Month: December 2021

$102 million expands National Dementia Support Program

The Morrison Government will invest $102 million to expand, strengthen and enhance Australia’s National Dementia Support Program.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said ensuring access to high quality and effective support for those living with dementia, their families and carers was a priority.
Between 386,200 and 472,000 people are living with dementia across the country, with an additional 1.6 million people caring for them.
“This funding underpins the Morrison Government’s focus to ensure our most vulnerable loved ones receive the high-quality personalised care they deserve,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It also more than doubles annual funding for the program and will be delivered by Dementia Australia.”
The investment means the National Dementia Helpline will start 24/7 operations ensuring support is only a phone call away at any time of the day or night, increasing the total volume of calls from around 35,000 up to 80,000 a year.
The expanded and enhanced support program will also deliver:

  • Improved access to counselling, post-diagnostic support programs, education sessions, support groups, and peer mentoring for coaching, advice and carer support to around 30,000 people.
  • Outbound call support following up with people recently diagnosed with dementia and their carers to connect them to information and services as early as possible;
  • A targeted campaign to GPs and clinicians so people with dementia get access to more timely diagnosis and ongoing support; and
  • counselling and other supports for up to 15,000 people diagnosed with dementia each year, and their carers.

“This investment will improve the lives of people living with dementia right across the nation,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The recent Dementia in Australia 2021 report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare clearly demonstrates the increasing significance of dementia as a health, aged care and societal issue.
“The Government is driving aged care reforms and investing in targeted and more widely available services and programs for people living with dementia, their families and carers.”
Dementia was one of four areas of concern for immediate action identified in the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Recommendation 15 focused on the establishment of a comprehensive, clear and accessible post-diagnosis support pathway for people living with dementia, their carers and families.
“Dementia Australia provides invaluable support to people living with dementia, their families, carers and friends so that they can have the best quality of life possible,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Government’s funding means Dementia Australia can expand, enhance its reach and continue to deliver life-changing services.
“As well as providing practical and helpful assistance, this program also gives social support so people living with dementia feel included and valued in their local communities while living fulfilling lives.”
The 2021 Budget allocated $229.4 million to improve the quality of life and care for people living with dementia.
For more information about the National Dementia Support Program, please visit Dementia Australia at www.dementia.org.au.

Bringing more medical and health students to Mildura

More than 100 students studying medicine, nursing, midwifery, allied health and dentistry have completed the rural part of their training in Mildura under Morrison Joyce Government-funded programs, which has boosted access to doctors, dentists and health professionals for local patients.
Federal Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster said the Morrison Joyce Government supported regional and rural health training, because it resulted in more doctors and health professionals staying in the bush after they graduate.
Visiting La Trobe and Monash universities in Mildura today with Federal Regional Health Minister, Dr David Gillespie, Dr Webster said Federal Government investment through the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program gave more students more opportunities to train locally.
“To achieve a stable, reliable and dedicated workforce in healthcare throughout Mallee, we need to pull out every tool in the toolbox. Regional training centres like Monash University and La Trobe University are essential to achieving this outcome,” Dr Webster said.
“Our Government provides $6.65 million to La Trobe University under the RHMT program, so students can train and do placements here in Mildura.
“Last year, La Trobe students completed more than 190 nursing, midwifery and allied health placements in Mildura, equating to more than 835 training weeks.
“Additionally, our government provides funding of $48.3 million to Monash University under the RHMT Program.”
Dr Gillespie, a regional doctor for more than 30 years, said in Mildura last year, 16 Monash students completed 12-month medical placements; 21 completed six-month medical placements; and more than 25 short-term medical placements took place, equating to more than 160 training weeks.
Additionally, Monash students completed more than 45 nursing, midwifery and allied health placements, equating to more than 170 completed training weeks.
“To ensure this can run smoothly, 14 local staff support the students across the two programs,” Dr Webster said.
Minister Gillespie said the Government was tackling the challenges associated with Australia’s health workforce maldistribution head-on.
“The RHMT Program and the Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network are two of the Government’s flagship training programs aimed at bridging the city-country divide in health services and training opportunities,” Dr Gillespie said.
“These programs are a win-win-win for students, patients and host communities, which benefit from the local jobs created and the placements trainees undertake. They expose students to many of the unique challenges facing rural patients.”
Dr Webster said that training health students in regional areas is an essential step to ensuring a sustainable health workforce in regional areas such as Mildura.
“The reality is that we have enough medical graduates, but the distribution of those graduates is heavily weighted in metropolitan areas. I want to see more health professionals choosing to come to regional centres and invest into the local community on a long-term basis,” Dr Webster said.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government will continue to fight to see solutions for regional people. Regional, rural and remote Australia are not an afterthought for this government: they are a priority.
“That is why I continue to fight for funding for a biomed undergraduate course for La Trobe University in Mildura. This would provide a proven entrance to a medical degree in Mildura and coupled with the post graduate courses available at Monash would secure workforce into the future.”
Monash University receives $7.88 million in funding from the Morrison Joyce Government for a new ‘rural intention’ stream to the existing intake of its four-year graduate entry medical program in Gippsland; 30 students who started this program in Gippsland in 2021 will move to Mildura and Bendigo to complete the remainder of their degree.

