New parliamentary inquiry to investigate long Covid

A federal government-led committee will launch an inquiry into the ‘significant health challenges’ of long Covid.

A new parliamentary inquiry will investigate the impact of long Covid on Australians and the broader health system, the federal government has revealed.

Labor MP Dr Mike Freelander will chair the House Health Committee, which will launch the inquiry.

Dr Freelander said very little was known about long Covid and the inquiry would “build a picture” of the impact it was having on the broader community.

“The committee recognises that both long Covid and repeated Covid infections are emerging as significant health challenges for Australia,” he said.

“Currently we have a limited understanding of these issues, and it is hoped that this inquiry will build a picture of the health, social, educational, and economic impacts long Covid and repeated Covid infections are having on individuals, their families and the broader community, which can be used to inform public policy recommendations.”

It follows Treasurer Jim Chalmers revealing last month the labour market was being increasingly “smashed” by long Covid, with treasury analysis finding the long-term effects of Covid were keeping some 31,000 Australians away from work every day.
Deputy chairwoman, Coalition MP Melissa McIntosh, said the committee would engage with researchers, members of the public, mental health organisations and state and territory governments about the potential and unknown effects of long Covid and how to treat it.

Submissions will be open until November 18.