Shoppers at selected Target stores in South Australia can now take five from checking out the latest fashion fits to check in on their health, thanks to a pilot partnership between the retailer, ������, and SiSU Health.  

The partnership will see 10 SiSU Health Check stations deployed across selected Target stores in South Australia, where shoppers can check a range of health markers such as blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, body composition, and risk of developing type 2 diabetes (against AUSDRISK criteria), all discreetly delivered directly by secure app.  

Health Check stations are self-serve TGA-registered medical devices that can provide validated screening results in minutes, which can give baseline health data and support conversations with health professionals.   

The initiative aims to encourage early screening for a range of common health markers that could help people catch their risk of chronic conditions sooner.  

Currently, just over 121,000 South Australians live with all types of diabetes, with a further 34,000 estimated to be living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Nationally, 2 million Australians are living with diabetes.  

Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the initiative was an important step forward in exploring new ways to make preventive health more accessible to the community.  

“With this partnership there’s no need for people to ‘shop around’ for good health – now they can check their risk while at Target checking the latest fashion,” Ms Cain said.   

“A five-minute health check could be the best thing you put in your shopping basket today. 

“Millions of Australians are either living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes, and many don’t realise it.  By partnering with a trusted brand like Target, we have a powerful opportunity to reach people earlier. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have to help people take control of their health.” 

Ms Cain said the partnership reflects ������’s commitment to innovative approaches to prevention.  

“We know that when health checks are easy, accessible and stigma free, more people engage. These health stations at Target stores provide a simple way for people to learn their risk, track their results, and, if needed, seek support early through their GP or health professional. Small steps like this can make a big difference.” 

Target will host the health stations in 10 participating stores, as part of the pilot, providing customers with a convenient five-minute check while they shop.  

Kmart Group (Kmart and Target) Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer Alexandra Staley said Target is proud to partner with ������ to bring accessible health solutions into everyday retail environments.  

“At Target, we’re committed to supporting our local communities. By hosting these health stations in our stores, we’re helping make it easier for customers to access simple, free health checks as part of their everyday routines.”  

“This pilot reflects our broader focus on creating positive community impact — using our national store network to help explore ways to remove barriers to early detection and support better health outcomes for Australians.”  

The health checks have already proven successful in other settings, with thousands of Australians using SiSU Health Stations each year to proactively monitor their health.  

SiSU Health Check machines are available now in Target Australia locations across South Australia. Participating stores include: Centrepoint (Adelaide CBD), Sefton Park, Edwardstown, Newton, Marion, Tea Tree Plaza, West Lakes, Hollywood Plaza, Elizabeth, Reynella.  

Australia’s Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler and the nation’s leading diabetes experts will gather at Parliament House in Canberra today for the National Diabetes Summit, as figures highlight the growing scale and impact of one of Australia’s most complex health challenges.

Hosted by ������, the landmark Summit will bring together policy makers, clinicians, researchers, advocates and importantly, individuals living with diabetes, to address the escalating effects of diabetes and identify solutions.

������’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the Summit marked a critical opportunity for the nation to confront the diabetes epidemic.

“A challenge of this scale demands a national response,” Ms Cain said.

“Diabetes is one of the most serious and costly health challenges facing Australians.

“Every five minutes an Australian is diagnosed with diabetes. These individuals are managing a complex condition that affects almost every organ in the body and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation.

“Bringing national leaders together, alongside lived experience representatives, is a critical step toward delivering the coordinated response Australia urgently needs.”

The Summit will feature a keynote address from Health Minister Mark Butler and bring together experts from across the sector to help shape the next phase of Australia’s national response to the condition.

This critical national dialogue comes as diabetes continues to place enormous pressure on Australia’s health system and economy.

Around two million Australians are currently living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, with another two million at high risk. Without decisive action, the number of Australians affected is projected to reach 3.6 million by 2050.

