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The NDIS reform bill has been passed – will it help get disabled people ‘back on track’?

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The government has passed the law which will pave the way in which for major reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

In late March, many in the incapacity community were surprised when the federal government introduced recent laws to get the NDIS “back on track”. The Bill’s journey through Parliament was demanding, and lots of in the incapacity community were highly critical of it, even calling for the whole abandonment of current reforms.

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said on Wednesday that an agreement had been reached with states and territories on how they might work together on this system. The provision of “core” disability supports and services outside the NDIS has been some extent of contention.

Why is that this bill so controversial? And now that the revised reforms have been passed, what’s next?

A protracted and winding road

When the NDIS Reform Bill was tabled, there was no exhibition design published earlier. This meant there was no public discussion and although some organisations representing disabled people got details, were asked to sign confidentiality agreements to stop them from talking about it. This was contrary to the recommendations of the NDIS review that the foundations and changes must be co-designed with disabled people and follow principle “nothing about us, without us.”

When the bill was submitted to parliament, two fundamental processes took place – NDIS Overview and royal commission on disability – which made recommendations on services and supports for disabled people, to which the Government has not yet responded.

Since then, there has been a response to the incapacity royal commission that has been widely criticised as “bland and disappointing”. But we’ve got yet to see the federal government’s response to the recommendations of the NDIS review published late last 12 months. This means the federal government is passing laws before it has set out what changes it will make in response to the review.

Further investigation

The bill was submitted to Senate Committee for further investigation. In what was to grow to be an everyday theme, submission deadlines were tight, with hearings in late May and a final report due in mid-June. However, a whole lot of reports received from the disabled community.

A staggering number amendments to current laws, including how NDIS support is defined and human rights are taken under consideration.

The bill was passed by the House of Representatives in early June, but the federal government didn’t gain enough support to pass it within the Senate and was reference was made for the second meeting of the committee.

Again, a whole lot of reports were received with people and groups mentioning the restrictions of the bill and calling for its non-enactment. The Commission recommended the bill must be passed directly, despite renewed resistance from the Greens.

Today it happened.



Concerns about cost-shifting

Given the federal government’s aim to contain costs and programme expansion, the incapacity community is anxious that this decision will lead to cuts to services and supports.

Some in the neighborhood have accused the federal government of stoking public outrage over this system, saying there’s serious fraud and spending on things like sexual serviceswhich only a small variety of people can receive under this system.

One of the solutions to reducing the prices of the programme, suggested by the NDIS review, was to develop a core support strategy that may relieve a few of the pressure. In December last 12 months, National Cabinet agreed to share the prices of this support equally between the Commonwealth and the states and territories, and in January the Commonwealth committed $11.6 million over two years to support the event and implementation of the core support strategy.

Meanwhile, states and territories have opposed the bill from the outset, likely because of concerns that changes to this system would transfer facets of services and supports from the NDIS to states and territories.

The disability community also shares concerns about essential supports. Given that they usually are not in place and have five years to transition, changes to the NDIS could lead to gaps in services and supports, and people with disabilities may very well be left without them.

Minister Shorten allayed concerns and said he was able to force states to take on additional responsibilities. This process has caused a big rift with vital partners on this and other policies and programs.

This week the federal government he admitted participants could have to pay for the required NDIS needs assessment. This can be a big cost to participants and will mean that some wouldn’t have access to the NDIS, creating a big equity issue.

Until the very last moment, groups resembling Every Australian counts AND People with disabilities Australia urged the federal government to stop or reject the bill for fear of harming NDIS participants.

What’s next?

The government has lost quite a lot of political currency among the many disabled community. It is probably going that any future laws or changes to this system rules will be met with significant opposition.

And now that the bill has been passed, significant work will should be done to ascertain what these reforms will appear to be in practice. The government has said it will co-design them with the community, but many remain doubtful considering the journey to this point.

These fears have come true in the present situation. consultation on how eligible supports must be defined within the NDIS. While these details have significant implications for the way this system will operate, the consultation period was initially set at just two weeks. This has since been prolonged by one week. This short consultation window on such a vital issue could lead on to changes that significantly limit innovation and participant independence.

