Category: Australian News

The Liberal and Nationals Government is helping refine the delivery of life-saving stem cell and bone marrow transplants for patients with blood or immune disorders, and those receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Haemopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) are self-renewing stem cells which can change and mature into all blood cell types. A HPC transplant regenerates bone marrow and blood-forming systems, potentially saving or extending the recipient’s life.
Federal Regional Health Minister, Dr David Gillespie said the new National HPC Framework spans Commonwealth and state and territory governments, delivering on a commitment to enhance future operations and management of the Australian HPC sector.
“This will set strong foundations for robust decision-making and future arrangements across the HPC sector, helping to guide clinicians, advocates and policy-makers,” Dr Gillespie said.
“We know that demand for transplants is increasing; in 1996–97 there were 237 donor searches, while in 2019–20 there were more than 900.
“Our Government is committed to improving access to HPC transplants for Australian patients, whether they have leukemia or other blood disorders, or are undergoing chemo or radiation therapy, which can damage their blood-forming system.”
Dr Gillespie said the principles within the framework cover important issues across the HPC sector including national consistency, governance and oversight, funding and sustainability, donor registration and retention, collection, searching and matching, and ethics and research.
The Framework was informed by a 2018 Review of the HPC sector in addition to targeted consultation. Its development has been a collaborative effort by all jurisdictions and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
A copy of the National HPC Framework is available on the Department of Health website.

Fresh from helping derail G20 climate commitments, Scott Morrison is now gearing up to be a climate action wrecker at Glasgow.
The Prime Minister’s world leader summit speech today and other interventions at the global climate summit, such as spruiking gas, have Australia promoting coal and gas at Glasgow while the rest of the world is trying to phase it out.
Alongside Russia and Saudi Arabia, Australia is continuing to play the role of global climate spoiler, undermining 2030 action to keep the world under 1.5 degrees of heating.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“Scott Morrison’s lying to the French about submarines and to the world about coal.
“Scott Morrison is sabotaging global climate action, undermining the G20 climate push and going to Glasgow with targets based on the planet warming by over 3 degrees.
“As the world’s scientists warn we could hit a dangerous 1.5 degrees of warming in a few short years, Scott Morrison is undermining the global push to get out of coal and gas.
“Like selling cigarettes at a cancer conference, Scott Morrison and Angus Taylor boast about spruiking gas in Glasgow. While everyone else is trying to get out of coal and gas, Scott Morrison wants more of it, pretending we can take climate action while opening up more coal and gas mines.
“While Boris Johnson warns of civilisation collapse, the Prime Minister is a modern day Nero saying ‘let it burn’.
“The house is burning and Scott Morrison is throwing petrol on the fire.
“As President Macron reminded us yesterday, the PM can’t be trusted.
“If Scott Morrison is really concerned about ‘developing countries’, he should heed the urgent calls from Pacific Island leaders and act to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, which means 2030 targets of 75% emissions reductions.
“The Greens have a plan for a science-based, legislated 75% climate pollution cut by 2030, net zero by 2035 and policies to shift Australia to 700% renewables.”

Australian Greens International Development spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has responded to Scott Morrison’s commitment to an additional $500 million in climate finance through to 2025.
Senator Faruqi said:
“This is a disappointing, measly commitment. Australia’s total commitment falls far short of the bare minimum $3 billion to 2025 that was called for by aid organisations ahead of Glasgow.
“Morrison is offering up scraps and hoping no one notices. But the reality is that Australia is again failing to pull its weight.
“The Morrison government is not paying our fair share of climate finance and refusing to commit to strong 2030 targets. This is just pathetic.
“Our Pacific neighbours haven’t forgotten that it was the Liberals who pulled out of the critical Green Climate Fund just a few short years ago.
“The Greens have pledged $4.5 billion in climate finance and reparations to 2025. Australia has played, and continues to play, a big role in fueling global heating. We must take responsibility for our contribution to the climate crisis and do more to support the Global South,” she said.

Scott Morrison has been caught lying in his speech to world leaders at Glasgow, deliberately misrepresenting Australia’s climate targets in his major official engagement at the climate summit.
In his speech, Scott Morrison falsely claimed that according to Australia’s official COP26 pledge, Australia emissions “will fall by 35% by 2030.” However, this is in direct contradiction to statements made in Australia and the emissions pledge formally lodged at the summit (Australia’s ‘NDC’), which have reaffirmed that Australia’s formal 2030 target continues to be Tony Abbott’s 26-28%, and the heavily-qualified NDC has reaffirmed only that projections show Australia “on track to reduce emissions by up to 35%”.
Under Scott Morrison, Australia is also siding with Russia and China to block global action on the climate crisis, refusing to phase out coal and gas, the leading causes of global heating.
By refusing to join other world leaders in signing up to pledges to phase out coal, gas and subsidies for polluting industries, Scott Morrison is sabotaging global climate action and securing his place in history as the Glasgow wrecker.
Australian Greens leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“Scott Morrison has just lied to the world about Australia’s climate targets.
”Knowing he’d be slammed for his woeful 2030 targets, Scott Morrison used his major summit speech to lie to world leaders.
“Scott Morrison’s formal written pledge to the climate summit says Australia only promises to cut pollution by a measly 26%, yet his speech said Australia ‘will’ cut pollution by 35%.
“Scott Morrison’s written pledge says one thing but his speech says another.
“Scott Morrison is sabotaging global climate action and lying to cover it up.
“Scott Morrison is lying about his ambition in Glasgow to avoid international scrutiny while working with Barnaby Joyce and his fossil fuel donors at home to ensure nothing changes over the critical next decade.
“Prince Charles is right that the world needs to be “warlike” to fight the climate crisis, but Scott Morrison wants Australia to take the coward’s way, helping the enemy by burning more coal and gas.
“Boris Johnson, President Biden and the world say no more coal and gas but Scott Morrison gives them the finger.
“Money won’t help a Pacific that is drowning because Scott Morrison and Labor want more coal and gas.”
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for environment on the ground at Glasgow said:
“Today was the day world leaders were asked to increase ambition to cut pollution deeper and faster – but not Australia. Again, Australia was embarrassed on the world stage.
“Scott Morrison’s leader’s speech was underwhelming and cringeworthy. It was as if he resented even being here. He snarled at the world and lectured that Australia is already doing enough – when of course that is a lie.
“Mr Morrison has joined up with China and Russia to block global action on coal pollution. This sends a damaging message here at the summit that rather than helping, Mr Morrsion wants to wreck climate action.”

