March 8, 2022 saw an historic landmark for Juvenile Arthritis /childhood rheumatic diseases (JA/CRDs) in Australia. A stellar line up of paediatric rheumatologists, Uveitis specialists and members of JAFA’s Board gave evidence during Public Hearings along with three people from the JAFA Community who spoke about their lived experience of these painful and potentially disabling diseases.
The Parliamentary Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport, led by Mr Trent Zimmerman MP (Chair) and Dr Mike Freelander MP (Deputy Chair), pictured here with JAFA mum Jo Cassar and her eloquent son Daman, listened sympathetically and were visibly moved by their stories.
The Inquiry and hearings represent a turning point in the trajectory of JA & CRD services in Australia. The Inquiry was the result of persistent advocacy by JAFA. And, if we can do this just think what else we can do – with your help.
The next step is for the Committee to table its recommendations in the Federal Parliament.
