Here are a few I have come across the last week or so. Note:
Each link is followed by a title and a few paragraphs. For the full article
click on the link above title of the article. Note also that full access to
some links may require site registration or subscription payment.
General Comment
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Seems State
Budget Season has brought a little financial cheer to the Digital Health Sector.
Otherwise not
much big news this week – but a good deal of private sector action announced.
We also note the
US does not understand UFOs. What news!
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https://idm.net.au/article/0013489-digital-health-agency-flies-edrms-cloud
Digital Health Agency flies into EDRMS Cloud
Friday, June 25, 2021 - 12:36
The
Australian Digital Health Agency, the government agency in charge of the
country’s $A2 billion My Health Record system, has adopted iCognition’s
Electronic Document and Records Management as-a-service cloud solution,
EDRMSaaS.
iCognition
won an open tender to deliver the SaaS solution in a contract worth over
$A500K.
EDRMSaaS.Cloud
offers a SaaS deployment of Micro Focus Content Manager, including iCognition’s
in-house developed solutions for collaborative workspaces, publishing,
line-of-business application connectors, data migration tools and specific
automated functions.
The
Australian Digital Health Agency was established in 2016 taking over operation
of the former Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR).
It
is a statutory authority jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the states and
territories. The Agency expects to have more than 500 EDRMSaaS users working
from offices in Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra.
-----
https://medicalrepublic.com.au/health-tech-wins-big-in-nsw-budget/47781
24 June 2021
Health tech wins big in NSW budget
Political The Hill
By Holly Payne
In
what it is calling a record investment in health, the NSW Liberal government
has committed more than $30 billion to the sector in this week’s budget
announcement.
As
expected, big chunks of change are heading straight to the pandemic front
lines, funding PPE, vaccine distribution and pop-up clinics.
Major
health infrastructure projects and rural health, all told, were allocated $4
billion for health capital projects across regional and metro areas.
Digital
health was the next biggest winner, with $500 million in funding earmarked for
various projects over the next four years, including the Single Digital Patient
Record, Real Time Prescription Monitoring and the NSW Telestroke Service.
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https://www.healthcareit.com.au/article/new-south-wales-invests-106m-single-emr-system
New South Wales invests $106M in single EMR system
Adam Ang | 23 Jun 2021
The
government of New South Wales has set aside a total of AU$30.2
billion ($22.8 billion) in its 2021-2022 budget for NSW Health, the
state's ministry of health.
Among
budget items under the Health Cluster, an initiative to unify NSW's present EMR
solutions is getting $141 million ($106.3 million) "to enhance care
coordination, further digitisation, improve patient experience and increase
service sustainability."
WHY
IT MATTERS
The
initiative refers to the Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) system project,
which envisions a "single, holistic, statewide view of every patient – and
for that information to be readily accessible to anyone involved in the
patient’s care", according to Dr Zoran Bolevich, chief information officer
of NSW Health.
NSW
Health said in December that the SDPR will consolidate the geographically
fragmented health record systems in the state, including the Patient
Administration System (PAS), the Electronic Medical Record (eMR) and the
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), into a unified platform.
The
single EMR platform will help clinicians get "better informed", while
patients will have a "more seamless" care experience. "It will
give patients the confidence that regardless of where they live or which
service they attend, their information will be available to their treating
clinician in its entirety," the statement read.
-----
https://www.itnews.com.au/news/sa-budget-sinks-20m-into-cyber-security-to-protect-govt-systems-566363
SA budget sinks $20m into cyber security to protect govt systems
By Justin Hendry on Jun 23, 2021
3:24PM
As
the state's core policing system gets another $21m funding shot.
The
SA government has set aside more than $20 million in this year’s state budget
to help protect its systems from cyber attacks.
Budget
documents handed down on Tuesday show an “immediate investment” worth $20.6
million over three years to “enhance [the] cyber security of government
systems”.
The
funding – which will flow to the Department of Premier and Cabinet – will be used
to “improve whole-of-government ICT cyber security systems and processes”.
