House debates

Monday, 24 February 2020

Statements by Members

Type 1 Diabetes

1:50 pm

Photo of Vince ConnellyVince Connelly (Stirling, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Early in my new term as an MP, I visited the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre in Stirling and met CEO and all-round powerhouse Bec Johnson. Bec lives with type 1 and uses a continuous glucose monitor or CGM, and she used this during her heroic efforts this past weekend where she completed the 19.7-kilometre Rottnest Channel Swim solo. I'm thrilled to represent this award-winning organisation, and I joined their advocacy efforts to extend the government's CGM funding efforts.

Recently, the Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, announced that more Australians with type 1 diabetes will benefit via free access to the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System. Rather than a constant series of pinpricks, this CGM device uses a patch on the arm which transmits data to a mobile phone. So, for adults with type 1, this means less disruption to everyday life. For kids with type 1, it means getting feedback on what they can eat in real time. For parents, it provides certainty and more simplicity in caring for their kids. This $300 million CGM initiative has been made possible as a result of the Morrison government's strong economic management.

Well done to Bec. To all those inspired by her activities, please visit www.lifewithoutlimits.com and donate today.