More than 1.2 million hospitalisations each year are linked to diabetes, accounting for around 10 per cent of all hospital admissions in Australia, and the number of diabetes-related amputations has increased by 51 percent in a decade according to the latest figures.

Each year about 6,300 Australians living with diabetes undergo a lower-limb amputation, and experts estimate that up to 85 per cent of these procedures are preventable with earlier intervention and coordinated care.

The condition is also the leading cause of blindness in working age adults and the leading cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis.

Ms Cain said the recent parliamentary inquiry into diabetes made clear that Australia now needs a nationally coordinated response to deliver solutions that change lives.

“We know that investing in prevention, early diagnosis and better access to technology and coordinated care can dramatically reduce devastating complications like amputations, kidney disease and vision loss,” she said.

“Preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes is possible. When prevention programs focus on people at highest risk, around 58 per cent of cases can be delayed or avoided.”

The impact of type 2 diabetes is felt strongly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where people are more than three times as likely to live with diabetes and nearly five times more likely to be hospitalised with diabetes-related complications.

Ms Cain said tackling diabetes effectively would deliver significant health and economic benefits.

“Diabetes already costs the Australian health system more than $14.2 billion each year, and those costs are projected to reach $45 billion by 2050,” she said.

“If we act now, we can prevent complications, help people live healthier lives, reduce hospitalisations and strengthen Australia’s health system for the future.”

Ahead of the Summit, the diabetes community has made two submissions to the 2026-27 Federal Budget seeking affordable access to diabetes technologies for those who face the greatest risk of complications.

The joint submissions, supported by peak diabetes, research and lived experience organisations, urge the Australian Government to expand subsidies for Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems for people living with type 1 diabetes in priority groups and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices for people living with type 2 diabetes and other types of diabetes in priority groups, through the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

Equitable access to technology is one of the topics that will be raised at the Summit.

Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler will deliver the keynote address at the National Diabetes Summit on 31 March at Parliament House in Canberra.

The Summit will provide a platform for collaboration and innovation, exploring strategies to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes while strengthening Australia’s health system.

Minister Butler will be joined at the Summit by experts and leaders from across the health sector, including senior representatives of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Penny Shakespeare, Deputy Secretary for Health Resourcing, will provide the Summit’s opening address, and Duncan McIntyre, First Assistant Secretary, Technology Assessment and Access, will contribute to a key panel discussion on Australia’s diabetes landscape.

The National Diabetes Summit will bring together leaders across diabetes, health, research, policy and advocacy to address the increasing impact of diabetes on Australians and accelerate practical solutions to one of the nation’s most pressing health challenges.

������ Group CEO Justine Cain welcomed Minister Butler’s participation in the Summit and recognised the Federal Government’s commitment to the diabetes community.

“We are delighted that Minister Butler will deliver the keynote address and that senior leaders from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will also contribute to this important national conversation,” Ms Cain said.

“This Summit is an opportunity for direct dialogue at the heart of government about one of the most urgent and complex health challenges facing Australia.

“The importance of investing in preventive health; the urgency of the diabetes crisis in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities; the need for affordable access to diabetes technologies – these are all issues that will be canvassed at the Summit and we appreciate the willingness of the Minister and the department to engage in these important topics,” she said.

This event is hosted by ������, in partnership with Marion Scrymgour MP, Member for Lingiari, and Melissa McIntosh MP, Member for Lindsay, the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends for the Prevention of Diabetes group.

“We’re so grateful for the support of the Parliamentary Friends group. As co-chairs, the Member for Lingiari and the Member for Lindsay have been invaluable in helping to coordinate this Summit,” Ms Cain said.

Summit participants will include people living with diabetes, health leaders, policymakers, clinicians, researchers and advocates, creating a unique opportunity for cross sector dialogue that connects lived experience with national decision making.

Following the summit an Exhibition and Networking Reception will showcase the latest technologies, services, treatments and research advancing diabetes prevention and management across Australia.