More
than half of the $20.6 million investment will be spent in 2021-22, with just
$4.9 million and $4.7 million allocated in 2022-23 and 2023-24 respectively.
-----
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/bundaberg/as-telstra-readies-its-bid-for-medical-director-developed-in-bundaberg-speculation-is-swirling-on-the-comparative-value-of-its-sibling-best-practice/news-story/f884aa1c64f6e09cd57e18a25370a403
Telstra poised for Medical Director bid as Best Practice estimated at $1b
As Telstra readies its bid for Medical Director, developed
in Bundaberg, speculation is swirling on the comparative value of its sibling
Best Practice.
-----
https://www.zdnet.com/article/digital-health-agency-says-my-health-record-risk-mitigation-work-on-track/#ftag=RSSbaffb68
Digital Health Agency says My Health Record risk mitigation work on-track
Addressing concerns raised by an audit that had asked the
agency to create a risk management plan as well as remind users of My Health
Record of how the emergency access function should be used.
By Asha Barbaschow |
June 21, 2021 -- 05:53 GMT (15:53 AEST) | Topic: Security
The system administrator of Australia's oft-criticised My
Health Record has agreed to a number of recommendations made by the Joint
Committee of Public Accounts and Audit as part of its probe into the security
resilience of the online medical file.
The committee in 2019 scrutinised a report from the
Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) which pointed out a number
of security issues concerning the Australian Digital Health Agency's (ADHA)
My Health Record implementation that otherwise widely gave ADHA the tick as
"largely effective".
In a response [PDF] to the committee, ADHA provided an update to
its ANAO My Health Record Performance Audit Implementation Plan, which was
developed in February 2020.
One of the recommendations made by ANAO was that ADHA
conduct an end-to-end privacy risk assessment of the operation of the My Health
Record system under the opt-out model, including shared risks and mitigation
controls. It also recommended for the agency to incorporate the results of this
assessment into the risk management framework for the My Health Record system.
-----
https://medicalrepublic.com.au/active-ingredient-prescribing-woes-continue/47654
22 June 2021
‘Silly brain fart’: active ingredient woes continue
Clinical Medicolegal Pharmaceuticals
By Holly Payne
GPs continue to warn of potentially dangerous scenarios
arising from active ingredient prescribing legislation.
The legislation, which kicked into gear early this year, has
required all practice management software to change the ways in which
prescription medications are listed when printed out.
Now, no matter what brand name is typed into the computer,
the print-out will just list the active ingredient.
The only way to get it back is for the prescribing doctor to
go back into the script list, delete the entry, and rewrite it, remembering to
tick a “no substitutions” box while they’re there.
Issues with the system have been varied, ranging from patients
assuming they’ve been incorrectly prescribed a new drug to a patient with a
serious egg allergy almost receiving a generic flu vaccine
-----
https://www.ama.com.au/gp-network-news/my-health-record-get-pathology-results
My Health Record to get pathology results
20 Apr 2017
The Australian Digital Health Agency has recently advised
the AMA that pathology tests carried out at South Eastern Sydney Local Health
District, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District and The Children’s
Hospital at Randwick will be the first to be shared with patients signed up to
the My Health Record. Other locations in NSW will be progressively going live
over the coming months with work also commencing in the Northern Territory,
Tasmania, ACT, and Queensland.
The inclusion of pathology reports does not replace existing
communication of pathology reports between laboratories and doctors or
consumers. Where a report is uploaded it will be immediately available to
members of the health care team but there will be a seven day delay before
patients will be able to view the report, so that results can be discussed with
them beforehand.
Patients will have the opportunity to request their results
not be uploaded to the My Health Record if they choose.
Fact Sheet for GPs
Patient Fact Sheet
-----
https://www.hospitalhealth.com.au/content/technology/news/monash-bivacor-team-to-lead-new-frontier-in-artificial-heart-technology-843558260
Monash–BiVACOR team to lead new frontier in artificial heart technology
Monday, 21 June, 2021
Monash
University and BiVACOR
are leading a consortium of universities, hospitals and industry to develop and
commercialise the world’s first durable total artificial heart.
