Catryna Bilyk (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Before moving general business notice of motion No. 639, I wish to inform the chamber that Senators Sterle, Keneally, McDonald and Askew will sponsor the motion. I, and also on behalf of Senators Sterle, Keneally, McDonald and Askew, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) 1-7 June 2020 was World Haemochromatosis Week, and

  (ii) Sunday, 14 June 2020 is World Blood Donor Day;

(b) recognises that:

  (i) hereditary haemochromatosis, or inherited iron overload disorder, is treated through therapeutic venesection,

  (ii) subject to Australia Red Cross Lifeblood's safety requirements, blood collected through therapeutic venesection can be donated, and

  (iii) treating haemochromatosis not only helps patients avoid the worst outcomes of the disorder but may save further lives by adding to Australia's blood supply; and

(c) urges all members and senators to raise awareness among their constituents that:

  (i) haemochromatosis, if left untreated, may be debilitating and fatal,

  (ii) being tested and treated for haemochromatosis will also benefit others, and

  (iii) Australians should remember the mnemonic "TEST — Tricky to say, Easy to test, Simple to treat, Tragic to ignore."

Question agreed to.