About ������  

������ is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes. We are leading the national response to Australia’s largest health crisis, working in collaboration with people with lived experience, member organisations, peak bodies, health professionals, state-based organisations, researchers and the community. Our work focuses on supporting people with diabetes to live well, providing information, resources, and support services, as well as investing in prevention, and reducing the impact of diabetes on people, health systems and society. We advocate for positive change that will create a healthier future for everyone.     

For information: Monica Rostron, ������ – 0409 126 332                  mrostron@diabetesaustralia.com.au

Tasmania’s Parliament has welcomed a delegation of people living with diabetes, raising awareness of life with the condition, highlighting the importance of preventing complications, and sharing their stories about the positive impact that diabetes technology has on their daily lives.  

Meeting with lawmakers from across the political spectrum, the ������-led event heard about the impact preventative telephone health coaching programs like The COACH Program have in the Tasmanian community.  

Attendees also heard about the national campaign for more equitable access to technology including continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and automatic insulin delivery (AID) systems. 

������ Group CEO Justine Cain thanked members of Parliament from all sides and all chambers for their interest and support of people living with diabetes in Tasmania.  

“No one chooses diabetes, and thanks to the support of the Tasmanian Parliament, we’re taking big steps to support people living with diabetes in Tasmania to live healthy and fulfilling lives,” she said.  

“Just last weekend, Deputy Premier Guy Barnett led the 19th Pollie Pedal charity bike ride through 300 kilometres of Tasmanian scenery to raise money to support people living with diabetes, cutting-edge research, and activities to help prevent and delay diabetes.  

“We’re grateful for the support of the Tasmanian Government, through prevention programs like The COACH Program, which help support people in many vulnerable and at-risk communities right across Tasmania. 

“A big thank you to every Council and Assembly member for your ongoing support of people living with diabetes in Tasmania.” 

Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Wellbeing, the Hon. Bridget Archer, welcomed the delegation to Parliament.  

“I thank ������ for its strong support of The Health Revolution, Tasmania’s 20-year preventive health strategy, and for its tireless work and ongoing partnership in improving diabetes outcomes for Tasmanians,” Minister Archer said. 

“Hearing first hand from people living with diabetes helps us to understand how we can ease the challenge of living with diabetes for people across the state.” 

������ State General Manager, Impact and Innovation (Tas) Minke Hoekstra said delivery of local prevention programs like The COACH Program were helping to prevent and delay diabetes and associated complications, like cardiovascular disease, by helping Tasmanians lead healthier lives.  

“More than 32,000 people live with diabetes across Tasmania, with another estimated 12,000 silently living with type 2 diabetes,” she said.  

“The COACH Program has seen positive outcomes over the last two years including improved glucose levels and increased physical activity.   

“These results show the importance of prevention programs that give people the tools and resources to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.  

“Thank you to all Assembly and Council members for your ongoing support of people living with diabetes in Tasmania – your support helps our community to thrive.” 

Around 50 people living with diabetes and their families and supporters gathered at Tasmania’s State Parliament on 18 March to discuss life with diabetes across all sides of Parliament. 

Proud Alwayarre woman Louise Gilbey and proud Bandjin and Djakunda man Josiah Little have achieved two important milestones that are helping strengthen culturally safe diabetes care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

������ has reinforced its commitment to empowering the First Nations diabetes workforce with the appointment of Ms Gilbey as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Facilitator. At the same time, Mr Little, employed by Queensland Health, has become the first male Aboriginal Health Practitioner in Australia to qualify as a Credentialled Diabetes Educator.

To mark Close the Gap Day, ������ is highlighting the achievements of these outstanding individuals.

Ms Gilbey, based in Mount Isa, brings more than 20 years of frontline experience supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across rural and remote Queensland. She made history in 2024 as the first Aboriginal Health Practitioner to qualify as a Credentialled Diabetes Educator. Her new role with ������ is focused on delivering education to health professionals and communities across regional and remote Australia.

Ms Gilbey said the role fulfilled a long-held ambition to strengthen diabetes education where it is needed most.