Unless the federal government really starts listening to disabled people, we will see the NDIS regress and far of the progress that has been made for the disabled community in recent times will be undone.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Phenergan is no longer recommended for children under 6 years of age due to the risk of hallucinations. Here’s what you can use instead

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The Australian Drugs Regulatory Authority has issued an order safety warning over Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine promethazine.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has stated that over-the-counter products shouldn’t be given to children under six years of age due to concerns about serious unwanted side effects akin to hyperactivity, aggression and hallucinations. Breathing may turn into slow or shallow, which can be fatal.

When high doses are administered to young children, difficulties in learning and understanding, including reversible cognitive deficit and mental disability, may occur. – said the TGA.

The latest warning follows international and Australian concerns about the drug in young children, which is commonly used to treat conditions akin to hay fever and allergies, motion sickness and for short-term sedative effects.

What is promethazine?

Promethazine is a “first generation” antihistamine that has been sold over the counter in Australian pharmacies for a long time for a spread of conditions.

Unlike many other drugs, first-generation antihistamines can cross the blood-brain barrier. This means they affect your brain chemistry, making you feel drowsy and sedated.

In adults, this will likely be useful for sleep. However, in children, these drugs can cause serious unwanted side effects on the nervous system, including those mentioned on this week’s safety alert.

We’ve known about this for a while

We have known about the serious unwanted side effects of promethazine in young children for a while.

Advice regarding 20 years ago In the United States, the drug was not recommended for use in children under two years of age. In 2022, an Australian Medicines Advisory Committee made its own suggestion to increase the age to six. New Zealand released similar warnings and advice in May this 12 months.

Over the last ten years, there have been 235 cases of serious unwanted side effects from promethazine in each children and adults reported to the TGA. Of the 77 deaths reported, one was a toddler under six years of age.

Reported unwanted side effects in each adults and children included:

  • 13 cases of accidental overdose (leading to 11 deaths)
  • eight cases of hallucinations
  • seven cases of slow or shallow respiration (leading to 4 deaths)
  • six cases of decreased consciousness (leading to five deaths).

TGA security alert comes after an internal investigation by the manufacturer of Phenergan, Sanofi-Aventis Healthcare. This investigation was initiated in 2022 advice from the Medicines Advisory Committee. The company has now updated its information for consumers and healthcare professionals.

What can you use instead?

If you have allergies or hay fever in young children, non-sedating antihistamines akin to Claratine (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) are preferred. They provide relief without the risk of sedation and other disturbing unwanted side effects of promethazine.

If symptoms of a chilly or cough occur, parents must be reassured that these symptoms will normally subside with time, fluid intake, and rest.

Saline nasal sprays, adequate hydration, a humidifier or elevating the child’s head can relieve the congestion related to hay fever. Oral products containing phenylephrine marketed for nasal congestion must be avoided because evidence shows that this is the case This article was originally published on : theconversation.com

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Health and Wellness

Why Elon Musk’s Grok Could Pose a Threat to Medical Privacy

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elon musk, DEI, remote work, jobs


Owner of X and candidate for the White House cabinet Elon Musk asked users to submit MRI results, CT scans and other medical information to its AI chatbotGrok reviewed it and a few people fell for it, he reports.

Musk presented this concept to X in late October 2024.

“Try uploading X-rays, PET, MRI, or other medical images to Grok for analysis. It’s still early stages, but it’s already quite accurate and will be extremely good,” he wrote. “Let us know where Grok is doing it right or where it needs work.”

Some individuals who voluntarily submitted photos were comfortable that Grok “did do well” together with his blood test results and breast cancer detection, but others waved red flags against the platform.

Josh Sharp, who goes by @showinvestment on social media, identified how a broken collarbone was viewed as a dislocated shoulder.

Radiologist Docteur TJ provided an in-depth evaluation of the MRI image, which he described partially as “too gross.”

Another example is a robot confusing a mammogram of a benign breast cyst with a picture of the testicles.

Grok was launched in May 2024 after raising $6 billion in an investment financing round through Musk’s tech startup, xAI. Grok is just not the primary of its kind: Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT also enable the transfer of medical images.

While some praise the technology’s potential advances, medical privacy experts don’t not on this camp.

