Connected - SARRAH Weekly Newsletter 28 April 2023

From the CEO's desk

The House of Representatives' Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport released a report on its inquiry into Long COVID and repeated COVID infections this week. One of the notable things about this committee is that several of the members are medical practitioners and another is a former Minister for Regional Health. It is a substantial report, with Recommendations (pages xxi to xxiv) that are very likely to be considered seriously in deliberations ahead of the May Budget and probably beyond. The report provides some essential insights into the impact long-Covid is having on individuals and our community as a whole and seeks to better align our health and social support systems to our new reality. In doing so, it reinforces broader concerns about our approach and capacity in managing chronic disease generally.

The following (from page iv) provides some of the flavour:

“It is clear that long COVID is a significant problem and estimates vary, indicating that between two percent to 20 percent of those infected with COVID-19 may develop long COVID. Even if it is the lower figure of two percent, this is still many people requiring help and support. At this stage it does seem that specific treatments require more evidence of benefit before being specifically recommended, but this will become clearer over time. Certainly, most of the care needs to be provided by the primary care system, such as by GPs, nurses, and allied health professionals.” … “It is important that mental health support is affordable and accessible to individuals, and it is also important that access to support is provided to outer metropolitan, rural and regional areas in an equitable manner.” (page iv)

The report identifies the need to expand access to allied health services, including through an increase in the MBS-funded allied health chronic disease items (see pages 163-164). Recommendation 6 stops short of a direct call for an increase in MBS chronic disease items – “The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) chronic disease management item number should be reviewed.” Evidence from Professor Michael Kidd (Deputy CMO) – see page 162 (para 6.256) among others, informed the Committee about the limitations of access to allied health care through current arrangements. The Government responded immediately, announcing a further $50 million from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) for research into post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).

This is welcome recognition of the important role allied health professionals play as part of a multidisciplinary team in the effective management of chronic disease. The Australian Allied Health Leadership Alliance, of which SARRAH is a member, foresaw these issues as far back as May 2020, when the Alliance wrote to the Australian Department of Health signalling the systemic changes that would be required to ensure people living with long COVID had appropriate access to rehabilitation services.

Making allied health services available to people living with all manner of chronic diseases has been long fought for by our sector. It seems it took a global pandemic to put a spotlight on the consequences for our most vulnerable people and for our hard-pressed health system to bring about change. We'll be watching the budget announcements with interest to see whether these recommendations translate to action.

Travel Safe,
Cath

Cheaper Medicine to Ease the Cost of Living
Readers will almost certainly be aware the Australian Government has announced Cheaper Medicines to Ease the Cost of Living – including by “making hundreds of common medicines cheaper, by allowing millions of Australians to buy two months' worth of medicine for the price of a single prescription.” Good news for many, not least the medical fraternity who were enthusiastic about the decision. The Pharmacy Guild were appalled, concerned about the impact on pharmacy business viability – which appears to have attracted little public sympathy. The Private Healthcare Australia (the Australian private health insurance industry's peak representative body), also welcomed the news stating “It will reduce the burden of treatment experienced by millions of people, relieve pressure on general practice, and save money for consumers. It's not just common sense, it's backed by all of the experts who don't own a pharmacy business.” The Sydney Morning Herald reported Pharmacies: 60-day scripts prompt Pharmacy Guild president Trent Twomey to weep (smh.com.au) and other commentators pointed to the considerable Commonwealth funding support that goes to community pharmacies. The Society of Hospital Pharmacists Australia issued a diplomatic statement noting the critical need for viable pharmacy services and access generally, while seeking more information on the impacts of the measure. Minister Butler has been very present in the media since – this radio interview on the ABC is a good example.
The point for SARRAH in this, is that the Federal Government has shown some resolve over recent months in introducing health reform aimed at improving access that has been negatively received by two of the most influential groups in the space – the Pharmacy Guild and the AMA (and associated medical organisations). That may augur well in terms of broader reform.

A Migration System for Australia's Future
The Australian Government also released a review report - A Migration System for Australia’s Future (homeaffairs.gov.au). The report recognises pressures to build our health workforce are high and the existing migration system is very problematic. Readers interested in attracting staff from overseas – including those of you who’ve experienced the current system – might watch this space.

Resources from the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC)
Approximately one million Australians are living with an eating disorder in any given year; that is, 4% of the population. And the prevalence is increasing. Allied health professionals play a crucial role in identifying and responding to eating disorders, ensuring that people across all areas of Australia can access support and treatment early in the illness journey.
The National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) has a number of freely accessible resources available to help you increase your knowledge, skill, and confidence to respond to eating disorders. NEDC’s work, underpinned by lived experience, clinical, and research expertise, aims to develop and implement a consistent, evidence-informed, and equitable system of care for all Australians. Supporting workforce and system development in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia is of key importance. A recent NEDC professional development initiative saw 38% of participants (340 clinicians) representing regional, rural or remote areas.