With $1 million in federal government funding via the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), the Artificial Heart Frontiers Program will develop and
commercialise new devices through the use of novel, innovative technology. The
research team is aiming to take this new technology to market within the
six-year duration of the MRFF Frontiers program, and hopes to save lives,
create jobs and establish Australia as a worldwide leader in the medical device
sector.
The BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart is an implantable total
artificial heart based on rotary blood pump technology. Similar in size to an
adult fist, it is small enough to be implanted in many women and some children,
and is capable of providing enough cardiac output to an adult male undergoing
exercise.
The heart’s design incorporates magnetic levitation (MAGLEV)
technology — the same principle used in high-speed trains — and includes left
and right vanes positioned on a common rotor to form the only moving part, a
magnetically suspended double-sided centrifugal impeller.
-----
https://www.careerone.com.au/jobview/director-operational-performance/ee0afbf2-ab1e-419b-8fff-c5e848fee2bb
Director, Operational Performance - ADHA
• Canberra ACT
Full
job description
About
the Agency
The Australian Digital Health Agency is responsible for national digital health
services and systems, with a focus on engagement, innovation and clinical
quality and safety. Our focus is on putting data and technology safely to work
for patients, consumers and the healthcare professionals who look after them.
This
role can be based in Canberra, Sydney or Brisbane and offers flexible work
arrangements. The Agency invests in management and leadership training.
About
the Role
This role sits in the Technology Services Division and takes responsibility for
and provides strategic and technical expertise in the management of system
performance, monitoring of systems connected and interacting with the National
Digital Health Infrastructure; leading a team of specialists to monitor and
troubleshoot system, conformance and vendor issues, while working with the
wider Technology Operations Branch to ensure operational alignment of
objectives.
The Director, Operational Performance works with a range of internal and
external stakeholders and contributes to the solutions for complex technical and
systems related problems across multiple environments, which is critical to the
success in the role.
The Director Operational Performance is also responsible for onboarding and
monitoring of software vendors into production including business to business
and business to mobile interfaces, and the development and monitoring of system
implementation requirements. The role will provide leadership and trend
analysis capabilities to drive and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
-----
www.digitalhealth.gov.au
National Authentication Service for Health (NASH) Transition webinar
23 June, 2020
Dear Valued Industry Partner,
Register your interest in the National
Authentication Service for Health (NASH) Transition webinar.
The Agency will be hosting a webinar
to provide information on the transition from NASH SHA-1 to SHA-2 certificates.
Date: Wednesday 7 July 2021
– 1 pm to 2 pm AEST
This is targeted at various people within your organisation responsible for
product management, operations management, software development, testing and
customer support. Please forward this email to anyone in your organisation who
you think might benefit from this webinar.
During the webinar, we will be discussing the transition from NASH SHA-1 to
SHA-2 certificates, timelines and what you and your customers will be required
to do to support this. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions.
People who wish to attend must
register their interest by clicking this registration
link and
completing the registration process.
-----
Software Developer Community Announcement
My Health Record FHIR Gateway v2.1
The
Australian Digital Health Agency has updated the My Health Record FHIR Gateway
specification.
Scope
This
release updates the API specification, data mapping and error mapping to
incorporate changes required to introduce a new API call service to retrieve an
immunisation history statement in PDF format. This statement can be used as
proof of immunisations.
The
following end product and product component documents have been updated:
- My Health Record FHIR Gateway v2.1
- My Health Record FHIR Gateway – API Specification v2.1
- My Health Record FHIR Gateway – Data Mapping v2.1
- My Health Record FHIR Gateway – Error Mapping v2.1
Who
does this affect?
New
and existing software developers of mobile applications that will integrate
with My Health Record.
