Sector news

From 1 July, the new General Practice in Aged Care Incentive (GPACI) commenced, providing incentive payments to practices and general practitioners for delivering regular visits and care planning to older people living in residential aged care homes. This incentive requires MyMedicare registration and is voluntary for both consumers and general practices.

The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet provides an Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status. You can now also access the latest information and statistics released since the publication on their website. Information and statistics are updated for measures of population health; funded health conditions; factors contributing to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health; and background information.

The next Oceanic Palliative Care Conference (25OPCC) will take place in Brisbane between 10-12 September 2025. The theme will be ‘Connecting Systems for Better Care’ which will unpack interconnections between aged care, primary health, oncology, dementia care, disability services, paediatrics, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Abstract submissions and early bird registrations will open in late 2024.

This voluntary position offers the opportunity to contribute to the objectives of a dynamic national health organisation, being exposed to new and different issues, working in a collaborative and challenging environment, representing PCA and sharing in the achievements of PCA. Nominations close: 5.00pm AEST on Thursday 17 August 2024

PCA is providing updates on shortages of medicines in Australia. Of particular concern is the current supply of oral liquid morphine products, critical for patients of all ages in the last phase of their life with diseases including cancer, advanced lung disease, and Motor Neurone Disease. There are details on the PCA’s website on current advice from the TGA regrading alternative temporary (Section 19A products) liquid morphine medicines.

In partnership with the Council of Capital Cities Lord Mayors, Palliative Care Australia supported each of the state and territory palliative care peak bodies to host a forum in their respective capital cities to harness information on barriers and enablers, identify any consistencies in these, and look for localised solutions. A summative report of those forums was produced.