“I applied for this position because it fulfils my dream of travelling to rural and remote areas to provide diabetes education to health professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members,” Ms Gilbey said.

“Promoting prevention and management strategies is something I feel very passionate about. ������ is a respected national organisation and I’m proud to be part of it and continue my learning journey.”

In a further milestone for the First Nations health workforce, Mr Little, who was born and raised in Bundaberg, completed postgraduate diabetes education and the required hours of supervised clinical practice to become a CDE. His achievement builds on Ms Gilbey’s historic credentialling and strengthens culturally informed diabetes care for First Nations communities.

Mr Little said family, culture, and community remain central to who he is, shaping both his personal values and professional practice.

“Ultimately, my goal is to support a health system that values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, embeds cultural capability at all levels, and delivers better health outcomes through genuine partnership with community.”

������ Group CEO Justine Cain said both achievements represented a significant step forward in improving health outcomes and strengthening the First Nations diabetes workforce.

“Louise and Josiah represent the future of diabetes care in Australia, with strong cultural knowledge, deep community connection, and advanced clinical expertise,” Ms Cain said.

“Unfortunately, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more than three times as likely to live with diabetes and are more likely to experience serious complications. Expanding the number of First Nations Credentialled Diabetes Educators is essential to addressing these urgent challenges.

“Culturally safe care delivered by First Nations health professionals improves trust, engagement, and outcomes.

“Louise’s leadership in delivering education across rural and remote Australia, and Josiah’s historic achievement as the first male Aboriginal Health Practitioner to become a CDE, will help ensure more people receive care that is culturally appropriate, trusted, and effective,” she said.

ADEA CEO Melanie Morris congratulated Ms Gilbey and Mr Little on becoming CDEs and their career choices.

“We are incredibly proud of Louise and Josiah’s achievements,” Ms Morris said.

“As the impact of diabetes continues to be felt across communities, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, growing a culturally safe and community-connected specialist workforce is essential to ensuring people can access high-quality education and care close to home.

“ADEA is committed to supporting more First Nations health professionals to gain credentialling as it is an important step toward strengthening self-determination and delivering care that is culturally informed and community led.”

The CDE title is awarded by ADEA through a structured national credentialling pathway that combines postgraduate study in diabetes education, supervised practice, mentoring and workplace-based assessment to ensure consistent, high professional standards.

In a further development amplifying leadership in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diabetes workforce, ������’s Lead Diabetes Educator for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement, Aunty Grace Ward, an Adjunct Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney, was part of the UTS team who was recently recognised for the pioneering “Walking Together: a Parallel Practice” model. The model is delivered as part of the UTS Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management, an ADEA-accredited program that forms a step within the ADEA’s credentialling pathway to become a CDE.

ADEA Vice President Dr Shannon Lin, also a Senior Lecturer and Diabetes Course Director at the UTS, Professor Lynn Sinclair, Dr Wenbo Peng, and Aunty Grace received an AAUT Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for 2025 for the model.

The AAUT, coordinated by Universities Australia, recognises excellence and innovation in learning and teaching across the higher education sector, with citations recognising individuals or teams who have made a significant and sustained contribution to improving the quality of student learning.

Learn more about the ADEA credentialling pathway to become a CDE:

The starter’s gun has fired for a pollie-powered peloton as the 19th PolliePedal began its 300km ride with a visit to a Hobart primary school, before winding through some of Tasmania’s scenic routes and locations over the next three days.  

Riders called in to Margate Primary School on Hobart’s southern suburbs on the first leg of their ride to speak with students and raise awareness of life with diabetes. 

The riders are led by Tasmanian Deputy Premier Guy Barnett for the 19^th time and include riders living with diabetes and supporters of the diabetes community.   

Funds raised will go to cutting-edge research into diabetes prevention and the search for a cure; giving young people living with diabetes a sense of community through programs like DiaBuddies; as well as wider community programs that directly support people living with diabetes.    

