POST-FEDERAL BUDGET RESPONSE: AUSTRALIAN THYROID FOUNDATION 1 million Australians with undiagnosed thyroid disorders remain at risk of irreparable damage

At the Post Budget Breakfast hosted by AIPS and Medicines Australia, the Honourable Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care spoke about the health priorities of the Federal Budget 2024-25.

As with all Federal Budgets, there is a submission process to lodge requests by January of each year. For the Federal Budget this year, there were 788 submissions lodged, one of which was by the Australian Thyroid Foundation (ATF).

The ATF is a national not-for-profit organisation with charity status aimed at patients and the healthcare community.  The ATF’s focus is to support and educate its member base and promote our Good Thyroid Health Messaging throughout the Australian Community. 

Australian Thyroid Foundation, CEO Beverley Garside attending the breakfast gave her response to the Federal Budget and the Foundation’s pre-budget submission, which was not granted.

The 3 requests for funding were for,

  1. Education tool kit for health care professionals,  to use during patient presentations

  2. Broad media campaign aimed at young families moving away from standard dietary choices and awareness about the importance of iodine and thyroid health

  3. Dietary book for senior Australians with an iodine slant to improve health outcomes, with healthy living choices.

According to the Australia Thyroid Foundation, over 1 million Australians are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder. These disorders can affect children, pregnant women, families and the elderly.