The Hon. Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care
Dr Katie Allen MP
Federal Member for Higgins
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
7 May 2022
Strengthening research into allergic diseases and anaphylaxis
The Morrison Government is backing vital research to help to address allergic diseases and anaphylaxis, with $26.9 million to drive research into conditions affecting millions of Australians.
Secured in the 2022-23 Budget, $16.6 million will be provided to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia to jointly establish a National Allergy Council (NAC).
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the funding would see the NAC support Australians nationwide.
“Allergies are a part of many Australians lives,” Minister Hunt said.
“The National Health Survey estimates that hay fever and allergic rhinitis alone affects 4.6 million Australians, with chronic sinusitis affecting a further two million people.
“The NAC will feature the leading allergy groups in Australia, including the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy and Allergies and Anaphylaxis Australia, to help drive prevention, steps to improve treatment and patient management, and improving access to trained allergy health care professionals.”
In addition to the NAC, $10.2 million has been allocated to the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute to expand the Centre for Food and Allergies Research, adding to a national collaboration of researchers and clinicians for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies; clinical trials and establishment of a biobank.
Liberal Member for Higgins, Dr Katie Allen, welcomed the funding, saying it would help more Australians get treated sooner.
“As a doctor, I have seen first-hand how allergies affect the lives of so many Australians,” Dr Allen said.
“Food allergies affect approximately one in ten infants, if caught early, they can be appropriately treated and children can be supported.
“Through collaborative work and research, Australian health care professionals will be able to deliver the right care for their patients at the right time, from the right health professionals, in the right place.
“Work will also occur to improve access to allergy diagnostics and new allergy therapies, gathering evidence to support the continuing telehealth for allergy specialists and MBS items for food and drug challenges (testing), as well as expanding support for young people with severe allergies to provide age-appropriate information, mentoring, and youth camps.”
Improving access to preventive measures, diagnostics, and treatment will also benefit millions of Australians who suffer from allergic reactions to a range of environmental, food, drug and other factors.
All Australians, not just those who experience allergies and allergic diseases or are at risk of them, will benefit from activities aimed at preventing the development of allergies.
The Morrison Government’s commitment to supporting Australians with allergies and Australia’s healthcare system is rock solid.
This is in stark contrast to Labor, who when last in Government stopped the listing of medicines onto the PBS, reduced mental health support and threatened to cut research funding.
–ENDS-