A new parliamentary inquiry has been established to investigate the health, social, educational, and economic impacts of long COVID and repeated COVID infections.
The inquiry by the House of Representatives Health Committee will be led by chair Dr Mike Freelander.
"The Committee recognises that both long COVID and repeated COVID infections are emerging as significant health challenges for Australia," said Dr Freelander.
"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.
"The Committee wants to draw upon the experience and insights of healthcare service providers supporting patients with long COVID and/or repeated COVID infections, to better understand the impacts on Australia’s overall health system."
Deputy chair Melissa McIntosh said, "The Committee is also particularly looking forward to hearing from individuals or loved ones of people with long COVID and/or who have had repeated COVID infections, particularly about their experience seeking diagnosis and treatment.
"The Committee hopes to engage with researchers, peak bodies, members of the public, mental health organisations, the Australian Government, and state and territory governments, about the potential and unknown effects, causes, risk factors, prevalence, management and treatment of long COVID and/or repeated COVID infections," she said.
The committee will also consider how long COVID or repeated COVID infections may be impacting groups that face a greater risk of illness due to factors such as age, existing health conditions, disability and background.
Submissions are invited by 18 November 2022.