An Albanese Labor Government will accelerate efforts to end Australia’s HIV epidemic.
Australia has a strong, bipartisan history in our world-leading response to the HIV pandemic. However, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed to end HIV transmission in Australia.
An Albanese Labor Government will:
In a remarkable move, long-standing funding of both organisations has been cut by the Morrison Government. This investment will support both organisations to implement the National HIV Strategy, including for community workers across Australia to reach people at risk and who are living with HIV.
Reporting directly to the Minister, the taskforce of community representatives (including AFAO and NAPWHA), medical experts and officials will be charged with removing bottlenecks and driving progress to end HIV transmission. In an effort to ensure a bipartisan commitment, representatives of the ‘Parliamentary Friends for Action on HIV/AIDS, Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections’ will also be invited to join the taskforce.
Quotes attributable to Mark Butler, Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing:
"The Australian HIV response has been exceptional and world leading."
"Labor will continue our legacy and accelerate efforts to end Australia’s HIV epidemic."
Quotes attributable to Ged Kearney, Shadow Assistant Minister for Health and Ageing:
"Around 2,600 Australians are living with HIV but are unaware of their status. A similar number are aware of their status but are not receiving medication, often due to cost or lack of access to medical guidance."
"An Albanese Labor Government will renew the effort to end the epidemic once and for all."