New South Wales government’s former Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research, the Hon. Jillian Skinner AM, has joined Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) as an ambassador.
Ms Skinner led an impressive 23- year political career and is widely respected for her contributions to the health and medical sectors in Australia. She began her career as a journalist in Melbourne and was the first woman journalist on the Victorian Parliamentary Press Gallery.
“My ambassador role with Macular Disease Foundation Australia involves raising public awareness of macula health – both how to prevent and manage macular disease,” said Ms Skinner. “I will support research and advocate on the policy benefits to government and others.
“Expansion of access to affordable eye injections would save sight, benefit the productivity and wellbeing of thousands of people, and save on the costs associated with disability. This is an important message for government to consider when determining allocation of health resources.”
Diagnosed with age-related macular disease 12 years ago, Ms Skinner brings lived experience to her ambassadorship with MDFA.
“I don’t struggle with my diagnosis because I have had wonderful support from my treating ophthalmologist and optometrist for decades,” she said. “I would wish the same for all Australians.”
Ms Skinner joins existing MDFA ambassadors, Australian performer, comedian, and writer, Jean Kittson; Adelaide ophthalmologist Dr James Muecke AM; and Danish architect Jan Utzon, the son of Jørn Utzon, designer of the Sydney Opera House.