A Federal Labor Government will commit $15 million to build a new Tasmanian home for the Royal Flying Doctor Service at Launceston Airport.
The current site has served the community well for 20 years, but it is clear that it is no longer adequate to provide the services that Tasmanians deserve.
The RFDS’s current home is unable to support either rotary aircraft or up to date clinical activities, while the realities of the pandemic and capacity constraints have forced RFDS and Ambulance Tasmania personnel to spread themselves across three separate buildings.
It’s clear that RFDS needs a new Tasmanian home, and that is exactly what a Labor Government will deliver.
This redevelopment will include facilities for world-class clinical care, as well as adequate capacity for rotary and fixed wing aircrafts, ground vehicle transfers and the space needed to cater for surge workers when required.
By securing the future of the RFDS at Launceston Airport, this project will ensure that this essential service retains its central location and accessibility to Tasmanians in all corners of the state.
No matter where they live, Tasmanians will continue to be in reach of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Thousands of flights are undertaken by RFDS Tasmania each year providing crucial aero-medical and patient transfer.
RFDS Tasmania also plays a critical role in tackling chronic disease and reducing the rate of hospital admissions across the state. It delivers a range of primary health care services including dental, physical and mental health programs.
This is just the first of a number of commitments a Labor Government will make to secure the health of all Tasmanians, delivering a better future to locals across the state.
Month: January 2022
$20 million health win for Batemans Bay
The community of Batemans Bay will benefit from a new $20 million HealthOne facility as part of the NSW Government’s record investment of $500 million to ensure that more health services and infrastructure are delivered to rural and regional NSW.
Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard, said Batemans Bay HealthOne has been undergoing planning for the past six months, and will be a one-stop, unique model of integrated care for the community.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government has consistently worked to deliver health upgrades to rural communities, so that people can access high quality health services in contemporary, purpose built facilities close to home,” Mr Hazzard said.
The model brings together Commonwealth-funded general practice and state-funded primary and community healthcare services, including dental, pharmacy and allied health professionals, to create a healthcare hub in one convenient location.
“While Commonwealth and State Governments have different areas of responsibility in delivering health services, the community just wants an effective, seamless system that works for them,” Mr Hazzard said.
“HealthOnes are particularly beneficial for people who have complex health needs, and are a proven successful model that bridges the gap between private providers and Commonwealth and State delivered health services.”
The new $20 million HealthOne at Batemans Bay complements the NSW Government’s $260 million investment in a new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital which will be built at Moruya.
Since coming into Government, the Liberals and Nationals have delivered more than 110 health capital projects across rural and regional NSW with more than 70 additional projects currently underway.
Delivering great healthcare for Eurobodalla
Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, welcomed the Health Minister’s commitment to deliver a state-of-the art $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, which will help safeguard the healthcare needs of the local community.
Dr Kotvojs said the NSW Government had made a considerable investment in the region’s healthcare needs, including funding for the Hospital which will serve as a home for a larger, revitalised health workforce.
NSW Government’s funding for Southern NSW included:
- $20 million funding for a HealthOne for Bateman’s Bay
- $15 million for modern, sustainable accommodation for health workers close to health facilities, as part of a $45 million program for key health workers accommodation across the regions
- An additional $60 million (total $260 million) to ensure that all services and facilities that needed to be delivered at Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, are delivered.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government, in no small way due to the outstanding advocacy and representation by Andrew Constance, has already delivered level 4 health services at South Eastern Regional Hospital, and by 2025 our community will have the new $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital welcoming patients from across Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma with its level 4 services,” said Dr Kotvojs.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be a magnet for a bigger, revitalised health workforce.
“This is an amazing part of NSW and is an ideal home for medical, nursing and allied health professionals to have great careers while supporting the south coast community with their vital health care needs,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Work that is necessary for the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital to open with expanded services at Level 4 is already well underway.”
“When the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government was elected in, in 2011, after 16 years of Labor Government, there were no level 4 health services on the south coast. When Labor was in government, health services were closed. Now there are massive new hospitals that have been built, or are being built.
