Month: March 2022

The Morrison Government’s plan to make private health insurance simpler and more affordable for all Australians is continuing to move ahead through landmark reform of the Prostheses List.

The multi-year reforms are anticipated to deliver total savings of approximately $900 million for consumers and the private health insurance system through significant reductions in prices for medical devices.

This will be achieved by better aligning the prices of medical devices between private and public hospitals and delivering structural reforms that better focus the Prostheses List for the future on high-cost and innovative medical devices.

The List, established in 1985, sets the minimum price insurers must pay hospitals for a surgically implanted prosthesis received by a private patient in a privately insured episode of hospital treatment. Examples of prostheses are replacement hips and knees, cardiac implantable electronic devices, such as pacemakers, and human tissue.

Since 1985, the Protheses List has grown in both size and complexity, now including more than 11,600 items.

In 2019-20, more than 3.1 million prostheses on the list were supplied at a cost – to private health insurers – of approximately $2.1 billion.

The Government is reforming the list to better align prices in the private system with those paid in public hospitals, and comparable international markets. Prices for medical devices vary and recent analysis shows that they can be up to 145 per cent higher than the cost of the same items in the public health system.

These reforms will improve the affordability and value of private health insurance for Australians by keeping downward pressure on premiums, while still maintaining access to high quality medical devices.

These reforms will help to continue to deliver record lower premiums changes for consumers.

The Morrison Government’s ongoing reforms to private health insurance have contributed to the lowest annual average premium change for consumers since 2001, which will be 2.70 percent in 2022.

To support the implementation of the reforms, I have completed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA).

The Government recognises it is important to provide predictability for the medical technology industry and this MoU sets out a process to ensure a more seamless implementation of the reform arrangements and will ensure the commitment of the medical technology industry to the success of the reforms.

In particular, the MoU provides clarity to industry about how items on the List will be costed, setting in place a process to reduce the gap between the cost of medical devices in the public and private health sectors over three years.

The MoU also clarifies the process for the implementation of new funding arrangements for general use consumable items which will also delivers predictability for patients, hospitals and insurers. These items can be better funded through bundled funding arrangements which are being designed with the sector.

I thank all stakeholders – including consumers, private hospital networks, private health insurers, clinicians and the broader medical technology industry – for their continued commitment to these reforms and for engaging constructively with the Government for the benefit of Australians with private health insurance.

Further detail regarding the reforms is available at https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/private-health-insurance/the-prostheses-list/prostheses-list-reforms-and-reviews

Almost two years since telehealth was introduced by the Morrison Government as a temporary initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 100 million services have now been delivered across the nation.

Between 13 March 2020 and 16 March 2022, over 100 million telehealth services were delivered to around 17 million Australians across the country. More than $5 billion in Medicare benefits has been paid, and more than 92,000 medical practitioners have now used telehealth services to support their patients.

Of these services, GPs have provided almost 83 million, specialists almost 11 million, and allied health professionals around 5 million services.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said universal Telehealth for all Australians is the most significant reform to Medicare since it began, improving access and providing more choice to patients and their health professionals to support health care. 

“From the moment we introduced COVID-19 telehealth, patients and medical practitioners have enthusiastically taken it up. Telehealth services, delivered by GPs, specialists, nurses, midwives and allied health practitioners, have saved and protected lives during the pandemic,” Minister Hunt said.

“In response to rapid developments in the pandemic, our introduction of telehealth was achieved in record time. This was achieved through close and effective consultation with the sector, which has continued over the past two years as we further refined and improved telehealth and now made is an abiding legacy of covid.”

The Morrison Government continues to consolidate and build upon telehealth as part of strong record and longstanding commitment to strengthen Medicare. The best patient outcomes are achieved with continuity of care. The requirement for patients to have an existing clinical relationship for most GP telehealth services will continue, recognising patients’ preferred GP and practice, and encouraging patients who want to access telehealth to engage with a known provider.

Telehealth services provided by GPs will now also be included in calculating incentive payments to practices. This recognises that telehealth services are now an ongoing and permanent feature of quality primary health care.

