Advocacy and Engagement at Parliament House, Canberra

This past week, our Founder and Managing Director, Melanie Funk, joined key advocacy efforts at Parliament House alongside Eczema Support Australia’s professional collaborators—the Australian Patient Advocacy Alliance (APAA) and Missing School. This visit provided a vital opportunity to engage with policymakers, participate in strategic discussions, and highlight the needs of individuals living with eczema.  

Through a series of summits, parliamentary events, and direct meetings with government representatives, we reinforced the urgency of improved healthcare access, education support, and long-term policy initiatives for the eczema community. Below is a summary of the key events and discussions. 

Australian Patient Advocacy Alliance (APAA) Summit – 12 February 

The APAA Summit was an opportunity to connect with fellow patient organisation leaders and engage with key policymakers. Discussions highlighted the importance of strategic advocacy, coalition-building, and long-term engagement to drive meaningful change in healthcare. 

Key takeaways from the summit included: 

• Dr Mike Freelander MP emphasised the need for clear, specific advocacy requests and the importance of engaging multiple MPs to gain broader support. 

• Peta Lange led discussions on effective advocacy strategies, urging organisations to articulate why their cause cannot wait and how their solutions impact broader healthcare priorities. 

• Senator Anne Ruston underscored the necessity of patient involvement in policymaking, advocating for a shift in viewing health as an investment rather than a cost. 

• Hon Mark Butler MP reiterated the government’s focus on affordability in healthcare, particularly through bulk billing and multidisciplinary care models for chronic conditions. 

• Sessions on healthcare reform and patient activation highlighted the need to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage their health, particularly for chronic conditions such as eczema. 

• A presentation on obesity and chronic disease frameworks reinforced the importance of integrated care and policies that address comorbidities. 

Missing School – Seen and Heard Parliamentary Event – 13 February 

This event shed light on the educational challenges faced by children with chronic conditions, including eczema, and the need for flexible, supportive learning environments. 

Key insights from the event included: 

• The impact of eczema on school attendance, with frequent absences due to flare-ups, medical appointments, and sleep deprivation. 

• Challenges for students, such as disrupted learning, social stigma, and emotional distress. 

• Challenges for families, including the financial and emotional strain of caregiving, with some parents needing to leave work or homeschool their children due to school-related triggers. 

• Key recommendations for schools, such as adjusting dress codes, providing mental health support, allowing flexible attendance, and ensuring digital access to lessons for continuity during absences. 

This was an important platform to elevate the needs of students with eczema and advocate for better education policies that accommodate children with chronic conditions. 

Parliamentary Meetings on Community and Health Needs 

In addition to the formal events, Melanie engaged in separate discussions with government representatives focused on the short- and long-term needs of the eczema community. Topics covered included: 

• Continued access to new and emerging eczema treatments. 

• The importance of multidisciplinary care, particularly in primary healthcare settings. 

• The need for a long term approach public awareness and education around eczema. 

• Potential policy initiatives to improve support for individuals and families affected by eczema, including funding for community-based support services. 

Overall, this visit to Parliament House reinforced the importance of sustained advocacy efforts and strategic engagement with policymakers to achieve meaningful improvements in eczema care and support in Australia.