More
Information
For a more detailed description of the changes, please refer to
the My Health Record FHIR Gateway - Release Notes v2.1
-----
https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/recent-media-releases/provider-connect-australia-helping-healthcare-providers-stay-connected
Provider Connect Australia - helping healthcare providers stay connected
Published 25 June 2021
Healthcare provider organisations around the country can now
update information about their healthcare services and practitioners in just
one place using Provider Connect Australia, eliminating the need to keep
multiple directories up-to-date manually.
Provider Connect Australia is new technology that maintains
the accuracy of healthcare service and practitioner contact details and will be
rolled out nationally. It is expected to achieve economic benefits of more than
$30 million per year by 2025.
When healthcare provider organisations update their contact
details in the Provider Connect Australia service, this automatically sends
their new details to nominated hospitals, pathology and radiology services,
public service directories, secure messaging providers and more.
Australian Digital Health Agency CEO Amanda Cattermole said
Provider Connect Australia would drive greater interoperability and adoption of
secure messaging across the Australian healthcare system and provide benefits
to both patients and health professionals.
-----
https://www.healthcareit.com.au/article/australia-rolling-out-online-healthcare-provider-directory
Australia rolling out online healthcare provider directory
Adam Ang | 25 Jun 2021
The
Australian Digital Health Agency, a statutory body responsible for implementing
various digital health initiatives, has announced that it will launch an online
platform where healthcare providers in the country can place and update
information about their services and practitioners.
WHAT
IT DOES
According
to a press release, Provider Connect Australia maintains the accuracy of
healthcare service and practitioner contact details. It can also automatically
send new details to nominated hospitals, pathology and radiology services,
public service directories, secure messaging providers and others.
Previously,
health organisations were required to fill out between 10 and 20 paper or
online forms to notify other providers about the changes in their services or
practitioner information. The ADHA said Provider Connect Australia eliminates
that "substantial" red-tape burden.
Formerly
called Service Registration Assistant, Provider Connect Australia was first
tried out in Northern New South Wales last year, where it was found that 99% of
participating practitioner records held in the health district's address book
were "out of date".
-----
https://www.healthcareit.com.au/article/latest-ai-powered-pharmacy-dispensing-platform-launched-australia
Latest AI-powered pharmacy dispensing platform launched in Australia
Adam Ang | 23 Jun 2021
Pharmacy
IT solutions provider Fred IT unveiled on Tuesday a new pharmacy dispensing
platform powered by artificial intelligence.
WHAT
IT DOES
The
company says the Fred Dispense Plus platform is an improvement from the widely
used Fred Dispense Australia platform.
Among
its features, the Fred AID (Artificial Intelligence Directions) tool uses AI
and big data to support clinical and business decision making. As it predicts
medication directions, the AI tool allows pharmacists to quickly and safely
enter directions for dispensing labels through shortcuts instead of manual
typing. Another smart tool on the platform can perform pricing comparison.
According
to Fred IT, its newest pharmacy dispensing platform enables "safer"
dispensing with a new and secure Microsoft SQL local database and integrated
MIMS drug interactions. Additionally, it features "faster" electronic
prescriptions with embedded My Script List and token management with MedView
Flow.
-----
https://www.healthcareit.com.au/article/advanced-human-imaging-finish-integration-health-screening-tech-nexus-vita-app
Advanced Human Imaging to finish integration of health screening tech with
Nexus-Vita app
Adam Ang | 24 Jun 2021
Australia-listed
Advanced Human Imaging has entered into a binding agreement with Singaporean
health tech company Nexus-Vita for the integration of its smartphone-based
health screening platform with the latter's upcoming health app. The deal is
for a consideration of $500,000.
WHAT
IT DOES
Nexus-Vita
is developing an application that allows users to manage and keep their health
data, such as from wearable devices, training, nutrition and care programmes,
that can also be shared with doctors, healthcare providers, personal trainers
or chronic disease management specialists.
It
plans to add into its health app the AHI CompleteScan, a health screening
platform that enables a smartphone to scan a user's face, body and skin for
measurements, health indicators and risks. Based on AHI's website, the software
kit will later include blood biomarker chronic disease assessment and
monitoring.
