THE Lyme Disease Association of Australia has welcomed the announcement of a Senate inquiry into growing evidence of Lyme-like illness.
Association president Sharon Whiteman said she hoped the inquiry, which is due to report in June 2016, would reveal the impact of the disease on Australians and motivate health authorities to take action.
The existence of Lyme in Australia has been consistently refuted by the medical establishment and in 2014 a clinical advisory committee identified a lack of stringency in testing procedures.
The Lyme community has campaigned hard to build awareness, including a campaign in which supporters sent 22,000 postcards to federal politicians.
Independent Senator for Victoria John Madigan moved to establish the inquiry after he received letters from a number of constituents.
"The past few months have been a steep learning curve for me when it comes to Lyme Disease," he said.
"What has become clear over time is there are thousands of Australians suffering debilitating symptoms who need answers.
"The overwhelming support I ultimately received for establishing this inquiry, despite this being an issue of significant controversy, speaks volumes.
"It recognises those Australians suffering this terrible set of symptoms are genuine and that their concerns must be urgently addressed."
Lyme Disease is a bacterial illness spread by tick bites and can affect the skin, joints, heart and nervous system.
Submissions to the inquiry are open until March 31, 2016.
Phone (02) 6277-3515,
email: community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au
