Category: Australian News

The Australian Dental Association has congratulated the Greens for addressing the seismic inadequacy in our dental health system.

But it says that Adam Bandt’s dental pitch which will cost $8 bn a year or $77bn over a decade to provide Medicare funded dental services, will be a challenge for any government to implement.

“While we applaud the Greens for addressing this enormous problem,” said Dr Mark Hutton, ADA President, “what’s important and financially more palatable for either election-winning party, as a first step, is to address the oral health travesties within the aged care system.

“You only have to look at the pictures attached to this release to understand this massive problem – they are typical of the issues we know go on in aged care homes.

“Dentures left in for weeks, teeth not cleaned for days and sometimes weeks, broken teeth lacerating gums and tongues, extensive tooth decay, advanced gum disease fast-tracking the person to potentially fatal aspirational pneumonia, fillings falling out, pain, swelling and oral cancers in all stages.

“It’s a horrific roll call of neglect. What if this was your mum or dad? Wouldn’t you want something done? This is the nation’s mums, dads, granddads and grandmums all lying there suffering pain, neglect, disease, trauma – and the current government is ignoring the issue, hoping it will go away.”

With its ‘Stop The Rot’ campaign, the ADA is urging the major parties to urgently adopt as part of their election promises and post-election health strategies these measures which will go a long way to fixing the immediate problems.

Here are the facts:

The Royal Commission into Residential Aged Care heard evidence of the appalling state of dental and oral health in Australia’s residential aged care facilities.

There are nearly 190,000 of Australia’s most vulnerable people living in residential care. Many are suffering due to poor dental and oral health and a lack of access to appropriate services.

More follows….

The recommendations from the Royal Commission’s report have been ignored.

Residents in aged care cannot access appropriate dental and oral care through the public dental system because it is patently underfunded.

The ADA is demanding all parties to ‘Stop The Rot’ by committing to three policy outcomes:

1. To fund direct access to public and private dental services that maintain the basic dental and oral healthcare standards in aged care facilities
2. To deliver a training package to ensure that staff in aged care services are skilled to be able to care for residents daily oral health needs and to identify when dental services are required
3. To include an oral health assessment in the over 75 health check performed by GPs.

“These policy outcomes are crucial for the health and well-being of residents in aged care but are immaterial in budgetary terms,” said Mark Hutton.

“We hope the main parties realise what needs to be done and adopt our recommendations in their pre and post-election health strategies. After all, they will all be old one day too.”

Did you know:

-1 in 4 over 75s have teeth affected by decay,

• 1 in 3 aged 55-74 have untreated tooth decay and 1 in 4 in those aged over 75,

-1 in 2 aged 55-74 years have periodontal or gum disease, rising to over 2 in 6 in the over 75s

-1 in 5 over 75 have complete tooth loss.

The Australian electric vehicle sector is dismayed by Scott Morrison’s announcement of yet another taxpayer subsidy for oil, while the EV industry remains ignored.

The Prime Minster today announced two federal government grants of $125 million will go to Australia’s two oil refineries. The announcement comes off the back a $2.4bn oil refinery package in May 2021, and a fuel excise cut of around $3bn.

Meanwhile the federal government has announced no competent plan or strategy for the electric vehicle sector.

“Australia is capable of producing abundant clean electricity and that electricity could be powering our trucks and cars. But we have a Prime Minister who’s more interested in subsiding foreign oil and that’s tragic,” said Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Behyad Jafari.

“It’s incredible that an Australian Government in 2022 could be spending six billion dollars propping up oil, while not even bothering to construct a competent plan for the electrification of Australia’s fleet.

“Everyone now knows that the future of Australian transport is electric. We should be doing everything possible to rapidly electrify not just consumer vehicles, but trucks and commercial fleets.

“But instead of moving us toward the future, the Morrison Government is choosing to spend six billion dollars in taxpayer money on propping up the failing oil industry. It’s frankly dismaying for everyone who understands where the world is headed.

“If the EV industry was allocated even a fraction of the money spent on oil subsidies we could be cleaning our city air, lowering our carbon emissions, and breaking our dependence on foreign oil.”

The Australian Greens have today recommitted to their plan to make telehealth a permanent feature of our healthcare system.

If the Greens enter a balance of power arrangement after the election, they will push to invest $772 million over the forward estimates into expanding and strengthening telehealth services.