Telehealth services continue to have a role in the Government’s responses to ongoing and emerging challenges of COVID-19 and natural disasters, such as the current floods. Patients living in flood-affected areas declared natural disaster areas by states and territories can access GP services by telehealth from any GP, if clinically appropriate.

Medicare funding has also increased from $19 billion when we came to Government and is growing to $33 billion per year over the budget cycle. This is an increase of $14 billion per annum under the Coalition.

Our Government continues to strengthen Medicare, including by making telehealth permanent, allowing easier access to your GP.

The Morrison Government continues to ensure that Australians can access the services, medicines and treatments they need, when and where they need them, no matter where they live.

Australia’s critical minerals sector and the job-creating industries that rely on it are being supercharged under the Morrison Government’s $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

The Government has today announced over $243 million in support for four projects under the Collaboration Stream of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative, which will create over 3,400 jobs over time and cement Australia’s place in the rapidly growing critical minerals, electric vehicle and battery markets.

This includes:

• $119.6 million for Pure Battery Technologies’ $399 million Western Australian pCAM Hub, in partnership with Poseidon Nickel, will build an integrated nickel manganese cobalt battery material refinery hub in the Kalgoorlie region. The site will become home to a growing workforce with 380 construction jobs and 175 initial permanent jobs from 2023.
• $49 million for a $367 million project led by Australian Vanadium, to process high-grade vanadium from its Meekatharra mine in WA and transported to its Tenindewa plant powered by clean hydrogen from partner ATCO Australia. This highly sought-after critical mineral will then be transformed into energy-storing batteries to fuel the growing domestic and overseas market, with more than 740 jobs to be supported.
• $30 million for Arafura Resources’ flagship Nolans Project near Aileron, in Central Australia, the first of its kind rare earth separation plant in Australia and only the second outside China. The $90.8 million project, located in the Northern Territory, will leverage Australia’s mineral processing expertise to develop rare earth separation technology not currently available here now, creating 650 jobs at the peak of construction and new high-value export opportunities.  
• $45 million for Alpha HPA’s $330 million project with Orica to construct a high purity alumina production facility near Gladstone that will help meet the rapidly expanding demand for lithium-ion batteries and LED lights, with more than 300 jobs to be created from this year.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the projects were key to securing manufacturing in Australia and the thousands of jobs that come with those industries.

“Projects like these make for a stronger economy and a stronger future for Australia,” the Prime Minister said.

“These projects are about manufacturing the products and materials Australians need and the world needs, by making them right here at home.

“We’re helping grow the local critical minerals processing and clean energy industries and locking in the future of those industries by backing manufacturing projects in Australia.

“The $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative is a key part of my Government’s plan for a stronger economy and a stronger future for our country.”

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said these projects would help us capture even more parts of the global supply chain, while at the same time helping us power our lives here at home.

“The things we use every day like our smartphones, computers and rechargeable batteries need to be made with critical minerals. They are also needed to make solar panels, electric cars, defence technology and many other high-tech applications,” Minister Taylor said.

“Australia is lucky to have some of the largest reserves of the critical minerals and metals which drive the modern global economy. But China currently dominates around 70 to 80 per cent of global critical minerals production and continues to consolidate its hold over these supply chains. This initiative is designed to address that dominance.

“These projects are not only game-changers for the local region with the creation of new jobs, they will also open up incredible export opportunities.”

Australia is a global leader in resources technology and can build greater capacity in critical minerals processing by leveraging our vast natural resources, huge investments in R&D and proximity to the growing global market.

Under our Modern Manufacturing Strategy, Australia’s regional manufacturers are playing an important role in seizing this opportunity.

The multibillion dollar Perth City Deal is set for a major funding boost by the Morrison and McGowan governments to bring the centrepiece inner city campus of Edith Cowan University (ECU) to life, and to deliver the iconic new Swan River Bridge.

Both Governments have announced an additional $49 million for the ECU campus while ECU has also provided a $60 million boost, taking the value of the landmark project to $853 million – with the Australian Government investing a total of $294 million, the Western Australian Government $199 million, and ECU $360 million.