������ Group CEO Justine Cain thanked Mr Barnett and all the riders for their ongoing support of the diabetes community.  

“PolliePedal Tasmania is more than a cycling event, it’s a statement of support for people living with diabetes, and we’ve seen incredible generosity from participants and sponsors over nearly two decades,” she said.   

“Every kilometre cycled, every dollar raised, and every story from people living with diabetes helps to reduce the impact on individuals, families, and communities.   

“������ is very proud to again partner with Deputy Premier Barnett, who brings his own powerful experience living with type 1 diabetes and continues to inspire new generations.  

“Thank you to the many individuals, sponsors, and supporters, who will make this year’s ride a success,” Ms Cain said. 

Since 2006, Pollie Pedal has raised more than $890,000 for vital diabetes research and community support programs, while covering more than 5,000 kilometres.   

Donations are open to support people living with diabetes while the peloton cycles through some of Tasmania’s most stunning landscapes, from rolling hills to coastal roads. To donate visit   

A new strategic partnership between ������ and Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited will fund research into cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD).

The partnership will see almost $600,000 invested, beginning with an $80,000 first-round investment to identify the research priorities that matter most to the CFRD community.

Around one third of people diagnosed with cystic fibrosis develop CFRD as a complication, which is believed to develop as part of cystic fibrosis through damage to the pancreas, resulting in both insulin resistance and insufficiency.

CFRD requires careful management to protect lung health, prevent nutritional decline, maintain healthy weight and strength, and to lower the risk of infection. 

������ Group CEO Justine Cain said the agreement demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to Australians living with all types of diabetes.

“This partnership will turn evidence into action, creating a positive impact in people’s lives.

“Cystic fibrosis is a devastating chronic condition but developments in treatment and management have significantly improved outcomes for individuals,” Ms Cain said.

“Both diabetes and cystic fibrosis are strongly influenced by genetic factors, meaning there are real opportunities for developing more effective management.

“We’re proud to partner with Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited to amplify research impact, and to support innovation that puts lived experience at the heart of research.”

Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited Director and Cystic Fibrosis Queensland CEO Petrina Fraccaro said the investment in research would help address misunderstandings while focusing on lived experience. 

“Cystic fibrosis related diabetes is one of the most common and serious complications of cystic fibrosis, yet it remains widely misunderstood and under-recognised. This partnership represents a critical step toward ensuring research priorities are shaped by lived experience and focused on the real-world challenges faced by Australians living with CFRD,” she said.

“CFRD is a form of pancreatogenic, or Type 3c diabetes, caused by progressive damage to the pancreas. It is fundamentally different from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and requires specialised approaches to care, research, and support.

“As people with cystic fibrosis live longer, addressing complications like CFRD is essential. This investment signals an important commitment to improving both quality of life and long-term health outcomes for our community,” Ms Fraccaro said.

The first funding call will support a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing the CFRD community with a national approach and focus on lived experience. This will assist in identifying research topics for future funding investment to advance the development of evidence-based solutions to address issues that matter most to the CFRD community.

Identified priorities will be shared with the CFRD community including aligned research funding agencies with invitations to collaborate, coordinate and co-fund research investment at the conclusion of the identification phase.

Calls for project proposals nominations are anticipated to open in March 2026.   

Partnerships like this are part of the 2025-2030 ������ Research Strategy, which supports research that is informed by lived experience. For more information please visit /current-research-projects/

About CFRL

Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited (CFRL) was established in April 1990 by Cystic Fibrosis Queensland to administer and grow bequests and donations to further cystic fibrosis research priorities. The objective of CFRL is to act as custodian of a ‘Capital Fund’ for the purpose of facilitating research into, investigation of and the eventual cure of cystic fibrosis.

The scorecard from the 2025 Boxing Day Test health checks is in, with more than 7,400 Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks resulting in over one third of participants being encouraged to see their GP for a follow-up discussion.  

The off-field findings highlight the importance of preventative screening, as more than a quarter of those encouraged to see their GP were prompted because of type 2 diabetes risk.

