18 February 2024
THE MOST POPULAR BABAY NAMES
IN 2023, Isla has been preliminarily declared the most popular girl's name, tied with 2020 favorite Amelia. Oliver returns to the top spot for boys after a one-year break, having dominated for eight consecutive years until 2022. Charlotte drops to fifth place from last year's first. Lily reemerges in seventh place, last seen in the top 10 in 2010. New additions include Leo, Henry, Luca, and Hudson. The final rankings will be confirmed in April, with registrations yet to be accounted for. Parents must register births within 60 days for legal identity access to government services.
18 February 2024
PHARMACY PRESCRIBING TRIAL EXPANDS
STARTING in 2024, the NSW Government's pharmacy prescribing trial expands access to prescription medicines for specific skin conditions. Participating pharmacists can provide certain medications without a prescription after a consultation. The trial aims to ease the burden on general practitioners. From late March, pending ethics approval, impetigo and shingles treatments will be included. The initiative, which began with urinary tract infection treatment, has expanded to over 1,100 pharmacies. The skin condition treatment segment of the trial will run for 12 months, benefiting patients and improving timely access to care. More details are available on the NSW Health website.
18 February 2024
FORUM ADDRESSES GROWING ROAD TOLL
ON February 22, the NSW Government will host a historic road safety forum, bringing together international and Australian experts, stakeholders, and advocates to address rising road fatalities. Focused on learning from Scandinavian success in reducing road deaths, the forum aims to tackle the increased toll post-COVID-19. With a third of the NSW population in regional areas, two-thirds of fatalities occur there. The Minns Labor Government, active in road safety measures, invites opposition and crossbench members to collaborate in finding effective solutions for reducing road fatalities.
