5 years ago
IT’S TIME FOR ACTION FOR THOSE LIVING WITH EATING DISORDERS
THE HON JULIE COLLINS MP
Today is World Eating Disorders Action Day.
This year’s theme is to break the stigma that surrounds eating disorders.
Eating disorders know no boundaries and are experienced by men and women of all ages. They are a serious mental illness with severe physical health consequences that affect over one million Australian men and women.
Eating disorders have amongst the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric illnesses and have devastating effects on carers and loved ones.
World Eating Disorders Action Day is a time to reflect on the action needed to break the stigma for those living with an eating disorder.
In the Budget, the Turnbull Government once again failed act on one of its own key mental health promises – a specific plan for Australians who have eating disorders.
In May 2017, Minister Hunt recommended the Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Taskforce investigate options for Medicare coverage for the treatment needs of those living with an eating disorder. Nearly one year later, the Medicare Task Force Clinical Committee finally met for the first time to look into this.
Minister Hunt has previously stated,
“What I have done is requested that the MBS Taskforce consider extended eating disorder treatment, a new item of Medicare … they have my commitment and my support that if they propose we will announce this funding”
- GREG HUNT, 2 MARCH 2018
But just this week, the Department of Health could not confirm that a new Medicare item was being considered.
SENATE ESTIMATES – HEALTH – WEDNSDAY, 30 MAY 2018
SENATOR WATT: “Are you able to confirm that a new MBS item is being considered in relation to eating disorders?”
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: “There is no advice in front of Government at this stage.”
…
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: “There is no recommendation … the Eating Disorders Working Group is still considering what advice it wants to put forward.”
The Department of Health also confirmed that no costings had been undertaken.
SENATE ESTIMATES – HEALTH – WEDNSDAY, 30 MAY 2018
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: “There is no recommendation to cost.”
Labor is concerned the Government is over promising and under delivering in relation to supporting Australians with eating disorder treatments. Minister Hunt must match his words with real action for Australians living with an eating disorder.
When Labor was in government we listened, acted and delivered for Australians living with an eating disorder.
We have been meeting with eating disorder professionals across the country, as well as carers and those with lived experience, to expand Labor’s knowledge and understanding of eating disorders. Labor takes this opportunity to acknowledge and thank eating disorder professionals for their life-saving work.
The more than one million Australian men and women who live with an eating disorder and their loved ones are looking for real action, not just words.
** Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact Butterfly’s National Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (33 4673). For urgent support, call Lifeline 13 11 14 **
SENATE ESTIMATES – HEALTH – WEDNSDAY, 30 MAY 2018
SENATOR WATT: “Are you able to confirm that a new MBS item is being considered in relation to eating disorders?”
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: “There is no advice in front of Government at this stage.”
…
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: “There is no recommendation … the Eating Disorders Working Group is still considering what advice it wants to put forward.”
The Department of Health also confirmed that no costings had been undertaken.
SENATE ESTIMATES – HEALTH – WEDNSDAY, 30 MAY 2018
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: “There is no recommendation to cost.”
Labor is concerned the Government is over promising and under delivering in relation to supporting Australians with eating disorder treatments. Minister Hunt must match his words with real action for Australians living with an eating disorder.
When Labor was in government we listened, acted and delivered for Australians living with an eating disorder.
We have been meeting with eating disorder professionals across the country, as well as carers and those with lived experience, to expand Labor’s knowledge and understanding of eating disorders. Labor takes this opportunity to acknowledge and thank eating disorder professionals for their life-saving work.
The more than one million Australian men and women who live with an eating disorder and their loved ones are looking for real action, not just words.
** Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact Butterfly’s National Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (33 4673). For urgent support, call Lifeline 13 11 14 **