Dr Mike Freelander says there is an absence of a clear, established and nationally consistent definition of long Covid in Australia.
The member for Macarthur was commenting on the issues paper release by the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care & Sport, which is inquiring into long covid and repeated covid infections.
Dr Freelander is the chair of the committee.
He says evidence presented so far to the inquiry also points to the lack of reliable and consistent available data on long covid and repeated covid infections.
The release of the issues paper was timely, with Covid back in the news, and with the Prime Minister testing positive this week.
Dr Freelander welcomed the release of this issues paper as an important way for the public to be aware of the committee’s work so far.
“The evidence the committee has received so far has revealed some interesting emerging themes,’’ he said.
“We have heard about the possible causes, management, and treatment of long Covid and possible ways to reduce the risk of developing long Covid.
“The committee is looking forward to unpacking these issues in more detail as we begin to hold more public hearings in the new year,’’ Dr Freelander said.
The issues paper provides an update on the committee’s inquiry to date, and it aims to highlight some of the issues that have emerged from its preliminary investigations.
It also highlights gaps and areas that the committee intends to examine during upcoming public hearings.
While submissions to the inquiry closed last month, individuals and organisations wishing to make a late submission should contact the secretariat by email at health.reps@aph.gov.au as soon as possible.
Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference and published submissions are available on the committee’s website.
