Media release – Independent Member for Lyons, John Tucker MP, 5 September 2023
Action Needed for the Treatment of Eating Disorders
The independent Member for Lyons, John Tucker, MP has today questioned if the Liberal Government are doing enough to support those suffering with eating disorders.
Mr Tucker stated, “We know over one million Australian children and adults are living with eating disorders each year, and each year approximately two thousand Australians will die from the effects of an eating disorder.”
“Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any other mental illness.”
The number of Australians living with eating disorders has risen by almost 150% since the beginning of Covid.
“Studies have consistently shown that the most important part of treating an eating disorder is with regular psychological therapy, with inpatient treatment facilities providing the ideal environment for recovery.”
“There are currently no inpatient treatment centres dedicated to the treatment of eating disorders in Tasmania. Tasmanian families are having to shell out thousands and thousands of dollars to send their family members to the mainland for treatment.”
Unfortunately, the number of people living with eating disorders is rising and Tasmanian’s are no exception.
It is ridiculous that in order to receive adequate inpatient treatment many Tasmanian families are being forced to spend upwards of $60,000 to ensure the survival of family member.
