Tony Burke MP on Coeliac Disease, Gluten Free Life & Government Action

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 sensitivityThe health issues and symptoms that led him to adopt a gluten free dietWhat 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 environmentHis reflections on the visibility (or invisibility) of coeliac disease in national policy conversationsWhat actions governments can take to improve awareness, research funding, diagnosis pathways, and support for people with coeliac disease across AustraliaWhy 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 HawkeLearn more about the gluten challenge – Coeliac AustraliaGet in touchYou can find me on Instagram @a.gffamily or send an email to [email protected] 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.DisclaimerThe content on A Gluten Free Podcast is based on personal experience and the opinions of Head to happytummies.com.au & use our code GFCHRISTMAS to save 20% off Free From Family Co everyday range! Valid from 8th Nov - 25th December, 2025.  Up to 25% discounts on Bask & Co products site-wide and with NO discount codes required! FREE shipping on orders over $99. Only while stocks last! Shop here🥣 Celiac Cruise - a 100% gluten free vacation cruise is setting sail on two Australian cruises in 2026: one to the South Pacific and the other to New Zealand. There'll of course be awesome 100% gluten free food onboard, heaps of fun stuff to do, educational talks and a community of people who understand each other. Buy your tickets here & see ya onboard gluten free fam! 

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