NSW economy bouncing back for a stronger 2022

New South Wales is continuing to bounce back from one of the biggest economic shocks the State has faced in generations, with the Government’s targeted support measures and strong vaccination rates helping our economy successfully recover.
Treasurer Matt Kean today released the 2021-22 Half-Yearly Review, with the State’s economy showing signs of a strong rebound as we continue to reopen our economy in a safe and measured way.
Despite a revised deficit of $19.5 billion for 2021-22, the NSW Budget is still forecast to return to surplus by 2024-25, with the impact of the Delta outbreak largely contained to the current financial year.
Mr Kean said the increased deficit was driven by the significant health, social and economic measures the NSW Government introduced in response to the Delta outbreak, which kept people in jobs and businesses open across the State.
“Our support measures, combined with the resilience, creativity and determination of our people and businesses, meant the State’s economic contraction was smaller this year than it was in 2020, despite a greater level of restriction in place,” Mr Kean said.
“COVID-19 is unpredictable but we have demonstrated that we have the fiscal firepower to respond when needed. Our success so far in keeping people in jobs has shown that we can deal with the challenges that come our way over the coming weeks and months.
“As a result, we have seen strong rebounds in consumer confidence and business confidence, which are helping to drive a rebound in the State’s economy.
“Growth in jobs has resumed and vacancies are higher than pre-pandemic levels. Economic activity and employment are projected to rebound back above pre-Delta outbreak levels in the March quarter 2022.”
Mr Kean said the NSW Government has committed about $45 billion in health, social and economic measures since COVID-19 restrictions were first introduced in March 2020.
“$7 billion in JobSaver payments helped around 206,000 businesses get through the Delta outbreak, and maintained the vital link between employees and employers,” Mr Kean said.
“Our $2.8 billion Economic Recovery Strategy is continuing to support our people, our workers and our businesses, and our $5 billion commitment to WestInvest will help build vital infrastructure and facilities in south-western and western Sydney.
“Despite the pandemic, NSW is the only state in Australia with triple-A credit ratings, recently assigned by Fitch and reaffirmed by Moody’s.”
Mr Kean said the NSW Government will explore reform opportunities to support long-term economic growth, including improving women’s economic opportunities, developing the industries of the future, increasing home ownership, supporting the State in becoming a clean energy superpower, and continuing to improve our health and education systems.
“Because of the policies set out in this Half-Yearly Review and the huge efforts made by the people of NSW, we have the opportunity to build one of the strongest and most resilient economies anywhere in the world,” Mr Kean said.
“Our people are our most valuable assets, and we need to continue to invest in them and in the programs that help them flourish and realise their aspirations.
“COVID-19 has taught us that the biggest issues of our time can be the biggest opportunities for our State in the future. We intend to learn that lesson, and bounce back better and stronger in 2022.”
For more information, visit: www.budget.nsw.gov.au

