Tuesday, 13 June 2023 08:40
DOCTORS WANTS ALCOHOL DRINKING REGULATED
THE Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has criticized the influence of the alcohol industry on government health strategy. The RACGP called on the Albanese Government to prioritize community safety and wellbeing over the interests of Big Alcohol. This follows research that found industry submissions to the National Alcohol Strategy consultation relied on dubious evidence, exaggerated the benefits of moderate drinking, and downplayed the link between alcohol and violence. RACGP President Dr. Nicole Higgins urged the government to regulate the alcohol industry similar to the tobacco industry, emphasizing the need for unbiased public health policy and protection against misleading industry tactics.
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Tuesday, 13 June 2023 08:39
SUPER FUND BACKS GIG WORKERS
HESTA, an Australian superannuation fund, has called for gig workers to receive compulsory employer Super Guarantee (SG) contributions to protect them from poverty in retirement. In its submission to a government consultation, HESTA emphasized the need for legislative changes to ensure superannuation rights for gig workers and increased oversight by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to enforce employer contributions. The focus of HESTA's submission is on gig work in the care economy, which is prevalent in health and community services. HESTA's recommendations include enshrining SG as a minimum standard for gig workers and strengthening ATO compliance activities in the care economy.
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Tuesday, 13 June 2023 08:36
HEAKTH EXPERTS URGE VACCINATION VIGULENCE
AS winter takes hold health officials are urging everyone to ensure they are up to date with their influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. The latest respiratory surveillance report highlights the high levels of COVID-19 transmission and the rapid increase in influenza activity. Health Minister Ryan Park emphasized that vaccination is the best defense against severe illness, protecting individuals, their families, and the community. NSW Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerry Chant emphasized the importance of continuing preventive measures such as wearing masks indoors, staying home when unwell, and practicing good hand hygiene. Certain groups, including children aged six months to under five years, individuals aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and those with serious health conditions, are eligible for free influenza vaccines. Recommendations for protecting against COVID-19 and influenza include staying up to date with vaccinations, staying home when experiencing symptoms, wearing masks in crowded indoor places, practicing hand hygiene, and considering rapid antigen tests before visiting high-risk individuals. Free rapid antigen tests are now available through local councils, ServiceNSW, and NSW Health services.
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