“That’s a great success for the south coast, being delivered by the Liberal and Nationals Government,” Mr Hazzard said.
*Levels assigned to hospitals describes the level of clinical services, not hospitals or health facilities as a whole. The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will include: an emergency department, an 8 bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) /Close Observation Unit (COU), increased capacity for chemotherapy treatments, surgical and operating theatres, expanded medical imaging, including MRI and additional X-ray; ambulatory care for community outpatient services, paediatric and maternity services – including inpatient beds; flexible mental health beds associated with the medical inpatient unit and enhanced education and training facilities.
More information about how stakeholders and community members can get involved in the project is available at www.eurobodallahs.health.nsw.gov.au
National Cabinet Statement
National Cabinet met today to discuss our response to COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, approaches to test, trace isolate and quarantine including the use of rapid antigen tests (RATs) and the vaccine rollout and booster programme.
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, provided an update on the spread of the Omicron variant. Omicron case numbers continue to increase in Australia and globally. Omicron continues to show greater infectivity than the Delta variant, but with much less severity in terms of hospitalisations, ICU and ventilated patients.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 1,514,560 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 2,841 people have died.
Globally there have been over 333.4 million cases and sadly over 5.5 million deaths, with 3,281,678 new cases and 9,162 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.
Lieutenant General John Frewen, DSC, AM, Coordinator General of the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce (Operation COVID Shield) provided a detailed briefing on the major expansion in Australia’s vaccination rollout.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out continues to expand. To date 47 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including 332,808 doses in the previous 24 hours.
In the previous 7 days, more than 1.9 million vaccines have been administered in Australia. More than 95.2 per cent of the Australian population aged 16 years and over have now had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including over 99 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 99 per cent of over 70 year olds.
More than 92.7 per cent of Australians aged 16 years and over are now fully vaccinated including more than 97.5 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 99 per cent of Australians over 70 years of age.
Over 5.7 million booster doses have been administered to over 28 per cent of Australians. More than 53 per cent of Australians aged 70 years of age and over have had a booster in the last 10 weeks since the booster program commenced.
More than 21 per cent of 5-11 year olds have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the first 11 days of the children vaccination program.
National Cabinet will meet again on Thursday 27 January 2022.
COVID-19 Treatments and Vaccinations
National Cabinet received an update from Adjunct Professor John Skerritt of the Therapeutic Goods Administration on approvals for the first oral treatments for COVID-19 in Australia, Lagevrio® (molnupiravir) and Paxlovid® (nirmatrelvir + ritonavir).
Lagevrio and Paxlovid are oral anti-viral treatments that have been found to be effective in treating people with mild to moderate COVID-19 who have a high risk of progressing to severe disease, reducing admissions to hospital and ICU and potential death. The Commonwealth Government has secured access to 300,000 treatment courses of Lagevrio® and 500,000 courses of Paxlovid® for supply throughout the course of 2022, with the first deliveries of both medicines anticipated over the coming weeks. These oral antiviral treatments need a prescription and are taken every 12 hours for five days. They are designed to interfere with the virus’ ability to multiply.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has further granted provisional approval of Novavax for its COVID-19 vaccine, NUVAXOVID for primary course vaccinations. This is the first protein COVID-19 vaccine to receive regulatory approval in Australia. The Commonwealth Government has ordered 51 million doses of the Novavax vaccine which will be available as a primary course vaccine, with supplies available in coming weeks following deliveries and further batch testing.
AHPPC Updated Advice on Use of Rapid Antigen Tests
National Cabinet agreed to the new AHPPC guidance on Rapid Antigen Testing for Current High Community Prevalence Environment. Rapid antigen tests are an important diagnostic tool to manage impacts on health system capacity, public health and safety, protect vulnerable Australians and minimise disruptions to daily life.
