Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I don't know if I know anyone with endometriosis, but I probably do. The more that I've learned about it, the more I know there's a high probability that I know quite a few women who are suffering with this condition. I want to thank the member for Canberra because it was after perhaps the third time that I'd heard her speaking on it in the House that I asked her: 'What is this condition? It sounds horrible.' It is for that reason, and because of her work with our colleagues opposite, that I'm speaking to this today.

The fact that it takes an average of 10 years between the symptoms starting and diagnosis makes me incredibly sad. To know that there are women, our sisters and our mums, out there in the community suffering, not being taken seriously and being affected so much is saddening, but what is encouraging is the work that's being done now. I applaud the Minister for Health for taking the action that he has, but, listening this morning, it's clear that there's a lot more that needs to be done. I want to thank the member for Forrest for moving this important motion. It is enlightening to hear how incapacitating it can be, and, obviously, for too long the serious effects haven't been given the proper attention. It's now very important that greater awareness is on the way to taking place. I want to congratulate the Parliamentary Friends of Endometriosis Awareness, sponsored not only by my friend the member for Canberra but also by the member for Boothby. They're doing great work in making all of us here in parliament more aware of the need for more research and the need for better treatments and hopefully, ultimately, a cure.

As I said, I want to congratulate the Minister for Health for making funding available to the National Health and Medical Research Council for research into endometriosis and for consulting on a national action plan. As we've heard, the government's put $2.5 million in, as part of the national plan, to fund that research, and that's very important. I understand that there's been a strong response to the draft plan, which has endorsed those three key priorities areas: education and awareness, clinical management and care, and research. I look forward to the release of the final action plan, which I understand might be next month.

The shadow minister for health, the member for Ballarat, has expressed support for not only the work of the parliamentary friends group but also the government's initiative. It's important for everyone that's listening today, those that are here with us here in the gallery, to understand that seeking more support for women suffering endometriosis is a bipartisan effort. All of us want to see more action here, because it is complex disease that is difficult to diagnose, and, as I said, so many out there are suffering without the support that they need. Hopefully those days of medical practitioners not taking sufferers seriously are over; I sincerely hope that they are.

I know there are many support groups for women across the country. In Darwin, we have a support group that you can find on Facebook. I found it because the member for Canberra enlightened me on this. I want to also give a shout-out to some of our great specialists in the Top End; people like Dr Jenny Mitchell, Dr Andrew Miller and Dr Nader Gad. I also want to say to the government and all those working on this important issue that you have my support in raising awareness of this terrible disease and seeking better treatments and cures. I want to thank everyone that's shared their story. To those out there that are suffering from this debilitating condition: I take it seriously. I want you to remember that you are not alone.

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