Latest news with #SabineWinton


West Australian
3 days ago
- Health
- West Australian
Free influenza vaccines extended for an extra month after figures confirm WA facing horror flu season
Free influenza vaccines are being extended for an extra month, as the latest figures confirm fears that WA is facing a horror flu season. More than 1500 people have needed hospital treatment out of 8708 recorded infections, which is 88 per cent higher than the five-year average. Four deaths have been recorded. 'If you haven't rolled up your sleeve yet, it's not too late,' Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton said. 'By getting your free flu vaccination, you're keeping yourself, your loved ones and the wider community safe. 'Extending the free flu vaccination program means more people can stay well, avoid hospitalisation and reduce the spread of illness in our community.' Ms Winton knows from experience. She's been absent from Parliament this week, and working from home, after herself falling ill with the flu. More than 763,000 West Australians have been vaccinated this year, including Ms Winton, but the State's jab rates are lagging other States. Only 12.4 per cent of children aged 5-11 have been vaccinated. Children under 10 have accounted for 18 per cent of the 1579 flu-related hospital admissions this year, while adults aged 65 and over made up 37 per cent. Doctors say the flu vaccine isn't a guarantee you won't be struck down but, according to NSW Health data, a vaccinated person is 40-60 per cent less likely to require a doctor or hospital visit. Health Minister Meredith Hammat issued a plea for the community to 'act now' to ease pressure on hospitals that have to deal with the influx. 'We're extending this program so even more Western Australians can take advantage of free flu vaccinations this winter,' she said. 'Influenza is not just a bad cold. It can lead to severe illness and hospitalisation, particularly for young children, older adults and people with underlying conditions. 'I encourage everyone who hasn't had their flu shot to book in today and do their part to keep themselves and the community safe.' The flu vaccine will be free until the end of July, for all West Australians aged six months and over.


Perth Now
3 days ago
- Health
- Perth Now
Free flu vaccines extended as influenza cases in WA surge
Free influenza vaccines are being extended for an extra month, as the latest figures confirm fears that WA is facing a horror flu season. More than 1500 people have needed hospital treatment out of 8708 recorded infections, which is 88 per cent higher than the five-year average. Four deaths have been recorded. 'If you haven't rolled up your sleeve yet, it's not too late,' Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton said. 'By getting your free flu vaccination, you're keeping yourself, your loved ones and the wider community safe. 'Extending the free flu vaccination program means more people can stay well, avoid hospitalisation and reduce the spread of illness in our community.' Ms Winton knows from experience. She's been absent from Parliament this week, and working from home, after herself falling ill with the flu. Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton speaks to the media at KEMH today regarding infant vaccinations. Credit: Michael Wilson / The West Australian More than 763,000 West Australians have been vaccinated this year, including Ms Winton, but the State's jab rates are lagging other States. Only 12.4 per cent of children aged 5-11 have been vaccinated. Children under 10 have accounted for 18 per cent of the 1579 flu-related hospital admissions this year, while adults aged 65 and over made up 37 per cent. Doctors say the flu vaccine isn't a guarantee you won't be struck down but, according to NSW Health data, a vaccinated person is 40-60 per cent less likely to require a doctor or hospital visit. Health Minister Meredith Hammat issued a plea for the community to 'act now' to ease pressure on hospitals that have to deal with the influx. 'We're extending this program so even more Western Australians can take advantage of free flu vaccinations this winter,' she said. 'Influenza is not just a bad cold. It can lead to severe illness and hospitalisation, particularly for young children, older adults and people with underlying conditions. 'I encourage everyone who hasn't had their flu shot to book in today and do their part to keep themselves and the community safe.' The flu vaccine will be free until the end of July, for all West Australians aged six months and over.

Sydney Morning Herald
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Education minister promises to reduce WA teachers' workload in first major speech
Western Australia's new education minister has used her first speech in the role to call for better support for teachers and a reduction in workload, outlining the issues as a key priority for the government. Sabine Winton told the State School Teachers' Union WA state council conference on Friday afternoon that while teachers championed their students, they needed to be championed too. Her speech comes on the back of the union's State of Schools survey, which revealed workload, burnout and a lack of respect for the teaching profession were the key reasons eight out of 10 respondents considered quitting over the past four years. The survey indicated 10 per cent of teachers were working more than 60 hours per week, 26 per cent more than 50 hours, and 36 per cent more than 40 hours per week. Key influences on workload included managing student behaviour, preparing for lessons, reporting and assessments, dealing with students' mental health challenges and meetings. Worry around teacher shortages was also raised, with many saying covering for the shortage through internal relief had compromised their ability to reach the teaching standards they aspired to, and impacted their mental health. Another concern was schools using teachers who were not fully qualified to fill the gaps. In her speech, Winton, who has 27 years' experience as a teacher herself, said she felt the weight of expectation and responsibility that came with being education minister, which 'keeps me up at night'. 'What I will commit to you today is that, as minister, I will apply a filter to every initiative, asking how it will make tangible differences to teachers in the classroom,' she said.

