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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 64 

In this very special episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m joined by Tony Burke MP, Australia’s Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for the Arts, to talk about something deeply personal — his experience living gluten free and his connection to coeliac disease.

Tony shares openly about his own symptoms and journey to removing gluten from his diet, the challenges of navigating strict dietary needs while working in Parliament, and what it's like advocating for coeliac disease awareness while holding national leadership responsibilities. We also reflect on a lighthearted but symbolic moment — refusing a beer from former Prime Minister Bob Hawke — and what it says about setting boundaries and sticking to health needs in public spaces.

This conversation is part personal story, part political insight, and part advocacy — highlighting just how far we’ve come in coeliac disease recognition, and how far we still have to go, particularly at the governmental level in Australia.

What we cover:

• Tony’s family history with coeliac disease and how it influenced his awareness of gluten sensitivity
• The health issues and symptoms that led him to adopt a gluten free diet
• What it’s really like to maintain a strict gluten free diet while working in Parliament House, including the daily food-related challenges in a fast-paced environment
• His reflections on the visibility (or invisibility) of coeliac disease in national policy conversations
• What actions governments can take to improve awareness, research funding, diagnosis pathways, and support for people with coeliac disease across Australia

Why this conversation matters:

Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition that requires lifelong adherence to a strict gluten free diet. Despite affecting 1 in 70 Australians, it remains under-recognised and underfunded in both healthcare and policy. Hearing from someone at the highest levels of Australian government who understands these challenges personally is a powerful step forward in building more awareness and advocacy.

Links & Resources:

• Tony Burke’s story – Refusing a beer from Bob Hawke
• Learn more about the gluten challenge – Coeliac Australia

Get in touch

You can find me on Instagram @a.gffamily or send an email to aglutenfreefamily@gmail.com.

I also write a regular column for The Australian Coeliac magazine under the title A Gluten Free Family, released quarterly for Coeliac Australia members. In each issue, I share personal stories, helpful tips, and honest conversations from the gluten free community — one chat at a time.

Disclaimer

The content on A Gluten Free Podcast is based on personal experience and the opinions of the host and guests. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or health plan.

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