-highest office in the land.
“The government’s claims that it’s been blindsided by this news are laughable. UNESCO has been warning since 2012 that the Reef could be placed on the ‘In Danger’ list, and while the government has twiddled its thumbs 50% of the Reef’s coral cover has been lost.
“More than 60,000 people rely on the Reef for employment and yet the government, which talks a big game about jobs, is prepared to let an entire industry die while it lets its fossil fuel donors dig and burn their way to climate catastrophe.
“Queenslanders and Australians have had enough of the Morrison government’s climate denial, they’ve had enough of them ruling for the billionaires and doing favours for big corporations, and I cannot wait until they’re condemned to the opposition benches. Bring on the election.”
Quotes attributable to Greens Environment Spokesperson, Sarah Hanson-Young:
“Australia’s Environment Minister says her government was “blindsided” by the UN declaring the Great Barrier Reef “in danger”.
“No, Ley wasn’t ‘blindsided’ she had her eyes closed, ignored the science and kept taking donations from the fossil fuel industry.
“The Great Barrier Reef is in danger. The world knows it. They’re worried. Yet here in Australia the Government constantly ignores all the warning signs.
“Climate change is the biggest threat to our environment and yet the government still doesn’t have a plan to reduce pollution.
Quotes attributable to Greens Oceans Spokesperson, Peter Whish-Wilson:
“The Government granted $443.4 million to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to avoid a UNESCO ‘in-danger’ listing, following an explicit warning in 2017 from the UNESCO Committee that this was pending.
“At the time it seemed absurd that a small private business was given the go-ahead to manage one of Australia’s greatest public assets, which is why in 2018-19 the Greens initiated and chaired a Senate inquiry into the suspicious grant.
“After months of hearing evidence, the National Audit Office disclosed the original motivation of the grant was to avoid an UNESCO World Heritage “in danger” listing.
“The whole Senate inquiry could have been avoided if the Government had come clean about the true motivations for setting up the grant. Clearly they wanted to avoid the global political embarrassment of having UNESCO downgrade the world heritage values of our planet’s greatest coral reef system.
“Having the Great Barrier Reef declared as ‘in danger’ will potentially lead to similar listings for other reefs around the world. This would be the loudest siren call ever to protect our oceans – and perhaps this is necessary for us to take the radical action needed to save our oceans.
Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme appointment
The Coalition Government has appointed Graeme Barden as the new Executive Director of the nation’s industrial chemicals assessment and regulatory body, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS).
Federal Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton said he was pleased that AICIS will be in the capable and experienced hands of Mr Barden for the next five years.
Mr Barden distinguished himself during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as First Assistant Secretary in the Office of Health Protection and Response in the Department of Health.
“I welcome Mr Barden to the role of Executive Director. He brings significant technical experience in chemical regulation policy and has previously held leadership roles in the Office of Chemical Safety and the Health Protection Policy Branch of the Department,” Minister Coulton said.
Minister Coulton said Mr Barden’s appointment follows the retirement of the inaugural Executive Director, Dr Brian Richards.
“I’d like to thank Dr Richards for his service as the Director of the former National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) since 2012,” Minister Coulton said.
“Dr Richards led reforms to Australia’s industrial chemicals regulation, culminating with the commencement of AICIS in 2020.”
AICIS was formally established on 1 July 2020, to replace the 30-year-old National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) to better protect Australians.
It is responsible for the assessment and evaluation of certain industrial chemicals and regulating their importation and manufacture in Australia.
AICIS also provides information and makes recommendations to the Australian Government and the states and territories about managing the risks of industrial chemicals.
An open recruitment process, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, was conducted to appoint a new Executive Director.
Minister Coulton said AICIS has been well served by Acting-Executive Director, Dr Roshini Jayewardene, who will hand over to Mr Barden on Thursday, 1 July 2021.
