Deputy Speaker,
James Tsindos was 17 years old when he unknowingly ate food containing cashews and died in hospital from anaphylaxis.
His loss shattered his family, his friends, and the broader community who loved him.
In the aftermath, James’s parents Harry and Veneta, have sought answers.
And through their grief have worked to raise awareness about food allergies - which now impact around 1 in 10 babies, 1 in 20 teens and 1 in 50 adults in Australia.
Together with Brighton Grammar, they put on Jam for James, an annual music event honouring their boy – a gifted pianist whose talent and spirit touched so many.
Jam for James raises funds for the National Allergy Centre of Excellence and has become a powerful way for students and the wider community to engage with food-allergy safety.
But the Tsindos family seek lasting reform to ensure no other family endures what they have endured.
That includes improving emergency care so that when anaphylaxis does occur, patients receive the life-saving treatment that they need.
And critically, it means stronger food-labelling laws.
In James’ case, the cashew product he ate was falsely labelled as “cheese”- a description that was misleading, life-threatening, and in contravention of the national Food Standards Code.
Deputy Speaker, so many parents and children live with the constant vigilance of managing food allergies. Yet vigilance only gets you so far if the product itself is misdescribed.
Allergens – particularly very common ones – should be clearly disclosed. Had it been, James would not have chosen the meal.
I commend Harry and Veneta on their compassion and resolve in driving reforms that will save lives – a testament to their enduring love for James.
