Deafness Forum of Australia has called for a strong funding commitment by the Australian Government in its next federal budget to elevate ear and hearing health to that of a national priority.
“While we welcome the Government’s recent initiatives, they should be strengthened with further investment in public awareness of hearing health; improved hearing health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and a new approach that will enhance the hearing health of older Australians in aged care,” Deafness Forum of Australia Chair David Brady said.
He said the Roadmap for Hearing Health is a blueprint for actions that has the support of the hearing health sector. It must be resourced and implemented by federal, state and local authorities.
“The Government should invest in priority areas and actions that will change lives and address the appalling social and economic costs of unaddressed and under-managed hearing loss,” he said.
In its pre-budget submission, the Deafness Forum of Australia has called for:
- A national prevention and awareness communication strategy
- Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ear care and hearing health
- Significantly enhancing hearing health for older Australians in aged care
- Providing greater support for vulnerable Australians, including those on low incomes in accessing affordable hearing healthcare, and
- Focussing research funding on projects that inform the development of public policy.
Read the 2021-22 PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION by Deafness Forum of Australia