Report required that differentiates deaths WITH covid-19 from those who died FROM covid-19
Dear Department of Health,
According to the Covid-19 CDNA National Guidelines for Public health Units V5.1, a definition of COVID-19 death is:
"...defined for surveillance purposes as a death in a confirmed COVID-19 case, unless there is a clear alternative cause of death that cannot be related to COVID-19 (e.g. trauma).". Coronors guidance in WA also advises that "Where a person is known to have suffered typical symptoms of COVID-19, such as fevers, cough, or breathing difficulties, during a COVID-19 pandemic, but has not been formally tested or diagnosed, then it is reasonable to “assume” the death was related to COVID-19 and should be recorded on the death certificate"
While data collection for Covid-19 remains important, it appears that a vital report is missing from the data set.
In order to calculate the true mortality rate of Covid-19 in cases, we require the report to be made available that separates and isolates Covid-19 as the PRIMARY and unequivocal (not "assumed") cause of death, not simply as a "death in a confirmed Covid-19 case".
NSW Health acknowledges that due to this form of reporting data to the public, it is clear that "not all Australia’s Covid deaths were directly linked to the virus" (https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia...).
As such, to ensure accuracy or Covid-19 reporting, please send through any and all reports held, created or utilised by the department of health, that clearly isolate and differentiate between those deaths that are reported by health.gov that take place IN a confirmed Covid-19 case (data that also can encompass those who have died of brain cancer or a heart attack, yet simply also tested positive from Covid-19), vs the deaths that have Covid-19 as the PRIMARY cause of death.
Regards,
Lauren
Good morning
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST - NOTIFICATION OF RECEIPT AND REQUEST FOR AN EXTENSION OF TIME
I am writing to notify you that the Department of Health (department) received your request on 3 November 2021 for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) being:
According to the Covid-19 CDNA National Guidelines for Public health Units V5.1, a definition of COVID-19 death is:
"...defined for surveillance purposes as a death in a confirmed COVID-19 case, unless there is a clear alternative cause of death that cannot be related to COVID-19 (e.g. trauma).". Coronors guidance in WA also advises that "Where a person is known to have suffered typical symptoms of COVID-19, such as fevers, cough, or breathing difficulties, during a COVID-19 pandemic, but has not been formally tested or diagnosed, then it is reasonable to "assume" the death was related to COVID-19 and should be recorded on the death certificate"
While data collection for Covid-19 remains important, it appears that a vital report is missing from the data set.
In order to calculate the true mortality rate of Covid-19 in cases, we require the report to be made available that separates and isolates Covid-19 as the PRIMARY and unequivocal (not "assumed") cause of death, not simply as a "death in a confirmed Covid-19 case".
NSW Health acknowledges that due to this form of reporting data to the public, it is clear that "not all Australia's Covid deaths were directly linked to the virus" (https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia...).
As such, to ensure accuracy or Covid-19 reporting, please send through any and all reports held, created or utilised by the department of health, that clearly isolate and differentiate between those deaths that are reported by health.gov that take place IN a confirmed Covid-19 case (data that also can encompass those who have died of brain cancer or a heart attack, yet simply also tested positive from Covid-19), vs the deaths that have Covid-19 as the PRIMARY cause of death.
The statutory timeframe for processing your request is 30 calendar days within which a decision on access to the requested documents is to be notified.
The department may impose a charge for the work involved in providing access to the documents. If this request attracts a charge you will be notified in writing.
Unless you advise otherwise, draft and duplicate documents and Commonwealth employee names and contact details below Senior Executive Service level and mobile telephone numbers of all staff will be excluded from the scope of your request under s22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act.
You can contact the FOI Unit via email at [email address], should you have any questions.
Kind regards
FOI Officer
Freedom of Information Section
Legal & Assurance Division | Corporate Operations Group
Legal Advice & Legislation Branch
Australian Government Department of Health
E: [Health request email]
GPO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to all Elders past and present.
If you receive this email in error, please delete it and contact the sender immediately.
-----Original Message-----
From: Lauren <[FOI #8057 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 3 November 2021 3:33 AM
To: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: TRIM: Freedom of Information request - Report required that differentiates deaths WITH covid-19 from those who died FROM covid-19
REMINDER: Think before you click! This email originated from outside our organisation. Only click links or open attachments if you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Department of Health,
According to the Covid-19 CDNA National Guidelines for Public health Units V5.1, a definition of COVID-19 death is:
"...defined for surveillance purposes as a death in a confirmed COVID-19 case, unless there is a clear alternative cause of death that cannot be related to COVID-19 (e.g. trauma).". Coronors guidance in WA also advises that "Where a person is known to have suffered typical symptoms of COVID-19, such as fevers, cough, or breathing difficulties, during a COVID-19 pandemic, but has not been formally tested or diagnosed, then it is reasonable to "assume" the death was related to COVID-19 and should be recorded on the death certificate"
While data collection for Covid-19 remains important, it appears that a vital report is missing from the data set.