Record investment in school infrastructure continued in 2021

The most significant investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW has continued throughout 2021, with more than $770 million worth of new and upgraded school facilities delivered for students across the state.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said that despite the COVID-19 lockdowns and construction pauses, eight new and 13 upgraded schools had been delivered this year.
“This investment has delivered close to 500 new classrooms, 55 specialist learning spaces, 13 halls, 12 libraries and 9 COLAs for over 14,000 students and supported more than 3,800 jobs across NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our school building pipeline is a historic $15 billion – more than any other government has spent building and upgrading schools. In real terms this means thousands of students across the state are benefitting from hundreds of new and upgraded schools.”
The completed projects include six new schools in growing parts of Western Sydney, including Barramurra Public School in Catherine Field and Galungara Public School in Schofields and two new regional schools including Estella Public School in Wagga Wagga.
In 2021, the $121 million upgrade of Armidale Secondary College has been completed and upgrades at Braidwood Central School, Murrumbidgee Regional High School and Ashtonfield Public School. Upgrades across Metropolitan Sydney include Parramatta West Public School and Kingswood High School.
Ms Mitchell congratulated everyone involved in delivering these projects for the benefit of NSW students.
“Communities throughout NSW are growing, and these new facilities are part of the government’s commitment to supporting families throughout the state,” Ms Mitchell said.
The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
Schools delivered in 2021:

 

Barramurra Public School (new)
Estella Public School (new)
Galungara Public School (new)
Tirriwirri School (new)
Mainsbridge School (new)
Picton High School (new)
Northbourne Public School (new)
Denham Court Public School (new)
Braidwood Central School (upgraded)
Ajuga School (upgraded)
Campbell House School (upgraded)
Glenfield Park School (upgraded)
Armidale Secondary College (upgraded)
Kent Road Public School (upgraded)
Penshurst Public School (upgraded)
Parramatta West Public School (upgraded)
St Ives High School (upgraded)
Murrumbidgee Regional High School (upgraded)
Ashtonfield Public School (upgraded)
Brooke Avenue Public School (upgraded)
Kingswood High School (upgraded)

NSW moves to next stage of reopening as booster program ramps up

The NSW Government is urging people to book in for their COVID-19 booster shot with restrictions easing today as part of the reopening roadmap.
The new settings that come into effect today include:

  • Density limits will cease and masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated. Masks are strongly recommended in settings where you cannot social distance;
  • QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues including hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, business premises for personal services (e.g. hairdressers, salons and spas), pubs, small bars, registered clubs, nightclubs, and for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people;
  • Proof of vaccination only required for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people and cruises with more than 100 passengers;
  • Businesses can still require proof of vaccination at their own discretion;
  • COVID safety plans will be optional for businesses and will be supported by SafeWork NSW.

More than 93 per cent of people aged 16 and over have been fully vaccinated as NSW continues its responsible and measured approach to reopening.
To maintain increased levels of immunity across the population the Commonwealth Government and NSW Government are continuing to roll out a booster vaccination program. Boosters are currently available for people aged 18 years and older who received their second dose at least five months ago.
Booster eligibility will increase steadily in 2022, with around 40 per cent of the NSW population to be eligible at the end of January, 64 per cent in February, 87 per cent in March, and 91 per cent by April 2022.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said with the removal of additional restrictions it was vital people booked in for their booster shot so we can continue to reopen safely.
“As we reopen in a measured and safe way people need to keep rolling up their sleeves to get their first and second jabs and their booster shots,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We have some of the highest vaccination rates in the world but there will continue to be challenges thrown at us and everyone must follow the rules to help combat new variants and keep people out of hospital.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government was sticking to the roadmap to give people certainty ahead of summer.
“Our Government will always take COVID seriously to ensure our regions remain open and safe,” Mr Toole said.
“With vaccination rates so high and visitors eager to get out and about, we urge people to follow the health advice to ensure they can hit the road enjoy the best regional NSW has to offer as safely as possible.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said with restrictions being relaxed businesses would continue to welcome people back safely.
“It has been a tough two years for business but we are learning to live and work in a COVID-safe way and it’s important we follow the rules for everyone’s safety,” Mr Ayres said.
“Cafes, restaurants, retail, tourism will be able to welcome more people back as we head into summer but it is vital people go out and get the boosters to keep themselves and others safe and businesses open.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard encouraged everyone to book in for their booster as soon as they are eligible.
“Check your eligibility, get online, make the booking and you will be doing your bit to keep you, your family and the community safe,” Mr Hazzard said.
For more on the roadmap changes for December 15 visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/easing-covid-19-restrictions/opening-in-dec.
Increased penalties for non-compliance with the isolation, testing and quarantine requirements remain, with individuals facing fines up to $5,000 and $10,000 for corporations.
Fully vaccinated close contacts will only have to isolate until they receive a negative PCR result. However, household close contacts and close contacts in any other settings identified by NSW Health will still be required to isolate for seven days and comply with PCR testing requirements.
The Commonwealth Government recently announced the vaccination program has been extended to all children aged 5 to 11 years from 10 January 2022 following updated advice from Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