The wide availability of telehealth since early 2020 has revolutionised the way we do healthcare in Australia. Access to healthcare on the phone or via Zoom provides patients with much-needed flexibility and accessibility, which improves health outcomes for everyone.

The Greens have previously announced their plan to make mental health part of medicare. The plan would make mental health care free, and universally accessible with an unlimited number of appointments. The plan will be funded by taxing billionaires and big corporations making big profits.

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 the safety of their homes.

“So many people have told me that accessing telehealth has meant they haven’t had to miss a whole day of work or study just 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. 

“The Australian Greens want everyone who needs health care to easily 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.”

An Albanese Labor Government will restore affordable telehealth psychiatric consultations for people living in regional and rural Australia, reversing Scott Morrison’s damaging Medicare cut.
 
In December 2021, the Morrison Government ended the ability for Australians in rural and regional areas to access bulk billed psychiatry consultations through telehealth.
 
This cut has seriously curtailed the access of people in rural and regional Australia to vital mental health services, and came at the height of the Omicron wave of the COVID pandemic.
 
This cut has impacted patients in regional areas throughout Australia.
 
It has resulted in significant gap fees for psychiatric consultations delivered through videoconferencing to patients living in the regions. It has also seen some psychiatrists withdrawing these services altogether.
 
Scott Morrison’s cuts to Medicare bulk billing for psychiatric telehealth shows how his policies are hurting people in regional and rural Australia.
 
By contrast, Labor understands the importance of mental health care for Australians, regardless of where they live.
 
We will restore a 50 per cent regional loading to telehealth psychiatric consultations, meaning people in the regions will once again be able to have affordable bulk billed telehealth mental health consultations.
 
Reinstating Medicare support for telehealth mental health consultations is expected to support 450,000 consultations over 4 years, 585,000 consultations over 5 years, 1.426 million consultations over ten years.
 
This investment in strengthening Medicare will cost $31.3 million over the forward estimates.
 
Labor built Medicare – and only an Albanese Labor Government will strengthen Medicare, by making it easier to see a doctor.
 

Anthony Albanese said:

“Scott Morrison’s cuts to regional mental health consultations during a pandemic which has seen people struggling with mental health issues are unconscionable.
 
“Labor will restore these vital mental health services, making them affordable and accessible to people wherever they live.”

The Morrison Government has pledged to create 1.3 million more jobs over the next five years as part of its plan for a stronger economy and a stronger future.

Building on Australia’s strong economic recovery from COVID-19 and the Coalition’s record of creating almost 1.9 million new jobs since it was elected, the Morrison Government has committed to create 1.3 million new jobs over the next five years.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said despite fires, floods, a pandemic, a global recession, economic coercion from China and now a war in Europe, the Government had driven the unemployment rate down to 4 per cent, from 5.7 per cent when Labor left office.

“We’ve got the runs on the board and proven plans to deliver these 1.3 million new jobs,” the Prime Minister said.

“Only the Liberals and Nationals have the track record, the experience and the plan for 1.3 million new jobs.

“Our tax relief for workers and small business, our investments in skills and trades, and our support for our local manufacturing sector mean we can get more people into more jobs.

“My Government has created 50 per cent more jobs than what we saw when Labor faced the GFC, despite an economic crisis with the pandemic that was 30 times bigger.

“Boosting jobs creation to the levels we saw even before the pandemic is key to our plan for a stronger economy.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Australia’s job recovery is leading the world and our jobs recovery from COVID-19 has been faster and stronger than the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.

“Our unemployment rate is down to 4 per cent, the equal lowest level in 48 years and forecast to fall further,” the Treasurer said.

“With more people in work and fewer people on welfare we have seen a $103 billion turn around in the budget bottom line. The largest and fastest improvement to the budget bottom line in over 70 years.

“Anthony Albanese and Labor don’t have a plan for the economy and for jobs and can’t be trusted to manage the budget.”

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart Robert said many countries around the world were still not back to pre-pandemic levels of employment.

“There are 376,000 more Australians in work than before the pandemic,” Minister Robert said.

“Under our Government, youth unemployment has reached its lowest level in over 13 years and there are a record 220,000 Australians in trade apprenticeships. We have established the $2.1 billion JobTrainer Fund with the states and territories, providing 478,000 free or low fee training places in areas of skills need.

“When Labor last came to office, the jobless rate was a little over 4 per cent. When they left government six years later, unemployment was 5.7 per cent and rising and there were 54,300 fewer young people with jobs.”