Rapid Antigen Tests are to be used for three purposes:
- As a diagnostic test as an alternative to PCR for those at high risk of having COVID-19
- To manage outbreaks
- To help early indication of cases in high risk settings
Use of RATs to detect cases in high risk settings is recommended in residential aged and disability care settings where there is high community prevalence, healthcare settings managing very high risk patients (e.g. transplant ward, hematology unit, oncology ward, renal dialysis units) and other critical services (e.g. other parts of health care and emergency services). Rapid Antigen Tests are not routinely recommended to detect cases early for other industries, businesses and organisations.
Essential Workforce
National Cabinet considered the trucking industry’s proposals to support the freight and logistics effort including reducing the age of eligibility to apply for a forklift license, recognition of New Zealand truck driver licenses in Australia and having experience or competency based licencing for heavy vehicle driver licenses.
New Zealand and Australian driver license matters have been referred to the National Cabinet Infrastructure and Transport Reform Committee for consideration and National Cabinet agreed not to progress the industry’s proposed forklift license changes.
National Back to School Framework
State and Territory Governments will release their operational plans for schools. These plans will be in line with the National Framework for Managing COVID-19 in Schools and Early Childhood Education and Care that were agreed and released last week.
As part of these operational plans, and based on the needs of each particular jurisdiction, State and Territory Governments will determine what level of Rapid Antigen Testing is advised in school and early childhood settings. The Commonwealth will support these arrangements through 50:50 cost sharing under the COVID-19 National Partnership Agreement.
While surveillance testing has not been recommended by AHPPC, states and territories will make their own decisions on the best approach for their circumstances. Where States and Territories elect to do surveillance testing, the Commonwealth will negotiate bilateral agreements on payments.
All of this is consistent with our shared objective to get students back to school for Term 1, to keep schools open and to ensure access for vulnerable children and the children of essential workers.
COVID-19 Related Requests for ADF Support
National Cabinet noted the revised Protocol for Defence Assistance to the Civil Community in COVID-19 (DACC) management support that the Commonwealth will apply when assessing requests for ADF support to the COVID-19 outbreak. These conditions and thresholds have been recalibrated following the changing operating environment arising from the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Two anti-viral COVID-19 treatments approved
The Australian Government welcomes the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) provisional approval of the first oral treatments for COVID-19 in Australia, Lagevrio® (molnupiravir) and Paxlovid® (nirmatrelvir + ritonavir).
Lagevrio and Paxlovid are oral anti-viral treatments that have been found to be effective in treating people with mild to moderate COVID-19 who have a high risk of progressing to severe disease, reducing admissions to hospital and ICU and potential death.
The Government has secured access to 300,000 treatment courses of Merck Sharp & Dohme’s (MSD) Lagevrio® and 500,000 courses of Pfizer’s Paxlovid® for supply throughout the course of 2022, with the first deliveries of both medicines anticipated over the coming weeks.
These oral antiviral treatments need a prescription and are taken every 12 hours for five days. They are designed to interfere with the virus’ ability to multiply.
The clinical trials of these treatments show they reduce the risk of hospitalisation or death in patients with COVID-19 who are at high risk of progressing to severe disease.
Lagevrio and Paxlovid will supplement the existing National Medical Stockpile supplies of Xevudy (sotrovimab) and Veklury (remdesivir) and future supplies of Evusheld (tixagevimab with cilgavimab), the later pending a final TGA decision on registration.
Xevudy is an intravenous monoclonal antibody that can also be used to treat people with mild to moderate COVID-19 who have a high risk of progressing to severe disease. It has proven effective against the omicron variant with additional supply also secured for delivery over the coming months.
Veklury is being used for the clinical care of people with moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms who have been admitted to hospital but do not require ventilation assistance in line with the recommendations of the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce.
As with other TGA approved COVID-19 treatments not everyone who contracts COVID-19 will require access to Lagevrio and Paxlovid and these treatments will be of most benefit for people most at risk of severe disease and through the oversight from a healthcare professional.
