Government moves to improve metastatic cancer data collection

The Albanese Government will provide $1.5 million to accelerate the collection of cancer stage and recurrence data in Australia.

This data is critical for identifying patterns of delayed diagnosis, cancer recurrence and survival, and will help drive equity in cancer outcomes.

This work builds on the recently announced Australian Cancer Plan and responds to the Breast Cancer Network Australia Time to Count People with Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Way Forward report.

This investment includes funding for the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to establish the Australian Cancer Data Alliance, and funding for jurisdictional population based cancer registries to boost their capability to collect these data.

The Government recognises the work of the Breast Cancer Network Australia in highlighting the need for more comprehensive cancer data collection.

We particularly recognise the advocacy of people with metastatic breast cancer, including the late Peta Murphy MP, in ensuring their voices are heard and they are reflected in our national policies and actions.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Even in what turned out to be the final week of the late Peta Murphy’s life, she travelled to Parliament to help launch a new report with Breast Cancer Network Australia calling for a national picture of metastatic cancers.

“Today, we are announcing a $1.5 million investment to better track cancer stages and recurrence data – because the more we know, the better we can help.

“Having this information in one place will make our screening and testing processes better to make sure we’re putting resources where it’s needed most.”

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler said:

“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering equitable, world leading cancer care to all Australians based on the best evidence available.

“More comprehensive data collection on cancer stage and recurrence means a better understanding of the symptoms people have, how their cancer is diagnosed, how they respond to treatment and how their cancer progresses over time.

“These data are key to understanding how we can improve cancer outcomes for all Australians.”

Vicki Durston, Director Policy, Advocacy & Support Services, Breast Cancer Network Australia said:

“The late Peta Murphy would have been so incredibly proud that we are now closer to ensuring that the many thousands of invisible Australians with metastatic breast cancer will no longer be hidden in plain sight.

“This funding is a significant step forward and will help the sector lead and pioneer the collection of these important data to inform and drive policy, innovation, planning, treatment and care.

“Now we can begin consolidating a way forward for better quality data, not just for breast cancer, but for all metastatic cancers.”

Supplies of the Shingrix vaccine

I welcome the high demand for the Shingrix vaccine with over 487,000 doses already administered in the first 3 months of the program – and wish to assure the community the Australian Government is doing all it can to ensure eligible Australians have timely access to this important shingles vaccine.

I acknowledge some people may currently be experiencing difficulties accessing the vaccine because of this high demand, but there are vaccines ready to be administered all around the country and more being delivered on a regular basis.

Across the country, there are approximately half a million doses of Shingrix that are available to be administered – and more than 100,000 additional doses will be distributed nationwide over the coming fortnight.

The Australian Government is working closely with state and territory governments to ensure the distribution of Shingrix doses is equitable and adjusted to meet demand. The distribution of vaccines to local providers is managed by individual states and territories to ensure local supply is managed equitably and efficiently.

The Government is also working closely with the vaccine supplier, GSK, to explore options to bring forward additional deliveries of Shingrix into Australia.

Changes to the provision of the shingles vaccine under the Government’s National Immunisation Program came into effect on 1 November last year – with Shingrix replacing Zostavax. It takes time to distribute a new vaccine to healthcare providers across the country with the assistance of state and territory health departments.

Shingles vaccination is an ongoing program that is available to everyone over 65, First Nations people over 50, and immunocompromised people. For healthy individuals eligible for the program, there is no rush for a second dose, which can be given anytime between 2 and 6 months after the first dose of the vaccine.

It is also important to note that shingles is not contagious; it is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Vaccination is the best protection to individuals, but shingles does not pose the same public health threat as communicable diseases.

People wishing to receive their shingles vaccine are encouraged to let their local GP or pharmacist know, and they can book you in when doses are available.

Further information about the shingles vaccine is available on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Celebrating 40 years of world-leading Medicare

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Australia’s universal health insurance system — Medicare.

Since 1 February 1984, Medicare has been the world-class foundation of our modern health system.

Its architects were some of our nation’s distinguished leaders — notably the Hon Dr Neal Blewett AC, the late Professor John Deeble AO and the late the Hon Bill Hayden AC.

On the 40th anniversary, we acknowledge and remember their contribution to delivering a major social reform — a simple, fair and affordable insurance system, that helps all Australians.

Medicare gives Australian citizens and permanent residents access to a wide range of health and hospital services at no cost or low cost. Through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the cost of medicine for most medical conditions is also heavily subsidised.

