Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler will deliver the keynote address at the National Diabetes Summit on 31 March at Parliament House in Canberra.

The Summit will provide a platform for collaboration and innovation, exploring strategies to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes while strengthening Australia’s health system.

Minister Butler will be joined at the Summit by experts and leaders from across the health sector, including senior representatives of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Penny Shakespeare, Deputy Secretary for Health Resourcing, will provide the Summit’s opening address, and Duncan McIntyre, First Assistant Secretary, Technology Assessment and Access, will contribute to a key panel discussion on Australia’s diabetes landscape.

The National Diabetes Summit will bring together leaders across diabetes, health, research, policy and advocacy to address the increasing impact of diabetes on Australians and accelerate practical solutions to one of the nation’s most pressing health challenges.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain welcomed Minister Butler’s participation in the Summit and recognised the Federal Government’s commitment to the diabetes community.

“We are delighted that Minister Butler will deliver the keynote address and that senior leaders from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will also contribute to this important national conversation,” Ms Cain said.

“This Summit is an opportunity for direct dialogue at the heart of government about one of the most urgent and complex health challenges facing Australia.

“The importance of investing in preventive health; the urgency of the diabetes crisis in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities; the need for affordable access to diabetes technologies – these are all issues that will be canvassed at the Summit and we appreciate the willingness of the Minister and the department to engage in these important topics,” she said.

This event is hosted by Diabetes Australia, in partnership with Marion Scrymgour MP, Member for Lingiari, and Melissa McIntosh MP, Member for Lindsay, the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends for the Prevention of Diabetes group.

“We’re so grateful for the support of the Parliamentary Friends group. As co-chairs, the Member for Lingiari and the Member for Lindsay have been invaluable in helping to coordinate this Summit,” Ms Cain said.

Summit participants will include people living with diabetes, health leaders, policymakers, clinicians, researchers and advocates, creating a unique opportunity for cross sector dialogue that connects lived experience with national decision making.

Following the summit an Exhibition and Networking Reception will showcase the latest technologies, services, treatments and research advancing diabetes prevention and management across Australia.

About Diabetes Australia  

Diabetes Australia is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes. We are leading the national response to Australia’s largest health crisis, working in collaboration with people with lived experience, member organisations, peak bodies, health professionals, state-based organisations, researchers and the community. Our work focuses on supporting people with diabetes to live well, providing information, resources, and support services, as well as investing in prevention, and reducing the impact of diabetes on people, health systems and society. We advocate for positive change that will create a healthier future for everyone.     

For information: Monica Rostron, Diabetes Australia – 0409 126 332                  [email protected]