City welcomes funding to progress Hunter Park project at Broadmeadow
City of Newcastle has welcomed funding for a significant urban renewal proposal that would transform 63 hectares surrounding McDonald Jones Stadium, the Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Newcastle Showground, into a world-class lifestyle precinct.
The NSW Government will allocate $6.7 million from today’s Budget to prepare a full business case for the Hunter Park project, which is designed to create a thriving entertainment, sporting, commercial and residential destination of national and international significance.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this would be a truly transformative project for Newcastle and the Hunter Region that would deliver on a key element in the NSW Government’s Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036.
“Hunter Park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create 8,000 jobs during construction, with more than 1,000 ongoing following its completion. In turn, transforming a much-loved but aging and underutilised space into a contemporary mixed used precinct located at the geographical heart of Newcastle at Broadmeadow, just five kilometres from the Newcastle CBD,” Cr Nelmes said.
“A key benefit for the region of Hunter Park is jobs. Once complete, the project would support new jobs in sporting and entertainment related industries including medical, educational, tourism and retailing as part of a new health and education and innovation ecosystem.
“It is a significant urban regeneration proposal, the size and scale of which has never been seen outside of Sydney, incorporating 50 hectares of exceptional public open and green spaces, state-of-the-art sporting facilities, leisure and entertainment zones, 13,000sqm of commercial space and more than 2,600 new homes, including much-needed social and affordable housing.
“I acknowledge support of all Hunter Councils and my fellows Mayors, together with the national significance of Hunter Park being recognised by the Federal Government’s infrastructure advisor, Infrastructure Australia.
“City of Newcastle has been advocating for this as part of a genuine collaboration with NSW Government agencies, and I thank the Board and CEO of Venues NSW, and the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation for their work in securing this funding.”
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said Hunter Park is the next big step in Newcastle’s transformation, providing a world-class sporting and entertainment hub with transport links, which local and visitors would be able to enjoy day and night, all year round.
“Delivering an international-quality destination for sporting events and entertainment, with improved connectivity for public and active transport, it is expected to attract 1.8 million annual visitors and become home to around 6,000 residents, delivering exceptional liveability, sustainability and place outcomes,” Mr Bath said.
“In what would likely be a multi-stage construction process over more than 10 years, Hunter Park will provide an opportunity to attract major private market investment into Newcastle, including an estimated $3.7 billion in economic output during construction and attracting almost $55 million annually from the NSW Government.
“City of Newcastle welcomes the NSW Government’s funding commitment and thanks Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes and Minister for Sport Natalie Ward for their support for the Hunter Park concept.”
Budget to bolster NSW's global footprint
The NSW Government is delivering a record investment in trade and industry to support NSW businesses through the economic recovery and to expand the state’s international export opportunities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Industry and Trade John Barilaro said the 2021-22 NSW Budget of $261.4 million over four years will double the footprint of NSW’s international network and support our businesses here and overseas.
“With the upcoming appointments of an Agent General in London and five NSW Senior Trade and Investment Commissioners in Tokyo, New York, Mumbai, Singapore and China, NSW exporters have never been so well represented,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We have already opened offices in new markets, including in Vietnam and Singapore, with a plan to expand to 21 global offices including Indonesia and the EU in the coming months.
“We kicked off our Going Global export program last year and are investing a further $6.4 million over four years to keep it rolling to help more businesses from across the state engage in new international markets.
“This supports our exporters with access to further markets and is fostering post-pandemic resilience, crucial to long term economic recovery.”
This year the Going Global export program has supported more than 150 businesses with free export coaching, tailored workshops, business matching and introductions to new international customers, helping local companies make the step up to the global stage.
“This assistance is being delivered through our team of export specialists here in NSW and on-the-ground across nine countries through our dedicated international network,” Mr Barilaro said.
“It has meant that NSW companies have been able to participate in trade shows overseas and have one-on-one business meetings with new international buyers and distributers, despite COVID-19 restrictions.