Nexus-Vita
sees its application improving lifetime health, minimising the need for medical
interventions and saving cost and resources for both users and health systems.
"A
key differentiator of our platform is we will engage with our consumers to
assist them in understanding their chronic disease risk," said Nexus-Vita
CEO Jeff Marquass in a statement.
-----
https://wildhealth.net.au/intra-hospital-interoperability-moving-to-crisis-point/
22 June 2021
Intra hospital interoperability moving to crisis point
Clinical Admin EHR/EMR Hospital Interoperability Nurse call system Sponsored
By Staff Writers
A modern interoperable hospital setup featuring simultaneous
management of multiple patients with multiple data points on many integrated
and co-ordinated devices is emerging. It is one of the greatest new challenges
for administrators seeking improved safety, efficiency and patient centricity.
Most Australian hospitals, even relatively newly built ones,
will feature a melange of non-integrated devices and reporting systems, and an
array legacy alert systems, which aren’t well co-ordinated with any other
systems or care team workflows.
These systems usually build up via the use of multiple
vendors, either over time or even in new builds, which increases the complexity
of anyone attempting to co-ordinate clinical teams and their interactions with
patients.
As the number of systems proliferate – physiological
monitors, ventilators, IV pumps, dialysis, EMR, nurse call and real-time care
team location services, to name a few – each creating patient data for a
particular aspect of a patient’s management, and each often having its own
cascading alarm management protocol, the fatigue and confusion among a care team
can start to expand rapidly.
-----
https://www.hinz.org.nz/news/570914/National-service-wont-focus-on-consolidating-IT-systems.htm
Consolidating IT systems not focus of national health service
Wednesday, 23 June 2021
NEWS - eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca
McBeth
The new national health service will not focus on
“ripping and replacing” DHB IT systems but will implement national systems
where it makes sense to do so, the lead policy advisor for digital and data
within the Transition Unit says.
Health Minister Andrew Little announced in April that the government is
scrapping all 20 DHBs and replacing them with a new Crown entity called Health NZ.
Speaking at the MTANZ HealthTech
Conference in Auckland on June 23, Emily Mailes said “digital health and data
are going to be so critical to make this reform a success”.
Mailes said the details of the transition are still being developed, but all
DHB contracts will automatically roll over to Health NZ and the new Maori
Health Authority in July of next year when the new organisations are formally
established.
-----
https://www.theweeklysource.com.au/unitingcare-queensland-update-on-ransomware-infection/
UnitingCare Queensland update on ransomware infection
Published on June 24, 2021
UnitingCare
Queensland said it had made “good progress” in restoring its computer systems
and applications online after a ransomware infection in late April.
“This
includes the restoration of our key corporate systems, as well as reinstatement
of many of the integrations between applications supporting our business
processes,” said UnitingCare Queensland in
a statement.
UnitingCare
Queensland, which provides aged care, disability support, health care and crisis
response through Blue
Care, Lifeline, The Wesley Hospital, St Andrew’s War Memorial
Hospital, Buderim Private Hospital and St Stephen’s Hospital, was a
victim of the Sodinokibi/REvil
malware, which has been known to encrypt files and try to delete backups,
before demanding a ransom payment since April 2019.
UnitingCare
Queensland said it continues to partner with third-party incident response and
threat eradication specialists to ensure integrity across its digital channels.
-----
https://www.itwire.com/business-it/australian-genome-research-facility-deploys-cloudian-object-storage-solution-to-manage-its-data.html
Monday, 21 June 2021 12:16
Australian Genome Research Facility deploys Cloudian object storage
solution to manage its data
By Kenn
Anthony Mendoza
The Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF) processes at
least 10 terabytes of data in a week that drives important research. After
searching for a solution, it has chosen Cloudian’s storage solution to help
manage its data and noted its scalability and cost-effectiveness.
The AGRF has
deployed Cloudian’s S3-compatible object storage solution, enabling AGRF to
manage and store its rapidly growing volumes of genome sequencing data more
effectively, Cloudian announces.
