Charting a Healthier Future: Diabetes Dialogues at Federal Parliament and in South West Sydney

THE Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport is set to hold two public hearings as part of its ongoing inquiry into diabetes. These hearings will provide a platform for key stakeholders to voice their perspectives, concerns, and recommendations, shedding light on this critical health issue.

The first public hearing at Parliament House will bring together a group of advocates, experts, and peak health organisations. The Committee will hear from Diabetes Australia and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, two organisations that play a major role in supporting people living with diabetes. The Committee will also hear from public health experts including the Australian Medical Association (AMA), the Australian College of Nursing, and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).

Parliament House public hearing

Date: Friday, 15 September 2023
Time: 8:40am to 4pm AEST
Location: Committee Room 1R4 8:40am – 12pm, Committee Room 1R2 12pm – 4pm; Parliament House Canberra

The second public hearing will take place at Campbelltown Hospital in South West Sydney, an area with a notably high prevalence of diabetes. The Chair of the Committee, Mike Freelander MP, said, "Western Sydney is unfortunately a diabetes hotspot in this country. The committee looks forward to hearing local perspectives about what Australia can do differently to combat diabetes, in particular type 2 diabetes."

Deputy Chair of the Committee, Melissa McIntosh MP, said, "This public hearing will be an opportunity for the committee to hear from health practitioners working at Nepean Hospital and Campbelltown Hospital, including endocrinologists, clinical nurses, dietitians and diabetes coordinators. These medical professionals support patients in Western Sydney living with all forms of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, gestational and other rarer forms of diabetes, and will have valuable insights to share."

Campbelltown Hospital public hearing

Date: Monday, 18 September 2023
Time: 9am to 3pm AEST
Location: Education Centre, Building A, Campbelltown Hospital, Therry Road, Campbelltown NSW

The public hearings will be broadcast live via at aph.gov.au/live. 

The committee intends to hold more public hearings in due course. For more information about the Committee’s inquiry, visit its website.

 

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