Parliamentary Inquiry recommendations announced: JDRF Australia applauds steps towards improved diabetes care and research

JDRF Australia is pleased to acknowledge the recent report from the Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry into Diabetes, which makes 23 recommendations for improving health outcomes for Australians with all forms of diabetes – including type 1 diabetes (T1D).

We were delighted to be on hand when Dr Mike Freelander and his Committee handed down their comprehensive report titled The State of Diabetes Mellitus in Australia in 2024. So, which what type of recommendations were made for the T1D community? And what is JDRF Australia doing to help them come to fruition? Read on to find out.

Committee Chair Dr Mike Freelander meets with JDRF staff who live in the electorate of Macarthur

What is the purpose of the Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry into Diabetes report?

The report canvases ways the Australian government can improve access to new diabetes technology and life-saving medications, and it looks at ways to prevent and delay the onset of diabetes.

Key recommendations for people living with T1D

JDRF’s primary suggestion to the Committee was for further funding for the next phase of the Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network (T1DCRN). The Committee listened to our representations and called for increased funding for T1D research and clinical trials. Additionally, the report highlighted the importance of T1D economic analysis, prevention, screening, genomics, and precision medicine, all of which are integral to JDRF Australia’s T1DCRN strategy.

It’s heartening to read about the Committee’s emphasis on increased government funding for T1D research and clinical trials, and the view that for people living with T1D, research is the only course of action.

We also welcome the push to expand access to insulin pumps for all Australians with T1D and agree that a phased approach is needed.

The full report, including its 23 recommendations, can be accessed here.

JDRF Australia’s involvement, and what’s next

JDRF advocate Emily Klimek’s speech to the Committee quoted in the report:

I’m 15 years old, and I have had type 1 diabetes since I was two. I am speaking on behalf of the 130,000 with type 1 and also the eight more that will be diagnosed tomorrow. I think T1D is very misunderstood, and it absolutely sucks having it. You never get a day off, and every day there’s a different challenge that comes up.

We are honoured to be in a position to give advocates like Emily a voice in the Inquiry and a chance to drive meaningful change.

Her words beautifully express the goal of JDRF Australia’s advocacy program, which empowers advocates to share the lived experience of T1D. Our program has helped deliver a T1D-focused policy in every election cycle since 2004, based on a bipartisan, community-driven approach that ensures all federal representatives understand what life with T1D is like and the impact their support can make.

Emily, and JDRF advocates in the Halls of Parliament meeting the Health Minister, Hon Mark Butler MP

Suzanne Culph, Head of Government Relations & Advocacy at JDRF Australia, says:

Many of you made submissions to the Inquiry and even more of you have been following the Inquiry closely. We extend our gratitude to each one of you. It’s clear your voices have been heard, and we look forward to seeing these recommendations come to life.

Diabetes Inquiry Deputy Chair Julian Leeser with JDRF advocates Grace Eveille, Violet Goodwin and her mum Lia

JDRF Australia is optimistic that these recommendations will translate into actionable policies, leading to significant improvements in the care and support available to those affected by diabetes.

Read more about JDRF Australia’s current advocacy ask in the lead up to the 2025 Federal Election here.