“It’s very personal data, and there’s no telling exactly what Grok will do with it,” said Vanderbilt University biomedical informatics professor Dr. Bradley Malin, according to “Sending personal information to Grok is more like, ‘Whee!’ Let’s throw out this data and hope the corporate does what I need it to do.”

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects medical information shared with physicians or in a patient portal because federal guidelines protect it from being shared without consent. However, the protection doesn’t cover social networking sites – it only applies to doctor’s offices, hospitals, health insurers and a few firms they work with.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Health and Wellness

Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence

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We all know L’Occitane almond shower oil gets a lot of love – and for good reason (I’m taking a look at you #BeautyTok).

But there is one other gem of this brand that deserves just as much attention: Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette. Since its launch in 2007, this fragrance has remained a favorite amongst my group of friends, appreciated for its delicate and refined elegance. To be honest, I feel this is what L’Occitane is known for as a brand. And although this scent is often related to the airy freshness of spring, it is a scent that brings a touch of beauty and heat to any season.

The first spritz of Cherry Blossom EDT is soft and alluring, with a subtle hint of cherry and freesia that feels fresh without overdoing it. It’s light and uplifting, like the kind of scent you employ when you would like to feel good but not an excessive amount of (like me most days). As it settles on my skin, notes of cherry blossom and lily of the valley bloom, striking the perfect balance of femininity without feeling overly sweet or dated. There’s nothing heavy or “old school floral” about this scent – it’s fresh, modern and understated in a way that feels sophisticated.

What really makes this fragrance stand out is the base. Brazilian rosewood, amber and musk give it a soft warmth that wraps you want your favorite cashmere scarf. It’s cozy but never heavy, beautifully balancing the delicate flowers. The overall effect is a scent that feels effortlessly polished – the olfactory equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

I do know, I do know – cherry blossoms evoke spring, but that is why this scent works so well all 12 months round. In the colder months, it is a refreshing break from heavy, spicy scents. I mean, I like my ouds and cognacs, but no… Bright notes of cherry and freesia bring a breath of fresh air, while warm base notes of amber and musk give the composition a comforting, grounded feel. It’s like carrying a little bit of spring with you, even when the weather is not sunny. And given the conflicting rumors we’re hearing – at the very least on the East Coast – about how much snow will fall this season, you would possibly just should keep it in your radar.

Why I find it irresistible: While everyone gravitates towards the Almond L’Occitane collection, their EDT Cherry Blossom has turn out to be an unexpected favorite of mine that I still reach for. What I like most about it is how versatile it is. It’s lightweight enough to accommodate skilled meetings or running errands during the day, but still feels special enough for dinner dates or quiet moments at home. The way it evolves on the skin – from a fresh, floral burst to a soft, warm texture – makes it feel personal, like a fragrance created just for you. It’s not flashy or trendy, but that is what makes it timeless.

Perfect pairs: As an eau de toilette, Cherry Blossom advantages greatly from thoughtful layering that highlights its delicate character and prolongs its presence throughout the day. And because Cherry Blossom has a softer sillage, it’s perfect for on a regular basis wear. If you would like to extend its durability or make it a bit more dynamic, layering is the best solution. Start with L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Shower Oil to create a fragrant base, then follow with the Shimmering Body Milk for extra depth and hydration.

If you wish to mix and match, pair Cherry Blossom EDT with complementary fragrances. Kayali Vanilla 28 adds a cozy sweetness that blends beautifully with the floral notes, while Commodity Milk+ brings out the creamy warmth of the base. On the fun side, the marshmallow and ambrette notes of Ellis Brooklyn SWEET add a delicate, sweet touch that prolongs the persistence of the cherry blossom accord. Spray the fragrance base first, let it settle, after which top with cherry blossom for a custom scent that can last all day.

EDT Cherry Blossom by L’Occitane is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Founder Olivier Baussan put it perfectly: “It is because cherry blossoms fly away with the first breath of spring that they are so rare and precious.” This fragrance captures ephemeral beauty in a bottle. Final Verdict: If you appreciate fragrances that whisper slightly than shout, that talk of sophistication slightly than trends, L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom EDT is value considering. It’s the olfactory equivalent of finding the perfect light – subtle, beautiful and absolutely fascinating.

Fragrance is deeply personal, but some fragrances gain universal appeal due to their masterful composition. This is one of them.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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