“Our focus is to position NSW at the very centre of the global stage to support industry growth and create export opportunities for regional, small and medium sized businesses.”
Mr Barilaro said that international students and the revitalisation of the international education sector will be a key part of the state’s post-pandemic economy.
“We are investing $19.1 million over four years to support our largest services export sector to ensure that NSW remains a premier destination for international students, improving student experiences and linking our international students to our agriculture industry, internship and sports programs,” Mr Barilaro said.
Highlights from the 2021-22 Trade and Industry Budget to be delivered over the next four years, include:
- $128.9 million to expand NSW’s international network
- $45 million overall to support NSW exporters through trade programs, including:
- $19.1 million to support international students
- $6.4 million for the Going Global Export Program
- $4.8 million to support skilled migration
- $87.5 million for targeted industry development programs, including:
- advanced manufacturing in target industries such as space and medical technologies and the food and beverage sectors
- advanced technologies and their applications across industries such as the cyber, fintech, regtech and agtech sectors
- the defence industry
$2.8 billion to future proof regional NSW
Thousands of new jobs and significant infrastructure builds in regional NSW will be delivered through the 2021-22 NSW Budget, supporting the recovery and future prosperity of regional communities following drought, bushfires, floods, the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently the mice plague.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said more than $2.8 billion has been secured in this year’s budget for the Department of Regional NSW to help regional communities continue to grow, move through recovery and build on the benefits of regional living.
“Since 2017 the NSW Government has committed more than $2 billion to 2,100 regional infrastructure projects, and today I can announce 800 more projects will be added to that tally, putting more cash into local economies, creating new jobs and helping businesses thrive,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Almost $64 million announced last week for the NSW Government’s Future Ready Regions package will help regional communities prepare for future droughts by investing in the latest technologies, data and tools to boost business productivity, while helping communities to plan ahead.
“This package includes $48 million for the Farms of the Future program, which will boost on-farm connectivity so producers can adopt agtech and compete with the best. We will also survey western NSW for new water sources to reduce pressure on other supplies during drought.
“We are also investing $50 million to fund a new Mobile Coverage Project, to improve infrastructure and boost emerging technologies.”
Mr Barilaro said a raft of programs and Budget measures will directly and indirectly support or create new regional jobs now and into the future, such as the $100 million committed to the Regional Job Creation Fund, which aims to generate at least 5,000 new jobs alone.
“The Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Four will roll out a total of $100 million for new projects across all 93 regional Local Government Areas (LGAs), with half of the funding dedicated to improving female sporting participation, including facilities and amenities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Round Eight of the Resources for Regions program will close for applications on 12 July 2021 and will allocate $75 million across 24 eligible LGAs for projects that support the ongoing prosperity of mining communities in regional NSW by providing vital infrastructure, economic opportunities, and positive social outcomes.
“A $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund will deliver high impact tourism and events infrastructure that helps to boost local economies and put towns on the map while the $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is bringing visitor dollars to regional towns.
“$462 million has also been invested into the Special Activation Precinct and Regional Job Precinct programs, to create jobs and build an investment roadmap across the state.”
Highlighted programs supported by the 2021-22 Budget for regional NSW include:
- $878 million for Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund priorities including:
- $48 million for an expanded Farms of the Future program to help farmers adopt on-farm technology to boost productivity and resource management;
- $50 million for the Mobile Coverage Project, part of the Regional Digital Connectivity program;
- $462 million into Special Activation Precincts, including the implementation of Parkes and Wagga Wagga, development of the Narrabri precinct and continued planning for Moree, Williamtown and the Snowy Mountains precincts;
- $150 million Mouse Control Package to help farmers, small businesses and households fight the mice plague currently impacting parts of regional NSW;
- $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund to generate at least 5,000 new jobs;
- $100 million for Round Four of the Stronger Country Communities Fund to build new projects across all 93 regional Local Government Areas;
- $75 million for Round Eight of the Resources for Regions program to support the ongoing prosperity of mining communities across 24 Local Government Areas;
- $64 million for the Future Ready Regions strategy to improve drought data so farmers can plan ahead, survey new water sources to reduce pressure on other supplies and deliver business skills training;
- $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund to deliver high impact tourism and events infrastructure;
- $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund to bring major events and visitor dollars to regional towns.