We are working to target access to those most vulnerable including the elderly and those in aged care through the National Medical Stockpile (NMS) with the view to transition to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) arrangements as supply continues to grow.
By law medicines can only be listed on the PBS following a positive recommendation from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).
Whilst vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19 our Government continues work to ensure that Australians have early access to safe and effective treatments as they are approved for use by the medical experts. These agreements reinforce our strong response to managing COVID-19 outbreaks and ensures that Australia benefits from new pharmaceutical technologies.
As with all COVID-19 treatments, both of these medications have been rigorously assessed by the TGA for safety, quality and effectiveness before being provisionally registered for use in Australia.
The TGA is treating all COVID-19 treatment applications with the greatest priority as part of the Department of Health’s response to the pandemic.
HSC Class of 2021 celebrate their results
The wait is over for 76,000 students who have today received their Higher School Certificate results.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said this is a momentous day for school leavers, who have achieved outstanding results on par with previous years.
“The Class of 2021 should feel so proud of what they have achieved today, succeeding despite the challenges of a global pandemic,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Everything our latest graduates have accomplished over the past two years will hold them in good stead for their next chapter, whether they are looking to go to university or start training or work.
This year, despite the challenges, results across the performance bands remained consistent with previous years, including the number of students who achieved in the highest bands.
1,476 students were recognised on the ‘All Round Achievers’ list, for results in the highest possible band across 10 units of study, while 786 students were featured on the Top Achievers list for earning one of the top places and a result in the highest band.
17,820 students received at least one band six to be recognised on the ‘Distinguished Achievers’ list.
“To see students come out of the HSC with the results they worked so hard for is fantastic. I also want to remind students that if you didn’t receive the results you wanted, there are still countless pathways available to help you achieve your goals,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Thank you to our incredible school staff and communities, including exam staff, families and friends, who supported our HSC students this year and helped to keep our schools and exams safe.
“In particular, thank you to our dedicated and resourceful teachers who kept HSC students learning, motivated and engaged throughout the lockdown period.
“I know these results are just as meaningful to those who supported our students as they are to the young people who have achieved them.
“Congratulations to the HSC Class of 2021 and all the best for your futures.”
Visit the NESA website to view the 2021 HSC Merit Lists.
Helping local small businesses in Bega survive COVID
Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, welcomed the Perrottet Government announcement of additional rent relief for small businesses across the region.
The Government has extended its rent relief regulation until March 13, giving local small businesses an additional two months of rent relief to help deal with the COVID-19 challenges.
Dr Kotvojs said that many local businesses are going through tough times, and the Government assistance will help them keep going.
“It’s been really encouraging to see commercial owners and tenants working together through these challenges. I particularly want to recognise the way that the local business community have been working constructively together to overcome all of the challenges created by the pandemic and keep local jobs going.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said it was a difficult time for many businesses and this extension will provide much-needed support for small commercial and retail tenants to keep their doors open over the coming weeks and months.
“Small business is the engine room of our economy and we need to make sure we support impacted businesses through this latest Omicron wave,”
Mr Kean said. “With staff shortages and reduced foot traffic, many businesses are struggling at the moment but the ability to negotiate rent will give them a buffer so they can keep the lights on now and recover more quickly.”
Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said eligibility for rent relief would remain unchanged.
“We know that rent is one of the biggest fixed costs for small businesses and this measure will provide crucial support helping them get through the next couple of months,” Ms Petinos said.
Commercial and retail tenants will be eligible for the rent relief if they have an annual turnover of less than $5 million and continue to meet the eligibility criteria for JobSaver or the Micro-business Grant, had those programs continued.
Landlords of tenants that have received protections for any period under the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2022 are prohibited from evicting their tenants for certain breaches of the lease, without first attending mediation.
NSW landowners will also have more time now to apply for land tax relief, with applications extended until 28 February for eligible commercial and residential landowners.
Eligible landlords can access the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund, which provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3,000 per month per property.
Eligible landlords can access the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund, which provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3,000 per month per property.
