Eating disorders raised as a Matter of Public Importance in Parliament

NEDC welcomes the rich and constructive discussion about eating disorders that took place in Australian Parliament on 30 November.

It was inspiring to witness strong multipartisan commitment to improving the experience and outcomes for people with eating disorders and their families in Australia. Emma McBride, Member for Dobell, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, said: “I reaffirm my commitment to work with genuine collaboration in a multipartisan effort to be able to improve the lives of those living with eating disorders and those who love them. This is beyond a level of government and a term of parliament; this is something we all must work together on to be able to advance and make progress. This is something that I know that we are all committed to do."

Thank you to Zoe Daniel, Member for Goldstein, for raising this issue. For sharing information, their experience and vision for eating disorders in Australia, we would also like to thank Andrew Wallace, Member for Fisher; Dr Monique Ryan, Member for Kooyong; Ged Kearney, Member for Cooper and Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care; Rebekha Sharkie, Member for Mayo, Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Member for Higgins; Barnaby Joyce, Member for New England; Dr Gordon Reid, Member for Robertson; Kate Chaney, Member for Curtin; Dr Mike Freelander, Member for Macarthur; and Mark Butler, Member for Hindmarsh, Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Deputy Leader of the House.

NEDC looks forward to working with all levels of government to create change that really matters for people experiencing an eating disorder and those caring for them.