Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd like to speak tonight about a young Australian man whose life ended far too soon and about a silent killer that too few Australians know about. This young man was also named Matthew James Canavan. He shared my name, but he's not related to me. Matthew was just 26 years old when he died suddenly in his sleep in August last year. He was young and active, he had a job, he was loved, and he had his whole life ahead of him. Matthew died from severe atherosclerosis, caused by elevated lipoprotein(a), known as Lp(a). It's a largely genetic and often undetected cardiovascular risk factor. I became aware of Matthew's story through a deeply personal letter from his father, Bernard. Bernard wrote to me not only because Matthew and I share the same name but also because he does not want another family to experience the devastation his family now lives with every day.

Most Australians have never heard of Lp(a). I suspect many in this chamber have not heard of it. Yet elevated Lp(a) is estimated to affect around one in five people worldwide, and many millions of Australians may carry this risk. It is inherited. It is not caused by lifestyle, it cannot be lowered by diet or exercise, and, in most cases, it is never tested for. A simple blood test can identify elevated Lp(a). In most people, it only needs to be tested once in their lifetime, as levels are genetically determined. Yet Lp(a) testing is not routinely included in standard cholesterol screening in Australia.

Matthew appeared healthy. Like many young Australians, he had no reason to believe that he was at risk of advanced cardiovascular disease. Traditional cholesterol tests can appear normal even when Lp(a) levels are dangerously high. A person can do everything right—they can eat well, exercise and avoid smoking—and still carry this hidden genetic risk. Elevated Lp(a) significantly increases the likelihood of permanent heart disease, stroke and aortic valve disease. It accelerates plaque build-up in arteries, sometimes at a very young age. While there is currently no approved therapy in Australia for Lp(a), promising treatments are in advanced clinical trials internationally. More importantly, early identification allows doctors to manage overall cardiovascular risk more aggressively through monitoring, preventive medications and tailored medical care.

This is not about creating unnecessary alarm, but it is about providing Australians with information about risk factors that many simply do not know exist. We promote awareness around skin cancer, breast cancer and bowel cancer. We have strong public health campaigns around the dangers of heart disease, diabetes and smoking. Yet a condition affecting approximately one in five Australians remains largely invisible.

There are a number of practical steps that Bernard suggested in his letter to me: first, reviewing the current cardiovascular screening guidelines to assess whether Lp(a) testing should be incorporated into standard lipid panels at least once in adulthood, particularly for those with a family history of early heart disease; second, increasing public awareness so Australians can have informed discussions with their GPs; third, ensuring that, as emerging therapies become available, Australia is prepared to evaluate and adopt them promptly and equitably.

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in our country. Prevention must remain a priority. Preventive health care is not only humane; it is economically responsible. The cost of a single blood test is minor compared to the cost of emergency cardiac care, long-term treatment and lives cut tragically short. In cases like Matthew's, the heartbreaking reality is that, unless someone knew to test for Lp(a), chances are there was just no warning.

I want to thank Bernard for writing to me. By sharing his son's story, he has given this parliament and me an opportunity to consider with a greater awareness how early testing could prevent similar tragedies. I have written to the Minister for Health and Ageing asking him to consider Bernard's practical suggestions that may help save lives. We can't prevent every loss, but, where there is a simple test available and where awareness is low, we do have a responsibility to examine whether our system is doing enough. I honour Matthew's memory by ensuring his name is spoken in this chamber. He was a son, he was a friend, and he was a young man with a future that should have been long and full. If increased awareness of Lp(a) leads to even one Australian seeking to test, discover and take preventive care in time, then Matthew's story will have made a difference. Thank you again, Bernard, and my sincerest condolences to you and your family for the tragic loss of your son.