NSW Budget to keep economy firing and boost jobs as recovery gathers pace
Keeping people safe, boosting the economic recovery and creating a prosperous future through innovation, continued investment and reform is at the heart of today’s 2021-22 NSW State Budget.
After the sharpest fall in nearly 80 years the NSW economy is rebounding rapidly with 300,000 jobs added since the height of the pandemic in mid-2020.
The Budget forecasts above trend economic growth of 3¼ per cent for 2021-22 and unemployment, currently at 5 per cent, falling to 4½ per cent by 2024-25.
Improved economic conditions have contributed to the State’s strengthened operating position, with a return to surplus of $0.5 billion now forecast in 2024-25.
Job creation remains a key focus with a record $108.5 billion infrastructure investment helping supercharge the recovery.
Hundreds of thousands of hard-working public sector workers will receive a significant wage increase of up to 2.5 per cent, which is forecast to cost approximately $2.7 billion over four years.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the 2021-22 Budget included important cost savings measures for families, including $43.9 million for a new $100 Learn to Swim voucher for children aged between three and six, and $150 million for the Free Preschool program to continue until the end of 2022.
“This is a Budget which supports and protects our families and communities through record investments in health, education and transport,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The biggest infrastructure pipeline in Australia now tops $108.5 billion and continues to be the backbone of our recovery, with NSW now adding more jobs than were lost during the height of the pandemic.
“The Government’s comprehensive response to the pandemic was only possible because of the state’s economic and fiscal strength going into the crisis built up over the past decade.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the 2021-22 Budget would continue to ensure NSW was COVID-safe and at the same time lock-in the recovery and drive economic reform.
“The NSW Government is maintaining its commitment to support job creation and economic recovery, with billions in stimulus and support measures continuing into 2021-22” Mr Perrottet said.
“The Budget also includes more than $6 billion in rebates, concessions and cost of living measures which benefit households across NSW.
“Our support has been targeted to keep people safe and businesses in business, and that continues with programs such as $40 million to combat domestic violence and the $50 million CBD Friday voucher scheme.
“We are also investing millions into tourism, infrastructure and events right across NSW.”
Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government had released the 2021 Intergenerational Report and the NSW Productivity Commissioner’s Productivity White Paper immediately prior to the Budget as they helped chart direction for the state over the longer-term.
“This Budget takes NSW from recovery towards reform, with a focus on your family and your future,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The NSW Government’s nation-leading Electric Vehicle Strategy will see almost half a billion dollars invested in tax cuts and incentives for this future-focussed industry.
“Reforms we have already undertaken such as the establishment of the NSW Generations Fund in late 2018 will also support future generations – the NGF has achieved particularly strong returns over the past 12 months and has grown to $14.7 billion, providing more capacity to reduce debt in the future.
“This Budget continues to support our broad reform agenda for the planning and education systems as well as investing in our world leading digital technologies and providing tax relief.
“The challenge for NSW is to continue to strive to improve, this is a Budget which invests in our people, it aims to keep NSW safe, accelerate our recovery and helps transform our state as we embark on another decade of delivery.”
Correctional officer charged following investigation into sexual offence
A Corrective Services NSW officer has been charged following an investigation into an alleged sexual offence and common assault of a female employee in the state’s Hunter region.
In May this year, detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad’s Corrective Services Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour by a male correctional officer, following a referral from a correctional facility in the state’s Hunter region.
Following extensive investigations, detectives arrested a 59-year-old man at a home near Lake Macquarie about 8.40am on Friday 4 June 2021.
