Month: April 2022

Saving diabetes patients thousands of dollars each year, boosting record investments in health research and making even more medicines cheaper for more patients are key to a re-elected Morrison Government’s plans to secure the future of the healthcare system.

The plan grows funding for the health portfolio from $132 billion in 2022-23, to $140 billion in 2025-26, guarantees Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), delivers more health services, expands Australian medical research and ensures we can make the best investments for health in Australia, now and into the future.

A new centrepiece of the pillars of the plan is a $273.1 million commitment to cut the cost of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) to support an additional 71,000 Australians with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This investment is in addition to the $300 million currently being invested and means all 130,000 Australians of all ages with T1D have access to the CGM initiative.

Under the changes announced today, an additional 71,000 Australians will have access to CGM and Flash Glucose Monitoring devices under the National Diabetes Support Scheme from 1 July 2022 for a maximum of $32.50 each month, equivalent to the cost they would already be incurring when using blood glucose test strips. People who meet the existing eligibility criteria such as people under 21, concession card holders and pregnant women will continue to receive unchanged, fully subsidised access to CGM products.

This means that every Australian with Type 1 diabetes will have access to a potentially life-saving Government funded CGM device, which could cost up to $5,000 per year without subsidy.

Prime Minster Scott Morrison said a strong economy meant guaranteed funding for a healthcare system that could change the lives of patients like the T1D community.

“Type 1 Diabetes is an insidious condition that cannot be prevented and costs Australians thousands of dollars each year,” the Prime Minister said.

“Our plan for a strong economy means we can invest in life changing equipment for diabetes patients and make more medicines cheaper for more Australians.

“This commitment means making it easier for T1D sufferers to go about their everyday lives. My Government is committed to making medicines and medical devices affordable for all Australians who need them.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt thanked members of the T1D community and groups such as the JDRF Australia, Diabetes Australia and the DANII Foundation for their work.

“Our Government has a proud track record of providing access to medicines and medical devices that save lives and protect lives,” Minister Hunt said.

“Over the past 2 years, we have worked closely with the T1D community to understand their needs and appreciate how vital these products are to people.

“Today’s announcement is a tribute to the tireless advocacy of these groups and the broader T1D community.”

From 1 May, another round of medicines will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

It is estimated over 18,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Australia in 2021. One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85. From next month, Australians with prostate cancer will have access to Erlyand^® (apalutamide), which will be listed on the PBS for the first time for the treatment of people with non-metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer.

Without PBS subsidy, patients might pay more than $40,000 per year of treatment.

Empliciti^® (elotuzumab) will also be listed on the PBS for the first time for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma for use in combination with medicines lenalidomide and dexamethasone. Myeloma is a type of cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Representing Australia’s third most common blood cancer after lymphoma and leukaemia, approximately 18,000 Australians are living with multiple myeloma at any given time.

Without PBS subsidy, an average of 230 patients each year might pay more than $145,000 per course of treatment,

These treatment will now be available on the PBS for a maximum of $42.50 per script, or as little as $6.80 with a concession card.

Since 2013, the Australian Government has approved more than 2,900 new or amended listings on the PBS, this represents an overall investment by the Government of $16.5 billion.

This is a stark contrast to Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party, who when last in Government stopped listing essential medicines and treatments on the PBS, slashed funding for mental health support and tried to rip funding out of medical research.

While we invest in these life altering medications, the Morrison Government will also invest an extra $172.9 million in Australian researchers as part of a $6.8 billion initiative to support their work on the next generation of medical breakthroughs.

The Coalition Government established the landmark $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) which has so far funded 722 projects.

The Coalition’s Health plan outlines how our Government will not only ensure, but expand our world-leading healthcare system, delivering the services Australians rely on.

Under our Government:

• Medicare funding has grown from $19 billion in 2012-13 to $31.4 billion in 2022-23, growing to $35.5 billion in 2025-26
• The GP Medicare bulk billing rate is a record 88.8 per cent, up from 82.2 per cent under Labor. This means nearly nine in 10 visits to the doctor are free.
• Permanent and universal telehealth has been introduced, with more than 100 million new telehealth services to over 17 million people since March 2020.
• Since coming to office, our Government has doubled funding for public hospitals from $13.3 billion in 2012-13 to $27.2 billion in 2022-23, growing to an estimated $32.7 billion in 2025-26.

The Prime Minister also said Senator Anne Ruston would be appointed as Minister for Health and Aged Care in a re-elected Coalition Government to deliver on the plan to secure Australia’s world class health system.

“Anne’s experience as a senior Minister managing a complex portfolio touching millions of lives makes her the right pick to help guide Australia’s health system out of the pandemic,” the Prime Minister said.

