The Andrews government and the federal Health Minister Greg Hunt both refuse to fund multi-award winning First Peoples' Health and Wellbeing. We question their commitment to Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria.  We are an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service that provides culturally safe and trauma informed comprehensive primary health care including: preventative health accredited general practice mental health support family violence support preventing avoidable hospitalisations legal advocacy alcohol and other drug counselling preventing child removals justice health suicide prevention and trauma counselling  Located across Melbourne, we are seeing incredible health and mental health outcomes since opening our doors to the community. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria deserve the highest quality healthcare. Sign the petition to show that Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health matters too.For more information please contact info@fphw.org.au

Save our NRS I am a National Relay Service (NRS) user and I use this service regularly to make calls to make appointments, clients, services, family members and so on.  The NRS is an important service because it offers me the equivalency to telephony that cannot be replicated with 'cheap other options' mainstream communications. The current Request for Tender (RFT) only requires Emergency Services to be 24/7. Other services such as captioned relay, text relay, SMS relay, IP relay and Video Relay are not guaranteed full service and is subjected to bidder's capacity to deliver at a 'Value for Money' which is capped at $22m per annum. In 2016-17, the total operating cost for increasing demand for NRS was at $32m. With capped funding, this means my access to NRS may be limited or restricted. What's more, the Outreach Program is no longer offered. We need the Outreach Program because I see many people who needs NRS are unaware of this important service.  I am worried. What happen if I am driving and my car breaks down in the middle of the road at 10PM and I cannot make calls because the service is unavailable? Or if I need personal support and I need to call a hotline but I cannot because the service is unavailable? Or if I need to urgently contact my family members to let them know of an immediate issue but I cannot because the service is unavailable? This lack of assurance is worrying and is not comforting to me, my family, and to my community. I need assurance. I need to feel safe in my community. I need to be seen as equal member of the community. Can you help me? Please stop the tender process undertaking by Department of Communications and the Arts so the requirements can be reviewed so our assurances can be met.  I ask for NRS to:  ensure that all services are operating 24/7, everyday of the year.  restore Outreach Program so other can learn about how to use the NRS; and ensure that the NRS are appropriately funded.  NRS is my equivalency for telephony service, I need them everyday for 24 hours a day.  Please. stop. this. tender. 

On the 17th of April 1816, a British Naval officer and his soldiers open-fired on a camp of First Nations people and drove them off a cliff in Appin. This was coordinated murder, ordered by Governor Macquarie with the express purpose to “rid the land of troublesome blacks.’  We, the Dharawal and Gundungurra family groups, and all First Nation family groups, are the descendants of those who were slaughtered at the Appin Massacre.  We are calling on the NSW government to protect the Appin massacre site from future development. This area should never be built on. It’s a place of trauma, great sorrow and death. Development on this land will yet again trigger that trauma for our communities. We strongly reject the proposal and investigation by the department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW as well as by any other government or non-government organisations into future development opportunities and impacts.  Please sign and share our petition to tell the government to keep Appin massacre site free from any development, including Walker’s housing development application. 

