Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Hansard source

In addition to my announcement, I am also delighted to inform the Senate that funding of up to $1.6 million over two years will be provided to the Indigenous Eye Health Unit at the University of Melbourne to undertake trachoma health promotion. This was also a component of the Indigenous eye health sector proposal. Trachoma is a major blinding infectious eye disease occurring in 60 per cent of outback communities. Australia has made good progress in reducing the rates of trachoma but more work is required to achieve elimination. This funding will go towards health promotion focusing on clean faces and safe bathrooms to complement other existing trachoma activities. Again, I would like to acknowledge the continued advocacy of Professor Taylor over many years and note the government will be continuing to work closely with him to eradicate trachoma.