The AGRF is said to empower world-class genomic science in
the biomedical, clinical, agricultural and environmental sectors, with over
15,000 clients worldwide. The organisation has been at the centre of COVID-19
research, from assisting researchers with vaccine development to detecting the
virus in wastewater. AGRF is also distinguishing itself by sequencing genomes
of Australian threatened species to aid conservation efforts.
In an average week, AGRF processes at least 10 terabytes
(TB) of data—equivalent to one year’s worth of data from the Hubble Space
Telescope. Because this data drives important research, AGRF needs a storage
system that enables it to easily manage, protect, and access the data at the
lowest possible cost.
-----
https://www.itwire.com/business-it/aspen-medical-leverages-cradlepoint%E2%80%99s-connectivity-for-their-medical-staff.html
Tuesday, 22 June 2021 10:22
Aspen Medical leverages Cradlepoint’s connectivity for their medical staff
By Kenn Anthony
Mendoza
Global
healthcare provider Aspen Medical has rolled out Cradlepoint
NetCloud and over 220 wireless routers to enable connectivity across
federal government-funded GP-led respiratory (COVID-19 testing) clinics and for
their vaccination teams in aged care facilities.
Under
the deal, Aspen
Medical taps Cradlepoint’s mobility solutions that can deliver fixed
connection for sensitive patient data, telephony, and printing services. By
using a NetCloud-configured Cradlepoint router, medical workers can upload
patient data to the system within a matter of minutes.
Earlier
this year, Aspen Medical managed COVID-19 testing facilities and hotel
quarantine at the Australian
Open in Melbourne and leveraged Cradlepoint to deliver connectivity
for medical staff.
Since
many respiratory clinics are in regional, rural or remote areas, Aspen Medical
chose Cradlepoint for mobility solutions that deliver fixed connection for
sensitive patient data, telephony, and printing services.
-----
www.andhealth.com.au
ANDHealth Welcomes States' Investment in Digital Innovation
ANDHealth this week welcomed budget announcements by
the NSW and SA Governments which included further investment into
entrepreneurship and innovation, virtual care, telehealth, e-prescribing and
electronic medical records to support the growth of Australia’s digital health
sector. This recognition and investment marks a critical step by state
governments in advancing our digital health infrastructure.
However, industry growth hinges on structures which look beyond health IT to
evidence-based, connected and data driven products proven to directly impact
patient outcomes. The depth and breadth of the funding announced by NSW and SA
Governments directly points to both states taking a leadership role in
transforming their economies and the health of their citizens via
technology.
Bronwyn Le Grice, Managing Director and CEO of ANDHealth, commented, “As
Australia’s only organisation specialised in the acceleration of
commercialisation in digital health technologies, we see the gaps that exist to
support new deep tech digital health ventures in Australia. Funding from both
the NSW and SA Governments will not only facilitate the generation of new
ideas, design, and investment in these two states, but will create sustainable
jobs and economic growth in targeted sectors, including digital health.”
-----
http://www.medianet.com.au/releases/203180/
24 Jun 2021 11:48 AM AEST
Singular Health Group launches innovative Medical File Transfer Protocol
SHG transforms the way diagnostic images can be transferred
globally with blockchain based Medical File Transfer Protocol (MFTP)
·
Diagnostic images have transformed healthcare, but
patients and practitioners often lack simple ways to access and understand them.
·
A recent UK study showed that over 80% of patients
want to receive their images directly, but the process to do so is complex, and
in 2D.
·
SHG’s transformational Medical File Transfer Protocol
(MFTP), launched today, provides a secure and auditable method for the transfer
of medical DICOM images between practitioners and patients.
·
MFTP to act as backbone infrastructure for transfer of
medical images and 3D design files between different modalities to share
imaging files for the 3Dicom software on desktop, mobile devices and VR
headsets throughout the Scan to SurgeryTM process.
·
Previously limited by file size, SHG’s 3Dicom software
automatically provides lossless data compression of up to 85% in DICOM,
facilitating the MFTP.
