News

The Department of Health and Aged Care recently held a consultation as part of its review of the Primary Health Network (PHN) Business Model and Mental Health Flexible Funding Stream. The consultation aimed to explore opportunities, in collaboration with stakeholders, to improve equity, access, and outcomes in primary healthcare across Australia.

The Australian Government is exploring legislative reform to establish a consistent framework for the use of automated decision-making (ADM) across government services. This consultation aims to ensure ADM systems are transparent, fair, and adhere to principles of administrative law. It also seeks to address recommendations from the Robodebt Royal Commission, including safeguards for ADM implementation and accountability mechanisms.

Health Legislation Amendment (Modernising My Health Record—Sharing by Default) Bill 2024 [Provisions]

The Australian Government is proposing legislative changes through the Health Legislation Amendment (Modernising My Health Record – Sharing by Default) Bill 2024.

The Australian House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport recently held an inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia. The consultation aimed to assess the effectiveness of policies, treatment services, and prevention strategies in reducing alcohol and other drug-related health harms.

LHA has provided a submission to the Department of Health’s consultation on The Residential Care Service List. This list is an important framework for service providers and potential residents to understand what services residents may be able to receive at no extra charge when in a residential aged care service.

The Department of Health and Aged Care invited feedback on draft guidelines for a National Lung Cancer Screening Program, which aims to improve early detection and health outcomes for populations disproportionately impacted by lung cancer. The guidelines include a focus on priority populations, including LGBTIQA+ people, to ensure equitable access and culturally safe care.

Star Ratings help enable older people and their supporters make more informed choices about the quality of available care options. However, LHA’s submission highlights that LGBTI older people may not see specific benefits from this system. It does not provide information on how their distinctive concerns may be addressed, such as being fully accepted and not facing discrimination.

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) has responded to the proposed ban on social media use for people under 16, highlighting the significant impact this could have on young LGBTIQ+ people. 

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) has provided a detailed submission in response to the draft Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. 

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) has provided a submission in response to the National Cancer Data Framework consultation. 

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) has submitted recommendations in response to the proposed reforms to strengthen the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC) and National Suicide Prevention Office (NSPO). 

The LHA submission to the Draft National Carer Strategy highlights the unique challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ carers, advocating for enhanced recognition and support. It underscores the importance of understanding diverse caregiving dynamics, such as the role of 'families of choice,' and the additional barriers LGBTIQ+ carers encounter, including discrimination and social isolation. The submission calls for peer-led, community-controlled services and targeted research to better address the needs of both adult and young LGBTIQ+ carers. LHA stresses the need for inclusive education and policy measures that reflect the specific experiences of LGBTIQ+ people in caregiving roles.

The LHA submission on the Draft National Nursing Workforce Strategy emphasises the need for greater inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people in nursing policies to ensure culturally safe and equitable healthcare. Key recommendations include recognising LGBTIQ+ populations as a priority group, incorporating mandatory cultural competence training, and supporting LGBTIQ+ nurses through anti-discrimination measures and mentorship programs. The submission also highlights the importance of education on LGBTIQ+ health and gender-affirming care, and calls for strategies to address workforce shortages in LGBTIQ+ health services, especially in regional and remote areas.