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.
Month: November 2021
NSW Government support to reignite visitor economy
The Perrottet Government will invest more than $8 million in a suite of grant programs to accelerate the recovery of the NSW visitor economy as the state reopens to visitors.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the funding would be a significant boost to the visitor economy as travel restrictions lifted.
“This funding will create jobs, enhance the visitor experience, support the return of lifestyle and business events in regional NSW and promote our regions as ‘must-visit’ destinations, generating hundreds of millions in visitor expenditure,” Mr Ayres said.
“These grants are all about assisting NSW tourism operators and event organisers to develop and deliver the best possible visitor experiences and ensure we are the number one state to visit as we reopen to the world post COVID-19.
“Whether it’s to upgrade the standard of accommodation, develop an entirely new visitor experience, stage conferences and regional events, or deliver a compelling destination marketing campaign, these grants will ensure NSW remains top-of-mind for all types of visitors.
“Supporting our tourism operators is a top priority. They are the backbone of the visitor economy – their passion and resilience and incredible diversity of offerings are key to the state’s success.”
The $8.35 million will be delivered through the following programs:
· $4.1 million Tourism Product Development Fund – to support regional accommodation renewal and new visitor experiences
· $1.5 million Regional Event Fund – to support new and flagship regional events
· $2 million Co-operative Marketing Program – leveraging Destination NSW’s new Feel New marketing campaign
· $750,000 Regional Business Event Development Fund – to create, attract and support new business events for regional NSW
The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, will deliver the grants and support recipients to best manage their project delivery.
For more information on these funding programs and all other support available to businesses, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au/funding.
Students enjoy more freedoms from November 8
More restrictions are easing in NSW public schools, allowing students to enjoy additional activities safely at school in line with current community settings.
Changes to settings includes allowing fully vaccinated extra-curricular providers on school site, as well as some music classes and bands, day excursions and assemblies. Activities must maintain cohorts and be done in line with all COVID-Safe settings in schools.
From November 8 the following activities can take place on school grounds in cohorts only:
- Assemblies and presentations – outdoors only
- Excursions – day only, not overnight
- Incursions – activities provided on school site by external providers related to curriculum delivery or student wellbeing
- Dancing
- Music classes, bands, ensembles and lessons – for instruments that can be played with a mask only
- Sport – as previously announced, in-school within cohort and inter-school outside school hours.
Fully vaccinated volunteers and providers will be allowed on site to support school operations or fulfil specific roles, such as helping with the canteen or uniform shop.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the changes allowed students more curricular and extra-curricular opportunities while schools maintain COVID-19 safe measures.
“Students have experienced an incredibly disrupted school year; in line with the relaxation of community settings, we are aligning some school activities to provide them with as much normality as possible,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Schools’ stringent safety measures remain in place, including vaccinations of all adults on site, cohorting, cleaning, mask wearing and ensuring appropriate ventilation.
“Importantly all adults on site during school hours, including staff and visitors, must be fully vaccinated and wear masks to be allowed on school site.”
Community use of school facilities can also go ahead from November 8, outside school hours only.
Further detail regarding the revised settings will be available https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families/term-4-roadmap.html
Doors to swing open as NSW continues to get the jab done
In response to the faster-than-expected rate of vaccination, the NSW Government will further ease rules for those who are fully vaccinated by bringing forward many of the roadmap changes scheduled for 1 December to Monday, 8 November.
From 8 November there will be no limit on visitors to a home, no rules for outdoor gatherings with fewer than 1,000 people, and indoor swimming pools will re-open for all purposes.
Businesses will be able to welcome in more fully vaccinated customers with all premises to move to 1 person per 2 sqm rule, and nightclubs will be able to re-open dancefloors.
Caps will be removed for settings other than gym and dance classes (where the 20 person cap for classes will remain) and replaced by density limits or 100 per cent fixed seated capacity for major recreation outdoor facilities (including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos) and entertainment facilities (including cinemas and theatres).
These freedoms will only be available for people who are fully vaccinated, including those who have medical exemptions and children under the age of 16. COVID Safe check-ins and proof of vaccination will still be required.
Those who are not fully vaccinated must still abide by pre-roadmap restrictions until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first.
The current settings for masks, which apply to everyone, will remain in place until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first.
To maintain high levels of immunity across the community, NSW Health has commenced rolling out a booster vaccination program at its clinics to individuals aged 18 and older who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine 6 months or more ago. Pfizer will be used for boosters regardless of the COVID-19 vaccine received for the first or second dose.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said bringing forward the easing of restrictions was only possible because of the State’s high vaccinations rates and the roll out of booster shots.
“Everybody has done an incredible job to ensure NSW can ease restrictions in a safe and considered way earlier than we planned,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are on track to reach 90 per cent double vaccination weeks ahead of schedule and this is a testament to everybody across NSW and especially our health workers.
“There is still a long way to go but the NSW Government is standing with the community and continuing to do everything that we can, including booster shots, to keep people safe as we open up.”
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said regional NSW had rolled up their sleeves for vaccinations and we’re now ready to welcome back visitors.
“Regions across NSW answered the call when we asked them to come forward and get vaccinated. Thanks to the community for coming out and getting the jab,” Mr Toole said.
“The time is right now for regional businesses to welcome back visitors safely in every town across the state and get tills turning over.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said reaching the 90 per cent target will be a significant milestone in the state’s recovery.
