The ABC Australian Story has asked HFA to comment on some questions relating to the ‘Infected Blood’ story to be aired on Monday 10 August 2026.
The HFA statement in response to the ABC questions is below. [Download the PDF (134KB)]
If you would like to know more about HFA’s hepatitis C advocacy, view our hepatitis C strategy page.
If you would like to more about the Australian bleeding disorders community’s experience of the HIV epidemic, please read our page: 40 years of HIV: where to next?
Statement for Australian Story
5 August 2026
Haemophilia Foundation Australia (HFA) recognises the devastating and enduring legacy of Australians with bleeding disorders contracting hepatitis C (HCV) through infected blood products before 1993.
Our community put its trust in the Australian health system for lifesaving treatment. Instead, an estimated 1,350 Australians with bleeding disorders were exposed to HCV that claimed lives, irreversibly damaged health, and continues to have profound financial, emotional, and social consequences for individuals and their families. More than 30 years later, many are still waiting for meaningful acknowledgement and financial support from government. Supporting this community and advocating on their behalf remain one of HFA’s highest priorities.
To clarify, HFA is not the same organisation as Haemophilia Foundation South Australia (HFSA), which was a state based independent incorporated body that was dissolved in 2011. HFA is not aware of the specific HFSA newsletter referred to, nor are we able to verify that the advice in question was communicated publicly by HFSA.
For Australians with bleeding disorders, access to safe blood products for their treatment was a critical part of living well. The Australians who were infected acquired HCV from the blood and blood products they relied on, supplied through an Australian blood system that did not adequately protect patients, despite growing evidence of the risks.
Many affected have since passed away. Others continue to live with the long-term consequences of HCV infection including liver disease, reduced life expectancy, mental health challenges and significant financial hardship.
In 2025, HFA surveyed our members affected by HCV to better understand their priorities. The message was clear: they wanted acknowledgement and practical support. Together with HFA’s Getting Older Report, these findings informed the development of HFA’s potential financial scheme to address the health, support and financial needs of those impacted.
We acknowledge that on 1 November 1989 the government announced the establishment of a trust fund of $13.2 million, the Mark Fitzpatrick Trust, to benefit all people with medically acquired HIV. In 1990 to 1991 this was followed by litigation and compensation settlements for people with medically acquired HIV by state and territory governments.
There remains no Australian financial support or compensation scheme specifically recognising the ongoing impacts experienced by Australians with bleeding disorders who acquired HCV through infected blood products. This gap is precisely why HFA has been advocating over the last 20 years for a dedicated financial scheme. HFA developed the current potential financial scheme and began the process to speak with government in June 2025. We continue to engage closely with the Australian Government to advance the current potential financial scheme.
The 2024 United Kingdom Infected Blood Inquiry and swift implementation of recommendations highlighted a contrast for our community. While other affected communities have received acknowledgement and support, Australians living with the consequences continue to wait.
For more than 20 years, HFA has worked to secure recognition and support for our impacted community. We remain committed to working constructively with government to deliver a solution that acknowledges what occurred and provides the practical support our community deserves.
For more information on HFA and our advocacy visit www.haemophilia.org.au