Because of Medicare, Australia’s health system is one of the best in the world. Australia ranks highly among OECD countries for many key indicators, including life expectancy.

The way Australians access Medicare has changed since the opening of the first Medicare office at Bankstown on 1 February 1984.

Cheques and physical paperwork are no longer our main way of doing business – today Medicare processes almost half a billion services a year, with most claims made on the spot at the doctor’s.

Australians go online to access and manage their Medicare account through myGov, and My Health Record helps to securely store all their health data.

The Labor Party built Medicare and it is the Labor Party that will continue to ensure it serves all Australians in the future.

the Prime Minister said:

“Every day, everywhere I go, people talk to me about healthcare and how important it is to their lives.

“We are so lucky to have a system like Medicare in this country and we owe a great debt to people like Gough Whitlam and Bob Hawke who fought so hard to deliver it.

“My Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen Medicare and make it easier and cheaper to get quality healthcare, by tripling the bulk billing incentive and making medicines cheaper.”

Minister for Health, the Hon Mark Butler said:

“As we mark the 40th anniversary of Medicare, it is also vital that we keep strengthening Medicare to work towards ensuring Australians can access the right care, at the right place and the right time.

“In 2023, Australians saved more than $250 million on the price of their medicines, with even greater savings expected in 2024.

“It was a Labor Government that built Medicare and it is only a Labor Government who will continue to protect and strengthen Medicare”

Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten said:

“Medicare’s 40th anniversary is a nationally significant milestone. It’s a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and look ahead to what’s next.

“To celebrate, we’re releasing a commemorative Medicare card design. If you’re due to get a replacement card between 1 February and 31 December 2024, it’ll be a special 40-year anniversary edition. All digital Medicare cards will also be updated with the new design from 9 February.

“Evolving over the last 40 years from paper forms and fax machines to today’s digital claims, Medicare continues to streamline and adapt service delivery for both customers and health providers.

“In the last year alone, Services Australia processed over $77 billion in Medicare-related payments and took nearly 11 and a half million calls for Medicare-related enquiries.”

GOVERNMENT’S CLAIM GREAT BARRIER REEF IS NOT “IN DANGER” IS DUPLICITOUS AND NOT FOOLING ANYONE 

The Albanese government’s claim it’s “on track” to protect the Great Barrier Reef from being declared ‘in danger’ at an upcoming World Heritage Committee meeting is being labelled as duplicitous by the Greens. 

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“Rising global emissions are warming our oceans and killing the Great Barrier Reef as we have been lucky enough to know it during our lifetime. In any sense of the word, it is ‘in danger’ from fossil fools and fossil fuels.

“Only the strongest climate action can secure the future of this global natural wonder.

“The Albanese government is duplicitous and not fooling anyone when it claims it’s “on track” to protect the Great Barrier Reef from climate change while simultaneously facilitating new fossil fuel projects like Barossa; one of the dirtiest projects in Australia’s history that’ll emit 401 million tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime.

“The World Heritage Committee first warned the Great Barrier Reef could be declared in danger due to climate change over a decade ago. Yet instead of treating the root cause of the reef’s decline – which is rising emissions from burning fossil fuels – it’s been a case of deja vu as successive governments splash cash to buy political cover.

“Endless scientific reports continue to sound the alarm on the grim outlook for the reef, with scientists now concerned that back-to-back cyclones have exposed the Great Barrier Reef to extensive and persistent flood plumes. Help to mitigate the impacts of these events is of course welcome, but the Great Barrier Reef can’t be protected from the political stupidity of prioritising new coal and gas over coral.”

MAUGEAN SKATE RECOVERY TEAM DISMISS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ADVICE

Federal government advice to protect the Maugean skate from extinction by taking “urgent actions…prior to summer 2023” including “a reduction in salmonid aquaculture organic loads” has been dismissed by the Maugean skate national recovery team. 

Instead the Maugean skate national recovery team today announced an agreement to “investigate, and where feasible, implement methods for reducing salmon aquaculture oxygen demand on Macquarie Harbour” from July 2024.

Greens spokesperson for lutruwita/Tasmania, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“I know many in the Maugean skate national recovery team are fighting tooth and nail to protect the skate, but this decision is off. 

“Why wait until July 2024 to reduce salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour when science tells us action is needed today?!

“It’s a cruel irony that a national recovery team would let a species languish like this.

“This is clearly an economic and political decision, not an environmental one – it stinks of the state government and salmon industry hijacking the recovery team’s agenda. 