Australia's First Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice Offers Great Comfort To Families

Major works are due to begin next week on the $19.5 million Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, marking a significant milestone for the unique facility.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Manly James Griffin MP visited the site to inspect progress ahead of the first major concrete pour.
“This incredible project is Australia’s first dedicated hospice caring for young people with life-limiting illness and will provide support to families from all over NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The facility will give young people and their families a tranquil, supportive environment at the most difficult of times by providing respite care, counselling, symptom management and end-of-life care.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice will work closely with dedicated children’s hospice, Bear Cottage, to assist families to continue to care for young people as they become adults.
“Each year, about a quarter of admissions to Bear Cottage are over the age of 16 and there has been no appropriate place for them to move to,” Mr Griffin said.
“No matter where someone is from in NSW, this beautiful state-of-the-art facility in Manly will be a welcoming place for young adults who are diagnosed with life-limiting conditions.”
More than $6.5 million has been raised for this project through generous community donations, which has been boosted by an $8 million investment from the NSW Government and $5 million from the Commonwealth Government.
Health Infrastructure is working closely with the Northern Sydney Local Health District and expert clinicians to deliver the hospice, which will be located at the former Manly Hospital site on the North Head headland.
Construction is due for completion late next year.
For further information and to support the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, visit www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Manly.

Missing teen from Maitland located safe and well

A teenage boy missing from the Hunter has been located safe and well.
The 16-year-old was last seen leaving his home in East Maitland yesterday (Tuesday 14 December 2021).
When the boy did not return home, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were alerted and began an investigation.
Following inquiries and multiple calls from members of the public to Crime Stoppers, about 9.45pm today (Wednesday 15 December 2021), the boy was located safe and well at Broadmeadow Railway Station.
Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.

Three charged with almost 250 drug offences in Lake Macquarie – Strike Force Coifs

Two men and a woman have been charged with almost 250 drug-related offences following extensive investigations into the alleged supply of prohibited drugs in the Lake Macquarie region.
In September this year, Strike Force Coifs was established by Lake Macquarie Police District detectives to investigate the ongoing supply of prohibited drugs in the Windale area.
Following investigations, about 10.20am yesterday (Wednesday 15 December 2021), search warrants were executed by officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District at two homes on Willandra Crescent and Lachlan Street, Windale.
A number of items were located during the search warrants, including methamphetamine, cash and
electronic stun devices. All items have been seized for forensic examination.
Two men and a woman were arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.
A 59-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman were each charged with 49 offences including supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity, ongoing supply of prohibited drug and deal with the proceeds of crime.
A 63-year-old man was charged with 156 offences including supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity, ongoing supply of prohibited drug, possess or use a prohibited weapon, and deal with the proceeds of crime.
All three were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 16 December 2021).
Investigations under Strike Force Coifs continue.