The major construction contract for the new ECU campus has also been awarded to Western Australian builders Multiplex; while a consortium made up of companies Civmec Construction and Engineering Pty Ltd, Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd and WSP Australia Pty Ltd, will construct the bridge.

The Swan River Bridge is being jointly funded by Morrison and McGowan governments on a 50:50 basis, with each providing an additional $25 million to the project, bringing the total $100 million.

Today’s funding announcements take the total value of the City Deal to $1.69 billion.

The additional City Deal funding is required to address the current challenging construction environment and labour market, allow design improvements, and enable more manufacturing work to be undertaken locally.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Perth City Deal was already helping to transform the city.

“The Perth City Deal was a long term partnership between all three levels of governments and the private sector to bring more jobs, more investment to WA that will create a stronger economy and a stronger future for Perth,” the Prime Minister said.

“ECU project is a key to the Perth City Deal that would inject 7,500 construction jobs and 2,300 ongoing jobs into the city.

“The new ECU campus will not only reinvigorate Perth’s city centre, but it will redefine Western Australia’s higher education offering by bringing together more than 10,000 students plus staff generating tourism, filling up bars, restaurants and hotels and bringing more people to local shops and businesses.

“The new Swan River Bridge, which will be built and manufactured locally in Western Australia by Western Australian workers, will become an iconic part of the Perth skyline across the river, providing better transport connects to and from the CBD.

“This injection into the Perth City Deal means boots on the ground and tradies on site even sooner, with major works expected to start later this year.

“We’re bringing the jobs and opportunities from the Perth City Deal to life to deliver the stronger economy that secures a stronger future for WA.”

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan said these job-creating projects were part of the extensive investment his government was making in infrastructure and transport for the future.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime transformation of our city centre, attracting thousands of people into the heart of the city during the day and night, creating activity and vibrancy throughout our CBD,” Premier McGowan said.

“We believe ECU will attract investment in Perth, boost the visitor economy, provide benefits for CBD businesses and further cement Perth’s reputation as a great place to live, work and visit.

“The Swan River is an iconic part of Perth, and it’s only fitting that we deliver a bridge constructed locally by Western Australians.

“This project will create and support hundreds of local jobs, while providing a new walking and cycling opportunity for our local community.  

“This is a key part of the Perth City Deal that will see more than $1.6 billion invested in projects across our CBD, supporting local jobs, local businesses and encouraging people back into the City.”

As well as the new ECU campus and Swan River Bridge, the $1.69 billion Perth City Deal includes:

• Investment in Curtin University’s Historical Heart Cluster, including the expansion of the Graduate School of Business and Law School and the creation of a healthcare and clinical training facility.
• Investment in Perth’s cultural attractions, including the Perth Cultural Centre rejuvenation, the Perth Concert Hall Redevelopment and the WACA redevelopment and public swimming pool. These investments will create vibrant, safe and attractive offerings delivering improved liveability, cultural and tourism outcomes for the city.
• Investment towards the celebration of Western Australia’s rich Aboriginal culture and history, including important community consultation and engagement, feasibility studies and preliminary design work for the Perth Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
• The CBD Transport Plan, an investment to improve active and public transport accessibility and safety in the CBD, increasing the attractiveness and sustainability of the city for residents and visitors.

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the additional funding and contract award for the ECU campus paves the way for construction to begin on the world-class creative industries, business and technology campus, with schematic designs now complete.

“The Morrison Government is providing significant support for the new ECU city campus, with $294 million now committed to make sure we can deliver the full project scope and meet forecast cost pressures in the construction market,” Minister Fletcher said.

“The economic impact of the development will also be significant, with the project estimated to provide a $1.5 billion boost to the WA economy over the next four years.

“This is yet another example of the Perth City Deal, now worth nearly $1.7 billion, delivering for Western Australians, creating jobs and economic stimulus while securing the long-term prosperity and liveability of Perth.”

Western Australian Minister for Transport and Planning Rita Saffioti said the new bridge would be six metres wide and significantly higher than the current Causeway Bridge, with dedicated pedestrian and cyclist lanes providing safer access for the more than 1,500 cyclists and 2,000 pedestrians who use the path on the existing Causeway Bridge daily.

