Submissions

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Submission on the Consolidation of Commonwealth Anti-Discrimination Laws

AFAO's comments on the Consolidation of Commonwealth Anti-Discrimination Laws Discussion Paper focus on the current exemption of the Migration Act 1958 from the application of the Disability Discrimination Act; the introduction of a sexual orientation and gender identity as protected attributes; and the Government’s proposal to allow religious organisations to discriminate against individuals on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity in relation to, inter alia, employment and the provision of services.

Published: 27/01/2012PDF File - 430.1 KB

Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records Bill 2011

AFAO's submission to the Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs on the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records Bill 2011.

Published: 12/01/2012PDF File - 58.8 KB

Health services and medical professionals in rural areas

AFAO’s submission into Senate Inquiry into the factors affecting the supply of health services and medical professionals in rural areas highlights the importance of equitable access to health services and medical professionals in rural areas and suggest ways that this might be better achieved.

Published: 16/12/2011PDF File - 95.7 KB

A definition of Charity: Consultation Paper

AFAO's comments on Treasury’s Charity Consultation Paper. Our submission identifies key issues in relation to the definition of charity such as the role of advocacy and political activity, which is pivotal to ensuring the continued effective community response to HIV.

Published: 09/12/2011PDF File - 105.2 KB

Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record System: Exposure Draft Legislation

This submission analyses the proposed PCEHR legislation and advocates for key consumer protections.

Published: 28/10/2011PDF File - 151.8 KB

National Hepatitis C (HCV) testing policy

AFAO submitted comments to the Australian Society of HIV Medicine (ASHM) second consultation on the 2011 National Hepatitis C (HCV) Testing Policy C.

Published: 06/10/2011PDF File - 159.6 KB

UN Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS: the CHOGM agenda

AFAO's letter to Foreign Minister Rudd urging him to place on the agenda for CHOGM 2011 the reform of laws that hinder an effective response to HIV in Commonwealth countries.

Published: 09/09/2011PDF File - 93.1 KB

National Human Rights Action Plan

AFAO has submitted comments to draft Baseline Study for the National Human Rights Action Plan, which surveys the experience and protection of human rights in Australia

Published: 30/08/2011PDF File - 140.7 KB

Review of the DSP impairment tables

A joint submission by AFAO and the National Association of People Living with HIV (NAPWA)to the Review of the Tables for the Assessment of Work-related Impairment for Disability Support Pension (DSP Impairment Tables). Due to an error this submision was not received by the Inquiry. For a full explanation please see the NAPWA website

Published: 15/08/2011PDF File - 599.3 KB

Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record System

AFAO's submission to the Department of Health and Ageing’s Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record System: Legislation Issues Paper.

Published: 03/08/2011PDF File - 205.8 KB

Inquiry into the Government’s administration of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

This submissions expresses AFAO’s concerns that the deferral of listing medicines on the PBS that have already been approved by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee seriously threatens equitable access to essential medications.

Published: 15/07/2011PDF File - 126.5 KB

Draft CDNA guidelines for medical practitioners and medical students infected with blood‐borne viruses

AFAO’s submission argues that the concurrent reviews by the Medical Board of Australia and the CDNA of their respective guidelines/policy documents should be properly coordinated; these separate processes are confusing and risks undermining each review process.

Published: 06/07/2011PDF File - 37.7 KB

Resolution on human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity

AFAO submission to Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd regarding the proposed resolution on human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity. AFAO strongly urged the Australian Government to endorse this important resolution, and to undertake all measures necessary to ensure that the resolution is adopted.

Published: 17/06/2011PDF File - 85.2 KB

Comments on the recommendations of Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group

AFAO's comments on the recommendations of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group (EPG). AFAO supports the Commonwealth Secretariat’s aim to promote Commonwealth values and principles, including human rights and the rule of law.

Published: 15/06/2011PDF File - 91.8 KB

Submission: personally controlled electronic health record system

AFAO's comments on NEHTA’s “Draft Concept of Operations: Relating to the introduction of the personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system” (Draft Concept of Operations).

Published: 31/05/2011PDF File - 186.4 KB

AFAO letter re. Uganda anti-homosexuality Bill

AFAO's letter to Foreign Minister Rudd urging him to exert diplomatic pressure on Uganda in relation to the proposed anti-homosexuality Bill in Uganda.