To find out more about land tax relief: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/applycovid–19–land–tax–relief
To find out more about the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/commercial–landlord–hardship–fund–guidelines
For more on the rent relief extension, go to: https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/gethelp/covid–19/commercial–leases–and–covid–19–faqs
Booster doses to be brought forward
Millions more people in NSW are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination after NSW Health brought forward the interval between doses by a month.
State-run vaccination clinics will begin offering COVID-19 booster vaccinations three months after people have received their second dose from Friday January 21.
The change from a four-month interval to three months means there are now an additional 3.55 million people in NSW who can book in for their third dose of vaccine.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said being triple vaccinated offers extra protection against the effects of the Omicron variant.
“The advice is clear – getting boosted means there’s less chance you’ll get the virus and, if you do, the effects are generally much milder,” Mr Perrottet said.
“That’s why we are offering more people the opportunity to get the booster sooner.
“I urge everyone who is eligible to get boosted to do so as soon as possible. This will help to protect our older population, as well as vulnerable members of the community.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there are more than 40 state-run vaccination clinics spread throughout NSW as well as mobile outreach locations that these clinics visit.
“Along with public health safety measures including wearing masks indoors, working from home where practicable, not singing and dancing and minimising the size of gatherings in homes, the other big protection is getting a booster vaccination. Being able to get that booster at 3 months after your second dose gives the opportunity to be much safer, much sooner,” Mr Hazzard said.
“In addition to the state facilities opening at three months for boosters, individuals can still attend with their GPs or pharmacies when the Federal Government authorises them to provide boosters at three months, in due course.”
NSW Health Deputy Secretary Patient Experience and System Performance Susan Pearce, who leads the NSW Health vaccination rollout, said the change to the vaccine schedule in NSW will help people maintain a high level of protection against the COVID-19 virus.
“As we face into the challenges brought of the Omicron variant, a booster dose will ensure people have increased immunity, and a lower risk of requiring hospital treatment,” Ms Pearce said.
NSW Health has delivered a total of 440,681 third/booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines in support of the Federal Government’s vaccine program.
NSW Health is contacting people who are registered in the NSW Health vaccination booking system with a reminder text message.
NSW Health clinics offer Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to people aged 18 years and over.
Eligible people can also receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine from their GP and participating community pharmacies.
A booster vaccination can be booked through the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.
CCTV images released as shooting investigation continues – Hunter region
Strike force detectives have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to as inquiries continue into the shooting of another man in the state’s Hunter Region early last year.
About 10.45pm on Tuesday 9 March 2021, emergency services were called to a property on Golden Whistler Avenue at Aberglasslyn, following reports a man had been shot in the abdomen.
Police were told the injured man – aged 34 – was assaulted by two men, before being shot in the stomach by a third.
The injured man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being airlifted to hospital. He has since been released.
Detectives attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established Strike Force Pedvin to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Investigators have since charged two men – aged 26 and 34 – in relation to the shooting; both men remain before the courts.
As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to as part of ongoing investigations.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 175cm to 180cm tall, of medium build, with short dark cropped hair and distinctive tattoos on his neck, left arm, left leg and right hand.
He was wearing a black t-shirt with printed logo on the front, green shorts, joggers and sunglasses.
Anyone who may recognise this man, or who may have additional information which could assist strike force detectives, is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Man wounded during armed robbery – Morpeth
Police are investigating an armed robbery where a man was wounded in the Hunter early this morning.
About 5.15am (Thursday 20 January 2022), three men entered a grocery store on Swan Street, Morpeth, and approached the tills.
The group began removing cash from the drawers before the employee, a 47-year-old man, approached the trio and challenged them.
One of the men struck the employee with an unknown object. All three fled the scene a short time later in a white sedan.
The injured man suffered a wound to his abdomen and was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and established a crime scene.
As inquiries continue, detectives are urging anyone who may have dashcam footage from the Morpeth area between 4.50am and 5.30amto contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.