The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has commenced an inquiry into allergies and anaphylaxis in Australia.
The Chair of the Committee, Mr Trent Zimmerman MP, said that allergies were seeing a rapid rise in Australia affecting more than four million Australians.
'Some will experience a life threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Over the last 20 years hospital admissions for anaphylaxis has increased five-fold and has a major impact for so many families, schools and child care centres,' Mr Zimmerman said.
'While the cause of the increase in allergies remains uncertain, what is clear is that this is a phenomenon found primarily in wealthier western nations like Australia.
'Severe allergies can be life threatening and this will be an important opportunity for the Parliament to shine a light on how we can better support those at risk.
'The Committee will be taking a broad look into the potential and known causes of allergies and anaphylaxis, food and drug allergy management, access and cost of services, as well as treatment and support services,’ Mr Zimmerman said.
‘We’re looking forward to hearing from the public, health professionals, and other organisations on how allergies and anaphylaxis is being handled in the wider community. The Committee will investigate whether there is anything further the Government could be doing to make life easier for people living with allergies and anaphylaxis.’
The Terms of Reference of the inquiry also investigate developments into research and prevention of allergies and anaphylaxis, unscientific diagnosis and treatments being used by some consumers, and the impact of unnecessary drug avoidance due to unconfirmed drug allergies.
Submissions from interested individuals and organisations are invited by Thursday 24 October 2019. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account.
Further information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on how to lodge a submission are available at the Committee’s website.
Media inquiries
Mr Trent Zimmerman MP – contact Flynn McDermott on 0412 083 912
For background information
Committee Secretariat
02 6277 4145
health.reps@aph.gov.au
