Consultation Hub

For your feedback on the goals, principles, and priority areas of the draft National Tobacco Strategy 2022-2030 (the Strategy). We appreciate the diverse perspectives, experiences and knowledge of all stakeholders and interested members of the community and their contribution to the final Strategy.

We received 515 submissions, from peak health bodies, businesses, academics, clinicians and members of the public. You said that reducing the rates of tobacco use in Australia is important, and the Strategy is key to informing how this is achieved. The Strategy must set the direction for future tobacco control activities in Australia.

All submissions are now available on the consultation page.

Reviewed and analysed the feedback to strengthen the Strategy. The new National Tobacco Strategy is expected to be finalised in 2023 pending endorsement from Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

For your views and input on the draft domains and capabilities in the draft National Rural and Remote Nurse Generalist Framework (the Framework), that describe the unique context of practice and core capabilities for remote area nursing practice, and rural nursing practice.

In 157 submissions, from peak health bodies, organisations, businesses and clinicians, that this Framework is significant for rural and remote area nursing, health services and the health of communities.  There were a number of expert recommendations across various submissions, together with various commendations on the draft presented. 

Review and analyse the feedback, which has strengthened the Framework.  A report on the public consultation feedback is available on the consultation page.  We appreciate the great insight and expertise shared with the Framework Steering Committee during this public consultation phase and anticipate the final Framework will be released in late 2022.

Between November 2021 and March 2022, the Department of Health and Aged Care conducted initial targeted consultations with the medicines sector about the potential to introduce a National Medicines Traceability Framework in Australia.

This initial round of consultation sought to:

• help shape the framework policy
• determine feasible framework designs and implementation approaches
• gauge industry’s appetite and readiness to operation within a framework
• identify the expected impacts and benefits a framework may have on businesses.

We received 42 submissions from a cross section of stakeholders, including medicines sponsors, wholesalers, peak bodies (including consumer and clinical representatives), pharmacies, and state and territory organisations.

We have reviewed all submissions and the results are now available in the NMTF - Analysis of Consultation Survey Responses. Note, the questions that relate to each section of analysis are summarised in the report at the end of each page.

The results show:

• the type of NMTF will determine the benefits that can be realised, for example, while 79 per cent of respondents proposed that an NMTF could provide faster and more accurate product recalls, this is likely to refer to a full track and trace model, rather than ‘point of dispense’ model
• organisations expect additional investment in data systems and services, with some planning and implementation assistance likely to be needed
• organisations expect a high regulatory burden, noting this is dependent on the type of NMTF to be implemented i.e. full track and trace, point of dispense verification, or a dispersed data model
• organisations are confident they could participate in an NMTF, however, there is a clear need for further detailed stakeholder engagement on the function and scope of an NMTF.

In addition to these results, there are a range of other issues that require further detailed consultation, for example, impacts on patient privacy, data security, and the appropriate role of governments.

We will continue to consult with stakeholders as the NMTF policy recommendations are further developed. More opportunities for wider consultation on key elements of the framework will be available at a later date.