Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about an important event recently held at Parliament House, the launch of Australia's first National Parkinson's Action Plan. This plan represents a real step forward for people living with Parkinson's, their families and their carers. It brings together the work of researchers, clinicians, advocates and people with lived experience to set out a clear national pathway for better care, better coordination and better outcomes.

A few weeks before the launch, I had the opportunity to meet with Richard Wylie and Harley Stanton from the National Parkinson's Alliance in my home state of Tasmania. It was a constructive conversation, and I want to acknowledge their leadership and the work that they've done to bring the sector together under a single, united voice. That work has been significant. The plan has been shaped through extensive consultation, including thousands of patient and carer contributions, alongside input from health professionals and researchers across the country. We know Parkinson's is a complex and progressive condition. It does not just affect individuals; it affects families, communities and our health system more broadly. That is why a national approach matters. The National Parkinson's Alliance has also set out a clear plan for implementation, alongside a modest funding request to support coordination and delivery over the next five years.

The launch at Parliament House brought together people from across the sector and the parliament. The room was full. It was clear that this is an issue that brings people together. We saw industry leaders, researchers, clinicians, advocates, MPs and senators all in one place, focused on improving the outcomes for people living with Parkinson's. This is an opportunity to make real progress. I welcome the work of the National Parkinson's Alliance and the Parkinson's community. I hope this plan helps deliver better outcomes for Australians living with Parkinson's and their families.