“Anne has been an important part of my Expenditure Review Committee and a strong advocate for women’s safety and health including working closely on recent initiatives to tackle endometriosis.

“I know she’ll bring that ability to understand complex issues, and her compassion to the health portfolio.

“I would like to thank Greg Hunt once again not just for the way he has helped ensure Australia has one of the lowest death rates from COVID and highest vaccination rates, but also for his years of advocacy in the portfolio on mental health, making telehealth permanent and delivering a record number of medicines listings on the PBS.

“I look forward to working with Anne in her new role as our government delivers on our plan for a stronger future for all Australians.”

Senator Ruston said it was an honour to be named as the Coalition’s next Minister for Health and Aged Care if re-elected.

“Healthcare has been a part of my life ever since I was born as my mum was a nurse in our regional town, which also gave me great insight into the vital role country hospitals play in the lives of their communities,” Senator Ruston said.

“I look forward to the opportunity to deliver our Government’s commitment to a healthier Australia and will continue to prioritise medicines, mental health and medical research.

“We want Australians to have the best possible quality of health and when they need help, they are able to turn to our world-class healthcare system which is only able to be delivered through a strong economy.”

Only the Coalition can be trusted to manage Australia’s economy and manage Australia’s healthcare system.

Agricultural shows and field days will get a boost as they emerge from lockdowns and shutdowns as part of a new round of funding from the Liberal National Government.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said shows and field days supported jobs that helped connect the regions and the cities.

“Our regions and farmers are the powerhouse of our economy and shows and field days are important in attracting investment and workers,” the Prime Minister said.

“We’ve all missed our big Royal Shows and our local ag festivals and this investment is about ensuring we don’t lose them.

“These events aren’t just about showbags, rides and competitions, they bring regional leaders together to share skills and experience and they open doors for new jobs and investments.

“Ag shows and field days also help people from the cities understand and appreciate where their food and fibre comes from.

“Stronger regions means a strong economy for Australia and a stronger future which is why this investment is so important.”

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said $2.8 million was there to support show societies and field days after a couple of tumultuous years.

“Many of our shows and field days have had to cancel due to COVID-19, which has meant a loss of revenue,” Minister Littleproud said.

“But it’s also meant that rural and regional communities have missed out.

“Agricultural shows and field day events are an integral part of the social fabric for rural and regional communities.

“They contribute more than $1 billion to the economy annually, attract more than six million patrons and are supported by more than 50,000 volunteers.

“Events cancelled in 2022 due to COVID-19 will be able to seek one-off reimbursements for operational costs.

“It will also support events cancelled in 2021 that did not apply under Round 2.

“We know regional communities have done it tough over the last two years. We’ve listened, and we’re doing our bit to help.

“This brings to almost $100 million our support for shows, including the recently announced $15.4 million second round of the Agricultural Shows Development Grant Program.”

The funding will support events cancelled in 2022 due to COVID-19, as well as events cancelled in 2021 that did not apply for previous assistance.

As Australia and the Netherlands mark 80 years since the establishment of full diplomatic relations, we can reflect with pride on the warm friendship we share.

From the Duyfken’s exploration of the north coast of Australia in 1606, to the contribution made by generations of the thousands of men and women of Dutch heritage to this country, Australia and the Netherlands share enduring bonds of friendship and family.

Our historic defence ties, forged on the battlefields and in the skies of the Second World War, were strengthened most recently by our military partnership in Afghanistan. Today, we stand united in support of the rules-based international order, our defence of human rights and the rule of law.

As we continue to pursue truth, justice and accountability for the downing of MH17, we also stand together in supporting Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Australia values our cooperation with the Netherlands in supporting our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific, to ensure a region that is open, stable and resilient.

The strong trade relationship between Australia and the Netherlands is the foundation for our collaboration in other areas, such as the green economy and cyber security. Through our growing engagement with global fora, we will cooperate to advance our mutual economic prosperity and stability.

For 80 years, Australia and the Netherlands have worked in unison to build and enhance our strong bilateral relationship. I am proud of what we have achieved in the name of friendship and cooperation, and I look forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead.

The countdown is officially over for the highly-anticipated international adaptive sports competition as the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 kicks off in The Netherlands.

The Invictus Games is an international adaptive multi-sports competition that will bring together up to 500 serving and former military personnel from 20 nations who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service.

The combined Australian team includes 32 serving and former serving military personnel along with over 100 of their family and friends. The team are enjoying the hospitality of The Hague during the games that run from 16 to 22 April 2022.

