We Asked, You Said, We Did

Below are some of the issues we have recently consulted on and their outcomes.

We asked

The Department of Health and Aged Care (Department) asked for your views and input on the draft aim, outcomes and actions in the consultation draft Nurse Practitioner Workforce Plan (the Plan). The draft Plan was released for stakeholder feedback from 19 December 2022 to 10 February 2023.

Targeted meetings were also held during this time to seek feedback from stakeholder organisations. Yarning circles and a consumer focus group were also held to test the actions within the draft Plan to ensure they are realistic, implementable and well received by both First Nations peoples and consumers.

Feedback received during the consultation process is being used to refine and inform the final Plan.

You said

In total, 215 submissions were received, comprising of 172 online survey responses, 25 written submissions via email, 15 targeted stakeholder meetings, 1 consumer focus group and 2 yarning circles.

The mix of responses from consumers, nurse practitioners, health professionals and organisations provided a comprehensive understanding of how the aim, outcomes and actions of the Plan were received. Feedback on improving the draft Plan was constructive with suggestions to refine language and review the action’s timeline. Whilst many responses were focused on the barriers to nurse practitioners providing care, the Department received useful suggestions for refining the draft Plan.

We did

The Department undertook analysis of the online submissions (including survey and written responses) using the Citizen Space application in February 2023. The data from online and written submissions was further analysed simultaneously with stakeholder feedback from meetings, yarning circles and focus groups. This involved coding the qualitative responses for feedback on key themes and creation of analysis notes to further refine the consultation draft. 

Stakeholder feedback captured is being used to refine the Plan and ensure the actions address key nurse practitioner workforce challenges. Suggestions proposed during this round of consultation will be considered by the Nurse Practitioner Steering Committee and used to develop a final version of the Plan for approval by Government. 

We asked

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.

You said

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.

We did

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.

We asked

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.

You said

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. 

We did

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.

We asked

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.

You said

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 did

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.

We asked

The Minister for Health has committed to development of a Nurse Practitioner 10 Year Plan (Plan). The purpose of the Plan is to describe a set of actions that can be taken to address nurse practitioner workforce issues, and enhance the delivery of nursing care to the Australian community.

As part of the development of the Plan the Department of Health sought the views of stakeholders from 19 November to 20 December 2021. The purpose of the consultation was to collect ideas from a wide range of stakeholders on their perspectives, experiences and knowledge of nurse practitioners (NP) and to identify benefits, barriers and workforce solutions to inform development of the Plan.

You said

The total submissions received was 496 with 458 online survey responses and 38 written submissions via email. Of the online survey responses, 64% (295) of respondents completed the long-form and 36% (163) the short-form survey. Of the total submissions, 430 (87%) responded as an individual and 63 (13%) responded on behalf of an organisation or institution.

The high response rate received to this open consultation was welcomed and has highlighted the interest in this work. The mix of responses from consumers, nurse practitioners, health professionals and organisations provided a comprehensive picture of current NP workforce issues.

We did

The Department reviewed and analysed all the responses received and prepared a consultation analysis report which will be used to inform development of the Plan.

We asked

For your feedback on the draft Healthy Food Partnership Serving Size Recommendations and example pages of the Industry Best Practice Guide (the Guide). The Guide aims to provide practical solutions to support the food industry to reduce the serving sizes. The Guide covers 11 discretionary foods and beverages for the retail and out of home sectors.

You said

We received 27 submissions from food industry, public health organisations, academia, government and consumers. There was strong support for portion and serving size guidance as a public health measure. Practical and detailed feedback was provided on the individual categories and the design of the Guide. Useful feedback was also provided on the look and feel of the layout of the example pages and the usefulness of the included information.

We did

We reviewed and considered the feedback provided and developed a Consultation Summary. The working group refined the serving sizes and tailored the content of the Guide. Among other changes, the title of the Guide was amended to the ‘Industry Guide to Voluntary Serving Size Reduction’.

The final Guide is now available on the Healthy Food Partnership website.

The Consultation Summary is available on the Consultation Hub and the Healthy Food Partnership website. Complete submissions will be published on the website (if consent to publish was granted by the respondent).

We asked

Between November 2020 and January 2021, the Department of Health sought feedback on the The Framework for the Collection, Release, Use and Publication of Voluntary Indigenous Identifier Data (VII Data Framework). Specifically, the Department asked:

  1. Does the VII Data Framework clearly set out the legal and ethical obligations for data users?
  2. What suggestions do you have on how the Department should communicate the legal and ethical obligations to data users?
  3. Does the VII Data Framework sufficiently protect Medicare estimations and enrolment data?
  4. What suggestions do you have on how VII data should be used?
  5. Is the Five Safes Framework an appropriate way to assess data requests?
  6. What else should be considered when assessing a request for VII data?
  7. How would you assess the types of statistical data tables that can be released to data users?
  8. Please include any other comments about the VII Data Framework below

You said

Seven organisations and four individuals responded to the consultation including, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health authorities, doctor peak organisations, a nurses’ and mid-wives’ group and government agencies. Most respondents were satisfied with the VII Data Framework’s  legal and ethical obligations, protections for Medicare and enrolment data, and access and release arrangements.

Specific feedback on the VII Data Framework include:

  1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Data Sovereignty Principles need to be strengthened.
  2. It should include a supplement that further clarifies a user’s legal and ethical obligations.
  3. It should include a metadata document detailing technical information about the VII variables.
  4. It should provide further details on what the VII can and can’t be used for.
  5. Endorsement of the use of VII data in linkage or integration projects, provided an Accredited Integrating Authority conducted the linkage and all other restrictions on VII data are met (i.e. data can only be used for statistical purposes, and not to identify individuals, and must be used for health-related research and policy development).
  6. Requests for VII unit record data should have approval from a Human Research Ethics Committee with expertise in evaluating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research projects.
  7. Action should be taken to improve VII coverage including via data linkage and communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
  8. Priority access should be available for planning and policy development.
  9. VII data should be released at lower levels of geographic aggregation.