The Age
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Age
Education minister promises to reduce WA teachers' workload in first major speech
Western Australia's new education minister has used her first speech in the role to call for better support for teachers and a reduction in workload, outlining the issues as a key priority for the government. Sabine Winton told the State School Teachers' Union WA state council conference on Friday afternoon that while teachers championed their students, they needed to be championed too. Her speech comes on the back of the union's State of Schools survey, which revealed workload, burnout and a lack of respect for the teaching profession were the key reasons eight out of 10 respondents considered quitting over the past four years. The survey indicated 10 per cent of teachers were working more than 60 hours per week, 26 per cent more than 50 hours, and 36 per cent more than 40 hours per week. Key influences on workload included managing student behaviour, preparing for lessons, reporting and assessments, dealing with students' mental health challenges and meetings. Worry around teacher shortages was also raised, with many saying covering for the shortage through internal relief had compromised their ability to reach the teaching standards they aspired to, and impacted their mental health. Another concern was schools using teachers who were not fully qualified to fill the gaps. In her speech, Winton, who has 27 years' experience as a teacher herself, said she felt the weight of expectation and responsibility that came with being education minister, which 'keeps me up at night'. 'What I will commit to you today is that, as minister, I will apply a filter to every initiative, asking how it will make tangible differences to teachers in the classroom,' she said.


West Australian
11-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Rita Saffioti: METRONET line another incredible commitment by WA Labor
1. A massive 20,000 people turned out on Sunday to celebrate the opening of the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn line and ride the first train, which now connects people in our south-east to the city in just half an hour. Another incredible commitment delivered by WA Labor. 2. Importantly, the new METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn line provides a new direct connection to Optus Stadium from Mandurah. Perfect timing really, with a massive double header this weekend at Optus Stadium. North Melbourne play the second of their two WA home games against Fremantle on Saturday, and West Coast play Carlton on Sunday. 3. On Monday I rode the train with passengers on the first day of full service. It was great to talk to Canning Vale residents, who told me how much easier their daily commute will be as a result of this new train line. Also great to see the school kids getting on board from day one. This project is for their generation and the next. 4. Next on the METRONET list is the rest of the Armadale line. We appreciate the community's patience while we deliver this transformative program of works. Free public transport for people usually using this train line has been extended until its reopening, which we will announce in coming months. 5. Western Australia's domestic economy continues to lead the nation, growing at almost twice the pace of the rest of the country in the year to March 2025 based on the latest ABS data. WA accounts for almost a fifth of growth in the entire national domestic economy — well above our share of population or economy. 6. Premier Roger Cook and Education Minister Sabine Winton announced a massive infrastructure spend on our WA schools yesterday, with $1.67 billion committed over the next four years for the delivery of new public schools and improved infrastructure. 7. What a massive week of sport. More than 57,000 people packed out Optus Stadium on Thursday night to cheer on the Socceroos. We had tens of thousands turn out to the annual Supercars event over the weekend, followed by the historic North Melbourne and West Coast match down in Bunbury. The State's $13 million contribution to the Hands Oval redevelopment was a great investment — it looks spectacular. 8 Our government played a significant part in securing the North Melbourne and West Coast game. A massive congratulations in particular to Bunbury MP Don Punch, the City of Bunbury and the local community who made the match such a success. Bunbury truly embraced the opportunity. 9. I'm so pumped for the Socceroos — it's the first time they've qualified directly for a FIFA World Cup without a play-off since 2013. Still thinking about that last minute win last week. An incredible way to do it in front of a packed house at Optus Stadium. 10. What an inspiring person Neale Daniher is. Hard to believe it's been more than a decade since the first Big Freeze at the G event. In that time, more than $115 million has been raised to fight MND. A truly incredible effort and movement.