01
HOST
Anne Wilson
CEO, Emerge Australia
As CEO of Emerge Australia, Anne is dedicated to improving outcomes for people living with ME/CFS, long COVID and other energy limiting conditions. You can read more HERE.
ME/CFS and long COVID Action Forum
From Stigma to Science: Educating for Change
Join us for Emerge Australia’s ME/CFS & Long COVID Action Forum from Australian Parliament House 1pm-3pm (AEDT), 30 October 2025.
This event calls for action, investment and policy reform to improve the lives of people living with ME/CFS, long COVID and related energy-limiting conditions.
This event will be recorded and available to view on our website.
Please note: due to limited capacity, attendance in person is by invitation only.
Summary Agenda
Confirmed Speakers
02
Introducing
Tracey Collins
Living with ME/CFS and associated conditions
Tracey Collins has been unwell with ME/CFS and associated conditions for over 19 years. Tracey rarely leaves her bed let alone her house, but with the little physical and mental energy she has, she is committed to advocate for the government to do more to help people like her living with these invisible illnesses.
Tracey’s Linkedin can be seen HERE.
03
Introducing
DR MIKE FREELANDER MP
Member for Macarthur, Chair of the Health, Aged Care and Disability Committee,
Mike has been the Member for Macarthur since 2016.
Mike worked as a paediatrician in Campbelltown & Camden for nearly 40 years and has dedicated himself to making sure his local community is supported, cared for and receives the best outcomes possible. You can read more HERE.
04
Introducing
EMERITUS PROESSOR ANDY GLEADOW AO FAA
Father of Eliza living with ME, Team Eliza, Geologist, University of Melbourne
Emeritus Professor Andy Gleadow, an acclaimed geologist, is dedicated to supporting his daughter, Eliza Charley, who lives with ME.
Beyond his personal life, Professor Gleadow’s professional achievements are impressive. He has made significant contributions to the fields of geochronology, thermochronology, and tectonics, leading Earth Sciences departments at La Trobe and Melbourne Universities. You can read more HERE.
05
Introducing
EMERITA PROFESSOR ROS GLEADOW FAA
Mother of Eliza living with ME, Team Eliza, Plant Biologist, Monash University
Ros Gleadow is an esteemed scientist and dedicated mother, balancing her expertise in plant sciences with her role as a parent and advocate.
As an Emerita Professor at Monash University and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, she leads the Plant Ecophysiology Group, researching climate change’s impact on food security. You can read more HERE.
06
Introducing
Professor Michael Kidd Ao
Chief Medical Officer
Michael is the Australian Government’s Chief Medica Officer bringing a wealth of experience to this role with his career as a general practitioner and health researcher.
He previously served as President for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the World Organisation of Family Doctors and held academic appointments at Monash University, the University of Sydney, Flinders University, the Australian National University and the University of Toronto. You can read more HERE.
07
Introducing
Pete McCluskey
Team Jenny
Pete McCluskey is a passionate advocate and caregiver, dedicated to raising awareness about chronic illnesses and disabilities.
Retiring from a vibrant professional life, Pete has transitioned into an inspiring advocate and caregiver for his family.
With a heart for raising awareness, he utilises his skills and personal experiences to champion the causes of those living with chronic illnesses and disabilities. You can read more HERE.
08
Introducing
Penelope McMillan
spokesperson ME/CFS Australia
Penelope McMillan is active in advocacy for ageing, carers, disability, chronic illness and specifically ME/CFS.
Her work includes engagement in research, including co-authorship, and representing people with ME/CFS in local, state, national and international arenas.
09
Introducing
Professor Chris Ponting
Chief Investigator of the UK DecodeME Edinburgh study
Professor Chris Ponting is Chair of Medical Bioinformatics and a Principal Investigator at the MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer. He is an investigator on the Decode ME Study at the University of Edinburgh.
Chris started his research in particle physics before moving via biophysics to bioinformatics and genomics. You can read more HERE.
10
Introducing
Lily Schubert
Emerge Australia Ambassador
As an Ambassador of Emerge Australia, and a young person living with ME/CFS, Lily brings pivotal insights to our advocacy for over 600,000 Australians living with ME/CFS and long COVID. You can read more HERE.
11
Introducing
Peter Schubert
Father of Lily Schubert
Peter Schubert, a renowned chair and non-executive director, and an esteemed professional with a successful four-decade career.
His expertise lies in strategic communications and governance, particularly in the mining, metals, life sciences, and manufacturing sectors. You can read more HERE.
12
Introducing
Associate Professor Bernard Shiu
GP, Chair of RACGP Energy Limiting Conditions and Post-infection Diseases Working Group
Associate Professor Bernard Shiu is the Clinical Director of Banksia Medical Centre and Geelong Long COVID Clinic in Victoria; and Chair RACGP Energy Living Conditions & Post-Infection Disease Working Group.
He was recognised as the RACGP GP of the Year in 2020, and under his leadership, Banksia Medical Centre was awarded National RACGP General Practice of the Year in 2023. You can read more HERE.
13
Introducing
Zoe Simmons
journalist, speaker, poet and advocate
Zoe Simmons is an award-winning journalist, editor, copywriter, author, keynote speaker and disability advocate who fights to make a difference in the world–especially for the underrepresented disability community.
Having been published hundreds of times around the globe–including by ABC, News.com.au, POPSUGAR, Daily Mail, Mamamia, Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, Refinery29, New York Post, New Idea and That’s Life–Zoe knows how to capture audiences through the raw power of storytelling. You can read more HERE.
14
Introducing
Senator Jordon Steele-John
SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA, Green Portfolio holder for Health and Disability
Jordon Steele-John is a Greens Senator for WA and a proud disabled person.
He advocates for disability rights and equitable healthcare for all Australians.
Jordon and his team were instrumental in establishing a Parliamentary Inquiry into access to ADHD assessment and support services – the first of its kind in Australia.