“I spent three years sleeping on a blow-up mattress, bouncing between relatives’ houses with my four siblings, when I was just nine-years-old. This was after my mum escaped an abusive relationship and couldn’t find permanent housing for our large family of six.  I just wanted a quiet place to do homework, a cupboard for my clothes. I wanted a birthday party like the ones all my friends had. I just felt really crowded and overwhelmed. I was stressed that my classmates might found out. Eventually, I started to get behind in my schoolwork and lose focus in class because I was constantly worried for myself and my siblings.” - Shayna (name changed) Unfortunately, Shayna’s story isn’t unique.There are thousands of Australian kids in similar situations. This is why we are calling on the Federal Government to implement a Child Poverty Reduction Act, that creates a bold roadmap towards poverty reduction. In 2018, New Zealand adopted child poverty reduction legislation that requires governments to set 3 and 10-year targets to reduce child poverty. Bipartisan support for this legislation in New Zealand shows that New Zealand agrees that the reduction of child poverty is not a political issue, it’s a moral one. Australia’s children need a similar level of commitment from our politicians. Leaving 774,000 Australian children in poverty is a policy choice. The Cost of Youth Homelessness Survey in Australia showed that many young people who experience family homelessness do so as a result of domestic violence or substance abuse issues within the family. Our kids don’t deserve to be punished for something that’s not their fault. Yet, we know children who experience homelessness with their parents are more likely to experience homelessness as adults. But poverty is not just related to homelessness. There are a lot of families with homes and working parents who are also struggling due to rising rents and increasing costs of living. These are families in our communities who have to choose between paying healthcare bills or buying new shoes for their kids. Children in families with people with disabilities or mental health concerns also experience more deprivations due to the economic disadvantage of their families. These children live in stress and shame because they can’t explain to their friends that joining them on the next school trip will come at the cost of having food in their lunchboxes. It is possible to reduce the rate of child poverty in Australia. Other countries have done it - In Denmark and Finland, the child poverty rate is around 4% and in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, and Sweden, less than 10% of children live in poverty. Australia's rate of child poverty is 16.6%. This is well above the OECD average of 12.8%.  Vulnerable children in Australia need us to value them and speak up for them. Please sign and share this petition to help us ensure all kids get the same opportunities to reach their full potential.  

The 2015 Review of the Australian Government Rebate on Natural Therapies for Private Health Insurance concluded that the effects of Pilates as a treatment for a number of conditions (including low back pain) was uncertain. Since the Review, there has been a significant increase in the body of evidence (randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews) supporting the efficacy of Pilates as an effective Method for health. The removal of Pilates means that Health Funds are legislated against being able to provide rebates for Pilates services. This Rule could have a devastating affect on your studio, be it your business, place of work, or place of participation in Pilates. The adverse impacts of the change include:·      individuals no longer being able to access Pilates services·      potential increase in individuals accessing other allied health services with un-trained practitioners·      will affect the economics of Pilates businesses (possible closure of studios)·      could lead to increased and unnecessary medical and surgical interventions·      could result in an increase of pain medications being prescribed unnecessarily·      may lead to increased injury rates for older people ·      a lower quality of life and health for people who currently benefit from Pilates and may not be able to continue doing so·      will result in the loss of GST revenue for GovernmentWhat do we want? The Rule to be amended to allow benefits to be paid for Pilates services when carried out by a trained Pilates practitioner with accreditation from a recognised Pilates industry body. What can you do? Sign the petition! What else? You could also help by writing to your local member of parliament, the Health Minister or your Health Fund, your GP and anyone of influence – let them know how this will affect you, how Pilates has helped you, what your business means to the community.

