Heart Research Institute

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-139317

Hansard session: Fifty-Eighth Parliament, First Session (58-1)

Heart Research Institute

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (22:18:47):

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Heart Research Institute facility in Newtown and learn about all the fantastic work it is doing both in my community of Oatley and throughout New South Wales. I take pride in organisations that contribute to a better future for all Australians, and the Heart Research Institute is one such operation. Since 1989 the team there have been working tirelessly to undertake groundbreaking cardiovascular research. Their efforts as a team have significantly advanced the development of medical treatments and interventions for heart-related conditions.

Heart disease is truly one of the biggest silent killers, not just in my electorate but in communities right across New South Wales. Cardiovascular disease is one of the biggest burdens on the healthcare system in New South Wales and is the leading cause of death and disability in Australia. One limb is amputated every two hours in Australia due to diabetes-associated peripheral artery disease, which is one of the largest killers. It also costs the economy more than $875 million each year, a number that is only expected to grow over the coming years.

Cardiovascular disease affects different people disproportionately. We know that women have worse outcomes after treatment than men, and First Nations people have a threefold higher risk of developing peripheral artery disease than non-Indigenous Australians. Currently the only treatment that is available does not permanently improve or prevent cardiovascular disease. While significant strides have been made, we know that further research is necessary. That is why I believe that the work of the Heart Research Institute is so vital to my community of Oatley and to communities across New South Wales. At its core, the work it does is all about ensuring that people live a better and more comfortable life into the future.

In New South Wales we want to ensure that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to live a full and healthy life free from the burden of cardiovascular disease. The Heart Research Institute employs some of the brightest minds and researchers from all over New South Wales, Australia and the globe to make strides towards that future. Working alongside the University of Sydney and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, its breakthroughs have resulted in better outcomes for thousands of Australians.

The institute works in preventative health care. This means that by understanding the underlying issues behind heart diseases and identifying risk factors, targeted intervention programs can prevent those conditions from ever occurring in the first place. Of course, a proactive approach is always the best approach. Not only does the work of the Heart Research Institute save lives; it also reduces the strain on our healthcare systems by reducing the need for costly treatments and hospitalisations. Those breakthroughs can have far-reaching implications not only for cardiovascular health but also for related fields such as medical technology and pharmaceuticals.

The discoveries made today at institutions like the Heart Research Institute pave the way for tomorrow's medical advancements, shaping a future where people suffering from currently untreatable diseases can receive more specialised care. We look forward to a future where fewer lives are lost to cardiovascular disease and where fewer families endure the pain of losing a loved one prematurely to that debilitating disease. As we continue to support institutions like the Heart Research Institute, we are not only investing in the health and wellbeing of our communities today but also laying the groundwork for generations to come. My visit provided me with a deeper understanding of the institute's impactful work in cardiovascular research. It is clear that the institute's efforts are making a significant difference in the fight against heart disease.

A special thank you to the researchers, the directors and the entire team, who continue to work incredibly hard for the stability of cardiovascular research in New South Wales and Australia. I personally thank each and every researcher for their contributions. The remarkable progress achieved by the Heart Research Institute over the past 35 years would not have been possible without the dedication of its exceptional team. I look forward to working with the Heart Research Institute team well into the future, and I thank them for inviting me to learn more about their research initiatives.

The House adjourned, pursuant to standing and sessional orders, at 22:23 untilThursday 14 March 2024 at 10:00.