������ Group CEO Justine Cain said identifying people at risk of type 2 diabetes early is critically important.

“The great thing about the SWL Health Checks is that they are free, quick and self-serve, and can help start a conversation with a health professional,” Ms Cain said.

“While not all diabetes can be prevented, we know that 58 percent of type 2 diabetes cases could be prevented or delayed. For that to happen, we need to reach people who are at risk, and at this year’s Test we’ve done that for thousands of individuals.

“Shane was a beloved figure not just in Australian sports but as an iconic personality with a passion for community. ������ is proud to partner with SWL to encourage greater diabetes awareness and screening,” she said.

The Shane Warne Legacy CEO Helen Nolan said “we’re learning so much at the Legacy, but one lesson keeps coming back to me: our bodies talk to us. Through ways we can easily brush off as nothing.

“In early February 2022 Shane said to me, ‘For the first time in my life I feel exhausted. I need a proper break. Three months. Is there a way?’

“I had never heard him say that before. So, I cleared his schedule. Declined invitations. Moved commitments. Blocked out three full months. He was on Day 1 of that break.

“And contrary to what was reported, he wasn’t seeing a heart specialist or any doctor. He had no idea what was about to unfold.

“It’s such a simple lesson, but I think about it every day: when your body speaks, listen.

“That’s exactly why the Shane Warne Legacy exists. We’ve made it easy to check your health for free in just four minutes, no appointment needed. You can sit down at a self-serve machine and know your numbers. Why wouldn’t you?” Ms Nolan said.

Free Shane Warne Legacy (SWL) Health Checks were offered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for two days during the Boxing Day Test, in partnership with the Legacy’s founding partner, Latrobe Health Services, and health partner ������.

During the Test, 56 SiSU Health Stations were available throughout the MCG, giving cricket fans easy access to quick, non-invasive health assessments. Each self-serve station measures blood pressure, body composition, heart rate, and BMI, with results delivered instantly on-screen and via the SiSU Health mobile app

Participants’ 5-year risk of developing type 2 diabetes was measured using the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk (AUDSRISK) tool, delivered via the Health Station.

A participant follow-up survey sent to all health check participants four weeks after testing sought to understand the impact of the health checks on participant lifestyle choices, basic health literacy, and GP outcomes.

Of the survey respondents, almost two-thirds (65%) had made or plan lifestyle changes within the 4 weeks, whilst over three-quarters (77%) were more confident understanding their heart health and diabetes risk.

Follow this link to read the .

Over 430,000 free Shane Warne Legacy health checks have been undertaken over the past two years. To find a Shane Warne Legacy Health Check near you, visit

The diabetes sector across Australia has come together to call for better access to life-changing diabetes technologies.

Ahead of the National Diabetes Summit in March, the community has made two submissions to the 2026-27 Federal Budget seeking affordable access to diabetes technologies for those who face the greatest risk of complications.

Diabetes is the gateway to 57 other chronic conditions including kidney and cardiovascular disease. Investing in effective diabetes management technologies is one of the most powerful ways to reduce the wider personal and economic impacts of this condition.

The joint submissions, supported by peak diabetes, research and lived experience organisations, urge the Australian Government to expand subsidies for Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems for people living with type 1 diabetes in priority groups and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices for people living with type 2 diabetes and other types of diabetes in priority groups, through the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

Together, ������, the Australian Diabetes Society, the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society, Breakthrough T1D, Diabetes WA, Diabetes Victoria, Diabetes SA, Healthy Living NT and the Australia and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes are proposing practical, targeted reforms that would improve technology affordability, equity and access.

Diabetes costs the Australian health system an estimated $14.2 billion annually, with costs forecast to increase to $45 billion by 2050.

The submissions’ modelling shows that more affordable access to insulin pumps and CGM devices would deliver long-term savings to the health system by reducing preventable complications and hospitalisations.

������’s Group CEO Justine Cain said CGM devices and AID systems are now the standard of care.