Published: 13/05/2011PDF File - 80.4 KB

Submission: Disability Care and Support Inquiry

Joint submission of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) and the National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NAPWA) to the Productivity Commission’s Disability Care and Support Draft report.

Published: 13/05/2011PDF File - 208.1 KB

AFAO Submission to Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee

AFAO SUBMISSION TO PHARMACEUTICAL BENEFITS ADVISORY COMMITTEE – 7 FEBRUARY 2011

Published: 07/02/2011PDF File - 90.7 KB

Prostitution Control Fees Regulations 2004

The Victorian Government is proposing to radically increase licensing fees for sex work businesses. Both Scarlet Alliance, (the national forum for sex worker organisations and projects), and AFAO have made submissions to the Victorian Government objecting to this proposal.

Published: 12/01/2011PDF File - 15.4 KB

AFAO's submission to the Victorian Government's review of the Public Health Act

While the Victorian Government’s action in reviewing the Public Health Act is commendable, AFAO remains concerned about a number of recommendations

Published: 10/01/2011PDF File - 27.9 KB

Global Commission on HIV and the Law

AFAO's submission to the United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law. The submission outlines Australia’s public health response to HIV, and the significant part that gay law reform and policy advocacy has played in the success of that response.

Published: 22/12/2010PDF File - 369.3 KB

Medicare Locals

AFAO Submission to the Medicare Locals Discussion Paper on Governance and Functions

Published: 13/12/2010PDF File - 58.7 KB

Review of Blood Donor Deferral Policies

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service invited comments on their review of current deferral policies relating to the sexual activity of people seeking to donate blood seeks to ensure that the deferral policies (the policies precuding donations from certain categories of people). The Review Committee will provide independent advice to the Blood Service.

Published: 16/11/2010PDF File - 304.3 KB

Review of the Tables for the Assessment of Work‐related Impairment for Disability Support Pension

Our comments relate directly to the 4 June 2010 Background Paper prepared for the Review Advisory Committee. We have concentrated on issues that are particularly relevant for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Published: 19/10/2010PDF File - 132.5 KB

The National Drug Strategy 2010-2015 - Consultation Draft December 2010

AFAO has a number of concerns regarding the draft Strategy in respect of issues affecting HIV prevention, care and support, the most fundamental being in relation to injecting drug use harm reduction.

Published: 10/10/2010PDF File - 189.3 KB

The Adequacy of Protections for the Privacy of Australians Online

AFAO's submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts. AFAO’s concerns specifically relate to: the storage, sharing and transfer of information held by government agencies regarding individuals’ HIV status.

Published: 01/10/2010PDF File - 85.8 KB

Public Health Bill 2010 Consultation Draft - Section 76

Joint submission of Twelve HIV Expert Agencies on The Public Health Bill 2010 Consultation Draft: Section 76: Persons with sexually transmitted diseases to inform sexual partners.

Published: 22/09/2010PDF File - 87.3 KB

Inquiry into Caring for Older Australians Productivity Commission

The Productivity Commission is holding an ongoing Inquiry into Caring for Older Australians. AFAO and the National Association of People Living With HIV/AIDS (NAPWA) submitted to the Inquiry their joint submission to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee Inquiry into Planning Options and Services for People Ageing with a Disability.

Published: 22/09/2010PDF File - 262.6 KB

Comments re Australian Association of Social Workers Draft Code of Ethics

AFAO's comments regarding the Australian Association of Social Workers Draft Code of Ethics. AFAO's comments focussed on clauses that related to: Responsibilities to clients – Priority of clients’ interests, Information privacy/confidentiality, and National Guidelines for the Management of People with HIV Who Place Others at Risk - Don Baxter

Published: 25/06/2010PDF File - 18.3 KB

Joint AFAO/NAPWA Submission to: Inquiry into access to planning options and services for people with a disability

Joint AFAO/NAPWA submission to Senate Community Affairs References Committee Inquiry into Planning Options and Services for People Ageing with a Disability.

Published: 15/06/2010PDF File - 118.1 KB

AFAO's Response to the National Drug Strategy Consultation Paper March 2010

This submission focuses on the impacts of alcohol and drug use on populations at-risk of or affected by HIV, especially on the emerging HIV epidemic among Aboriginal and Torres Strair islander injecting drug users.