Sold in Coles supermarkets, Coles Local and through Coles Online in Queensland, ACT and NSW (excluding Lavington, Deniliquin and Albury)

Coles is recalling Coles Baby Spinach (60g, 120g and 280g varieties) sold in Coles supermarkets, Coles Local and through Coles Online in Queensland, Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales (excluding Coles stores in Lavington, Deniliquin and Albury).

Quality testing by our supplier has identified the presence of Salmonella in the 120g Baby Spinach product. As a precaution, Coles is recalling all three Baby Spinach products sourced from this supplier (including the 60g and 280g pack sizes). Only the Baby Spinach products with the specific Use By dates detailed below are being recalled. No other Coles pre-packed spinach or salad products are impacted by this recall.

The affected products are:

Coles Baby Spinach 60g Use By 13 APR 22
Coles Baby Spinach 120g Use By 13 and 14 APR 22
Coles Baby Spinach 280g Use By 13 and 14 APR 22
The affected products have been available for purchase since 4 April 2022. The Coles Baby Spinach products with Use By dates other than 13 and 14 APR 22 are not included in this recall.

Food products contaminated with Salmonella may cause illness if consumed. Customers must not consume this product, and anyone concerned about their health should seek medical advice. Coles is liaising with the supplier and the regulators regarding further steps.

Customers can return the product to any Coles supermarket for a full refund. Coles Online customers can receive a full refund or credit by contacting Coles Online Customer Care on 1800 455 400.

We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience. Customers seeking further information can contact Coles Customer Care on 1800 061 562.

After two years of Covid-19 lockdowns, online learning, and disruptions to organised outdoor activities, Scouts NSW says it is time to resurrect outdoor adventures for the mental and physical benefits of young people. 

“The non-competitive, but structured, active, self-directed style of experiences and adventures engaged in by Scouts offer a fantastic addition or alternative to traditional weekend sport,” said Neville Tomkins OAM JP, Chief Commissioner Scouts NSW. “Scouts can improve a young person’s team-building and technical skills, and outdoor fitness levels, with a range of interactive adventure experiences unlike any other.”

Such outdoor experiences have been sorely missed over the past year, with Covid-19 lockdowns and their restrictions on family and student routines impacting all young people. With this in mind, Scouts NSW is confident Scouts would have responded resiliently to the challenges they faced on the back of The Scouting Effect Report. 

The Scouting Effect’s Resilience Survey, completed just prior to Covid-19, provides compelling evidence that young people aged 8-18 participating in Scouts stand out significantly when compared to their non–Scouting peers.  Scouts demonstrated higher levels of life satisfaction and fared better across all three components of resilience (Connected, Protected, Respected) and their corresponding nine reporting domains. These domains include Positive Relationships, Healthy Mind and Body, Understanding Self, Positive Identify, and Positive Contribution.

Resilient Youth Australia defines ‘resilience’ as the ability to draw upon the strengths within yourself and around you to flexibly respond to life while remaining true to yourself and creating positive relationships with others.

“Through the Resilience Survey we now have concrete proof that participating in Scouting gives young Australians the unique tools to thrive and take on all that life has to offer including the inevitable challenges,” Neville said. “These findings show why Scouts is a fantastic organisation to join, and one where all young people can excel and achieve their best.” 

With a focus on outdoor adventures that includes activities like abseiling, white water rafting and camping, Scouts empowers young people to make decisions, take the lead and learn by doing. “We give them a safe space where they can work with others to plan and embark on their own adventures, indoors and out,” Neville added. “By building resilience in young people, we are empowering them to be able to learn from their mistakes and to understand that failing is okay – it’s an integral part of the learning journey. It’s about knowing their strengths and calling on them when needed.”

Natasha Ball, a member of 1^st Ermington Venturer Scouts, located in south west Sydney, joined Scouts as a Joey Scout seven years ago feels that Scouting definitely assisted her in bouncing back from disruptions to her schedule. “I had a heavy plate of commitments, and when lockdown struck, the constant stability of even online Venturers grounded me,” said Natasha. “As well, Scouting kept me moving due to skills I attribute to my participation in Scouts.”

Joshua Tang, a Venturer Scout and member of 1^st Castle Hill Scout group missed out on some activities in 2021 due to Covid-19 and the HSC, but the strong social connections from Scouts helped him through. “I felt that being part of the Scouting movement adequately prepared me for school and extracurricular activities, as it made me have to adapt my schedule and be fluid with how I planned things.”