“I implore Tanya Plibersek to pull every lever available to give the skate the best possible chance of survival, inducing the removal of Atlantic salmon from Macquarie Harbour.”

Labor cuts while Coalition commits to Frankston to Baxter Rail

A future Federal Coalition Government will restore funding to upgrade the Frankston to Baxter Rail Line project.

The Federal Coalition’s announcement today of a capped commitment of up to $900 million supports the delivery of a full business case and will contribute to early works and construction of this critical infrastructure project.

This is a substantial commitment which reflects the importance of delivering this critical project to give residents in Frankston South, Langwarrin, and Baxter faster and more reliable transport services and improved community infrastructure.

We will work with a future Victorian state government that is willing to deliver this project.

Traffic congestion and the availability of public transport is a major problem for this growing region. We have listened to local community concern and we are delivering.

The electrification of the Frankston to Baxter line will improve the efficiency of train services and reduce commuting times.

This project includes new stations at Langwarrin and the Frankston East medical and education precinct, and upgraded stations at Frankston and Baxter.

Importantly, it will reduce travelling times and get local commuters to and from work sooner and safer. In an area which needs these improved services and better infrastructure, it will be a game-changer for Dunkley.

By walking away from the Frankston to Baxter rail project last year – despite promising it at successive federal elections – the Prime Minister has turned his back on the people of Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.

In this growing region, the Albanese Government has cut this critical infrastructure project, while proceeding with its ‘Big Australia’ policy of an additional 1.6 million migrants entering the country without the infrastructure or housing to accommodate them.

In a speech to the Committee for Greater Frankston in 2018, the Prime Minister told locals that ‘the benefits of this project speak for themselves’, and, in 2019, he called this project ‘transformative’.

Yet his cancellation of this project shows once again that you just cannot take the Prime Minister at his word when he makes a commitment.

The Coalition has long understood this critical project is crucial for Frankston’s future growth and liveability. We are behind it and recognise its importance for the local community while the Prime Minister has cut it.

Nathan Conroy in his time as local Mayor has already proven he will fight for Frankston, and, if elected at the byelection on 2 March, he will continue to deliver for the people of Dunkley.

150,000 visitors flock to Western Sydney’s first beach

Penrith Beach trial has made a big splash since its mid-December opening with more than 150,000 people visiting to escape the summer heat.

Thousands of local families from Western Sydney and beyond are taking advantage of the free site, enjoying the golden sands, the lake’s tranquil waters and the world-famous views of the nearby Blue Mountains.

Penrith Beach or ‘Pondi’ as it’s become fondly known, has quickly become a firm fan favourite with residents.

Some 154,084 people have now visited the beach as of 28 January – a staggering 25,000 visitors on average every week since its opening four weeks ago.

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure figures show residents from the Penrith and Blacktown LGAs are the most frequent visitors to the former quarry site turned beach.

Many of the beach’s visitors are from suburbs including Penrith, Werrington, Castlereagh, Cranebrook, Glenmore Park, St Marys, Mount Druitt, Willmot and Marsden Park.

Penrith Beach’s trained lifeguards from Royal Life Saving Society NSW are on patrol every day between 10am and 7pm, monitoring the beach and providing first aid.

The beach has facilities including toilets, adult accessible change rooms, a fresh-water drinking station, a café and access for people with a disability.

Penrith Beach will remain open seven days a week until the temporary activation concludes on March 3. Until then, on-site parking using free car park passes are available online.

Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“I am pleased that more than 150,000 people have had the chance to experience the sun, sand, and scenic mountain views at Penrith Beach. 

“This free beach has been a huge success, and throughout summer, it has been embraced by the people of Western Sydney, especially families.

“If you haven’t visited yet, there’s still plenty of time to bring your friends and family down to Penrith Beach for a swim, a coffee and a day by the water.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Western Sydney residents have been asking for a beach of their own for decades now. It’s fantastic to say that we’ve that we have delivered this trial within 9 months of coming to Government.

“Previously, Western Sydney residents needed to travel 40 km to swim in Lake Parramatta, 63 km to Bondi Beach, or 75 km to visit either Cronulla or Manly.

“These days are thankfully now long gone and Western Sydney residents can cool off for a refreshing dip much closer to home.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown:

“After waiting many years for this area to be unlocked, it’s exciting that more than 150,000 Penrith locals have embraced this free facility over the summer to cool off.

“Seeing this beach flourish has been fantastic for our community, and I look forward to having more to say about this in the future.”