“These technologies aren’t a ‘nice to have’, they are absolutely necessary,” Ms Cain said.

“Right now, we’re seeing a widening gap between what we know works and what people can afford. Cost should never determine whether someone can access life‑changing care.

“Technology helps children feel safe at school or on camp. It helps women plan a healthy pregnancy with confidence. For families, it can mean finally sleeping through the night without setting alarms to check glucose levels. For older Australians, it helps to maintain independence and avoid hospital admissions

“These technologies provide real-time insights and precise insulin adjustments that dramatically reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and limb amputations.

“But for too many Australians, they are simply unaffordable.

“This is an important policy conversation that can deliver meaningful change for people living with diabetes, and we welcome the opportunity to work constructively with government and partners across the sector to take it forward,” Ms Cain said.

The submission on AID subsidies recommends expanding funding for insulin pumps to enable AID systems for 38,000 Australians living with type 1 diabetes in priority groups including children and young adults under 21, people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those planning pregnancy or pregnant. The proposed investment is $298.95 million over four years. Should it continue to be adopted in future years, the program is projected to deliver $4.28 billion in net benefits by 2066.

The Australian government already subsidises access to CGM devices for people living with type 1 diabetes. This submission recommends expanding subsidies for CGM to make the devices more affordable for 16,000 people with type 2 and other forms of insulin-treated diabetes in priority groups. They include people on intensive insulin regimens for type 2 diabetes who are healthcare card holders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people under 21 years of age, and women planning pregnancy through to six months post birth. The submission also recommends subsidies for adults with rare types of insulin-requiring diabetes that are similar to type 1 diabetes.

The proposed investment in CGM subsidies is $106.48 million over four years. Should it continue to be adopted in future years, the program is projected to deliver $1.3 billion in net benefits by 2066, which is a $2.69 return for every dollar invested.

With 2 million Australians living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, the community believes evidence-based technology delivered through the trusted NDSS infrastructure offers a responsible, forward-looking investment in better health outcomes for individuals, the health system and the nation.

Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society

“Diabetes is a key driver of health inequity in Australia. Investment in these life changing technologies will save money in the long run and improve health outcomes for those most at risk.”
Dr Matthew Hare, President, ADIPS

Australian Diabetes Society

“Equitable and affordable access to diabetes-management technology is critical to providing effective care for people with diabetes and the cornerstone of advocacy for the Australian Diabetes Society. These budget submissions are the first step to technology access for all Australians living with diabetes.”
Sof Andrikopoulos, CEO, ADS

Australian Diabetes Educators Association

“Expanding subsidies for diabetes technology must go hand in hand with investment in the diabetes workforce. As outlined in the joint submissions, funding dedicated consultations with Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs), alongside national training and coordinated referral pathways, will maximise clinical outcomes, strengthen workforce productivity and ensure the health system is ready for increased uptake of AID systems and CGM.”
Melanie Morris, CEO, ADEA

Breakthrough T1D Australia

“AID systems represent the standard of care for people living with type 1 diabetes. They enable optimal condition management, improve quality of life, and deliver meaningful cost savings to the public health system. We’ve seen the transformative impact of CGM subsidisation, with more than 70% of Australians living with type 1 diabetes now using this technology. We are so grateful to the Government for this, and we want to see similar access to insulin pumps, which are currently used by just 30% of the community.

“The future we envision is one where no Australian affected by type 1 diabetes has to weigh up cost when deciding whether to access life-saving technology.”
Sydney Yovic, CEO, Breakthrough T1D.

