Hawthorn electorate
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (14:46): (6421) My question is for the Minister for Health and is regarding the new funding for newborn screening in the state budget, specifically the $4.1 million over four years to add spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, severe combined immunodeficiency and congenital adrenal hyperplasia to Victoria’s newborn screening program. My question is: how long will it take for this screening to become available to the citizens of Hawthorn? My office and I have had extended contact with residents of Hawthorn whose families have been affected by SMA, and I was glad to see this program get funded. A child with SMA type 1 rarely lives beyond the age of three; however, this program will greatly improve the quality and length of the lives of those diagnosed with this condition.