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ME/CFS South Australia Inc supports the needs of sufferers of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and related illnesses. We do this by providing services and information to members.
Disclaimer
ME/CFS South Australia Inc aims to keep members informed of various research projects, diets, medications, therapies, news items, etc. All communication, both verbal and written, is merely to disseminate information and not to make recommendations or directives.
Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed on this Web site are not necessarily the official views of the Society or its Committee and are not simply an endorsement of products or services.
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Australian Democrats support our cause
President, ME/CFS Australia (SA) Inc
June 17, 2004
Members will be interested to hear that the Australian Democrats Senator, Lyn Allison, has once again promoted awareness of ME/CFS within the Federal Parliament.
Simon Molesworth QC, President of the National Association of ME/CFS Societies, has written thanking the Democrats.
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Letter of thanks from Simon Molesworth
Would you please pass on to Senator Lyn Allison, and all the Democrats Senators, the deep appreciation of the CFS/ME societies around Australia and the National Association for raising awareness of the serious issues facing those afflicted with CFS and their carers in Australia.
We look forward to hearing the outcome of the Senate Motion in that its calls for support and action from the Commonwealth Government. Given the bland responses from the Government to such questions in previous years, essentially saying that some funding has been provided in the past for some research and that the States are primarily responsible for the organisations and groups that provide support services, we believe that it is essential that any response be questioned and debated. It would also be helpful if that debate could be taken into the press.
We will ensure that all the CFS/ME Society newsletters around Australia report the fact that the Senate agreed to this important Motion introduced by Senator Allison.
Thank you again,
Regards,
National Chairman
ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association of Australia
and
State President,
ME/CFS Australia (Victoria)
Australian Democrats – Senate supports CFS Motion
For your information
On the 15th of June 2004, the Senate agreed to the Motion put forward by Senator Allison regarding Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia. The wording of the motion is below:
SENATOR ALLISON
Mr President,
I give notice that on the next day of sitting I will move that the Senate:
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notes that: |
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9th to 15th May 2004 is International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia (ME/CFS/FM) Awareness Week; |
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Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (commonly referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) is a serious condition characterised by marked and prolonged fatigue for which no identifiable cause can be found. Symptoms can include generalised muscle weakness and pain, low-grade fever, sore throat, painful lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, transient pains in a number of joints, and various disturbances of neuropsychological function including confusion, irritability, poor concentration and visual changes. The suffering and disability-physical, psychological and social-caused by the illness can be very considerable, in many cases comparable to that seen in multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis; |
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has devastating effects not only on the individual with the disease but also on the family; and |
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conservative estimates of the annual costs to the Australian community of CFS are $416 million dollars. |
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calls on the Government to: |
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support research into the prevalence, underlying causes and effective treatments for CFS; |
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support the education of health professionals, including general practitioners, and the broader community, including employers, to increase recognition of the reality and seriousness of the suffering and associated disability experienced by individuals with CFS; and |
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encourage and support organisations and groups that provide education, advice and practical assistance to individuals with CFS and their families. |
Advisor
Australian Democrats
| Non-Sitting Weeks | Sitting Weeks |
| Suite 14B1, 7/421 Brunswick Street | SG113 Parliament House |
| Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | Canberra ACT 2600 |
| Ph: 07 3252 7101 | Ph: 02 6277 3604 |
| Fax: 07 3252 8957 | Fax: 02 6277 3087 |
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Registered Charity 3104
Email:
sacfs@sacfs.asn.au
Mailing address:
PO Box 322,
Modbury North,
South Australia 5092
Phone:
1300 128 339
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday,
10am - 4pm
(phone)