Items Tagged With "Children"

The Australian Government will provide $4.2 million over four years to fully subsidise Myozyme® (alglucosidase alpha) to treat the rare and serious enzyme deficiency disorder, Infantile-onset Pompe disease.

It is estimated between three and eleven patients with the disease will be treated through the Life Saving Drugs Program over the four years. The average cost in the first year of therapy is estimated at $109,600 per person.  This will be fully subsidised by the Government for eligible patients for the first time as of this month. 

The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today launched the Australia-wide rollout of the ThinkUKnow program to educate parents, carers and teachers about how to create a safe online experience for the nation’s youth.

Mr O’Connor said there is little divide between the real and online world for today’s generation and it is important that adults have a good understanding of the internet and what youth are doing on it—highlighting the importance of today’s launch.

*Release with Jenny Macklin & Bill Shorten

A new Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre in Perth will give young West Australian children with Autism Spectrum Disorders access to specialist early childhood services to help them reach their full potential.

The Rudd Government has provided nearly $2.5 million to the Autism Association of Western Australia and Jellybeans Child Care to establish the centre in partnership with Curtin University of Technology.

Families with children with type 1 diabetes will benefit from the Rudd Government’s announcement today that it is increasing the maximum subsidy for the purchase of an insulin pump for children under 18.

The Type 1 Diabetes Insulin Pump Program is an innovative initiative - started under the Rudd Government - which delivers relief for families managing juvenile type 1 diabetes.

After consultation with stakeholders, changes announced today increase the subsidy for those most in need, and target it at those requiring the greatest assistance.

Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, today introduced into Parliament reforms to strengthen Commonwealth child sexual exploitation laws.

"The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Sexual Offences Against Children) Bill introduces a range of reforms to child sex offences, including online offences and child sex tourism, to ensure they meet the needs of law enforcement agencies and remain effective in combating these horrendous crimes," Mr O'Connor said.