Senate debates Committees

Community Affairs References Committee; Reference


Wendy Askew

Wendy Askew Tasmania, Liberal Party

3:43 pm

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 10 September 2026:

Epilepsy in Australia, with particular reference to:

(a) barriers to diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment options, including the impact of factors such as:

(i) geographic locations,

(ii) availability of medical practitioners, including neurologists,

(iii) costs, and

(iv) cultural and language barriers;

(b) drug-resistant epilepsy and its psychosocial and economic impacts on patients and the community;

(c) the level of community awareness and understanding of epilepsy and treatment options;

(d) barriers to access support services after diagnosis, including the National Disability and Insurance Scheme;

(e) the adequacy of Commonwealth funding for research into epilepsy; and

(f) any other related matters.

Question agreed to.