·
Transactions completed via the MFTP, such as consent
to share images and the image’s download, are stored on a private blockchain
for a full audit trail.
24 June 2021 – Singular Health Group Ltd (ASX: SHG) (“Singular
Health”, or “the Company”) has today released the first publicly available
version of its Medical File Transfer Protocol (MFTP), as part of the
3Dicom v2.5.0 software release.
-----
https://www.itnews.com.au/news/nbn-co-to-make-hfc-connections-again-from-late-july-566415
NBN Co to make HFC connections again from late July
By Ry Crozier on Jun
24, 2021 1:04PM
After overcoming chip shortage and work scheduling issues.
NBN Co will resume taking new hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC)
connection orders from July 26, after replenishing its stock of network
termination devices (NTDs) and overcoming workforce management system issues.
The company said in a statement that it now has “sufficient
stock” of the HFC modems on-hand, “with further deliveries expected”.
“We are pleased to confirm that we have acquired sufficient
stocks of HFC modems and resolved a number of issues that have impacted the
availability of field technicians, which will enable us to recommence taking
new orders to connect premises to the network via HFC technology,” NBN Co’s
chief customer officer Brad Whitcomb said.
-----
https://www.itwire.com/telecoms-and-nbn/new-regulatory-model-for-nbn-a-%E2%80%98step-closer%E2%80%99-says-accc.html
Tuesday, 22 June 2021 13:19
New regulatory model for NBN a ‘step closer’ says ACCC
By Staff Writer
Australia’s competition regulator the ACCC says a new
regulatory model for the National Broadband Network is one step closer after a
telecommunications industry roundtable last week brought together NBN Co,
broadband retailers, industry groups, consumer representatives and government.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
called the roundtable after NBN Co announced it would be seeking to revise its
special access undertaking, which is a key part of the regulation that governs
the prices NBN Co can charge retailers.
“Getting the regulatory framework for the NBN right is a key
priority for the ACCC this year. This roundtable was the first step in that
process and it was pleasing to see stakeholders coming together to discuss the
issues in an open, constructive way,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.
“It is clear that the NBN pricing construct is a key issue
for stakeholders, and the Connectivity Virtual Circuit (CVC) component of NBN’s
pricing model was a particular focus of discussion.”
------
https://www.itnews.com.au/news/nbn-co-opens-300m-regional-co-investment-fund-566327
NBN Co opens $300m regional co-investment fund
By Ry Crozier on Jun 23, 2021
6:40AM
For
satellite and wireless footprint upgrades.
NBN
Co is now inviting expressions of interest for its $300 million regional
co-investment fund, which will part-pay broadband infrastructure upgrades in
areas served by either fixed wireless or satellite.
The
fund was announced in September last year as part of a
multi-billion dollar package of upgrades to the NBN.
“Expressions
of interest can now be lodged to allow project costings prior to interested
parties deciding to submit an application,” NBN Co said in a statement.
“The
closing date for receipt of build estimate requests is 5pm (AEDST) on October 1
2021, and the closing date for applications under the initial round is 5pm
(AEDST) on February 18 2022.”
-----
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/pentagon-remains-baffled-by-ufos-in-new-report-on-encounters-20210626-p584gf.html
Pentagon remains baffled by UFOs in new report on encounters
By Nomaan Merchant
June 26, 2021 — 7.47am
Washington: A long-awaited US government report
on UFOs released Friday makes at least one thing clear: the truth is still out
there.
Investigators did not find extraterrestrial links in
reviewing 144 sightings of aircraft or other devices apparently flying at
mysterious speeds or trajectories. But they drew few other conclusions and
instead highlighted the need for better data collection about what’s
increasingly seen by Democrats and Republicans as a national security concern.
In all but one of the sightings investigated, there was too little information
for investigators to even broadly characteristic the nature of the incident.
There were 18 cases in which witnesses saw “unusual”
patterns of movement or flight characteristics, the report said, adding that
more analysis was needed to determine if those sightings represented
“breakthrough” technology.
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Enjoy!
David.