Published: 25/03/2010PDF File - 127.8 KB

Comments regarding the exposure draft of the Healthcare Identifiers Bill 2010

AFAO’s submission regarding the exposure draft of the Healthcare Identifiers Bill 2010. - Abi Groves

Published: 25/03/2010PDF File - 72.7 KB

Comments on Exposure Draft Healthcare Identifiers Bill 2009

In this submission we highlight issues of particular relevance to the Australian HIV response, and outline the privacy concerns faced by people living with HIV.

Published: 25/03/2010PDF File - 72.7 KB

Internet filtering

AFAO's submission to the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE) consultation paper on ‘Mandatory internet service provider (ISP) filtering: measures to increase accountability and transparency for Refused Classification material’.

Published: 17/02/2010PDF File - 17.6 KB

Uganda Legislation 2009

In November 2009 AFAO urged the Australian Government to swiftly condemn proposed legislation in Uganda to expand criminalisation laws against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and requested that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd take a strong stand against the legislation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November.

Published: 15/02/2010PDF File - 22.5 KB

Comments on Draft SA Nursing and Midwifery Board Standards for the Prevention of Blood-Borne Virus Transmission to Patients and Others

The current draft of the proposed new guidelines recommends, among other steps, compulsory HIV testing of nurses and student nurses. AFAO is concerned that the draft is contrary to principles underlying the national health reform agenda, and is premature.

Published: 29/01/2010PDF File - 31.1 KB

National Compact Consultation Paper

AFAO commends the Government for the National Compact initiative, and agree that the proposed principles and priorities set out in the discussion paper will promote healthy relationships between NGO’s and the Government. AFAO took part in the ACOSS consultations, and rather than respond to each of the questions posed in the paper submitted some general comments.

Published: 05/01/2010PDF File - 35.8 KB

Inquiry into the impact of violence on young Australians

AFAO has a particular interest in the effect of violence on same-sex attracted and transgender young people – particularly for young gay men living with HIV, who may have faced homophobic stigmatisation, discrimination and violence since early childhood, and who now must deal with stigmatisation relating to their HIV status.

Published: 05/01/2010PDF File - 30.0 KB

Draft South Australian Public Health Bill 2009

AFAO welcomes the South Australian Government’s decision to review South Australia’s Public Health legislation to better promote and protect public health - Abi Groves/Don Baxter

Published: 05/01/2010PDF File - 31.5 KB

Inquiry into Suicide in Australia

In September 2009 The Senate Community Affairs References Committee called for submissions to their inquiry into Suicide in Australia.This letter supports the National LGBT Health Alliance's submission to this Inquiry.

Published: 05/01/2010PDF File - 26.3 KB

Submission to the Inquiry into Immigration Detention in Australia - July 2008

This joint AFAO and HIV/AIDS Legal Centre (HALC) submission to the 2008 Inquiry into Immigration Detention in Australia comments on a number of issues that directly impact the public health management of HIV/AIDS and the treatment of HIV positive people. It argues that although significant improvements have been made in relation to the delivery of health services, more needs to be done.

Published: 15/12/2009PDF File - 47.2 KB

Review of the Code for the Case Management of Behaviours that Present a Risk for HIV Transmission (South Australia)

AFAO's comments and recommendations regarding the SA code.

Published: 24/11/2009PDF File - 41.1 KB

Submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Immigration

AFAO's submission to the Inquiry into the migration treatment of disability.

Published: 05/11/2009PDF File - 72.8 KB

AFAO Submission to the Senate Select Committee on Men’s Health

This submission deals primarily with the adequacy of existing education and awareness campaigns regarding men’s health for both men and the wider community; and the extent, funding for and adequacy of treatment services and general support programs for men’s health in metropolitan, rural, regional and remote areas.

Published: 23/03/2009PDF File - 49.5 KB

AFAO Response to the A Healthier Future For All Australians, Interim Report of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission

On 25 February 2008, Federal Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission. AFAO made a submission to the Commission in June 2008. The Commission has since produced an interim report in which it proposes a range of major changes to the Australian health system. This is AFAO's submission on the interim report.

