Australian fight against diabetes gets big financial boost

According to recent reports from Australia, the fight against diabetes is set to be boosted by a $100 million funding pledge from the federal government, and a matching pledge from States and Territories. Healthcare groups and the diabetic community received the news warmly.
The Council of Australian Governments made the decision at a meeting in Canberra, prompting Queensland premier Peter Beattie to comment: “For someone who is fat and overweight, I’m delighted to see we are doing something about diabetes.” Northern Territory officials also welcomed the news, in a state where many indigenous people live with diabetes.
The President of Diabetes Australia, Gary Deed, reportedly commented: “We are pleased with the prime minister’s announcement and we look forward to working further with the government to develop diabetes strategies.” A nationally available diabetes risk assessment kit is a high priority apparently, but Oxfam and Aboriginal groups said that the money should primarily be used to help indigenous Australians.
Over one million people in Australia have diabetes.