Ken Wyatt (Hasluck, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walk to Cure Diabetes, which raises funds to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a serious disease that affects 122,300 Australians and is currently the fastest-growing chronic disease amongst Australian children. Approximately 1,825 Australians are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every year, and the disease occurs more frequently than cancer, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. I come into contact with many in my local community who have diabetes or support someone living with diabetes and this is one small way that I can show my support for all of these people not just in Hasluck but across the country.

As the chair of the Parliamentary Diabetes Support Group, I know the challenges faced by those living with diabetes. Any opportunity to raise awareness whilst also raising some much needed funds for research should be embraced and celebrated. I will be taking steps at the Perth Walk to Cure Diabetes on Sunday 26 October at Burswood Park. With over 30 locations around Australia, I encourage members of this House to sign up to join me and Team Hasluck on the day by joining the team, forming their own team for a walk in their local area or donating by searching for my name on the JDRF website. I challenge the member for Perth to join me on that Sunday and walk with me.