Over 40,000 Australians with Meniere’s disease need your help. Meniere’s disease has been described “as one of the most debilitating diseases experienced by people who survive any illness”. [1] The symptoms of Meniere’s disease can lead to sudden debilitating attacks, loss of employment, social isolation and loss of confidence and personal capabilities in everyday living activities, yet this life changing balance & hearing disorder receives no attention. FAMILIES ARE IN CRISIS “My sister killed herself because of Meniere's Disease. The attacks were coming with an unrelenting intensity that would last for weeks and months. The side effects of depression and anxiety is under reported and the cost of medicating this disease is ridiculous, particularly for people that simply can't work because they can't leave their bed.” - Leah F, NSW “My Mum suffered from this for her entire adult life. I can remember her losing control on many occasions and falling flat on her face on the floor. As a child it frightened the hell out of me. She couldn't drive, go out alone or do any of the things that most folk take for granted.” - Kim C, Dagun “I'm signing because I use Serc regularly to control my Ménière's disease. I experience debilitating attacks of vertigo that confine me to bed often for more than 24 hours at a time. Serc helps with these symptoms. It is not a nice extra in my life but a necessity as I care for my terminally ill husband. It should be on the PBS so that it can be obtained like any other necessary drug.” - Caroline B, Australia 1 in 600 Australians have Meniere’s disease, this equates to approximately 40,120 Australians (more than double of those with Multiple Sclerosis) but where is the community awareness or government support? “Patients with Ménière’s disease are severely incapacitated by their illness. In acute episodes, Ménière’s disease seems to be one of the most debilitating diseases experienced by people who survive any illness. All instruments seem to indicate that Ménière’s disease is serious in its physical and mental health consequences.” [3] Symptoms include fluctuating low frequency hearing loss, aural fullness, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo attacks, brain fog, depersonalisation, nystagmus, and frightening drop attacks.  FINANCIAL STRESS FROM EXPENSIVE MEDICATION “I am myself in the process to see if I have Meniere's and have started on medication. As a pensioner I was disappointed that the medication is not on the PPS. In fact, I delayed getting medication due to lack of funds.” - Kaylah H, Australia “I have Menieres and on a small income. Other medications I need to take that are not on PBS in addition to Serc are causing financial and emotional stress, when I can't afford them when I am unwell with Menieres and can't work and subsequently don't get paid. To have Serc on the PBS would relieve a great deal of pressure on me and my family.” - John H, Australia As scary as Meniere’s disease is, what is perhaps more alarming is that there is currently no medication benefit on the PBS for Australian’s struggling with the condition. So in addition to dealing with a debilitating chronic illness and the financial hardship that accompanies it, sufferers must also spend thousands of dollars each year on expensive medication just to maintain some quality-of-life, employment and social interaction. EXPENSIVE MEDICATION NEEDED TO SURVIVE “I can't survive a day without medication but they are just so expensive.” - Hazel S, Australia “I have Ménière's disease and currently spend over $120 a month on medication.” - Lesley C, Quakers Hill “I have Ménière's Disease. Currently I am unable to work, and Serc is currently costing me approx $20 per packet. With the current dosage of Serc I am on, a packet doesn't last a week.” - Christine P, Flowerdale There are three medications that Meniere sufferers desperately need to manage their symptoms, but they are outrageously expensive, so many sufferers are going without their prescribed medication because they simple cannot afford it. $$$$$ Betahistine, ondansetron and valacyclovir are clinically effective, have proven efficacy, and are safe and cost-effective compared with other treatments available. MENIERE’S IS A LIFE LONG STRUGGLE “I have suffered with Menieres for over 30 years. Severe loss of hearing, nausea and frightening drop attacks. Medication has been essential. Medication is expensive." - Irene K, Ararat AUSTRALIANS CALL ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR SUPPORT “I work in the audiology industry and there is not enough support for this disease.” - Kirsty R, Australia “I have a good friend who suffers with this and struggles to afford the medication. It’s not fair! and it is not right!” - Tara-Louise B, Australia We call on your support to URGENTLY add these medications to the PBS for the benefit of people with Meniere’s disease, to alleviate the financial burden and improve their quality-of-life. Show you care. Please SIGN & SHARE this petition. Thank you for your support. For more in depth information on this petition, or to learn more about Meniere's disease and other chronic balance disorders, go to Whirled Foundation. You can help the advocacy work of Whirled Foundation by DONATING HERE. Source: [1] 2001 QWB Study ‐ "Impact of Ménière's Disease on Quality of Life" by Anderson, John P.; Harris, Jeffrey P.