Chief of Joint Capabilities, Lieutenant General John Frewen said the competitors were an inspiration to many and were doing Australia proud.

“Many of our competitors have found that this incredible opportunity improved their lives and are approaching everyday tasks with renewed vigour. They are looking for opportunities to play more active roles in helping their fellow service men and women in their road to recovery,” Lieutenant General Frewen said.

“The Games are an opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have defended our freedoms and values and to pay respect to their courage and determination to overcome adversity to be able to compete on the world stage.

“I would like to acknowledge the family and friends who have supported the ongoing recovery of our wounded, injured and ill personnel. I know they feel immense pride at the achievements of the competitors.”

Previous Invictus Games have been held in London (2014), Orlando (2016), Toronto (2017) and Sydney (2018).

Competitor biographies are available online at www.defence.gov.au/events/invictus-games-hague-2020-aus-team-members.

The Morrison Government has committed $2 million dollars to the Good Friday Appeal helping support Victorian children as they face the hardest health battles.

The Good Friday Appeal has raised money for The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for over 90 years, helping them to provide world class care for children.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Good Friday Appeal symbolised the best of Australia.

“Our youngest Australians deserve all the support and care we can give them when they’re in need,” the Prime Minister said.

“This $2 million pledge is a first from the Federal Government because we want to support the generous and significant commitment from the community, and help encourage even more people to get involved.

“This isn’t just about backing the doctors, nurses and carers who make such a difference, it’s about supporting the services that help these young patients’ families too.”

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said the Appeal had a special place in the heart of all Victorians.

“As a Victorian, I know the Good Friday Appeal forms part of so many Easter celebrations here in the state,” Minister Hunt said.

“For over 90 years, they’ve raised funds to help deliver care and support for not just sick kids, but for their families helping them through their battles.

“These donations help to drive research and innovation, secure funds for new equipment, improve patient and family care, as well as additional education and training for staff.

“They quite literally help to save lives and protect lives.”

The Appeal brings all sectors of the community together to raise funds every year, culminating in a telethon on Good Friday.

Since 1931, nearly $400 million has been raised to deliver the best possible care to patients and support for their families.

Those wishing to make their own donation to the Appeal can do so at www.goodfridayappeal.com.au.

The Greens have called for an end to native forest logging in addition to plantation forestry reform following the Morrison Government’s announcement today about increasing its self-reliance on wood supply. 

Greens Senator for lutruwita/Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“It’s no surprise that the Liberal Party is announcing another taxpayer-subsidised lifeline to support the loss-making forestry industry in Tasmania prior to an election.

“Over recent decades the logging industry has received billions in taxpayer subsidies to keep it afloat; this is just another chapter in that sad saga.

 “The Government refuses to rule out using unsustainable native forest products in its new ‘innovation hub’ – and on that basis alone the Greens are likely to use any future balance of power situation in parliament to block this funding package.   

“With states across Australia ending native logging, it’s clear that the Tasmanian forestry industry won’t be able to continue in its current form forever. It’s destroying Australia’s incredible natural heritage, and consumers are waking up to the damage.

“The plantation forestry sector must not be recklessly expanded to create more job opportunities in research and manufacturing – the current system is broken, and we need to be smarter about what we’ve got. 

“Many of Tasmania’s plantation forests are grown at the taxpayers’ expense, only to be shipped out for processing in Asia. Just holding back a handful of these shiploads would meet Australian building needs.”

Greens spokesperson for forests, Senator Janet Rice said: 

“Logging Australia’s native forests is environmental vandalism and economically unviable. The Greens will end the destructive native forest logging that is destroying wildlife habitation, water catchments, carbon stores.

“Ninety percent of the timber industry is already plantation based. We need to complete the shift to 100% plantation based industry and  cease the devastating destruction done by logging our precious native forests. 

“Only the Greens have a clear plan to end native forest logging through a $70m sustainable forestry package that will create genuinely new and sustainable jobs in ecotourism, farm forestry, plantation forestry and elsewhere.”

More information:
Green Australia – our plan to restore nature, save our forests & animals, and green our cities & suburbs

The Greens leader, Adam Bandt, has described the dirty deal done on the eve of election caretaker period between the Morrison government and NT Labor to fast-track the Beetaloo methane gas project as a climate crime.

The Beetaloo project will increase Australia’s emissions by up to 13%.

Fracking the Northern Territory is an insult to traditional owners who don’t want it to happen and a climate crime. 

We have learned today that the Liberal government with the NT Labor government did a dirty deal on the eve of caretaker to fast-track this climate disaster, giving a staggering $872 million dollars of public money to subsidise gas corporations.