He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with two counts of common assault and incite other to do sexual act with them without consent.
Police will allege in court that the man attempted to instigate sexual activity with a female employee at a correctional facility in the state’s Hunter region in April this year.
It will be further alleged the man inappropriately touched the women on a number of occasions.
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today (Wednesday 23 June 2021).
The man has been suspended by Corrective Services NSW.
Cruel bill taking hundreds of dollars from JobSeekers must not be rushed through before winter break
The Greens will oppose the Streamlined Participation Requirements and Other Measures Bill 2021 that will rip $457 from people receiving Jobseeker and $346 from people receiving Youth Allowance.
“This Bill makes significant changes to employment services, mutual obligations and compliance for income support recipients and the Government is seeking to rush this complex bill through Parliament with next to no scrutiny”, Senator Rachel Siewert said.
The most insidious components of this Bill will delay payment for an estimated 144,000 people using digital employment services. It will mean people engaging with online servicing will only receive income support payments after signing their job plan online. The Department estimates that this change will save them an average of $457 per Jobseeker and $346 per Youth Allowance recipient.
While out of touch Government MP’s might not believe these sums to be significant, for people who have lost work, it means the difference between secure housing, having food on the table, and being able to pay your bills.
This will also place pressure on jobseekers to accept a job plan that is not suitable for them, putting them at risk of being subject to harsh penalties such as a payment suspension.
In contrast, those undertaking face-to-face servicing will receive their first income support payment from the date they attend an initial appointment with their provider.
One of the consequences of the “streamlining” undertaken in this bill is that Parenting Payment is being further entrenched as a participation payment when it comes to job plans, compliance, and employment services.
Parents should not be subjected to compliance measures and this represents the continuation of a significant policy shift that first started under the introduction of the punitive ParentsNext program and which significantly undermines the caring work undertaken by parents.
I have serious concerns about a provision allowing the health and education of a child to be included in a Parenting Payment recipient’s job plan.
There is no reason why the health and education of a child is relevant to a Parenting Payment recipient’s job plan or income support payment.
The changes in this Bill only implement some of the recommendations from the Employment Services Expert Advisory Panel report, I Want to Work.
This Bill continues the Government’s cruel and punitive mutual obligations and JobActive scheme which entrenches poverty rather than supporting people to find work.
The Government has failed to adequately explain why this Bill needs to be rushed. The rushed nature of this process rings alarm bells and suggests the Government is seeking to avoid proper scrutiny of this legislation.
We call on the Opposition and crossbench to support people on income support and oppose this Bill if it comes to the Parliament next week.
The Greens dissenting report can be found here.
Greens to focus on coal in inner-city Liberal seats
With the elevation of coal-hugging Barnaby Joyce to the Deputy Prime Ministership, the Greens will renew focus on coal and 2030 climate targets in winnable inner-city seats held by Liberals, as part of the party’s push to secure balance of power in a minority Parliament at the next election.
The Greens have already released a shortlist of lower house electorates from which they will pick their campaign priority seats at the next election, including the Liberal-held Ryan, Brisbane, Higgins and Kooyong, as well as two inner-city seats where the Liberals finish first on primary votes, Macnamara and Griffith.
“This is a coal-fired coup in the Coalition,” said Greens Leader, Adam Bandt.
“Inner-city voters don’t want a coal-hugging government, and this move from the Nationals makes a minority Parliament more likely at the next election.”
“Scott Morrison is now tied to Barnaby Joyce, and instead of getting out of coal and gas, they’ll deliver more of it, sadly with the Labor Party’s support.”
“Inner-city voters can send a climate message to the government by voting Greens.”
“Net-zero by 2050 is too late, but it’s also clearly too much for the Nationals, who get 4% of the vote but 100% control of climate policy.”
“The Nationals are climate terrorists and they are holding the whole country hostage.”
“This whole government has to go.”