“Civmec has delivered some of our iconic bridges, including the Matagarup Bridge and the Kids Bridge, next to the Perth Children’s Hospital,” Minister Saffioti said.

“Set to become another iconic structure, the new Swan River Bridge will be fabricated locally in Henderson.

“With an estimated 540,000 cycling trips undertaken on the current Causeway Bridge, the new structure will provide a safer, easier option for cyclists and pedestrians.

“As we have seen with the Matagarup Bridge, the new bridge will become a meeting point for cyclists, pedestrians and families, while also providing a new tourism experience.

“The design of the structural elements of the bridges derive inspiration from the stories of Fanny Balbuk and Yagan – two key figures associated with Heirisson Island.

“Development work and early engagement with key stakeholders including Aboriginal representatives, recreational and commercial river users, local businesses and key local government agencies is currently underway.”

ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman said this was an exciting milestone for the ECU city campus – Multiplex’s extensive experience in large and complex construction projects both here and abroad will help us realise our ambitious vision of a landmark for Western Australia.

“The construction of ECU City will also offer rich and diverse opportunities for local subcontractors, as well as exciting student outcomes, including apprenticeships, work integrated learning and mentorship programs for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students,” Professor Chapman said.

“Our city university will definitively change the heart of Perth and be one of the most digitally-advanced campuses in the world.”

People living with disability will have the world of music opened to them at this year’s Melbourne Design Week, with performances involving hi-tech instruments that use sensory technology to convert movement into sound and visuals.

AirSticks 2.0 are the latest in a string of gestural musical instruments developed at Monash University’s SensiLab that allow musicians and dancers to trigger and manipulate sounds and visuals through body movement.

They will be used in new works by five pioneering physical artists over three concerts, in a partnership between SensiLab researchers – part of the Faculty of Information Technology – Melbourne Design Week and the Jolted inclusive performance space. 

AirSticks 2.0 look like drumsticks and are able to convert movement into sound and visuals through in-built sensory technology. The drumsticks can be handled easily and make the art of music creation accessible to a diverse range of performers, including those living with disability.

SensiLab researcher and co-designer of Airsticks 2.0, musician Dr Alon Ilsar, said many people with disability are not given the opportunity to find their musical creative outlets, particularly as the vast majority of instruments are designed by people without disability, for people without disability. 

“AirSticks 2.0 can be customised for the individual to promote creative musical improvisation and emotive responses for people with cognitive and physical limitations. The instrument promotes social engagement, connection, and a sense of self and identity through creativity,” Dr Ilsar said. 

During Melbourne Design Week 2022, performances using Airsticks 2.0 will take place over three nights from 25-27 March. 

The first performance will be by dancer and poet Dr Melinda Smith, premiering her new work, ‘The Rhythm of my Body Shapes.’ 

Dr Smith promotes the health and wellbeing outcomes of dance for people with disability, and also mentors young people who use alternative means of communication around the world.

The performance is inspired by Dr Smith’s own text, reflecting on getting to know the possibilities of the AirSticks technology. It is a collaboration with University of Melbourne music researcher Dr Anthea Skinner, disability advocate Libby Price and Dr Ilsar, funded by the Australia Council for the Arts’ Arts and Disability Mentorship Initiative.

“I’ve had many years’ experience working in disability, art and education but I could not have imagined that I would have such a unique opportunity to connect with sound through my dance movements and integrate it with my words in this way,” Dr Smith said. 

‘‘I use dance and movement to communicate ideas and experiences that cannot be conveyed by words alone, so to combine movement with sound and text, and have the technology from SensiLab to do this with so much expression and transparency, is a match made in heaven.”

Other performers at the event will include emerging sound artist Alessio Dilettoso, composer and PhD candidate Ciaran Frame, Safe in Sound Founder Robbie Avenaim, dancer Amanda Betlehem, Dr Ilsar, artist Sam Trolland, and Croatian musician and new media artist Lucija Ivsic. 

Airsticks 2.0 was co-designed by Dr Ilsar along with his PhD candidates Ciaran Frame and Sam Trolland. 

