The George Institute for Global Health is pleased to contribute a written submission to the Department of Health and Aged Care on the consultation for the Role and Functions of an Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Prevention-Promotion-Protection consultation paper.

The George Institute joins our consumer and public health colleagues in welcoming the establishment of an Australian CDC.

“The establishment of an Australian CDC is a once in a generation reform that could truly change the face of healthcare in Australia” said Professor Bruce Neal, Executive Director, The George Institute Australia.

“With adequate funding and support, a CDC can provide the Australian public with clear and transparent health advice and equip policy makers with crucial up-to-date, evidence-based guidance on global health threats.

“After years of public health advocates calling for the establishment of a CDC, the recent experience of the COVID-19 pandemic clearly showed the need for an agile, coordinated body to deal with new and emerging health threats of national and international significance. We are pleased the Albanese Government has responded to this need and are seeking input from the public health and medical research sector” said Professor Neal.

The George Institute is committed to the establishment of a CDC that will see reductions in health burdens for all Australians, now and into the future. In addition to providing direct feedback to questions within the discussion paper, The George Institute also provided additional recommendations and broad support for:

• Inclusion of prevention within the CDC
• Recognition of social, cultural and environmental determinants of health
• Transparency and independence
• Building workforce capacity
• Conducting research as a function of the CDC

We welcome the opportunity to further engage with the Department of Health and Aged Care as the structure and remit of the CDC is developed. To read our full submission, click here.

The George Institute for Global Health is pleased to contribute a written submission to the Liquor & Gaming NSW for the NSW Liquor Licensing Reform Options Consultation.

“We support the NSW Government in focusing on reforms to NSW Liquor Licensing to reduce alcohol consumption in order to improve health outcomes” said Professor Simone Pettigrew, Program Director of Health Promotion and Behaviour Change at The George Institute.

“It is not well understood in the community that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, despite its significant impact on Australia’s disease burden.

“The community continues to be bombarded with alcohol advertising and marketing tactics, targeting children, young people and our most vulnerable communities, which is having devastating impacts on health and wellbeing.

“We support government policy that implements a wide range of actions, including taxation, reductions in number of outlets, restrictions on advertising and marketing and improvements to labelling, that will reduce alcohol consumption and its related harms.”

The George Institute joins our public health and consumer colleagues in recommending:

• Improvements to consumer and community consultation processes that see meaningful engagement with those affected by the liquor licensing system
• Mandatory Social Impact Assessments in liquor license applications
• The winding back of allowances made during COVID-19 to facilitate delivery of alcohol and further limits placed on the home delivery of alcohol
• Trading hour restrictions remain as currently required
• The application of alcohol regulations to non-alcoholic beverages that mimic alcohol

The George Institute for Global Health is pleased to contribute a written submission to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on the consultation for Proposed Reforms to the Regulation of Nicotine Vaping Products (NVPs).

The George Institute strongly supports a comprehensive approach to tobacco and nicotine control in Australia.

“Australia has a great legacy of reducing tobacco-related harm over the last several decades. This has been achieved through proactive, evidence-based policies including taxation, regulation of advertising and packaging, and enforcing smoke-free spaces” said Professor Simone Pettigrew, Program Director, Health Promotion and Behaviour Change at The George Institute.

“Sadly, despite this success, there has been a proliferation of vaping devices, which are largely imported illegally. It is crucial that these products are strictly regulated, and their availability controlled.

“Our latest research shows many young people are susceptible to vaping due to ease of availability and the wide range of youth-friendly flavours.”

The George Institute joins our public health and consumer colleagues in recommending:

1. The control of illegally imported NVPs to be of upmost priority
2. NVPs should be used as a smoking cessation tool only under medical supervision
3. Minimum safety standards for NVPs should be set according to scientific evidence of harms, and these safety standards should be monitored and enforced (with the TGA not providing pre-market assessment)
4. Non-nicotine e-cigarettes to be banned
5. Regulatory frameworks to be clear and streamlined to aid enforcement and avoid loopholes