Jackie Murphy

Jackie Murphy is a nationally recognised patient advocate and community leader. She is dedicated to improving healthcare access and outcomes for people living with primary immunodeficiencies. These genetic disorders make it difficult for the body to fight off germs, bacteria, and viruses.

Jackie draws on her own lived experience to be a powerful voice for patients. She works closely with patients, clinicians, hospitals, government agencies, and industry to address barriers to care.

In 2015, Jackie co-founded AusPIPS Inc., a national charity that supports people with primary immunodeficiencies. It has grown into an influential patient advocacy body. It provides peer support, patient education, and national representation for the immunodeficiency community.

The disorders are rare and public awareness of them is low. Jackie has set up patient initiatives and built strong partnerships with medical experts, health organisations, government agencies and researchers. They work together to advance awareness of primary immunodeficiency and improve patient outcomes.

Jackie's advocacy has led to significant national policy outcomes. She was pivotal to the establishment of the National Immunodeficiency Strategy, launched in 2022. She worked towards the national rollout of newborn screening for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency.

She played a key role in securing national access to the Covid-19 treatment Evusheld. It was important for protecting immuno-compromised people from infection.

Jackie also helped secure funding for subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) therapy, first in Victoria and then nationwide. This improves access to treatment and means patients can choose affordable, at home treatment.

Jackie drew on her personal experience of receiving SCIg and its health benefits.

Jackie is a consumer representative on several key advisory groups, including the National Immunoglobulin Governance Advisory Committee. She was the patient representative on the SCIg Implementation Working Group, and was a member of the Royal Melbourne Hospital Sepsis Working Group. She also represents the community on the National Blood Authority Board.

She's also been a research advisory group member, ensuring a strong voice for patients to inform healthcare policy and research.