Published: 23/03/2009PDF File - 75.7 KB

HIV is a virus not a crime

A joint statement made by AFAO and other organisations, asserting that criminalisation is not an effective public health response to HIV prevention because it does not reduce HIV transmission but, in fact, increases barriers to effective health promotion.

Published: 12/03/2009PDF File - 18.4 KB

Comment on the first draft of the UNAIDS policy brief on ‘HIV and Criminal Law’ - Letter of Support

AFAO letter of support and comment on the first draft of the UNAIDS policy brief on ‘HIV and Criminal Law’ - Don Baxter

Published: 12/03/2009PDF File - 32.9 KB

AFAO's submission to the National Primary Health Care Strategy Discussion Paper

AFAO's submission to the draft National Primary Health Care Strategy, Building a 21st Century Primary Health Care System, which was released 31 August 2009. AFAO has also released a Briefing paper to provide members with an overview of the draft Strategy.

Published: 02/03/2009PDF File - 29.3 KB

Submission to the Inquiry into the Same-Sex Relationship (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws-Superannuation) Bill 2008

In 2008 AFAO made a submission to the Inquiry into the Same-Sex Relationship (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws-Superannuation) Bill 2008

Published: 23/07/2008PDF File - 100.6 KB

Submission to the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission

On 25 February 2008, Federal Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission. This is AFAO's first submission to the Commission. AFAO also made a submission on the Commission's interim report in 2009.

Published: 05/06/2008PDF File - 27.7 KB

Submission to the Review of the HIV Testing Policy

National Guidelines for HIV Testing 2006 - This testing policy maintains and reinforces the guiding principles of successive National HIV/AIDS Strategies since 1989. The policy is periodically reviewed in accordance with the changing epidemiology, technology and social context of the HIV epidemic in Australia. The most recent review was in 2005. ARCHIVED - some information may be out of date

Published: 10/09/2007PDF File - 34.9 KB

Submission on the NSW Brothels Legislation Amendment Bill 2007

Principals to inform law reform. ARCHIVED - some information may be out of date

Published: 05/09/2007PDF File - 26.5 KB

Human Services (Enhanced Service Delivery) Bill 2007 - Exposure Draft - Comments

AFAO and its member organisations recognise the potential benefits of the proposed Access Card. However, we also have significant concerns regarding the proposal as it currently stands, particularly in relation to potential privacy impacts and function creep. ARCHIVED - some information may be out of date

Published: 05/09/2007PDF File - 27.0 KB

Submission on the Sex Industry Regulation Bill 2005

Submission on the Sex Industry Regulation Bill 2005- Don Baxter. ARCHIVED - some information may be out of date

Published: 05/09/2007PDF File - 27.4 KB

Submission to the Inquiry on Breast-feeding

AFAO’s submission is intended to support the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to improving the health of Australians through breastfeeding, while raising awareness of issues that affect a minority of Australians for whom breast-feeding is not appropriate. ARCHIVED - some information may be out of date

Published: 05/03/2007PDF File - 16.5 KB

Consumer and Privacu Task Force

Published: 21/08/2006PDF File - 25.1 KB

AFAO Submission to the Parliamentary Group on population and Development

In this submission AFAO puts the case for a coalition of women's sexual health and HIV advocates from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region which would provide strategic input to HIV prevention research projects. ARCHIVED - some information may be out of date

Published: 01/07/2006PDF File - 36.0 KB

Same-Sex: Same Entitlements

In 2006 AFAO made a submission to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's inquiry into financial and work-related entitlements for people in same-sex relationships. ARCHIVED - some information may be out of date

Published: 19/06/2006PDF File - 36.9 KB

AFAO submission on the Sex Industry Regulation Bill 2004

AFAO is concerned that the model of regulation proposed by the Bill may result in a worsening of conditions for some sex workers and an undermining of health promotion efforts with sex workers. ARCHIVED - some information may be out of date

Published: 29/03/2004PDF File - 41.3 KB

Submission to WA Health on the Prostitution Control Bill. (PDF 50 KB).

In early 2003 the WA government released its draft legislation for consultation. AFAO have lodged a submission on the proposed legislation which addresses a range of concerns. ARCHIVED - some information may be out of date

Published: 10/07/2003PDF File - 48.7 KB

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