Current Issues

Purported changes to Home Medicines Review (HMR) Program remuneration arrangements.

The Australian Government's position on clinical registers.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) policy for prescribers to obtain approval to prescribe medicines for which authority is required under the PBS.

The Australian Government’s investment in health and medical research funding.

Concerns about the availability of graduate positions for newly registered nurses and midwives for 2013.

The Aged Care Workforce Supplement and Compact.

Parkinson’s NSW is seeking to have each Medicare Local employ a specialist neurological nurse to provide primary health care for its community, particularly in regional areas of New South Wales.

Information on the Australian Government’s role and contributions to dental health care in Australia.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing of abiraterone acetate (Zytiga^®) for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.

Changes to the number of allied mental health services available under the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative from 1 January 2013.

A petition initiated by the US based organisation ThyroidChange, regarding the training of endocrinologists has been forwarded to the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Endocrine Society of Australia. Concerns have been raised regarding a perceived deficiency in thyroid knowledge amongst endocrinologists.

From 1 July 2012, the Australian Government has made changes to the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI).

The Australian Government is providing a range of promotion, prevention and early intervention activities, through the $2.2 billion Mental Health Reform Package, to support the improved mental health and wellbeing of young people and young people at-risk of suicide.

Long term health impact of fluoridated drinking water.

The Australian Government is maintaining services under the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) in 2012-13. Services will be maintained at 2011-12 levels while findings from an external evaluation are considered by government.

The Australian Government is funding a range of initiatives aimed at combating diabetes and reducing its impact on the Australian community.

The report on the Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy (Labelling Logic) developed by the Independent Panel chaired by Dr Neal Blewett contains recommendations concerning the labelling of new technologies, including genetic modification.

The report on the Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy (Labelling Logic) developed by the Independent Panel chaired by Dr Neal Blewett contains a recommendation on labelling of added sugars, added fats and added vegetable oils (including palm oil).

Extension to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing of dabigatran (Pradaxa^®).

Compliance with the Australian Government’s tobacco plain packaging legislation.

Application to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) seeking approval of low THC hemp as food.

Nanotechnology and sunscreens

The Australian Government’s commitment to improving health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

The Australian Government’s legislation for plain packaging.

Importation of primates for medical research.

Animal testing of cosmetics.