Following the historic vote of members of Diabetes NSW & ACT and Diabetes Queensland in late April 2021 to merge with Diabetes Australia, there has been further great progress towards a more unified, national voice for diabetes recently.

On 27 July the members of Diabetes Tasmania voted overwhelmingly in favour of merging with Diabetes Australia. Then on 12 August, the members of the two national diabetes Health Professional Organisations (the Australian Diabetes Society and Australian Diabetes Educators Association) also voted strongly in favour of unification with Diabetes Australia.

The Independent President and Board Chair of Diabetes Australia, Dr Michael Stanford AM said, “This unification is all about having a stronger, more united voice for diabetes in Australia, generating more Government and community support for people with diabetes and those at risk, stronger support for diabetes services and the health professionals working with people with diabetes, and a stronger diabetes research focus.”

Dr Stanford thanked the members of all the unifying organisations for their overwhelming vote in favour of merging with Diabetes Australia.  

“This is momentous time for diabetes organisations in Australia and the biggest change since the mid 1980’s,” he said.

“Of course, the local staff, local events, programs and services will be maintained and strengthened whenever possible.

“It’s an exciting time as we take these positive steps towards building a more influential national organisation supporting all people living with or at risk of diabetes.”

Dr Stanford also commented that Diabetes Australia has recently signed a new three-year National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) Grant Agreement with the Australia Government which ensures the continuation of the provision of diabetes self-management products, information, resources and support programs for over 1.45 million Australians with diabetes who are currently registered with the NDSS.

“We are delighted the Australian Government has confidence in Diabetes Australia, working with our NDSS Agents and partners, and our ability to successfully deliver the NDSS services and programs,” he said.