The federal government is poised to cut millions of dollars in funding to Aboriginal Independent Community Schools, as they transition away from the Indigenous Advancement Strategy. The funding has been offered for over a decade in order to employ Indigenous staff in a range of jobs. These jobs include: - Indigenous language teachers - Aboriginal Teaching Assistants - Cooks - Cleaners - Groundspeople - Receptionists These jobs are vital for the ongoing success of children in these schools. Aboriginal workers provide daily support through language translation, behaviour management, lesson planning, promotion of healthy lifestyles, cleaning classrooms, liaising with community members and ensuring that teachers, principals and students are supported on a daily basis. Without this funding, school workers in Yiyili, Yakanarra, Frog Hollow, Kulkarriya, Nyikina Mangala and Wulungarra are at risk of losing their jobs. This will have a detrimental effect not only on the students that these workers support every day, but also the wider community, as it will remove crucial wages from family groups and put livelihoods at risk. Given the important work that has already been done in these schools, it is crucial that the federal government re-commit to extending this funding for years to come. Through ongoing funding we can continue to exact generational change in these communities, providing quality education to children so that they are future leaders in the community.

Gastroparesis + NSW Government + NO PBS = Difficult times Gastroparesis is an incurable gastric motility disorder in which the function of the stomach is impaired. For myself and many suffers of Gastroparesis the stomach along with the digestive tract no longer process food and many suffers can no longer eat. Myself like so many Gastroparesis suffers, I am feed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via a nasogastric tube, which is attach to a lifesaving machine that injects liquid feeds directly into my bowel at a very slow rate. So why do I need your help? People who suffer from Gastroparesis generally have to cease work, therefore relying on welfare payments. However with the added cost of lifesaving medication and feeds in NSW it is sometimes impossible to make ends meet. Lifesaving feeds and medication for Gastroparesis suffers is not part of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in New South Wales. In all other Australian states (excluding NSW) Gastroparesis patients are provided their feeds for free or at heavily discounted price. Why are NSW Gastroparesis sufferers not treated the same? Why does the NSW Government want suffering for Gastroparesis patients to be worse? This needs to change, as Gastroparesis suffers are falling between the gaps and the NSW State Government is letting us down when we’re already feeling beaten. Sign this petition to: Have Gastroparesis associated medication part of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in NSW Have lifesaving feeds provided free like most other states  Have medical supplies affordable for sufferers Provide the sufferers of Gastroparesis a better quality of life I will personally deliver this to the Australian Health Minister and lobby this change for all Gastroparesis suffers. No one state is more important than the other. xoxox Charmain

To the Commonwealth Parliament: Pass Australian Glass-Steagall Bill to break up the banks The Financial Services Royal Commission’s exposure of banking misconduct and crimes proves that the banks must be broken up. Traditional commercial banking, of taking deposits and making loans, should not mix with investment banking, insurance, stock broking, funds management, financial advice, superannuation, hedge funds and private equity funds. These activities expose banks and their deposits to risks, and their cross-promotion by banks is a conflict of interest that makes customers vulnerable to exploitation. Australia needs a Glass-Steagall separation of commercial banks from all other financial activities. The USA’s Glass-Steagall Act protected Americans from financial crises for the 66 years it was in force, from 1933 to 1999. Parliament must pass the Australian Glass-Steagall legislation drafted by CEC Australia, the Banking System Reform (Separation of Banks) Bill 2018, which Bob Katter MP has announced he will introduce as a Private Member’s Bill, to break up the banks and protect bank customers and their savings.  

Our Barngarla Mob need as much support as we can to say NO to the Nuclear Waste Facility proposed for Kimba! Help us fight to be heard and included in the importance of such a decision �� We won our native title to then be told we have no say and to go through this process all over again. We don’t want the nuclear waste facility as they can’t guarantee it’s going to be safe and it will be a huge risk to the wildlife and environment. Not to mention the proposed areas are sacred and hold significance to my people and we don’t want more major damage to be caused, we want to try and preserve what we have left. Research into this for yourselves, they say it’s low level but it’s technically high level! but our country marks it as low as our standards aren’t the same as the countries we’ll receive the waste from. It’s appalling and not wanted! So help us fight for our right to vote and hopefully stop it from happening ��