Clinicians often mention that they are already seeing people experiencing eating disorders but don’t feel confident to talk with the person about the concerns. The following resources can help to equip you with the knowledge and skill to confidently and effectively respond to eating disorders:

Eating Disorder Core Skills: eLearning for Mental Health Professionals: a 5-hour evidence-based training providing comprehensive information on eating disorders, assessment, treatment, and multidisciplinary care, Resources are provided to support implementation in clinical practice.
Management of eating disorders for people with higher weight: clinical practice guideline. Eating disorders are common in people with higher weight but are under-recognised and under-treated often due to weight stigma. The Guideline synthesises best practice approaches to eating disorder management based on the premise that every person experiencing an eating disorder deserves equitable, safe, accessible, and evidence-based care. Access a summary here .
Further factsheets, resources and tools can be found on the NEDC website – www.nedc.com.au

Are you interested in supporting the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution?
The Allies for Uluru Coalition is made up of more than 200 community, non-government and corporate organisations from across the country that have come together to support the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, starting with the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
You can find out more about Allies for Uluru here and access a range of resources to support the campaign.

Anyone interested in contributing to this SARRAH submission?
Please send comments to allan@sarrah.org.au

SARRAH 2023 Submissions
Australian Cancer Plan 2023-2033
Joint Select Committee Inquiry into Workforce Development in Northern Australia: SARRAH submission.
SARRAH 2022 SUBMISSIONS

SUBMISSIONS CLOSING SOON
Closing Sunday 30 April: The Australian Government is developing an Early Years Strategy (the Strategy) in recognition of how critical the early years are for children’s development and continued success over their lifetime. The Strategy aims to help the Commonwealth create a more integrated, holistic approach to the early years and better support the education, wellbeing and development of Australia’s children. It will seek to support improving coordination between Commonwealth programs, funding and frameworks impacting early childhood development. They are seeking feedback and ideas on how to develop the Strategy. Public submissions are open until 30 April 2023. Make a submission here.

Provision of and Access to Dental Services in Australia: Last week we reported the Senate was considering establishing a Select Committee into the Provision of and Access to Dental Services in Australia. This is going ahead. Here are the Terms of Reference. The committee is to present an interim report by 20 June 2023; and a final report by 28 November 2023. The Committee home page is here. Submissions close on 4 May 2023.

The Productivity Commission is conducting an Inquiry into Philanthropy in Australia. Information on the Inquiry can be found here. The supporting paper can be found here. Initial submissions are due by Friday 5 May 2023.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is consulting on a Draft Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard. The draft Standard describes key components of care that people of all ages living with cognitive disability or impairment can expect to receive in all healthcare settings to reduce the inappropriate use of psychotropic medicines. Information about the consultation can be found here .
The Commission is seeking feedback from consumers, clinicians, health services and anyone with an interest in cognitive disability, cognitive impairment, aged care or disability services. Feedback is sought through an online survey .
The public consultation closes on Monday, 8 May 2023.

FORTHCOMING SUBMISSIONS

Review of the NDIS continue: you can Have your say on the NDIS:

Image sources: Australian Government, NDIS Review, Have your Say Webpage
Readers will be aware the Federal Government is conducting a major review of the NDIS. The work will be ongoing throughout 2023. The consultation website is being hosted by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Review will consider the findings of other reviews and parliamentary inquiries but are especially interested in “what you think about how the NDIS is working now”. The Reviews is inviting input through a range of mechanisms but recommend you read the paper, Our Approach, before contributing.

The Commonwealth Government is consulting on establishing a new administrative review body to replace the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The Attorney-General’s Department has released a detailed issues paper, covering design of the new body, including its structure, membership, powers and procedures. For applicants and other tribunal users, a 15 minute online survey is also available on the Attorney-General’s Department’s website to capture views on the most important issues for users. Further information about the consultation, including links to the issues paper, survey and submission options, can be found on the Attorney-General’s Department website. Submissions close Friday, 12 May 2023. To make a submission go here. Alternatively, you can complete a short survey.

