Victoria’s Parliament House Shines a Light on Diabetes Care
A recent event at Victoria’s Parliament House marked a significant milestone in our collective efforts to improve the lives of those living with or affected by diabetes. Marked by its bipartisan support, this gathering brought together members of parliament and stakeholders from diverse sectors to network and engage in meaningful discussion about the impact of diabetes on people and communities.
The event at Parliament House shone a spotlight on the impact of diabetes in Victoria and the opportunities to enhance diabetes care.
In Victoria, almost 1 million people are affected by diabetes. That’s more than 1 in 7 people living with, at high risk of, or undiagnosed with diabetes.
Hosted by Diabetes Friends of Parliament Chair Bronwyn Halfpenny MP and Co-Chair Gaelle Broad MLC, the event offered attendees a unique opportunity to connect with experts, advocates, and policymakers dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by diabetes.
Guest speakers included Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier MLC, Professor Elif Ekinci and Diabetes Victoria CEO Glen Noonan.
Representatives from Victoria’s Life! program, the largest prevention program in Australia, and the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes were also in attendance.
A commitment to enhance diabetes care
The event facilitated meaningful discussion among experts, advocates, and policymakers, highlighting a clear and unified commitment to enhance diabetes care and support.
In conjunction with the establishment of the bipartisan ‘Parliamentary Friends of People Affected by Diabetes group’, this event will pave the way for ongoing conversations and collaborative efforts to advance diabetes care and support across the community.
“It’s incredibly important to share ideas and opportunities for innovation and collaboration. The new Victorian Virtual Emergency Department - Diabetes Service is a great example of this, and more opportunities exist,” says Diabetes Victoria CEO Glen Noonan.
“Bringing key stakeholders together, like we did at the Parliamentary event, to hear more about these and future initiatives is a step towards real impact. But we can only achieve this together.
“While there is much to do, this gathering demonstrated that as a state, we are well-equipped to tackle the diabetes epidemic head on.
“Collectively we have the ideas, minds, passion, and unwavering commitment that will guide us toward a brighter, healthier future for all Victorians living with diabetes.”