The Department appreciates all the feedback and thanks all respondents.

We did

The Department has considered all responses, and these will be used to inform updates to the VII Data Framework.

  1. While some information on this will be added to the VII Data Framework, Indigenous Data Sovereignty is a broader issue that the Department will address in the context of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and in collaboration with the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
  2. Additional information on legal and ethical obligations will be added to the VII Data Framework.
  3. A metadata document will be included in the appendix of the VII Data Framework .
  4. The VII Data Framework will include more detail on appropriate use of VII data, as well as specifying prohibited uses (e.g. to identify or target individuals).
  5. Information on the circumstances guiding linkage of VII data will be included in the Framework.
  6. The VII Data Framework will specify that requests for unit record data for a research project must be accompanied by approval from a Human Research Ethics Committee with expertise in evaluating research including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  7. There are currently no plans for a broad-based communications strategy, but the Department notes the work of ACCHS in this space which has supported growth in VII enrolment of 3,000 new enrolments per month on average over the last ten years.
  8. While prioritising access by particular users is not currently planned, the Department continuously reviews and refines the data release process to better meet the needs of users and stakeholders.
  9. Currently, MBS estimates that use the VII are available at the State/Territory, Remoteness Area and PHN levels. Lower levels of aggregation will become available as coverage increases.

We asked

We asked for your feedback on the new ARPANSA Standard for Limiting Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields – 100 KHz to 300 GHz (RPS S-1) because we want to make sure that the standard is fit for purpose and provides clear guidance to industries and regulators to ensure the safety of Australian workers and the general public including people of all ages and health status.

You said

We received 61 submissions from a range of stakeholders, including health authorities, scientists, academic bodies and members of the general public. There were a range of technical comments, questions, and suggestions, as well as comments from members of the public expressing concern about the certainty of the science underpinning the exposure limits.

We did

We have reviewed all submissions and made some amendments, primarily to clarify technical aspects of the Standard. The revised Standard and our responses to individual consultation comments will now undergo formal approvals prior to publication.  

The new Standard will be published on the ARPANSA website in the first quarter of 2021.

We asked

For views and input across all sectors of the Australian community about a Lung Cancer Screening enquiry to investigate the feasibility of a national lung cancer screening program for people at high risk of lung cancer.

 

You said

That many factors should be considered across many sectors of the Australian community and the health system.  Public consultation submissions and input from stakeholders were detailed. Thank you for this feedback.

 

We did

We considered all feedback and engaged a consultant to analyse and summarise consultation outcomes for consideration by the Minister for Health. The Lung Cancer Screening enquiry report will be submitted to the Minister for Health in October 2020.

We asked

Between November 2019 and February 2020, the national obesity strategy Working Group asked for feedback on a proposed framework and ideas to be included in a national obesity strategy.

On 31 August 2021, the Health Chief Executive Forum agreed to support public consultation on the draft national obesity strategy.

During September and October 2021, the national obesity strategy Working Group will be seeking feedback on the draft national obesity strategy from all stakeholders. We look forward to receiving your comments. Details of how you can provide feedback will be posted on this webpage in the coming weeks.

You said

November 2019 - February 2020

Across the country, 604 Australians engaged in community events. In addition, 1,038 short-form and 342 long-form surveys were completed, and 35 stand-alone submissions were received. Some further targeted consultation was also progressed with three priority groups (people with disability, young people, older people).

Respondents proposed a range of ideas and suggestions for what could be included in a national obesity strategy, with most highly supportive of a comprehensive strategy. The feedback received is appreciated.

We did

Consultants reviewed and analysed all the feedback received in the 2019/20 national public consultation and prepared consultation reports.

Despite the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic response, the national obesity strategy Working Group has considered all feedback and progressed the development of the national obesity strategy.

We asked

For written feedback, based on the Terms of Reference, for the independent review of nursing education - Educating the Nurse of the Future - by 30 June 2019.

You said

We received 83 written submissions and these have now been published (scroll down to view).

We did

Professor Steven Schwartz AM has now submitted the final report to Minister Hunt following completion of the Review. The report will be considered by government and a plan for public release will be developed. There is no fixed date for the release of the report available at this time.

We asked

For feedback on our tobacco control legislation to make sure that it is effective and fit for purpose.

You said

Improvements could be made. Public consultation submissions and input from stakeholder workshops were detailed. Thank you for this feedback.

We did

We considered all feedback and engaged a consultant to analyse and summarise consultation outcomes for Australian Government consideration (scroll down for the consultation summary). This feedback is being used to progress this legislative review.

We asked

In December 2018, we asked for feedback based on the Terms of Reference for the Review of the Quality Use of Medicines Program’s delivery by the National Prescribing Service (NPS MedicineWise).

You said

54 external submissions were received and 26 external interviews were conducted. Submissions were detailed and highlighted the requirement for greater transparency, accountability and efficiency in the delivery of quality use of medicines programs. Thank you for this feedback.

We did

Emeritus Professor Lloyd Sansom AO conducted the Review and a final report has been accepted by Minister Hunt. The public report and the Government’s response to the Review recommendations can be found at

https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/qum-nps-review

 We are working with NPS MedicineWise to implement the Review’s recommendations.