Category: Australian News

Works have started on the $1 billion Pacific Motorway upgrade from Varsity Lakes to Tugun, the Gold Coast’s largest road project.
Concrete safety barriers have been put up, VMS boards installed and speeds reduced to make way for the mammoth jointly-funded project, which will see the M1 transformed into at least six lanes from Brisbane to Tugun.
It comes as another milestone is reached on the $218.5 million M1 upgrade between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes with the new Stapley Drive bridge expected to open to traffic next week.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government had fast-tracked the project to help bust congestion and create a jobs pipeline to help in the recovery from COVID-19.
“We’re getting moving as quickly as we can to get shovels in the ground and workers on site,” the Prime Minister said.
“Our $500 million investment to upgrade the M1 will boost jobs and get workers home sooner and safer.
“This isn’t just a project with significant long-term benefits, it’s going to be delivering benefits right now with more jobs to help local workers as Australia moves past the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the project was not only about tackling congestion in Australia’s sixth largest city, but also keeping Queenslanders in jobs.
“This project will support more than 830 jobs and we’re going to keep delivering jobs and infrastructure for the Gold Coast and the whole of Queensland,” Premier Palaszczuk said.
“We’re starting before the current section is complete because we want to see progress and jobs continue.
“Getting started on this project sooner rather than later means when we come out of COVID-19, Queensland’s economy can support as many jobs as possible.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the project would be divided into three packages, with the section from Varsity Lakes to Burleigh the first to be delivered.
“Start of construction has been fast-tracked because we know the delivery of major infrastructure projects like the M1 is essential to supporting jobs and economic growth at this time,” Minister Tudge said.
“It’s rare to see a project of this size start construction within several weeks after contract award but we know it is vital to get this project up and running at a time when creating and maintaining jobs has never been more critical.
“This is just one of our major infrastructure projects that will be essential in the post-pandemic economic recovery.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said close to 80 per cent of businesses currently working on the first M1 upgrade between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes were local, and that Gold Coasters would see that level of local engagement replicated on an upgrade five times the size, benefitting the city for years to come.
“The Queensland Government has secured $2.5 billion to build a better M1, and to create more than 2,000 jobs and plenty of work for dozens of local businesses,” Minister Bailey said.
“Getting shovels in the ground now means that once works wrap up on the Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes section in mid-2020, there won’t be a pause in much-needed jobs.
“Attacking coronavirus means going at it from all angles. That includes the economic front, where major construction projects like this are crucial to keeping Queenslanders employed and assisting businesses as much as possible.”
Federal Member for McPherson Karen Andrews said it was a win-win-win situation, particularly as the Gold Coast feels the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Getting this project started ahead of time is a win for jobs, a win for our economy and a win for Gold Coast drivers,” Minister Andrews said.
“By relieving the southern Gold Coast of the constant traffic bottlenecks, we can reduce travel times and increase freight efficiency.”
The project will feature the region’s first Diverging Diamond Interchange and more lanes for the 10-kilometre stretch between Varsity Lakes and Tugun and there will also be upgrades to the Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera and Palm Beach exits.
It will also include building a new service road bridge over Tallebudgera Creek and connecting a new western service road (one lane each way) between Palm Beach (Exit 92) and Tallebudgera (Exit 89). The corridor south of Varsity Lakes will be preserved for a future rail extension.
The $1 billion M1 Pacific Motorway – Varsity Lakes to Tugun project is being jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with both governments contributing $500 million each.

The Australian Greens welcome the recent announcement by the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court that she believes the court has jurisdiction in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and Gaza, so that it can investigate war crimes allegedly committed in Palestine since 2009.
“Australia appears to have found itself on the wrong side of international law in arguing that the court doesn’t have jurisdiction in Palestine,” Greens Leader and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Adam Bandt said.
“It’s shameful that Australia lined up with just a handful of countries to try to deny the Palestinian people recourse through international institutions like the ICC. The Greens hope that a formal ruling will soon be made that will enable an investigation to get under way.
“With Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu actively undermining the prospects of a two-State solution that could deliver peace and security to both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, it is more important now than ever to support the rights of Palestinians in the face of injustice.
“Just recently the new Israeli Government headed by Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to a deal that would allow Trump’s so-called Peace Plan to be voted on in July.  This includes the annexation of illegal settlements in the West Bank and Palestinian territory in the Jordan Valley and elsewhere. It constitutes a serious violation of international law and is another step towards abolishing the rights of Palestinians.
“The Australian Government should be vocally opposing these illegal annexation plans, not remaining quiet in tacit support of Netanyahu and Trump.”

Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has labelled the government’s latest change to JobKeeper eligibility rules farcical and sinister as it bends over backwards to deny wage subsidy support to Australian universities.
In the latest twist, Sydney Uni has been denied access to the scheme despite having believed to have qualified due to a significant drop in revenue, and having paid staff additional money in anticipation of receiving government support.
Senator Faruqi said:
“The government is bending over backwards to deny universities access to the JobKeeper wage subsidy. This is farcical and sinister stuff.
“Universities have been dealing with huge uncertainties for months now. Constantly shifting the goalposts is not only enormously unfair to them in this crisis, but reveals the Liberals’ malice towards higher education.
“The clear intent to lock universities out of JobKeeper can only be explained by the Liberals’ ongoing hostility to higher education and their commitment to starve universities of funding.
“The government is fully aware that up to 30,000 university jobs are on the line, but they just don’t seem to care.
“In addition to JobKeeper, the government must back universities through a new package which would massively boost funding, save jobs and improve universities for staff and students,” she said.

The Morrison Government is rolling out extra measures to ensure people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence know where to get help during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Help is Here campaign will include advertising across television, digital, social media, radio, magazines and newspapers as well as in shopping centres, hospitals and GP surgeries.
Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, said the campaign had two clear messages that help is here and tough times do not excuse tougher times at home.
“For many weeks, Australians have been heeding the Government’s call to stay at home to control the spread of COVID-19. However, for many women and children, home is not a safe place to be,” Minister Payne said.
“We want all Australians to know, including those at risk of using violence, there is free and confidential help available at all hours, every day.
“Support and advice is also available for family and friends of those experiencing domestic violence and abuse.”
The new awareness campaign to promote the two national helplines – 1800RESPECT and MensLine Australia – is part of the Morrison Government’s $150 million Domestic Violence Support Package to help support services meet demand during these unprecedented times.
Minister Ruston said the new campaign directs women and men to 1800RESPECT and MensLine, where they could talk directly and confidentially with trained counsellors via online chat or phone.
“The campaign also delivers the strong message that violence and abuse are never acceptable, no matter the circumstances,” Minister Ruston said.
“Increased stresses at a time like this are known and understandable but they are not an excuse for causing physical or psychological harm.
“It is important that both women and men know they can access help online and by phone at any time of the day or night.”
Since the Coronavirus pandemic began more than 15 per cent of contacts for MensLine Australia have been COVID-19 specific while 1800RESPECT has seen an 11 per cent increase in people accessing support when compared with the same time last year.
1800RESPECT national partner manager Melonie Sheehan said the helpline typically received more approaches for help during natural disaster, when a high-profile case of domestic abuse was reported in the media or major events such as this pandemic.
“In particular, we have seen a shift in how and when people contact us,” Ms Sheehan said.
“More people are calling the service in the very late hours, closer to midnight and we have also seen an increase in people contacting us via webchat as this may be when and how people feel more comfortable or safer to seek support.”
On the Line chief executive Samantha Fredericks said between February and March the organisation’s MensLine service had seen a 34 per cent increase in callers who reported family violence concerns.
“We want men to understand they can reach out for help before a situation escalates,” Ms Fredericks said.
“Seeking support and advice for emotional health and relationship concerns now and at any time is so important.”
Further information is available at www.australia.gov.au/dvsupport
If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of domestic, family or sexual violence contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) 1800respect.org.au or MensLine Australia (1300 789 978) mensline.org.au
These national services are available and accessible to all people located in Australia, including Aboriginal and Torres Strat Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including those on temporary visas, as well as people with disability.