Australia & New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology in Diabetes (ANZSPED)

“ANZSPED supports these targeted proposals to expand access to Automated Insulin Delivery and continuous glucose monitoring through the NDSS, particularly for children, young people and other high-risk groups. These technologies represent contemporary standards of care that reduce clinical risk, ease the daily burden on families, and deliver long-term health system value by preventing avoidable complications and hospitalisations.”
Dr Tony Huynh, President, ANZSPED

Diabetes WA

“Diabetes WA is proud to stand by the side of West Australians living with diabetes and amplify their voices through this joint submission. Our commitment to this advocacy reflects our belief that diabetes technology is truly transformative when it is affordable and accessible.”
Melanie Gates, CEO, Diabetes WA

Diabetes SA

“What we are seeing is a widening gap between what we know works and what people can access. These technologies are not a luxury, they are essential. When people are priced out of care that we know prevents complications and hospital admissions, the system is failing.”
Catherine Hughes, CEO, Diabetes SA 

Diabetes Victoria

“Treatment and technology should be affordable and easy to access for all people living with diabetes. We are proud to join with other diabetes organisations in the sector to advocate for this.”
Glen Noonan, CEO, Diabetes Victoria

Healthy Living NT

“Healthy Living NT is a strong advocate for equity in access to healthcare and this life-changing technology should be affordable and accessible across Australia to support people with diabetes.” Anne Kemp, CEO, Healthy Living NT

National Diabetes Summit

The National Diabetes Summit, to be held at Parliament House on 31 March, will provide an important platform for discussion about the increasing impact of diabetes on Australians, including the benefits of technology. The landmark summit will bring together leaders across diabetes, health, research, policy and advocacy to accelerate practical solutions and drive long-term policy change to strengthen the health system.

About ������   

������ is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes. We are leading the national response to Australia’s largest health crisis, working in collaboration with people with lived experience, member organisations, peak bodies, health professionals, state-based organisations, researchers and the community. Our work focuses on supporting people with diabetes to live well, providing information, resources, and support services, as well as investing in prevention, and reducing the impact of diabetes on people, health systems and society. We advocate for positive change that will create a healthier future for everyone.   

For information:                Monica Rostron, ������ – 0409 126 332

������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������mrostron@diabetesaustralia.com.au

������ has appointed Brett Fenton as its first Chief Health Officer marking a major step in strengthening clinical leadership and improving outcomes for people living with diabetes.

Mr Fenton joined ������ in the newly created role in February.

The CHO is a senior clinical leadership position responsible for clinical governance and strategic health initiatives across the organisation.

In his new role, Mr Fenton will work closely with the Chief Medical Officer Professor David Simmons to deliver strong senior clinical oversight to ������’s work as the national peak body.

Group CEO Justine Cain said the appointment reflects the organisation’s commitment to improving care and outcomes for people living with diabetes.

“This is a significant milestone for ������ and our members,” Ms Cain said. “The creation of a Chief Health Officer role strengthens our clinical governance and reinforces our focus on quality, safety and evidence-based leadership.”

Ms Cain said Mr Fenton brings a depth of experience that will benefit the organisation’s work.

“Brett has an outstanding track record as a clinician educator and health system leader,” she said. “His leadership will will have a positive impact for people living with diabetes and stronger integration across the health system.”

Mr Fenton said he was excited by the opportunity of serving as ������’s inaugural Chief Health Officer.

“I am honoured to take on the CHO role at a time when diabetes remains one of the most urgent and complex health challenges facing Australians,” Mr Fenton said.

“This role is about ensuring that everything we do as a national peak body is grounded in strong clinical governance and the latest evidence.

“I look forward to working closely with ������ staff to strengthen partnerships across the health system and to support models of care that are integrated, equitable and focused on better outcomes for people living with diabetes.

“My priority will be to ensure that our clinical leadership continues to underpin our advocacy, programs and national reform agenda.”

Mr Fenton has served as a Director of ������ since 2018 and most recently as Chair of the Risk Quality and Compliance Committee. He resigned his Directorship effective 23 January 2026 to take up the executive role.

He previously led multidisciplinary diabetes services across hospital and community settings and has held senior leadership roles across national policy professional education and digital health reform.

Mr Fenton was an Invited Expert Advisor to the National Diabetes Strategy 2021-2030 and has played a key role in advancing fairer technology access and integrated models of care.