Thursday, 19 June 2025

Hepatitis

Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (17:44): (1742) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Health regarding the urgent need to address the high rates of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Western Metropolitan Region. The action I seek is for the minister to address this extraordinary rate of hepatitis B and C exposure with the development of a comprehensive road map for improving diagnosis, care and treatment for those affected. When government fails to deliver accessible and effective health care, it is the most vulnerable members of our communities who suffer.

The high rates of hepatitis B and C in Western Metropolitan Region are deeply concerning and demand urgent action. Recent data reveals that three out of the four electorates with the highest hepatitis B rates are in my region, Western Metropolitan Region, with St Albans 180 per cent above the state average, Laverton 160 per cent above the state average and Kororoit 83 per cent above the state average. Additionally, four out of the 10 electorates with the highest rate of hepatitis C diagnosed in the past 25 years are also in Western Metro Region, with Kororoit 131 per cent above the state average, St Albans 95 per cent above the state average, Footscray around 90 per cent above the state average and Laverton the same.

Hepatitis B and C are blood-borne viruses that can cause long-term liver damage and lead to liver cancer if left untreated. Despite the availability of effective treatment, too few Victorians living with the hepatitis virus receive the care they need. Many come from marginalised communities and face barriers such as stigma, discrimination and an inaccessible health system. To tackle the growing hepatitis crisis in Victoria, particularly in the western region, we need compassionate, community-driven responses. Let us start with raising awareness and improving education around hepatitis B and C, especially in areas where exposure is really high. Many people do not even know they are living with the virus until it is too late. We need to make easy access for these people to get treatment and testing by expanding nurse-led models of care and supporting local health initiatives. In the justice system, hepatitis C is especially common, and a coordinated health response is urgently needed. Importantly, we must listen to and empower those with lived experience, people who understand the barriers firsthand and can help shape more effective, inclusive solutions.

Eliminating the hepatitis virus by 2030 is not just a health goal, it is a chance to save lives, reduce the burden of liver cancer and create a fairer, healthier Victoria for everyone. So again, I ask the minister to provide a clear, transparent plan to address the high occurrence of hepatitis B and C in Western Metropolitan Region and Victoria as a whole.