The National Cabinet has today endorsed measures for the resumption of sport and recreation activities across Australia.
A set of National Principles along with the Australian Institute of Sport’s, Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment, will be used to guide the staged return of activity as efforts to stop the spread of the virus continue.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the announcement signalled an important step as Australia, slowly and resolutely, emerges from the pandemic.
“The National Cabinet decisions map out a careful and sensible road ahead for the safe resumption of sports and recreation in Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Both the National Principles and the Framework recognise the key role sport and recreation plays in the Australian community and the many health, economic, social and cultural benefits it provides.”
He said emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic would not be easy or fast – but planning for the future of sport and recreation would be a critical part of our national recovery.
“I fully support the National Cabinet’s firm resolution that the resumption of sport and recreation activity — at any level — must not compromise the health of individuals or the community,” Minister Colbeck said.
The National Principles make clear how sporting and recreational activities can only happen where stringent, public and personal health measures are observed and required standards met.
The Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment was developed by the AIS after extensive consultation with sports organisations.
It guides the staged resumption of sport and recreation at high performance, community, and individual levels.
The National Cabinet also agreed to establish a specialist COVID-19 Sports and Health Committee.
The committee will include relevant sports medicine and health experts from the AIS, sports, and governments to monitor and support the resumption process.
It will report to the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee
“I want to stress that the resumption process will at all times be subject to the current circumstances of jurisdictions and under the direction of relevant public health authorities,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We can expect some variation because of local factors including COVID-19 epidemiology, risk mitigation strategies, and public health capacities.
“Today’s endorsement by the National Cabinet of the resumption of sport and recreation in Australia is a great step forward.
“However, we must all continue to play our part to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe from spread of COVID-19.”
AIS Framework for rebooting sport (PDF)

The Greens have condemned VicForests chief executive, Monique Dawson, for her comments towards Professor David Lindenmayer, one of the world’s most cited ecologists, following reports today of the proposed logging of forests in Victoria and NSW that were burnt in last summer’s devastating bushfires.
State Greens MP Ellen Sandell has called on Premier Daniel Andrews to immediately review the VicForests CEO’s position, saying her anti-science comments as a public office holder are unacceptable.
Greens Senator Janet Rice has written to Environment Minister Sussen Ley, urging the federal government to step in and prevent the state logging agencies from causing further damage to these bushfire-affected forest areas.
Senator Janet Rice, Greens federal spokesperson for Forests said:
“The head of VicForests is a science denier. Monique Dawson was quoted rejecting the work of an internationally regarded ecologist and her outrageous views should have no place in the Victorian public service.
“This summer’s fires burnt through an unprecedented 20% of our mainland forests, but our state and federal governments seem happy to decimate these already badly-damaged fire-affected areas.
“The science is clear that this ‘salvage logging’ activity will cause further disturbance to these ecosystems and would severely hamper the regeneration and recovery of these forests.
“I have written to Minister Ley to urge the federal government & its Expert Panel on bushfire recovery to stop VicForests and the NSW Forestry Corporation from causing further destruction.
Ellen Sandell MP, Victorian Greens spokesperson for environment said:
“Logging in burnt forests is like sending a recovery patient to war. With protection and restoration, our forests will recover, but not if they’re logged so soon after the summer’s devastating fires.
“VicForests’ science denial is yet another example of the agency’s total disregard for science, in the same week courts have stepped in to halt logging in 26 areas.
“The Government must immediately review the CEO’s position and rule out post-fire logging for the protection of our environment, our water catchments and our wildlife.”