There are 114 new coal and gas projects currently on the books. The biggest are proposals for fracking for methane gas in the Northern Territory. 
The Greens have said stopping new coal and gas projects will be a top priority for the Greens in balance of power.

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt MP said:

“On the eve of an election, Labor and Liberal’s dirty gas deal is a climate crime.

“Liberal and Labor are giving $872m of your money to big gas corporations to make the climate crisis worse.

“Public money should go to schools and hospitals, not to fast-tracking climate collapse.

“The Beetaloo project will lift Australia’s emissions by up to 13%. 

“If we open new coal and gas mines, we’ll blow our climate targets. You can’t put the fire out while pouring petrol on it.

“Gas is as dirty as coal and the Beetaloo gas project will be worse for the climate than the Adani coal mine.”

Assertions made by the Minerals Council of Australia this week about rates of permanent mining jobs are misleading and cover up the rampant use of insecure labour hire across the industry, the Mining and Energy Union said today.

ABS figures on rates of casualisation in the mining industry don’t tell the full story because they exclude the large proportion of the workforce employed through labour hire companies.

The major labour hire companies like WorkPac, One Key and Programmed that dominate mining employment are categorised as belonging to the ‘Administrative and Support Services’ industry rather than Mining.

The lack of accurate data makes it difficult to assess true rates of casualisation in mining.  However there can be no question for anyone close to the mining industry that long-term casual employment has been the preferred employment model for labour hire companies in mining over the past decade – only challenged through union campaigning and legal action.

Data consistently shows that around half of the mining workforce are in casual or insecure labour hire work arrangements. Labour hire mineworkers are consistently paid around one-third less than permanent workers on site Enterprise Agreements. Even when full-time with the labour hire company, labour hire mining jobs are insecure as contracts can be chopped and changed at any moment.

Queensland’s Coal Mining Board of Inquiry (11.27-11.29) found that rates of direct permanent employment in the state’s coal industry had fallen from 94% in 1996 to less than half in 2017.

Data from Coal Long Service Leave shows an increase in casual hours worked between 2011 and 2019 and substantially lower hourly rates for casuals than permanent mineworkers.

Mining and Energy General President Tony Maher said:

“For anyone willing to look, there is data to show what is really happening in the industry. That is, that mining companies use outsourcing strategies to drive down wages, reduce job security and prevent workers from organising to improve their position.

“But for us, the best data is the experience of our members. Our members tell us that permanent workers are a shrinking minority on many crews, that there just aren’t any permanent roles offered any more, that labour hire workers are treated like second class citizens.

“Mining companies are raking in profits off sky-high coal prices at the moment and they can afford to provide secure, well-paid employment.

“The Minerals Council would be better off urging its members to fix the insecure work crisis in the industry rather than peddling misleading, hand-picked data.”

Fact sheet: Casuals in the mining industry

The Greens today announced their commitment to providing people in rural and regional
communities with access to free mental and dental health care through Medicare.

The commitment is part of the Greens’ broader $77.6 billion investment into free dental
care over the decade for all Australians, which was also announced today. Under the plan,
people will still be able to choose their dentist and routine and therapeutic dental services
will be bulk-billed or rebated.

Right now, many critical dental services are not available in regional and rural communities. If they are, they often have unacceptably long wait times.

Further compounding the issue is vast travel distances and increased costs of healthy
food choices and oral hygiene products. As a result, people living outside the major centers experience considerably poorer oral health outcomes than people who live in urban areas.

The Greens are the only party to commit to free and universal dental care under Medicare,
ending the outdated exclusion of oral health from Australia’s public health system.

Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John said:
“We know that people who live in rural and regional communities have poorer oral health than people who live in major cities.

“That’s not good enough. Postcode should not be a determinant of health in this country.
“Dental services often aren’t available in regional WA, where there are fewer dental
practitioners than in urban areas. Coupled with longer travel distances and limited transport options, the impact on dental health for people in the regions is significant.

“In 2012, The Australian Greens secured free dental care for kids. We’re committed to ensuring that right extends to every person in Australia, no matter their age or where they live.”

Yamatji-Noongar woman and Greens Senator Dorinda Cox said:
“People living in rural and regional areas have the right to expect the same level and quality of dental services as city residents.

“But some regions in country WA have had some of the lowest rates of practising dentists in the country for decades, which means some residents wait years for treatment.

“While rural and regional areas – including remote Aboriginal communities – have been
identified as priority areas for dental services by various governments in the past, it’s clear that not enough has been done to ensure these communities get access to the services they need.

“The Greens are committed to ensuring that regional dental outcomes are brought in line with the standards we see in the city.”