Today marks one year since Minister Hunt promised that Flash technology would be subsidised on the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

In a transcript on the Minister for Healths website from November 25th 2018, Minister Hunt said:

And its an absolute privilege and a pleasure to be able to make this announcement today that as of the first of March 2019 the continuous glucose monitoring program will be expanded both in terms of the range of people but also in terms of the options for devices. The Flash glucose monitoring will now also be included alongside the Continuous Glucose Monitoring.

Twelve months later and the only noises weve heard the Government make on Flash, were denying theyd made any promise to list the monitor at all.

Australias diabetics deserve better.

In September the Parliament was presented with 214,000 signatures requesting the Minister list the Flash glucose monitor on the NDSS as soon as possible.

Flash was approved for use by adults in 2016 and provides an alternative to other technologies, meaning diabetics are able to read glucose levels by holding a reader over a sensor located under the skin. The monitoring system provides a simple way for diabetics or their families to check their glucose levels.

While subsidising Continuous Glucose Monitoring is also crucial, its important that Flash is listed to provide diabetics with choice.

Australians with should be allowed to have their choice of affordable monitoring like those in the thirty-three other countries who provide subsidies for Flash.

Labor will remind the Government of every broken promise they dont keep, especially when Australians health is on the line.

Minister Hunt needs to admit his promise is now a year overdue, and list Flash glucose monitoring on the National Diabetes Services Scheme as a matter of critical importance.