Responsible Gambling Officers introduced into pubs and clubs across NSW

From 1 July 2024, venues with more than 20 gaming machine entitlements will be required to have a Responsible Gambling Officer on duty while poker machines are in operation, in the latest initiative by the NSW Labor Government to reduce gambling harm.

Responsible Gambling Officers will help identify patrons at risk of harm or displaying concerning gambling behaviour, refer them to gambling support information and services and facilitate requests for self-exclusion.

All hotels and clubs with gaming machines will also be required to keep a Gambling Incident Register and a Gaming Plan of Management as part of a suite of reforms being implemented to reduce risk of gambling harm and support people who may need help.

The new requirements are being implemented through amendments to the Gaming Machines Regulation 2019.

A position paper on the incoming requirements for pubs and clubs will be published online today. Industry stakeholders and harm minimisation organisations have been extensively consulted during the development of the paper and the Government’s approach.

 This will provide industry with certainty about the new harm minimisation measures, timeframes for implementation and enable staff to undertake the necessary training. 

Clubs with more than 100 gaming machine entitlements will be required to have additional Responsible Gambling Officers, to ensure enough sufficiently trained staff are available to support patrons and to ensure they have a reasonable workload across larger gaming floors.

 Responsible Gambling Officers and other people with specified roles will also need to complete Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling (ARCG) training under the proposed changes. 

 The proposed new requirements would be implemented in stages to allow NSW venues, staff, management, and training providers time to adjust. 

Read the position paper on Responsible Gambling Officers

The GambleAware phoneline 1800 858 858 is open 24 hours a day for anyone needing support. It is free and confidential.

Visit gambleaware.nsw.gov.au for more information.

The NSW Labor Government has already implemented a number of reforms to reduce gambling harm and prevent money laundering in NSW pubs and clubs including:

  • reducing the cash input limit from $5000 to $500 for all new gaming machines
  • reducing the state-wide cap on gaming machine entitlements by approximately 3000
  • banning political donations from clubs involved in gaming
  • establishing the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform to oversee a comprehensive trial of cashless gaming in NSW across 4430 electronic gaming machines – far exceeding the government’s election commitment of 500 machines
  • banning external gaming-related signage, and internal gaming-related signage that can be seen from outside the venue.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:   

“The NSW Government is committed to gambling reform, reducing gambling harm and stopping money laundering and criminal activity associated with poker machines.

“Harmful gambling not only impacts individuals, but also their loved ones and the broader community.

“We know there is no single solution to address harm from gambling, which is why we are implementing a range of gambling reforms.

“In NSW, gaming machines represent the highest risk of gambling harm.

“One in three people who gamble regularly are considered to be moderate or high-risk gamblers according to the Problem Gambling Severity Index.

“The introduction of Responsible Gambling Officers is the next important step in supporting people who may be experiencing gambling harm.

“They will be across pubs and clubs where gambling is happening, and be alert to patrons at risk of harm or displaying concerning gambling behaviour and link them in to the support they need, such as the GambleAware hotline.

“It is great to have industry on board with our gambling reform agenda as well as harm minimisation organisations. Together we are making a real difference in tackling gambling related harm.

“The NSW Labor Government is committed to evidence-based gambling reform and has delivered more in 10 months than the previous government managed in 12 years.”

Homes NSW will rebuild the social and affordable housing system in NSW

An ambitious reform and key election commitment to tackle the state’s housing crisis has been delivered with the official launch of Homes NSW, putting people back at the heart of housing and roofs over their heads.

This marks a once-in-a-generation reform to largest public housing agency in the southern hemisphere and an important first step to rebuild a broken public housing system.

Homes NSW will bring together the housing and homelessness services of the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) with NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC), the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) and key worker housing all under one roof – making the system more efficient and accessible.

Homes NSW has also been tasked with turbocharging the construction, maintenance and repair of social and affordable homes across our state.

This transformation will help those who need it most, at a time when the need for social and affordable housing has never been greater.

Homes NSW will:

  • turbocharge and streamline the building and maintenance of all publicly owned and operated social homes across NSW.
  • simplify and fix tenancy services, including maintenance, support, allocation of properties and transfers to improve outcomes for tenants and the tenant experience.
  • focus on providing important homelessness services, with the goal of creating a state where experiences of homelessness are rare, brief, and not repeated.
  • drive collaboration between the NSW Government, the Federal Government, sector experts and peak bodies, local councils, and Community Housing Providers to work closer together than ever before to address the state’s housing and homelessness crisis. This work will include:
    • ensuring NSW is in the best position to make use of the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund that provides funding to create thousands of new social and affordable homes across the state
    • bringing the housing maintenance call centre back into public hands – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to overhaul the way maintenance is administered across the state’s social housing properties and slash unnecessary bureaucracy
    • addressing the rising number of rough sleepers in NSW by better incorporating homelessness services and a clear commitment to the principles of housing first – you can’t solve homelessness if you don’t have homes for people to live in.