SensiLab researcher Dr Alon Ilsar and performer Dr Melinda Smith are available for interviews. 

To learn more about the performance or to register your attendance, please visit: https://designweek.melbourne/program/airsticks-2-0/ 

For World Oral Health Day this Sunday (March 20), the Australian Dental Association (ADA) has unmasked some home truths about teeth whitening with new consumer findings.

Of a survey sample of 25,000 Australian adults conducted for the ADA, the peak dental body found that 22% of us have whitened our teeth – an 8% increase since it first started recording this data in 2017.

More than twice as many women than men have teeth whitened, and it’s most popular in the 24-34 year-old age group.

But as of 2021, whitening treatments done by dentists is a downward trend with unfortunately only 1 in 3 adults whitening their teeth under the supervision of a dental professional – with 19% of respondents using take-home kits and 14% opting for in-clinic whitening. 

The other two thirds of Australians teeth whitened by other means, with all three of these methods on the rise:

·         * 39% bought a teeth whitening kit online,

·         * 16% bought an over-the-counter product like strips or gel from a pharmacy or supermarket, and

·         * 9% used whitening services provided by someone other than a dental professional.

“The theme for WOHD is ‘Be Proud of Your Mouth’, and people seem to be trying to do this by undertaking cosmetic procedures to lighten their teeth,” said Dr Mark Levi, ADA spokesperson and Sydney dentist who focusses on whitening procedures. 

“But as people do so, the ADA has unmasked some home truths about teeth whitening based on tracking of consumer oral health habits. 

“The problem with home treatments that are not supervised by a dental professional or being treated by someone other than a dental professional is that you’re exposing yourself to a range of injuries including soft tissue burns from peroxide, extreme pain if the bleach gets into a crack or hole, blotchiness and damaged enamel – and even swallowing the bleach. 

“A high percentage of my patients who’ve tried to whiten their teeth themselves report pain – but when done correctly, there shouldn’t be any pain. That’s why seeing a dentist for teeth whitening is best.”

He added: “People need to get their oral health assessed first to ensure there are no cracks in teeth, untreated dental decay, leaking fillings or other unresolved dental issues that could cause pain, discomfort, damaged nerve pulp – or even more serious problems down the track.”

One problem with buying off-the-shelf products is that you may not know how effective that product will be. As Emeritus Professor Laurie Walsh from UQ’s School of Dentistry reports, “the blue light sold with peroxide whitening gels speeds up the tooth whitening process by warming the gel or even better, by using special light-based chemistry. 

“But there are some peroxide products on the market where the gel does not include chemicals that these lights will work on, so they’re essentially being sold as a gimmick.”

Another issue is that in some products the bleach trays are not customised to mouth shape so with a one-size-fits-all tray, peroxide from the bleach can escape and burn the mouth’s soft tissue, or worse, be ingested. 

“Sometimes too high a concentration of peroxide in the bleach is used and many of the online and off-the-shelf products are unregulated so it’s a bit of a wild west and you take a chance with them as you just don’t know how well they will work,” said Dr Levi.

A further concern is that online and over-the-counter products sometimes make claims of using ‘all natural’ ingredients, which do not stand up to scrutiny – some products contain sodium chlorite, an industrial chemical also used in swimming pool cleaning. 

Dr Levi added: “Nor do many people know that whitening doesn’t alter the shade of existing fillings, veneers, crowns or artificial teeth such as dentures which are already in the mouth. Yet there are no clear warnings of this lack of effect visible on sale websites or on over-the-counter products.

“The safest option recommended by the ADA is to see a dentist to assess your mouth first, to see if it is suitable for whitening and for any problems to be fixed. Then you can decide with your dentist on a course of action to ensure you get the best outcome.”

The ADA has long held serious concerns about this unregulated space and has written to the ACCC on several occasions about the availability of teeth whitening products that contain illegally high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide which have no safety warnings, as well as concern over false advertising claims about the nature of product ingredients, the extent of the whitening effect consumers can expect, and the claimed expertise of non-dental practitioner teeth whitening service providers. 

