POST-FEDERAL BUDGET RESPONSE: AUSTRALIAN THYROID FOUNDATION 1 million Australians with undiagnosed thyroid disorders remain at risk of irreparable damage
At the Post Budget Breakfast hosted by AIPS and Medicines Australia, the Honourable Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care spoke about the health priorities of the Federal Budget 2024-25.
As with all Federal Budgets, there is a submission process to lodge requests by January of each year. For the Federal Budget this year, there were 788 submissions lodged, one of which was by the Australian Thyroid Foundation (ATF).
The ATF is a national not-for-profit organisation with charity status aimed at patients and the healthcare community. The ATF’s focus is to support and educate its member base and promote our Good Thyroid Health Messaging throughout the Australian Community.
Australian Thyroid Foundation, CEO Beverley Garside attending the breakfast gave her response to the Federal Budget and the Foundation’s pre-budget submission, which was not granted.
The 3 requests for funding were for,
1. Education tool kit for health care professionals, to use during patient presentations
2. Broad media campaign aimed at young families moving away from standard dietary choices and awareness about the importance of iodine and thyroid health
3. Dietary book for senior Australians with an iodine slant to improve health outcomes, with healthy living choices.
According to the Australia Thyroid Foundation, over 1 million Australians are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder. These disorders can affect children, pregnant women, families and the elderly.
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Global GP Conference comes to Australia
Over 3000 delegates from around the World will gather at the 50th celebration of WONCA to reconnect and revive General Practice, sharing knowledge and learnings on access, equity, funding, and multidisciplinary care teams. This includes networking with Australian and overseas GPs and in particular learning about primary care practices in other countries.
Australian Health Journal met with Dr Nicole Higgins, President of RACGP in transit at Brisbane Airport recently and she spoke about the $6 Billion allocated in the Federal Budget in May as a significant achievement for General Practice investment. She also emphasised this announcement reinforced GPs should be at the centre of multidisciplinary care teams to ensure continuity of care and better health outcomes.
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Awareness, diagnosis and treatment of Congenital Hypothyroidism
Australian Health Journal spoke to Associate Professor MIchelle Jack about congenital hypothyroidism and newborn screening and her concerns in the varying thresholds for across different states in Australia. Despite the existence of newborn screening programs since the 1970s, there is still controversy surrounding the appropriate screening levels. Congenital hypothyroidism, affecting about one in 3500 infants, can lead to severe intellectual and physical impairment if not diagnosed early. The condition is mainly caused by the thyroid gland’s failure to develop properly, resulting in insufficient thyroid hormone production.
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Inaugural Rural and Remote Health Awards
Rural communities are a foundation of the economy and society and must be kept healthy.
There are significant personal, professional and financial rewards for rural healthcare professionals. However, there are also challenges – isolation, long hours, confusion about where to turn for support.
To acknowledge and celebrate the work of Rural and Remote Health Professionals, Rural Health Pro have launched the inaugural National Rural and Remote Health Awards.