In order to calculate the true mortality rate of Covid-19 in cases, we require the report to be made available that separates and isolates Covid-19 as the PRIMARY and unequivocal (not "assumed") cause of death, not simply as a "death in a confirmed Covid-19 case".
NSW Health acknowledges that due to this form of reporting data to the public, it is clear that "not all Australia's Covid deaths were directly linked to the virus" (https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia...).
As such, to ensure accuracy or Covid-19 reporting, please send through any and all reports held, created or utilised by the department of health, that clearly isolate and differentiate between those deaths that are reported by health.gov that take place IN a confirmed Covid-19 case (data that also can encompass those who have died of brain cancer or a heart attack, yet simply also tested positive from Covid-19), vs the deaths that have Covid-19 as the PRIMARY cause of death.
Regards,
Lauren
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Dear FOI,
Due to the urgency surrounding emergency powers that rely on the data that is requested in this FOI (emergency powers that are severely and time-sensitively impacting the welfare, freedom of movement, health, wellbeing and ability to earn wages of all Australian citizens), the request for an extension of time is denied. The statutory framework period of 30days is sufficient to obtain a report that the department of health are obliged to maintain, that separates the below 2 categories:
1) deaths that simply occur WITH covid being present unless that death is for example due to trauma (this is how our current mortality statistics displayed on health.gov, and how are government are directing heath practitioners to record covid mortality rates, in government guidelines). Currently, 15 year old boys who die from meningitis are being categorized as a covid death, despite the Sydney children’s hospital confirming that although they tested positive for covid, this is not why they presented to hospital and was NOT the cause of their death.
2) deaths that occur PRIMARILY due to covid. I.e. ensuring that those who are close to their end of life due to morbidities such as emphysema or heart failure, are not counted within the covid mortality statistics, simply because they had a positive test. This would also include separating out cases such as the above 15year old boy who died from meningitis, not covid (confirmed by the Sydney children’s hospital) despite being listed as a covid mortality that day.
Your prioritized action according to the required urgency of this request is appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
Lauren
Dear Ms Lauren
I refer to your request of 3 November 2021 to the Department of Health
(department), seeking access under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
(Cth) (FOI Act) in the following terms:
Can you please supply a signed copy of the Contract that the Australian
Government has engaged with to all COVID-19 Vaccine manufacturers.
Notice of Third Party Consultation
It appears, from the documents to which you seek access, a third party may
reasonably wish to make a contention concerning possible exemption of some
of the documents. The decision maker, an officer authorised under section
23(1) of the FOI Act to make decisions in relation to Freedom of
Information requests, has determined that the requirement of section 27 of
FOI Act (Consultation – business information) makes it appropriate to
extend the timeframe for dealing with your request.
Pursuant to subsection 15(6) of the FOI Act, the period for providing you
with a decision has been extended by a further period of 30 days. This
means the department will endeavour to provide you with a decision on or
before 3 January 2022.
Relevant provisions
The FOI Act, including the provisions referred to in this email, can be
accessed from the Federal Register of Legislation website.
If you require clarification of any of the matters discussed in this email
you should contact the department’s FOI Unit on (02) 6289 1666, or by
email at [1][email address].
Kind regards
FOI Officer
FOI Unit – FOI and Legislation Support Section
Legal & Assurance Division | Corporate Operations Group
Legal Advice & Legislation Branch
Australian Government Department of Health
E: [2][email address]
GPO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present.
If you receive this email in error, please delete it and contact the
sender immediately.
"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."
References
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2. mailto:[email address]
FOI would like to recall the message, "Freedom of Information Request 3329 - Notice of Third Party Consultation [SEC=OFFICIAL]".
"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all copies of this transmission."
Dear Ms Lauren
At approximately 9:08 am today the department provided you with a ‘Notice
of Third Party Consultation’ e-mail. This was an administrative error made
by the department. Please disregard that email.
We apologise for any confusion caused.
Kind regards
FOI Officer
FOI and Legislation Support Section
Legal & Assurance Division | Corporate Operations Group
Legal Advice & Legislation Branch
Australian Government Department of Health
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [1][Health request email]
GPO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."
References
Visible links
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Dear Lauren,
Please find attached correspondence from the Department of Health in
relation to your Freedom of Information Request.
Kind regards
FOI
FOI Unit – FOI and Legislation Support Section
Legal & Assurance Division | Corporate Operations Group
Legal Advice & Legislation Branch
Australian Government Department of Health
E: [1][email address]
GPO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present.
If you receive this email in error, please delete it and contact the
sender immediately.
"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]