Young people starting their first job following the COVID-19 crisis will earn on average $35,000 less than their peers over the next decade – a 6% pay cut, or essentially working over 6 months unpaid, modelling from the Australian Greens has predicted.
With young people already enduring the hardest hit from working in those sectors that have been shut down, and half a million casual workers under 24 excluded from the JobKeeper scheme, the figure highlights the importance of putting young people’s needs front and centre in recovery plans and to start supporting them now through JobKeeper.
This modelling was undertaken by the Greens using predictions made by researchers looking at employment ‘scarring’ as a result of job market shocks and more young people competing for a shrinking pool of jobs.
The research finds that in a hostile labour market, young people are more likely to accept lower paid or less suitable work, which then takes a long time to undo. The underpinning body of evidence from US studies assume a 3% rise in unemployment, far less than the increase from 5% to 10% foreshadowed – so young people could be even worse off than predicted.
“Imagine if today you got a 6% pay cut locked in for the next ten years of your life. That’s the reality for every young person looking for their first job after the pandemic,” Adam Bandt MP said.
“If you’re entering the workforce now, you’re not only battling stagnant wages, unaffordable housing and the climate crisis, you’re trying to get into a job market that’s collapsing around you.
“Young people will be hit the hardest when it comes to looking for a job. Unemployment will be through the roof and there will be even more crappy jobs that don’t offer enough hours of work or high enough wages.”
“Even if you do manage to get a job on the other side, it will come at a cost. Young people can put a price tag on this pandemic. It will cost you $34,442 over the next decade and there’s no refunds.
“When you’ve got bills piling up and rent to pay, it can be tough to turn down a lousy job that barely pays the bills, if only to keep a roof over your head. All too often one bad job leads to another, so it’s really tough to get the experience and confidence needed to get the job you deserve.
“Right now in Australia employers have all the power, so it’s tough to get the leg up to the job you really want, and it will take up to a decade to get your career back on track.
“This $35,000 over a decade isn’t just loose change that could go to rent, it’s a housing deposit that’s been taken away from you, money that could pay off your car, or go into your savings to get ready for a rainy day.
“We can turn this around. When we’re rebuilding our economy, we need to put young people front and centre. We need to make sure that there’s enough available and meaningful work available to make sure everyone has the job they deserve.
“That needs to start with making sure that all young people can access JobKeeper. By locking new casual workers out of JobKeeper, the Liberals have shown they don’t understand the realities of the modern workplace.
“By ignoring young people, Scott Morrison is setting up the next generation to fail. The government is asking young people to pay for an economic stimulus package they’re not even allowed to access.
“It’s never been more important to get politically active and join your union.  With the Greens as your strong voice in parliament and the unions behind you, we can take back the workplace rights and opportunities that have been snatched away.”
Key points:
•         A young worker entering the workforce in the COVID-19 downturn will have a mean 6% reduction in annual earnings each year for a decade.
•         Across a decade, this represents the loss of 60% of a year’s annual income – or $34,442 when considering the average salary of a full time worker under 24 years old.
•         As the underpinning body of evidence assumes a 3% rise in unemployment, far less than we are likely to experience, young people could be even worse off than predicted.
•         This loss is compounded when considering the follow-on impacts on superannuation balance, a delayed move from renting to a mortgage, and a reduction in interest from savings.

The National Cabinet met today to take further decisions to save lives, and to save livelihoods.
The Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy provided an update on the measures underway, the latest data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.
There are over 6,760 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 92 people have died. There are now only around 1000 active cases in Australia, and over the past week, daily infection rates have been very low, especially in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, the ACT, Queensland and South Australia.
Initial actions and measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia have been largely successful at slowing the growth of cases domestically and ensuring the national health care system has the ability to cope with cases, and surge when required.
We need to continue to have the right controls in place to test more people, trace those who test positive and respond to local outbreaks when they occur. These are amongst the precedent conditions to enable Australia to relax baseline restrictions.
National Cabinet encouraged Australians to download the COVIDSafe app to ensure that we can protect Australians and reset baseline restrictions.
The ability to find and contain outbreaks quickly will mean governments can ease restrictions while still keeping Australians safe. National Cabinet thanked the more than 3.5 million Australians that have already downloaded the COVIDSafe app.
Treasury Secretary, Dr Steven Kennedy, provided National Cabinet with an economic update for both the domestic and international situation.
National Cabinet agreed to bring forward the review of the first phase of removing baseline restrictions on Friday 8 May 2020, including an assessment of achievement against precedent conditions.
National Cabinet agreed to meet again on Tuesday 5 May 2020.
Industry Code for Aged Care Sector
National Cabinet endorsed the draft ‘Code of Conduct on Pandemic Procedures’ for residential aged care. The sector-led Code will encourage providers to act compassionately while balancing the challenges of COVID-19, taking into account the wishes of individual residents.
This Code of Conduct will drive a more responsive and consistent approach to visitation and communication across residential aged care. It will also empower residents and their families to speak up and it will provide an agreed course of action to resolve complaints.
The Code has been developed by, and agreed with, peak bodies representing the majority of aged care providers and consumers, including:

• Council of the Ageing (COTA)
• Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA)
• Leading Age Services Australia (LASA)
• The Aged Care Guild (The Guild)
• National Seniors Australia (NSA)
• Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
• Dementia Australia (DA)

The Code is available here. It is currently with individual providers and consumers for consultation until 7 May.
National Cabinet thanked the aged care sector for their cooperation in developing the Code and encouraged providers to adopt the Code once finalised to ensure consistency and transparency across Australia.
National Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to the AHPPC recommendations which prohibit entry to a residential aged care facility for anyone who has not been vaccinated against influenza after 1 May 2020. This is an important safeguard against possible influenza outbreaks in vulnerable groups.
National Cabinet also recognised the Commonwealth’s additional funding support package of $205 million for the aged care sector.
National Principles for Sport and Recreational Activities
National Cabinet agreed that sport and recreation will play a significant role as Australia emerges from the COVID-19 environment due to the associated health, economic, social and cultural benefits it brings.
National Cabinet also agreed that the resumption of sport and recreation activity at any level must not compromise the health of individuals or the community; must be based on objective health information to ensure potential transmission rates are conducive to the safe conduct of sport and recreation; and should only occur where activity-specific, stringent, public and personal health measures are observed, and meeting minimum standards.
National Cabinet considered and endorsed ‘National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities’ developed by the AHPPC in consultation with sporting bodies across Australia (Attachment A).
The Principles will help provide a pathway for a staged return of community and professional sport, as well as recreational activities, without compromising the health of individuals or the community.
It was noted that evidence to date suggests that even with similar mitigation steps, outdoor activities are a lower risk setting for COVID-19 transmission.
The staged return will commence an initial phase of small group (<10) activities in a non-contact fashion, prior to moving on to a subsequent phase of large group (>10) activities including full contact training and competition in sport.
The initial phase accommodates, where possible, for the resumption of children’s outdoor sport with strict physical distancing measures for non-sporting attendees such as parents, and outdoor recreational activities including but not limited to outdoor-based personal training and boot camps, golf, fishing, bush-walking, and swimming.
The states and territories will be responsible for sport and recreation resumption decisions, both at the professional and community level and will determine progression through the phases, taking account of local epidemiology, risk mitigation strategies and public health capability.
National Cabinet agreed that the ‘Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment’ developed by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) provides a guide to the staged resumption of sport and recreation in Australia (Attachment B).
For high performance and professional sporting organisations, the regime underpinned in the Framework is considered a minimum baseline standard required to be met before the resumption of training and match play.
National Cabinet also endorsed the AHPPC’s proposal to form a COVID-19 Sports and Health Committee comprising the Commonwealth Deputy CMO, Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Medical Director, an infection control expert, representatives of Federal, State and Territory Departments of Health, Sport and Recreation and relevant sports medical officers from the National Sporting Organisations, to closely monitor and report on any COVID-19 related issues or manifestations in the sector during the resumption phase, as well as any further and specific decisions about the resumption of sport – for a minimum of three months from commencement.
Key metrics to relax restrictions
National Cabinet endorsed medical advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee which sets out key metrics to support decision making on the relaxation of restriction measures (Attachment C).
The AHPPC’s Pandemic Intelligence Plan, Precedent Condition report and the Australian National Disease Surveillance Plan also recommended public health and surveillance measures to achieve continued suppression of COVID-19.
Initial actions and measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia have been largely successful at slowing the growth of cases domestically and ensuring the national health care system has the ability to cope with cases, and surge when required.
For COVID-19 suppression strategies to be effective, Reff (the number of people a single case infects on average) needs to be less than 1.0. The Reff continues to be below 1.0 in all jurisdictions with sufficient local transmission.
In particular National Cabinet noted the significant progress against precedent conditions, ahead of any consideration of relaxation of baseline measures.
AHPPC advice is that of 15 precedent conditions needed to be in place to consider relaxing restrictions, Australia is currently on track to meet 11 conditions. Governments will expediate four conditions – surveillance (testing), state and territory surveillance plans and resources, use of COVIDSafe App and stocks of personal protective equipment – gowns and goggles. Further details of preconditions are in Attachment C.
Boarding Schools Arrangements
National Cabinet adopted the AHPPC statement on risk management for re-opening boarding schools and school-based residential colleges. The AHPPC has made a number of practical recommendations that these boarding schools and colleges should consider, including a reduction in the number of boarding students, staggered dining times and establishing procedures for quarantine. AHPPC advises that decisions around boarding arrangements should involve parents and ensure a clear understanding of any related issues, as well as risk management plans.