“We are inching closer and closer to returning to many of our pre-pandemic activities, and this latest easing of restrictions will be welcome news for hundreds of businesses ready to re-open, expand their operations, and welcome back more customers,” Mr Ayres said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW has amongst the most vaccinated populations in the world and rolling out booster shots would continue to maintain that advantage.
“We are amongst the best in the world when it comes to vaccinations but we cannot forget that COVID will continue to circulate in the community and we must remain vigilant,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Boosters are a key priority moving forward and we continue to work closely with the Commonwealth on the COVID-19 vaccination roll out. I want to encourage anyone who is yet to be vaccinated to make a booking as soon as possible.”
More information about the 90 per cent easing of restrictions at nsw.gov.au.
You can book your COVID-19 vaccine or your booster shot, via www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated.
Online service to match job-seekers to jobs
Thousands of job-seekers will have access to free career guidance and employment advice to help match their skills to job growth trends, thanks to an $11.4 million investment from the Perrottet Government.
In launching Careers NSW today, Premier Dominic Perrottet said the online service aimed to get people into work faster with tailored assistance that included access to volunteer industry experts in emerging and critical industries.
“NSW is the State of opportunity and has attracted businesses and industries from all over the world, strengthened by investments including the Aerotropolis, and our record infrastructure boom,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Careers NSW will supercharge our pandemic recovery by ensuring every jobseeker in NSW has online access to career advice regardless of their experience or education, so they can take advantage of the jobs of the future.”
One-on-one access to dedicated careers specialists and more than 40 industry volunteers will be available in a pilot across four regions – Western Sydney, South Western Sydney, the Mid North Coast and the state’s North West – ahead of the full rollout in 2022.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the pilot will initially target 10,000 people in key regions and scale up to include school students from the middle of next year.
“The Careers NSW service will make lifelong career information accessible for all people seeking to upgrade skills or change careers and guide them to the industries offering employment and opportunities,” Mr Lee said.
“The pilot program launching today enables residents in four priority regions to book appointments on the Service NSW website, receive tailored advice with a careers specialist and/or talk to an expert already working in the industry they’re looking to enter to set them on a pathway to employment success.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said customers could access a self-service portal which contains a number of resources designed to help people identify their skills, passions and values, as well as learn about prospective industries.
“People want to make informed decisions about their career path, which is why we’re making it easier to explore the industries and occupations they are interested in and the opportunities they present,” Mr Dominello said.
“This includes the ability for customers to compare courses and academic providers and find the study option that suits their learning preferences and location.”
Careers NSW was a key recommendation in the Review of the NSW vocational education and training sector led by Mr David Gonski AC and Professor Peter Shergold AC, released earlier this year.
Professor Peter Shergold AC said Careers NSW will help people navigate their lifetime employment journey.
“It will also be the cornerstone of a comprehensive state-based career information and guidance ecosystem that will support people to make informed decisions,” Professor Shergold said.
To access Careers NSW, visit: careers.nsw.gov.au
Pair charged following pursuit in state's Hunter region
Two people have been charged following a pursuit through the state’s Hunter region yesterday.
About 8.50am on Monday (1 November 2021), officers attached to Traffic & Highway Patrol Command and Hunter Valley Police District were patrolling along the New England Highway, Ravensworth, when they were alerted of an unregistered Ford Fiesta travelling north.
Police attempted to stop the vehicle at a safe location along the highway; however, the driver allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit commenced north along the highway.
The pursuit continued to the Muswellbrook township until the Ford stopped on William Street, Muswellbrook and the driver – a 29-year-old man – exited the vehicle and was arrested by police.
The front passenger of the vehicle – an 18-year-old woman – also left the vehicle and approached police. A police officer attempted to arrest the woman when she allegedly assaulted the senior constable.
Police checks revealed the man’s driver’s licence was suspended until 2024.
A search of the vehicle resulted in police allegedly locating and seizing two bags of cannabis.
The pair was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station and the man was subjected to a breath test analysis which allegedly returned a reading of 0.035.
The man was charged with police pursuit, not have interlock fitted, unregistered/uninsured vehicle, special range PCA, drive whilst disqualified and contravene AVO.
He was refused bail and appeared at Muswellbrook Local Court yesterday (1 November 2021).
The woman was charged with two counts of possess prohibited drug, assault police, resist arrest, fail to disclose particulars and offensive language.
She was granted conditional bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on 20 December 2021.
Appeal for public assistance into shooting death – Port Stephens
Detectives have released vision as part of an ongoing appeal for public assistance following a fatal shooting in Port Stephens.
About 1.45pm on Sunday 29 August 2021, emergency services were called to Hideaway Drive, Salt Ash, following reports a white Ford Ranger utility had hit a tree.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics and located a male driver suffering a fatal gunshot wound.
He was later identified as 45-year-old David King.
A short time later, officers located a burnt-out white Santa Fe located on Masonite Road, Heatherbrae, which police believe is linked to the shooting.
Detectives established Strike Force Breve to investigate the incident, with assistance from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.
As part of investigations, strike force detectives have released vision of a man who was near the crime scene in Heatherbrae and may have information that could assist police with their inquiries. It is not believed this man is linked to the death of David King.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Morrison in climate wrecker mode in Glasgow
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.”
Morrison's climate finance disappointment
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.
Morrison lies in Glasgow climate speech
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.”