Federal Budget 2022 does not invest enough in diabetes-specific intervention, research, and prevention

The Federal Budget was released on 29 March and does not adequately invest in diabetes care and research. Diabetes is one of the most significant health conditions facing Australia. While we are pleased that the Government has invested 132 billion into the health system and demonstrated a commitment to reducing chronic conditions by investing $30.1 million over the next four years to the National Preventive Health Strategy, this investment is not enough. We need further investment in diabetes-specific intervention, research, and prevention to reduce the future impact of diabetes on individuals and the health system. 

Points of note in the Budget:

• The Budget has been widely criticised by the health community, as not going far enough. ADEA and the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS) share that sentiment. We are disappointed by the lack of investment. The investment seems large but given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation, it at best maintains the status quo and does not actually provide the infusion of resources the health care system so desperately needs. 
• The Budget is primarily designed to off-set cost of living expenses for individuals in the next six months – petrol excise temporary reduction, $420 in tax relief for those earning up to $120k and an increase in the Medicare low-income threshold. 
• $30.1 million over four years for the National Preventive Health Plan, which will fund nutrition and exercise programs.  
• $632.8 million over four years to release, and drive objectives of, the Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan, and ensure telehealth remains a permanent part of Australia’s health system, including $296.5 million over 4 years to continue delivering improvements in regional, rural, and remote health as part of the 10 Year Stronger Rural Health Strategy. This is an insufficient investment to meet the goals and objectives of the Primary Health Care Plan and has been especially criticised by the RACGP.   
• $648.6 million for Stage 2 of the Government’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Reform Plan, to ensure Australians can access appropriate mental health care. We have regularly advocated that diabetes distress must be considered in this, and CDEs equipped to support their clients with mental health issues and refer when necessary.  
• $6.8 billion investment in medical research, over four years. Unfortunately, this isn’t specific for diabetes, but we do support medical research and hope the Government will expand its investment in research in this, especially in further diabetes research, one of the most pressing health concerns for Australia.  
• $32.8 million to continue improving the workforce and delivery of quality care across the aged care, disability, and veterans’ care sectors. This funding will also ensure barriers to clinical placements in the care and support sector are addressed, attracting 5,250 more nurses. In particular:  including $14.3 million to expand the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program in aged care to an additional five locations in the Northern Territory, Victoria, NSW, and remote Queensland to enhance the quality of aged care services in rural and remote areas, create opportunities for nursing, allied health, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue a health workforce career, and ease the workforce pressure in regional and rural areas. We know that additional funding to boost the workforce is essential, particularly for additional CDEs in rural and remote areas.  

What’s missing

Our joint election platform recommends three key areas of investment and focus.  Investment in these areas will help the people who need it most, the 1.4 million Australians living with diabetes and those who will be diagnosed. They depend on the life-saving care provided by CDEs and Endocrinologists. These investments build a better health system while strengthening the Australian economy. In fact, for each dollar invested into diabetes education and care, there are $16 saved downstream. The Government cannot afford not to invest in diabetes and diabetes health professionals.   

How the Government can help Australians living with diabetes 

1. Remuneration for Endocrinologists and Credentialled Diabetes Educators to ensure optimal care for people using diabetes technologies  
2. Increased Credentialled Diabetes Educator visits to minimise the risk of diabetes-related complications  
3. Medicare coverage for people with gestational diabetes to minimise the risk of developing diabetes after pregnancy 

Please support our Diabetes Health Professionals Election Campaign and help the 1.4 million Australians living with diabetes.

We will continue to read the budget documents and provide ongoing updates.