I move:

That the Senate—

(a)

notes that the week beginning 11 May 2008 is International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Awareness Week;

(b)

recognises that:

(i)

these conditions can strike at any time and affect children as well as adults,

(ii)

sufferers of these conditions experience abnormal levels of exhaustion which often stops them from working, studying or socialising, and

(iii)

the cause of these conditions is currently unknown and there is no single diagnostic test to accurately diagnose them; and

(c)

calls on the Government to:

(i)

support research into encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and

(ii)

adequately support non-government organisations that provide support, education, and resources to consumers, the community, health professionals and policy makers about the encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Question agreed to.