The Minister for Health must prioritise funding for diabetes care in the upcoming state budget, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
The recent Federal Budget failed to allocate any funding for diabetes priorities, despite the fact that more than 1.5 million Australians live with diabetes, and around 90 people develop diabetes every day in Victoria.
“Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition, and there is an urgent need for increased funding and resources for diabetes care in our region,” Ms Broad said.
During a recent event in Bendigo organised by Breakthrough T1D, Ms Broad spoke with families impacted by diabetes and learned about the challenges they face due to funding cuts.
Ms Broad also emphasised the importance of engaging health professionals and people with lived experience to improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of care in health services for people with diabetes.
“Diabetes needs to remain front of mind in our health system, engaging health professionals and people with lived experience to improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of health care services for people with diabetes,” she said.
In addition to the challenges faced by those with Type 1 diabetes, Ms Broad noted the growing number of people with early onset Type 2 diabetes and the need for early intervention.
Ms Broad is a co-chair of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of People Affected by Diabetes Group and last year held a diabetes forum in Bendigo, as well as an event at Parliament House.
The 2025–26 State Budget will be delivered on Tuesday May 20.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764
