House debates
Thursday, 29 November 2018
Statements by Members
Diabetes
1:34 pm
Rowan Ramsey (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source
On 23 August we had a bit of a disruption in this place, it must be said. It was the day that we changed prime ministers and, unfortunately, that interrupted the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Kids in the House push. But they brought 100 children in, a repeat of 2012. It is one of the most successful lobbying programs that we have seen in this parliament. We've had some fabulous success in fighting diabetes and we've had announcements by the minister recently about the extension of the constant glucose monitoring system, the inclusion of FreeStyle Libre devices and extending that cover to those who suffer rare forms of diabetes, like neonatal diabetes.
I take my hat off to the minister, Greg Hunt, for hearing the pleas of the Davies family in Port Pirie. Young Baylee was diagnosed at four weeks old and badly needed a continuous glucose monitor, which she now has. This is a great result. Connor Gilfillan came to this place. He's from Kadina and he suffers from diabetes. I walked with Connor last Sunday in Kadina for their One Walk program. He knocked up after about the first 400 metres, so about 2½ kays later, with Connor on my shoulders, I struggled back into home base. But it was so good to see the turn-up there—the people who want to assist and help. I thank my group and I thank the minister. It's a good outcome.
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