Trent Zimmerman (North Sydney, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Tomorrow is World Osteoporosis Day. I join with the member for Bass in reflecting on the fact that this is an important opportunity for this parliament to reflect on bone health in Australia. This is a serious health issue which is resulting in over 160,000 fractures each year. In fact, in 2016 it cost our economy more than $2 billion. Osteoporosis makes bones become brittle, leading to a higher risk of breaks than in normal bones, resulting in fractures, increased immobility and loss of quality of life. Unfortunately osteoporosis usually has no symptoms until a fracture occurs. This is why osteoporosis is often called the silent disease.

Australia has one of the world's poorest rates for identifying and treating osteoporosis. Around 70 to 80 per cent of those who have a broken bone are not properly diagnosed and, therefore, not receiving appropriate medical care. By 2022 there will be 6.2 million Australians aged 50 years or older with osteoporosis. Such alarming statistics should compel all of us to better understand the growing health crisis at our door. It's important because it can be treated if detected early. Today in the gallery we have three inspiring Australians: Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Cathy Freeman, who are both World Osteoporosis Day ambassadors, and the CEO of Osteoporosis Australia, Dr Greg Lyubomirsky, who is also an inspiring Australian. I thank them for all the work they are doing for this important cause. I urge all Australians to use the Know Your Bones online self-assessment tool and have a greater understanding of their individual health.