Diabetes Victoria launches 2026 State Election Priorities

The bipartisan event was hosted by Diabetes Victoria and The Parliamentary Friends of People Affected by Diabetes, which is co-convened by Bronwyn Halfpenny MP and Gaelle Broad MLC.

The event was attended by Members of Parliament and key stakeholders from the diabetes sector including clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience of diabetes.

Diabetes Doesn’t Rest

Ahead of the state election in November 2026, Diabetes Victoria is calling on the next Victorian Government to commit to five priorities to better support Victorians living with, or at risk of, diabetes.

“Diabetes is an underlying factor for other serious health conditions, which means the impact of diabetes reaches far beyond the condition itself,” says CEO Glen Noonan.

“We have identified the essential diabetes prevention and care investments to relieve pressure on the health system. The five state election priorities are critical to help prevent complications, reduce future healthcare costs, and improve the lives of millions of Victorians.”

The annual healthcare cost for someone living with diabetes is more than double that of someone without diabetes. Around 80 perent of the costs are hospital admissions and emergency care.

Mr Noonan says Victoria is uniquely placed to act, given the world-leading researchers based in Melbourne.

“We are fortunate to have world-leading diabetes researchers and exceptional health professionals based in Victoria, who are all ready and willing to shape solutions.”

“Most importantly, we have a passionate community of people living with or at risk of diabetes. Their voices are at the heart of everything we do, including these election priorities.”

The five priorities outlined in the Diabetes Doesn’t Rest document:

1. Ensure a healthier Victoria, now and for future generations   
2. Fix early intervention to improve health outcomes and avoid surging costs  
3. Provide the right diabetes care at the right time for all Victorians
4. Make sure no child with diabetes is left out of early childhood education and care  
5. Keep Victoria at the forefront of diabetes research  

Informed by community

The event also highlighted Diabetes Victoria’s National Diabetes Week campaign, Messages That Matter.

Ahead of National Diabetes Week in July, the diabetes community is sharing what matters to them about diabetes, in their own words.

“We believe personal stories can break down stigma and build empathy for the diabetes community – these messages inform our advocacy work and have guided our 2026 Victorian election priorities,” says Mr Noonan.

“We’ve received nearly 1000 messages from across the state about what gives people hope, the barriers they face, and what they wish people understood about diabetes.

“In addition to the five election priorities, we are calling on the next Victorian Government to work with the sector and community to develop a Victorian Diabetes Plan. 

“A Victorian Diabetes Plan will be empowering for Victorians affected by diabetes, and it will create meaningful improvements across the health system.

“We look forward to working with the next Victorian Government to implement these initiatives as part of a cohesive, statewide strategy.

“Diabetes doesn’t rest, and we urgently need action to better support Victorians affected by diabetes.”