“Apart from offering the ultimate fun, Scouts also offers fantastic value for money,” said Neville Tomkins OAM JP, Chief Commissioner Scouts NSW. “Scout Groups either own or have access to a large range of camping and adventure equipment such as tents, ropes, canoes and cooking gear. Fees, which include personal accident insurance, can be off-set by the NSW Government’s Active Kids rebate*, which contribute to making Scouts NSW a fantastic, active, and cost-effective activity.”

Scouts NSW programs have resumed in full since the removal of most Covid-19 restrictions. Those new to Scouts can express their interest online, or if they have already visited a local Scout group and met the leaders and other scouts, can complete the online form. For more information or to sign-up, volunteer, or join visit: https://joinscouts.com.au/

The Scouting Effect. Key Findings:

• Self-Esteem: 81.8 per cent of Scouts report to be more likely to feel good about themselves than non-Scouts (70 per cent)
• Positivity: 78.8 per cent of Scouts report to be more likely to hold more hope for a positive future than non- Scouts (69.4 per cent)
• Anxiety: 73.7 per cent of Scouts report to be less likely to be anxious than non-Scouts (67%)
• Community Engagement: 58.8 per cent of Scouts feel like they make a positive contribution to their community than non-Scouts (43.4%)

The Greens welcome the federal election finally being called for Saturday 21 May 2022. 

The Greens’ federal election candidates for lutruwita/Tasmania have remained united and ready for the official federal election campaign call since their candidacy was first announced in September 2021.

The Greens federal election candidates for lutruwita/Tasmania are: 

• Peter Whish-Wilson, lead senate candidate
• Vanessa Bleyer, senate candidate
• Tabatha Badger, senate candidate
• Cecily Rosol, candidate for Bass
• Dr Darren Briggs, candidate for Braddon
• Janet Shelley, candidate for Clark
• Jade Darko, candidate for Franklin
• Liz Johnstone, candidate for Lyons

Greens lead senate candidate for lutruwita/Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson said:
“This is the most important federal election of our time. The nation desperately needs a change after nine years of wasted opportunities and inaction. The planet can’t afford another three years of a corrupt Liberal Government promoting climate denial and fossil fuel development while we all slip further towards an irreversible disaster.  

“For almost a decade I’ve been a voice in the federal parliament for Tasmanians who care about the environment, particularly our precious marine environment. But I’ve got unfinished business in the Senate: from reforming a corrupted political system that gives big tax dodging corporations too much power, building a truly circular economy to eliminate waste and plastic pollution that is choking our oceans, to stopping seismic testing and oil and gas drilling off our coastlines, and protecting forests like takayna/Tarkine from being pillaged and privatised by this government.”

Greens Senate candidate for lutruwita/Tasmania, Vanessa Bleyer said: 
“We’re in a climate emergency, yet both the Liberals and Labor continue to accept millions in political donations from the fossil fuel industry, and are pushing for 114 new coal, oil, and gas projects to be built around Australia. 

“I’m campaigning to make sure the Greens have the strongest possible voice in Parliament, so we can push the next government to tackle climate change with the urgency and ambition scientists tell us is required.” 

Greens Senate candidate for lutruwita/Tasmania, Tabatha Badger said: 
“Young people have watched in horror as Scott Morrison has further jeopardised their future by fuelling the climate crisis. They see how he has ignored deepening inequality, and doesn’t care about crucial issues like housing affordability.

“Like so many other young Tasmanians, I know this is the eleventh hour to secure a livable future planet. That’s why it’s so important to make sure the Greens are in balance of power so we can push the next government to go further and faster on climate action and other important social issues.”

BASS – Cecily Rosol said:
“The electorate of Bass may well decide who forms government after this election. I want to make sure everyone knows that no matter how she might try to spin it, a vote for Bridget Archer is a vote for Scott Morrison. 

“Remember, in Australia’s political system you can’t waste your vote. If you live in Bass and you want real action on housing affordability, healthcare, and climate change, then vote 1 Green, and put Labor ahead of the Liberals.” 

BRADDON – Dr Darren Briggs said: 
“As a doctor I see first-hand how the terrible state of our health system is putting more people’s lives at risk than ever, and I’m putting my hand up for Parliament to help change that. I’m also passionate about tackling the other big issues our community is facing which also affect our health, like housing unaffordability, inequality, and the very real impact of climate change.