Fourth charged as investigations continue into Newcastle fatal shooting

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a fourth person as investigations continue into the fatal shooting of a man at Newcastle earlier this year.
About 12.45pm on Thursday 22 July 2021, emergency services were called to a unit at Darby Street, Cooks Hill, following reports of shots fired.
Upon arrival, police located a 40-year-old man inside the unit with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.
The man has been formally identified as Wesley ‘Wes’ Prentice from Rutherford.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced inquiries, before detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Hibbard.
So far during the investigation, strike force detectives have charged three people – two men and a woman – over their alleged roles in the incident. They remain before the courts.
Following further investigations, police stopped and arrested a 35-year-old woman at Maude Street, Belmont, about 9.15am yesterday (Tuesday 14 December 2021).
She was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
The Charlestown woman was refused bail and is due to appear at Belmont Local Court via AVL today (Wednesday 15 December 2021).
Inquiries under Strike Force Hibbard are continuing.

mRNA vaccines to be made in Australia

A new sovereign vaccine manufacturing facility will be built in Australia to produce respiratory mRNA vaccines for potential future pandemics and seasonal health issues as part of a new in principle agreement between the Australian Government, Victorian Government and global mRNA company Moderna.
The sovereign on-shore facility will be built in Victoria as part of a long term strategic partnership, secured by the Morrison Government, to increase preparedness for possible future pandemics, including priority access to vaccines, research and development, clinical trials and global supply chain access.
The in principle deal will mean in a pandemic 100 million mRNA vaccines could be produced in Australia each year, starting in 2024 pending regulatory and planning approval, with priority access to both pandemic and non-pandemic respiratory mRNA vaccines, including potential seasonal flu vaccines.
mRNA technology is part of the next generation in advanced health care, it has already helped save hundreds of thousands, if not millions of lives worldwide from COVID-19.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said mRNA technology would play an important and growing role in response to future health issues and securing a sovereign on-shore mRNA technology was critical.
“This investment will continue to secure Australia’s future economic prosperity while protecting lives by providing access to world-leading mRNA vaccines made on Australian soil,” the Prime Minister said.
“The new mRNA manufacturing facility in Victoria will produce respiratory vaccines for potential future pandemics and seasonal health issues such as the common flu, protecting lives and livelihoods.”
“Medical manufacturing is at the heart of our Modern Manufacturing Initiative, creating jobs and securing Australia’s economic recovery, with more than a million Australians back working in manufacturing, the highest level since Labor let it fall in 2009.”
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt said that ATAGI’s recent recommendation on Moderna’s booster dose was a further testament to their advancements in mRNA.
“Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is now available through all channels and just this past Sunday, following expert advice from ATAGI, I was proud to be one of the first in the nation to receive it as a booster dose,” Minister Hunt said.
“Ensuring Moderna has a manufacturing presence here will deliver Australia priority access to products manufactured here in Australia, by Australians, for Australians, using the most cutting edge vaccination science available in the world today.”
“This is another key pillar in Australia’s long term medical manufacturing future, and we are looking forward to finalising the agreements with Moderna as soon as possible.”
Once operational, Moderna will help meet Australia’s ongoing needs for COVID-19 vaccines, and for other respiratory mRNA vaccines as they are developed and approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said the arrival of onshore mRNA manufacturing would allow Australia to continue to play a role as a world leader in medical research.
“Moderna will become a vital part of Australia’s mRNA research and development landscape, bringing investment and opportunities for the entire research sector,” Minister Birmingham said.
“This investment will mean world-leading clinical trials, a strong local workforce and creating opportunities through supply chain activities, helping to drive Australia’s economy forward.”
“This is a further endorsement of Australia’s capacity to be a world-leader in the fields of health and medical research.”
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Government is ensuring Australia maximises the long-term value of any investment in mRNA.
“These discussions to develop a local advanced manufacturing capability build on our $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy and the opportunities in the Medical Products National Manufacturing Priority road map, helping to chart the course to bring new jobs to the local biotech sector,” Minister Taylor said.
“Our approach is all about ensuring we can have access to, and are able to develop, the next generation of medicines for Australians, and to make sure that Australia’s biopharmaceutical sector and community is at the forefront of that”.
In order to promote the development of an mRNA sector in Australia, the Australian Government will also invest up to $25 million from 2022-23 in the 2021 mRNA Clinical Trials Enabling Infrastructure Grant Opportunity.
This funding will directly support Australian medical research and medical innovation projects that leverage and enhance emerging technologies, platforms, equipment and infrastructure to conduct clinical trials of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics.
This grant opportunity forms part of the Government’s Coronavirus Research Response, which is funded through the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund.