‘Significant step forward’: Diabetes health and research leaders welcome government response to landmark inquiry
- ADEA
- May 14
- 4 min read
Updated: May 15
MEDIA RELEASE
The Australian Diabetes Society (ADS and its divisions NADC and DFA), Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA), Australasian Diabetes In Pregnancy Society (ADIPS), and the Australian and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (ANZSPED) have welcomed the Australian Government’s response to a landmark Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes, aimed at addressing the growing burden of the condition.
Of the 23 recommendations outlined in the inquiry’s final report, nine have been supported in principle, including recommendation 12, which outlines several important initiatives to improve equitable access to diabetes care and strengthen the diabetes health workforce.
Other recommendations supported in principle relate to strengthening prevention and public awareness, expanding access to medicines, improving data and research coordination, and addressing the wider factors that influence diabetes outcomes.
ADEA CEO Melanie Gray Morris said the government’s in-principle support represents meaningful recognition of Credentialled Diabetes Educators’ (CDEs) role in improving outcomes for people living with diabetes.
“We welcome the government’s response and the inclusion of recommendation 12 among those supported in principle,” Ms Gray Morris said.
“This is a significant step forward that acknowledges the critical role of CDEs and other diabetes health professionals in delivering person centred, evidence-based care.
“We know that when people living with diabetes have timely access to CDEs, they experience better clinical outcomes, improved self-management and reduced complications.”
Ms Gray Morris said ADEA, ADS, ADIPS, ANZSPED and partner organisations have been strong advocates, including participating in hearings during the inquiry, for these and other crucial changes to ensure better support and outcomes for people living with diabetes across Australia.
ADS CEO A/Prof. Sof Andrikopoulos said diabetes research funding had been an issue that they have been championing, which includes working with the diabetes health sector to release the National Diabetes Research Strategy in November 2025.
“The federal budget on 12 May made provision for expanding funding by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to $1 billion by 2030/31 and this is great news,” he said.
“We look forward to working with the MRFF and Minister Butler to meaningfully invest in the Australian diabetes research sector as discussed in the National Diabetes Research Strategy.”
Recommendations related to diabetes technology, including expanding subsidised access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices and insulin pumps, were noted rather than supported in principle.
ANZSPED President A/Prof. Tony Huynh said the evidence was clear that CGM and insulin pumps improve the lives of people living with diabetes.
“We will continue to advocate and work with the government to establish equitable access to diabetes technologies for Australians most in need, including access to insulin pumps for all children with type 1 diabetes,” he said.
ADIPS President Dr Matthew Hare said, “providing equitable access to insulin pump technology for children and for women with type 1 diabetes planning pregnancy will be cost effective for government and life changing for those impacted”.
Other key recommendations supported by the government related to expanding reliable access to highly effective therapies for diabetes, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Dr Hare, who provides specialist endocrinology services to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, welcomed the government’s response and thanked Minister Butler for his leadership in seeking advice regarding equitable access for the treatment of obesity.
“Medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists are transforming care for diabetes and obesity,” Dr Hare said.
"Expanded access has the potential to prevent heart attacks and kidney failure, which are leading drivers of health inequity in Australia."
Background to the inquiry
The Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes was established in response to Australia’s escalating diabetes epidemic, affecting 1.5 million people and placing significant health and economic burdens on the nation.
The House Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport tabled the report about the state of diabetes in Australia in June 2024 after a year-long inquiry with nearly 500 written submissions.
The Committee held 15 days of public hearings with valuable input from individuals, organisations, and government bodies.
The inquiry aimed to address barriers to comprehensive diabetes care, especially for high-risk groups, and to develop strategic recommendations for improving health outcomes through equitable access to healthcare professionals, diabetes technologies, and supportive services.
About ADEA
The Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) is the regulatory body for the Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE®) certification. CDEs are health professionals who have undertaken a rigorous credentialling program and have specialist knowledge in the field of diabetes education. The mission of ADEA is to support, promote and empower its members, and to lead and advocate for best practice, person-centred diabetes education and care.
About ADIPS
The Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) is the peak organisation and leading voice for health professionals and researchers in Australia and New Zealand who are committed to advancing care and improving outcomes for women living with diabetes and their children. ADIPS is a not-for-profit, member-based organisation. Since 1987, ADIPS has been bringing together professionals from various disciplines to share knowledge, develop clinical guidance and advocate for people impacted by diabetes in pregnancy.
About ADS
The Australian Diabetes Society (ADS) is the peak national medical and scientific body in Australia for diabetes. ADS is a member-based organisation consisting of endocrinologists, scientists, researchers, diabetes educators, allied health professionals and primary care practitioners. The organisation’s mission is to prevent diabetes and its complications; provide excellence in education for health professionals; promote collaboration, research and clinical guidelines and standards; work with our unified partners Diabetes Australia and ADEA committed to improving diabetes treatment and care; advocate for health policies around diabetes and its prevention; and to support the person with diabetes to live well.
About ANZSPED
The Australia and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (ANZSPED) is a professional body dedicated to promoting and maintaining high standards in the diagnosis and management of paediatric endocrine and diabetes disorders.
Contacts
Toby Vue
ADEA Policy, Advocacy and Communications
(02) 6173 1000
Dr Matthew Hare
President of the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society
(0)8 8946 8616
A/Prof Sof Andrikopoulos
CEO of Australian Diabetes Society
02 9169 3859
Dr Tony Huynh
President of the Australia and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes
02 4973 6573
