HepLink is available to anyone seeking information or support related to hepatitis C, including telehealth for hepatitis C treatment. Call 1800 437 222 or visit www.heplink.au
From the mid-1970s it became evident that there was a blood borne transmissible agent coined “non-A non- B hepatitis” and research commenced to identify the cause(s). The hepatitis C virus was subsequently identified in 1989 and the first of the reliable antibody tests became available in early 1990.
Direct-acting antiviral cures for hepatitis C became available to all Australians living with the virus in 2016 through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. This has meant that more than 110,000 people (or 66% of those living with hepatitis C since 2016) have been cured.
Cures for hepatitis C are highly effective and dramatically reduce risk of liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, for people who have been living with hepatitis C for a long time, some liver damage can be permanent and have lifelong impacts.
In Australia, following Senate referral in August 2003, the Senate Community Affairs References Committee undertook an Inquiry into Hepatitis C and Blood Supply in Australia. Hepatitis Australia provided evidence to that inquiry, which made several recommendations that focused on systems and processes that could be improved and the support that should be provided to those affected.
In August 2026, Australian Story ran a program highlighting the experiences of people who acquired hepatitis C from blood products prior to 1990 in Australia.
Hepatitis Australia recognises this remains a deeply distressing issue for people affected, and that some people in the community are still seeking answers and accountability for what happened to them.
Since airing, Hepatitis Australia has undertaken several actions to support people affected by hepatitis C, including:
- Adding the HepLink phoneline to all ABC articles on the topic and the Australian Story program
- Briefing parliamentarians to ensure responses are respectful to all people living with hepatitis C
- Issuing two media releases encouraging anyone concerned about their risk to access testing and treatment:
- Response to Australian Story
- Response to Senate Inquiry
A Senate Inquiry has been announced and is due to be handed down in the second half of next year.
Hepatitis Australia is preparing a report for Government that will focus on the experiences of people who acquired hepatitis C in institutional settings, including through blood transfusions and blood products.
Anyone who would like to contribute their experiences to the report can contact Liz, HepLink Nurse Navigator: 1800 437 222 or [email protected] for more information.