As the peak dental body, the ADA has asked that the ACCC and its regulators act to better protect Australian consumers by enforcing compliance with relevant Australian laws and educating consumers about the health risks associated with undergoing teeth whitening procedures without first seeking the advice of a dental professional.

Background

*World Oral Health Day is an annual initiative of the FDI (Federation Dentale Internationale).The theme for 2022 is ‘Be proud of your mouth’. The campaign aims to help reduce the burden of oral diseases which affects individuals, health systems and economies everywhere by empowering people with knowledge and the tools to pursue good oral health practices. 

*The ADA conducts an annual survey of consumer’s oral habits every year. The results published here come from a survey of 25,000 Australians from every state and territory between November and December 2021

The Morrison Government will invest up to $4.3 billion to deliver Western Australia’s first large-vessel dry berth, creating a world-class precinct at the Henderson shipyard and supporting thousands of local jobs.

The Henderson dry-dock will enable the construction and sustainment of large naval vessels in Australia and support an even stronger commercial shipbuilding and sustainment market in Western Australia.

Government-owned Australian Naval Infrastructure will oversee the design and build of this nation building infrastructure, with work to start in 2023 and initial operations to commence in 2028.

The Commonwealth will work closely with the Western Australian Government and industry to develop a comprehensive master plan for the defence precinct at Henderson to ensure this investment fully supports our national naval shipbuilding enterprise effectively.

This project is likely to create at least 500 direct construction jobs at its peak and thousands more through local sub-contracts and the national supply chain. Once completed, this infrastructure will help support at least 2,000 direct shipbuilding jobs at Henderson, particularly as continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia comes to fruition as part of the national naval shipbuilding enterprise.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Western Australia was a central pillar to the Government’s commitment to growing sovereign capabilities and turbocharging our national naval shipbuilding.

“This is a $4.3 billion vote of confidence in Western Australia’s shipbuilding capabilities, jobs, training and the critical role that Western Australia plays in defending Australian and powering our national economy,” the Prime Minister said.

“This multi-billion dollar infrastructure investment will transform the Henderson maritime precinct into a world-class shipbuilding powerhouse, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to naval capability in the West.

“This investment in WA’s future will ensure we can build, as well as sustain larger vessels in Australia, turbocharging our national naval shipbuilding endeavour and creating thousands of job opportunities for West Australians.

“Henderson, HMAS Stirling and Fleet Base West all form a key part of our maritime capability and our nation’s security, particularly given the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, and will continue to do so for decades to come.”

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the project builds on the Government’s previous $1.5 billion commitment to infrastructure improvements at HMAS Stirling and the Henderson maritime precinct.

“The Morrison Government is committed to delivering the sovereign shipbuilding outcomes outlined in the 2020 Force Structure Plan and the 2017 National Naval Shipbuilding Plan, and Western Australia is central to them,” Minister Dutton said.

“This decision will ensure that we can meet the Navy’s future requirements as we undertake the enormous investments in the maritime capabilities we need to keep our nation safe in the decades ahead.”

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the investment would generate economic and jobs growth in Western Australia, building sovereign defence industry in the region, with Australian industry requirements being built in from the beginning.

“This is a significant infrastructure project that Australian industry is already supporting through concept work and there will be significant future job opportunities for Australian industry throughout design and construction, and once it’s up and running,” Minister Price said.

“The project will build the capacity and capability of sovereign defence industry in the region, particularly in the advanced manufacturing sector, with Australian Industry Capability requirements in contracting arrangements.

“The infrastructure will also support Defence’s $90 million Regional Maintenance Centre due to be operational in Henderson in the second half of 2022 to enable a level of maintenance to be conducted on all surface fleet units and creating 40 jobs.”

Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said that utilising Australian Naval Infrastructure for the design and build of this advanced facility would be crucial to maintaining sovereignty in our shipbuilding and sustainment infrastructure.

“Using ANI as our partner in the Henderson dry dock ensures we capture their experience from the Osborne Shipyard and maintain maximum sovereignty and flexibility in design, construction and management of this future facility in the decades to come,” Minister Birmingham said.