There is new hope for thousands of Australians with cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma with new and amended medicines listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from today.
To help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, the Australian Government is expanding subsidised access to a breakthrough medicine that combats high cholesterol, with up to 30,000 Australians per year expected to benefit.
From 1 May, the PBS listing of Repatha® (evolocumab) will be extended to include patients with certain types of high risk cardiovascular disease caused by high cholesterol.

• Patients with non-familial hypercholesterolemia (abnormally high cholesterol) who have atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and meet certain conditions will now have access to Repatha.
• The listing of Repatha will also be extended to include more patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (genetic high cholesterol).

Hypercholesterolaemia results in abnormally high levels of cholesterol in the blood can lead to blockages in the arteries, hardening of the arterial walls, and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke without proper treatment.
Repatha is a breakthrough new medicine that can dramatically lower cholesterol levels which can reduces a person’s risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Patients might otherwise pay over $5,400 per year for Repatha. With the PBS subsidy, they will only need to pay $41 per prescription, or $6.60 with a concession card.
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death in Australia, with 43,477 deaths attributed to it in Australia in 2017. It is estimated cardiovascular disease kills one Australian every 12 minutes.
Also from today, Australians with rheumatoid arthritis will benefit from the listing of Rinvoq® (upadacitinib) on the PBS.
Patients might otherwise pay more than $16,000 per year for Rinvoq but with the PBS subsidy will only pay $41 or $6.60 with a concession card.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting about 458,000 Australians. It attacks the body’s healthy tissues, targeting the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and joint damage.
It can cause significant physical disability, pain, fatigue and mental health issues.
Currently, there is no cure, but rheumatoid arthritis medicines can reduce pain and stiffness and prevent long-term joint damage.
Rinvoq® will be a new treatment option for people with severe rheumatoid arthritis providing them with more choice in how they manage this painful condition.
Around 5,000 patients per year already access a comparable treatment, and may benefit from this new treatment option.
Also from 1 May, Australians with uncontrolled severe asthma will now have access to Fasenra Pen®.
Fasenra® (benralizumab) is currently listed on the PBS as a syringe for injection for the treatment of uncontrolled severe eosinophilic asthma.
This new pre filled pen will allow patients who choose to self administer Fasenra to be treated at home, rather than attend a clinic to access the medicine through a syringe injection administered by a health professional.
Over 1,000 patients per year access Fasenra through the PBS and may benefit from the listing of Fasenra Pen®. Without the PBS subsidy, patients might otherwise pay up to $23,000 per year.
These new and amended listings were recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Since 2013, the Australian Government has approved more than 2,350 new or amended listings on the PBS.
This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month or around one each day – at an overall investment by the Government around $11 billion.
The Government’s commitment to making sure Australians can access the medicines they need, at affordable prices, remains rock solid.