“I’ve already spent a lot of time sharing the Greens’ vision with the people of Braddon, and the response has been great. I think people understand how Greens’ plans like putting dental and mental health into Medicare, increasing the aged pension to $88/day so it’s above the poverty line, and making childcare free could make a real difference to people’s lives. These things are possible, we just need to start making billionaires and big corporations finally start paying their fair share.”

CLARK – Janet Shelley said:
“House prices are through the roof, and rents in Hobart are $10,000 a year higher than they were just a decade ago. But in the face of thousands of Tasmanians struggling to find a home, neither the Liberals or Labor are putting forward a solution this election.

“Only the Greens have a comprehensive and fully costed plan to finally solve the housing crisis. By building thousands of new homes, putting limits on rent increases, and banning ‘no cause’ evictions, we’ll make sure everyone has a secure and affordable place to call home.”

FRANKLIN – Jade Darko said:
“Australia’s 122 billionaires increased their wealth by a massive 34% during the pandemic. Meanwhile one in three regular people can’t afford the dentist, and the average Tasmanian is in real financial hardship due to skyrocketing rents and house prices. It’s simply shameful.

“The people of Franklin deserve a representative with a positive vision for tackling inequality and making Australia a fairer place. Unlike the major parties, that’s exactly what the Greens will deliver, and I can’t wait to share our plan with the Franklin community.”

LYONS – Liz Johnstone said:
“I know many Tasmanians are sick and tired of politics – and fair enough too. Every election we seem to hear the same promises about the same issues, but nothing seems to change. That’s because the Liberal and Labor parties have completely sold out to big corporations, accepting over $200 million in corporate donations since 2012.”

“The Greens can’t be bought, and won’t sell out. We have real integrity. By putting us in the balance of power, we’ll hold the next government accountable, and make sure there’s real action on critical issues like access to healthcare, the housing crisis, and climate change.”

Australian kids struggling with hearing loss will have greater access to expert care under a Labor plan to extend a key support service across the nation.

An Albanese Labor Government will provide $1.5 million to fund the development of the digital HearHub platform, run by Shepherd Centres.

Shepherd Centres provide support services including development of speech and communication skills, life skills and emotional resilience – areas where hearing impaired children and teens need intensive clinical support.

HearHub is a national digital service that will deliver hearing tests, educational resources and practical support for families online. This will benefit children with hearing loss and related communication difficulties such as autism spectrum disorder.

HearHub will extend the reach of on-the-ground Shepherd Centres, and will be of particular benefit to children and families in rural and regional areas.

In addition, an Albanese Labor Government will provide funding to establish new on-the-ground Shepherd Centre facilities in areas that have previously gone without. 

Two new Shepherd Centres will be established in Launceston and Hobart, the first in the state, with $2.5 million in funding. $2.5 million in funding will also go to a new Shepherd Centre in Oran Park in Sydney’s south west, to provide services for hearing impaired children and their families in the fast-growing Macarthur region.

Anthony Albanese, Leader of the Australian Labor Party said: 

“Kids with hearing loss deserve the best possible start in life and the best possible care and support – no matter where they live.

“A Labor Government will ensure our kids are looked after, whether through digital or on-the-ground support services. No child will be left behind.”

Mark Butler, Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing said:

“Shepherd Centres provide a vital service to kids and their families. For too long, some kids have missed out just because they live in the wrong area. 

“The Morrison Government has ignored these gaps for too long. Labor will listen to families, and we will make sure support is received where it is needed the most.”

Today Anthony Albanese was unable to name either the Reserve Bank of Australia’s official cash rate, nor what the unemployment rate is.

The interest rate matters.

Keeping interest rates as low as possible matters.

It affects how much mortgages cost. It affects family budgets.

The unemployment rate matters.

Keeping it as low as possible matters.

It’s about how many Australians are in a job. It’s about how many Australians are earning a wage to support themselves and their family.

If you don’t know what the interest rate is, you can’t be trusted to put the right policies in place to keep them low.

If you don’t know what the unemployment rate is, you can’t be trusted to keep Australians in jobs.

More than 2.8 million households have a mortgage on their family home. That’s 2.8 million households who would suffer higher repayments under a Labor Government.

Labor has no economic plan.

Labor is addicted to spending, which means taxes will always be higher.

Under Labor, interest rates will always be higher than they need to be, because they can’t manage money.

Anthony Albanese’s weak leadership would weaken our country’s future.

The official cash rate is 0.1% and has been since November 2020.

The national unemployment rate is 4.0%.