Since March 2023, the NSW Government has shown that is willing to work across all levels of both the public and private sectors, as well as the ability to think outside the box in addressing the state’s housing crisis, which includes:

  • the creation of a pilot project for 3 sites at North Parramatta, whereby the NSW Government put to tender the search for a Community Housing Provider as a development partner, a process that mirrors one of the ways we will partner with CHPs in NSW for the HAFF
  • immediate use of the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator Fund, which has already seen hundreds of vacant homes refurbished and brought back online
  • a state-wide audit of public and crown land to find surplus land that can be used to deliver much-needed homes for those in need
  • significant planning reforms to cut through red tape at both local and state levels to slash delays and get the construction industry moving and building homes for people in need.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“You can’t tackle the housing crisis if you don’t have a strong social and affordable housing system – we need safe, good quality, accessible homes for people who need them most. Homes NSW is a crucial part of this work.

“Adequate housing is a basic human right and Homes NSW will be the driver of much needed and long overdue reform to the social and affordable housing sector.

“For too long, social housing in this state has been neglected – simple issues such as a leaking tap or even the ability to register on the waitlist have been unnecessarily complicated.

‘’That’s why this overhaul is needed. We’re breaking the chains of bureaucracy and empowering our tenants, as well as those who are in need of emergency housing, or on the social housing waitlist.

“I am sick and tired of public housing being the ‘worst house on the block’. NSW will rebuild a broken system, properly repair homes and better support our people which means we can build better communities and neighbourhoods.

“The creation of a single agency to manage social and affordable housing and homelessness services is a common sense approach and is positioned to provide support to the people who need it most.”

Homes NSW Chief Executive Rebecca Pinkstone said:

“I look forward to the challenge of building a thriving social and affordable housing sector in NSW.

“Homes NSW will deliver on the promise of more and better social and affordable housing in NSW. Our aim is to create the best social housing system in the country. We will work in partnership to maximise homes on the ground, reduce instances of homelessness and deliver a quality housing service for our residents.”

Bert Evans Scholarship Winners Announced

One hundred and fifty outstanding apprentices from across NSW have been awarded a life-changing Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship, which provides crucial support to individuals who are facing hardship.

The $15,000 scholarship, spread across 3 years, aims to provide vital support to individuals who have demonstrated a strong aptitude for vocational education and training in difficult circumstances.

The 2024 cohort of winners includes 45 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices, 67 learners with disabilities, 46 women excelling in non-traditional trades, and 64 mature-aged apprentices, with 116 of the recipients coming from regional NSW.

Notably, many of these apprentices represent multiple equity groups, showcasing the program’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Winners include 19-year-old, second year apprentice engineer, Aston Pritchard from Sydney. His story exemplifies resilience and dedication in the face of personal challenges.

Aston’s commitment to his apprenticeship despite having to care for his mother is truly commendable.

For Aston, it’s particularly promising that he can use the funds to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures and invest in essential items for his education and skill development.

The financial support all winners will receive will undoubtedly make a positive impact on their lives.

All recipients’ stories underscore the importance of recognising and supporting individuals who demonstrate resilience and commitment in pursuing their goals despite adversities. It’s inspiring to see programs or initiatives that contribute to the well-being and success of individuals facing challenges in their personal and educational journeys.

Launched in 2014, the program is open to registered apprentices in metropolitan and regional NSW and includes school-based apprentices.

The scholarship is named after former NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training chair, Bert Evans, who developed a strong appreciation for apprenticeship training after beginning his career in the manufacturing industry.

Member for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“Congratulations to all recipients of the scholarship. Our government is so proud of each and every one of you, and we are so pleased to be able to support you as you undertake your apprenticeship.

“This financial commitment by the Minns Labor Government, totalling $2.25 million over 3 years, is an investment in the future success of these apprentices and the growth of our skilled workforce.

“These apprentices represent the future of our skilled workforce, breaking barriers and contributing to a more diverse and dynamic industry.

“This initiative is a fitting legacy to Bert Evans, who dedicated his life to promoting vocational education as a foundation for success.”