REBECCA WHITE MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGED CARE
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS HEALTH
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR WOMEN

JESS TEESDALE MP
MEMBER FOR BASS

FUNDING TO IMPROVE CARE AND SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE

The Albanese Government is investing in specialised education and training for frontline healthcare workers to support the early identification, management and treatment of chronic liver disease and primary liver cancer.

The government is providing $425,000 to the Liver Foundation to deliver targeted training for nurses and General Practitioners on managing liver disease to help improve patient outcomes.

This includes funding to develop a range of educational resources and accredited training courses for healthcare workers, particularly those in rural and remote areas, where access to specialist services can be limited.

From March to June 2026, the Liver Foundation will deliver a national series of free, face to face ‘Frontline Liver Care – Empowering Healthcare Workers’ courses across eight regional locations in Australia with a high incidence of liver disease, including:

• Toowoomba, Queensland
• Sale, Victoria
• Alice Springs, Northern Territory
• Mount Gambier, South Australia
• Kalgoorlie and Port Hedland, Western Australia
• Launceston, Tasmania
• Orange, NSW

The nursing course has been developed by the Liver Foundation in partnership with the Australasian Hepatology Association (AHA), and are designed in line with evidence-based, best-practice guidelines.

The funding has also strengthened support available for people with chronic, advanced liver disease and liver cancer through the Liver Foundation’s nurse-led support line for primary liver cancer, which provides information and advice to individuals and their families.

For more information, visit the Liver Foundation website.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:

“Liver disease is a significant public health issue – with one in three Australians affected by liver disease at some point in their lives.

“This funding supports the health workers who are on the frontline of care for people with chronic liver disease and primary liver cancer.

“In rural and remote communities, nurses and General Practitioners play a vital role in managing complex cases, often with limited access to specialist services.

“Ensuring they have access to high-quality, evidence-based training is vital to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and families across Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bass, Jess Teesdale:

“This funding is a major boost for frontline workers who play a vital role in detecting and treating chronic liver disease.”

“Access to high‑quality training, especially in regional communities – means better care and better outcomes for patients.”

“Strengthening the Liver Foundation’s support services ensures individuals and families have trusted help when they need it most.”

Quotes attributable to CEO of the Liver Foundation, Sally Castle

“People living in regional and remote Australia are disproportionately affected by liver disease and have less access to specialist care, making frontline healthcare workers critical to early detection and ongoing support.”

“Liver disease often has no symptoms in its early stages, meaning many people are diagnosed too late. By equipping GPs and nurses with the right education and tools, we can support earlier detection and improve outcomes.”

“We welcome the Australian Government’s investment in this important initiative, which is specifically targeted at improving liver disease care in regional, rural and remote communities where the need is greatest.”

Thursday, 2 April 2026

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Maeve McKenna 0455 463 954
Adam Barnett 0477 724 927