The House of Representatives Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee today released its report into allergies and anaphylaxis in Australia.

Media release issue date: Monday, 15 June 2020

The House of Representatives Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee today released its report into allergies and anaphylaxis in Australia. Allergic disease currently affects one in five Australians. Committee Chair Mr Trent Zimmerman MP says, ”Australia has been called the ‘world’s allergy capital’ because of the high prevalence rates of allergies in Australia. And it’s on the rise.” “It’s not a title any nation would aspire to because, while allergies can be mild for some people, for many others it can be both life threatening and extremely debilitating. The cause of the increasing prevalence of allergies is not entirely clear but appears to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including our diet and also our reduced exposure to germs that strengthen our immune system at a young age,” Mr Zimmerman said. The prevalence of allergies in Australia is concerning – not only are allergies a significant cause of stress for those living with them, and their families, but allergies have become a public health problem for Australia. Allergic disease is varied and includes several different conditions such as food and drug allergies. However the list also includes atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, insect bite or sting allergies and latex allergy. Mr Zimmerman stated “For many people who have severe food allergies, one error can result in serious illness or even death. Living with severe food allergies is like walking a tightrope every day. With no cure yet, further research into allergies and anaphylaxis is critical. We need to understand what causes allergies and that will lead to better management, treatment and ultimately prevention.” The report made 24 recommendations including the following: Establishing a national centre for allergies and anaphylaxis to undertake research into current and emerging allergies and to set up a national register for anaphylaxis and drug allergy Improving access to allergy specialists by reviewing the allergy and immunology workforce and providing telehealth support for patients in rural, regional and remote Australia Standardising allergy care and management to improve the quality of patient care Improving education and training in allergies and anaphylaxis for medical and health professionals Improving the standards of food labelling, and Financial assistance for people living with multiple and severe allergies. The Committee received 257 submissions and held 7 public hearings across Australia. The Committee thanks individuals and organisations who generously gave their time to discuss this important issue. The full report can be viewed on the Committee's website. Media inquiries Hugo Robinson – Trent Zimmerman’s office – 0405 014 849 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4145 Health.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The House of Representatives Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee is holding public hearings in Sydney and Melbourne next week as part of its inquiry into Allergy and Anaphylaxis.

Media release issue date: Friday, 15 November 2019

The House of Representatives Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee is holding public hearings in Sydney and Melbourne next week as part of its inquiry into Allergy and Anaphylaxis. Committee Chair Mr Trent Zimmerman MP says the hearings will be great opportunities to hear from some of the most respected experts in the fields of allergy and immunology, as well as from people whose lives have been severely affected by allergies and anaphylaxis. ‘Australia has become known as the allergy capital of the world,’ Mr Zimmerman said. ‘It’s important for us to hear from everyone with an interest in the treatment and management of allergies.’ ‘I’m also excited to learn about the cutting edge research happening in this field in Australia.’ The hearings will focus on what needs to be done to provide better support and make improvements to the lives of individuals and families living with allergies and anaphylaxis. The Committee will hold a full day hearing in Melbourne on 18 November and then head to Sydney on 19 November to gather further evidence. The submission deadline has been extended to Friday 29 November. Please visit the Committee’s website for more details. Public hearing details Date: Monday, 18 November 2019 Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm Location: Mantra on Russell, 222 Russell St, Melbourne Date: Tuesday, 19 November 2019 Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm Location: The SMC Conference and Function Centre, Level 3, 66 Goulburn St, Sydney The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Mr Trent Zimmerman MP – contact Flynn McDermot on 0412 083 912 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4145 Health.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has commenced an inquiry into allergies and anaphylaxis in Australia.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 12 September 2019

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