The Greens have today launched a Horse Racing Transition Plan to shut down commercial horse racing in Australia. After years of exposes on the cruelty of the horse racing industry, seven horses having died at the last eight Melbourne Cup races, and ongoing concerns about the power and influence of the gambling industry, the Greens say it is beyond time to shut this industry down.
A Horse Racing Transition Plan would be coordinated and managed through the establishment of a Horse Racing Transition Taskforce within the Commonwealth Government, and funded by a Horse Betting Levy that would finance transition activities as determined by the taskforce.
Horse Racing Transition Plan
A Horse Racing Transition Taskforce would be housed in the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment for a period of 4 years, costing $10.1 million over that period.
The taskforce would:

• Design and implement the national ban on horse racing
• Develop the plan to transition racing facilities to open green spaces
• Develop the plan for workers currently employed
• Assist in rehabilitation and rehoming of horses
• Design and implement a betting levy.

A Horse Betting Levy of 1% of betting turnover related to commercial horse racing would be introduced. Over its first two years, this levy is projected to raise $494 million, and would fund the activities decided by the taskforce, which could include retraining programs for workers, rehoming schemes for animals, and redeveloping racecourses. The levy could be increased or extended depending on the scope and direction of the taskforce’s work.
Both initiatives have been costed by the independent Parliamentary Budget Office.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens spokesperson for Animal Welfare said:
“Commercial horse racing is inhumane, deadly and incompatible with animal welfare. Like greyhound racing, this gambling-fuelled industry must be shut down.
“More and more people in the community are switching off from racing. Public interest in the Melbourne Cup has crashed in recent times, and more businesses are boycotting the event every year. A recent Lonergan poll found that a majority of people agree that racing animals like horses for gambling and entertainment is cruel.
“We have a huge opportunity here to shut down a cruel industry, deliver new jobs in regions and cities, and repurpose racetracks for community facilities and green spaces.
“With a publicly-funded transition taskforce and a betting levy, we can have the resources needed to ensure a smooth and sensitive transition away from commercial horse racing. “Horse racing kills. A horse dies every three days at a racetrack in Australia. No horse is safe at the Melbourne Cup or at any other race. It’s time to shut this industry down.”

From 1 November 2021, Australian men with prostate cancer will have access to a new medication at an affordable price, thanks to the Morrison Government.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men in Australia and the third most common cause of cancer death. One in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85. It is more common in older men, with more than 63 per cent of cases diagnosed in men over 65 years of age.
It is estimated that around 18,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Australia this year alone.
From tomorrow, as we mark the start of Movember, Nubeqa^® (darolutamide) will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the first time for patients with non-metastatic castration resistant carcinoma of the prostate.
Prostate cancer that is no longer stopped by low testosterone levels is known as castration resistant. Castration-resistant prostate cancer is defined by a rising prostate specific antigen level, worsening symptoms and/or growing cancer verified by scans.
Without PBS subsidy, around 1,000 patients may pay more than $40,000 per year for treatment. Instead, they will pay a maximum of $41.30 per script or $6.60 with a concession card.
This PBS listing has been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Early detection and treatment can significantly improve prostate cancer survival. I encourage men over 50 to learn the symptoms of prostate cancer and if they have any concerns, talk to their GP.
Since 2013, the Coalition Government had approved more than 2,700 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 $13.9 billion.
The Morrison Government’s commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.

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.

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

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.’’

Today, the Productivity Commission released their research paper: Australia’s Prison Dilemma. The paper reports that imprisonment rates have increased by more than 35% despite crime rates dropping.
“Our legal system fails too many people. It fails First Nations people regularly, and the consequences can be a matter of life or death.” Said the Greens spokesperson for Justice, Senator Lidia Thorpe.
“Our country needs a smarter, more ambitious approach to fixing our criminal legal system. First Nations people in particular are being disproportionately targeted by the system, often with devastating effects on people and their communities.
“The Australia’s Prison Dilemma report shows us that 42% of imprisoned people are serving non-violent offences, 15% are considered low risk. It’s astonishing that a third of all imprisoned people are on remand.
“The report echoes what First Nations people have been saying for decades, that we need to prioritise our self-determination and properly resource our community-run services like Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services, health and social support services. Our people are the most effective at prevention and building strong and healthy communities.”
“Ultimately, the best way to reduce crime is to prevent it. We must reform the criminal legal system by preventing people getting caught up in it in the first place. Prioritising strong communities over prisons and other punitive measures is also known as justice reinvestment.”
“If we want justice in our communities, we need to look at alternatives to prison. The report recommends culturally safe, community-based programs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sentencing courts, diversion and trauma-informed wrap-around services.” Said Thorpe