The Tasmanian Government has released an exposure draft of the Long Term Plan for Healthcare in Tasmania 2040 for public consultation. The Long-Term Plan provides a blueprint of how the Tasmanian Liberal Government will achieve a world-class, innovative, integrated health care system for all Tasmanians. Submissions can be made via email to ourhealthcarefuture@health.tas.gov.au until Friday 19 May 2023. More information on the Long Term Plan, Clinical Services Profiles and other reforms is available at: www.health.tas.gov.au/ourhealthcarefuture

As reported previously, the Productivity Commission is undertaking an inquiry into the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector in Australia. This will feed into the Commonwealth’s whole-of-government Early Years Strategy, which focuses on the wellbeing, education and development of Australia’s children. The inquiry is to “make recommendations that will support affordable, accessible, equitable and high-quality ECEC that reduces barriers to workforce participation and supports children’s learning and development, including considering a universal 90 per cent child care subsidy rate. …. the Commission should consider options that improve or support: (among other things) developmental and educational outcomes for Australian children, including preparation for school; and outcomes for children and families experiencing vulnerability and/or disadvantage, First Nations children and families, and children and families experiencing disability.
The Commission issued a call for submissions and issues paper. Submission writers are encouraged to identify issues and suggest ways forward. The Commission would appreciate evidence in support of any views, such as data, research reports and case studies. Submissions due by Friday 19 May 2023.

The Federal Government has committed to release a Measuring What Matters Statement this year. The Statement will be Australia’s first national framework on wellbeing and will evolve over time. Traditional economic indicators provide important insights, but not a complete picture or holistic view of the community’s wellbeing. The Statement will seek to assess progress on a broad range of social and environmental indicators alongside traditional economic measures. This is an effort to shift how we measure progress and wellbeing nationally, beyond the purely economic indicators. You can find out more about the process, being led by Treasury, here. Consultation materials are provided on the website. We are invited to respond via the online feedback form or the form provided in the consultation pack. Feedback is due by 26 May 2023.

The Department of Health and Aged Care is inviting feedback on a new model for regulating aged care as part of changes to improve the quality and safety of aged care in Australia.
Consultation on A new model for regulating Aged Care, Consultation Paper No.2: Details of the proposed new model will close on 23 June 2023. The model includes changes to how providers enter the sector, the obligations that a provider must meet, and strengthened monitoring and enforcement powers for the aged care Regulator. The paper follows a Concept Paper released in February 2022 and Consultation Paper No.1 – A new model for regulating aged care released in September 2022. To find out more about the regulatory mode and how to engage please visit the Aged Care Engagement Hub – regulatory model page.

On 23 March 2023 the Senate referred the provisions of the Improving Access to Medicinal Cannabis Bill 2023 to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 1 September 2023. Details on the inquiry can be found here.

CONSULTATION REMINDERS
The Joint Standing Committee (JSC) on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Inquiry into and report on general issues around the implementation, performance, governance, administration and expenditure of the NDIS. Submissions close on 30 June 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights is to hold an inquiry and report by 31 March 2024 to:

review the scope and effectiveness of Australia's 2010 Human Rights Framework and the National Human Rights Action Plan;
consider whether the Framework should be re-established, as well as the components of the Framework, and any improvements that should be made;
consider developments since 2010 in Australian human rights laws (both at the Commonwealth and State and Territory levels) and relevant case law; and
consider any other relevant matters.

The committee invites submissions by 1 July 2023. The Committee will consider whether the Australian Parliament should enact a federal Human Rights Act, and if so, what elements it should include (including by reference to the Australian Human Rights Commission's recent Position Paper); whether existing mechanisms to protect human rights in the federal context are adequate and if improvements should be made; the effectiveness of existing human rights Acts/Charters in protecting human rights in the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Queensland, including relevant caselaw, and relevant work done in other states and territories. The Committee webpage can be found here.

SARRAH Leadership Program 2, 2023 commences on 21 August!
Enrol Now at Learning with SARRAH
About this program - listen to the video by Cath Maloney below

Department of Health and Aged Care Update
Webinar - Reform in Home Aged Care Update
Do you want to stay updated on the reforms to in-home aged care?
Join our webinar for older people, their families and carers, and the aged care sector.
Thursday 18 May 2023
2:00pm to 4:00pm AEST
You will have the opportunity to submit questions during the webinar.
This webinar will have Auslan interpreters.
Register today at http://www.agedcareengagement.health.gov.au/.../reforming...

Information and Inage source: Department of Health and Aged Care Facebook Page

Covid 19 Update

Image source and link: Australian Government COVID 19 Newsletter 24.04.2023

External Grants
AUS: Value-based Healthcare Grant Program
AUS: FRRR Grants
AUS: NHMRC Development Grants 2023 for funding in 2024
AUS: Health Workforce Scholarships
AUS: RDN Go Rural Student Immersion Experiences
AUS: Arthritis Australia Grants
AUS: MRFF - Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission - 2023 Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Grant Opportunity
AUS: 2023 COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program
AUS: Heart Foundation of Australia Future Leader Fellowships
AUS: The Ian Potter Foundation Public Health Research Projects Funding
VIC: Value-based Healthcare Grant Program

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