Dear Minister,

We call on the Australian Government to lead and fund the development of Australia’s National Action Plan for Neurological Conditions, in partnership with state and territory governments and co-designed with people living with neurological and neuromuscular conditions, carers, clinicians, researchers and the neurological community.

Neurological conditions affect around five million Australians across every stage of life and include hundreds of common, rare, progressive and complex conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.

Yet Australia still has no nationally coordinated plan to address neurological conditions.

The consequences are being felt by people and families every day.

Australia’s inaugural NAA Neuro Survey heard from 3,805 people across the country. One in two reported difficulty accessing neurological care. Nearly one in three waited more than four years for a diagnosis. Almost half delayed or skipped care because of cost, and only four in 10 described their care as coordinated.

Together these findings point to a system in which too many people struggle to get the diagnosis, care and support they need. The burden also falls heavily on families and carers, health professionals and already stretched health, disability and aged care systems.

National action makes sense for governments too. A more coordinated approach can help people remain well and independent for longer, reduce avoidable health crises and hospital use, and make better use of scarce health resources.

Australia has already committed to improving neurological health through the World Health Organisation’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders 2022–2031.

Now we need to turn that commitment into action at home.

All Australian governments agreed in June, through the National Health Reform Agreement, that the health system needs to improve so people can get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

A National Action Plan should deliver:

• earlier diagnosis and timely access to appropriate specialist, multidisciplinary, rehabilitation and ongoing care
• more affordable and equitable access to services and support, regardless of a person’s postcode, age, diagnosis or circumstances
• coordinated care and navigation across health, disability, aged care, rehabilitation, primary and community care
• a skilled and sustainable neurological workforce, including stronger neurological nursing capability and specialist and advanced practice roles
• greater emphasis on prevention and brain health and earlier intervention
• better national data, research, innovation and translation to identify gaps and accelerate better treatments, care and outcomes.

The Plan must put people with lived experience and carers at its centre and include clear responsibilities, measurable targets, sustainable implementation funding and transparent reporting of progress.

A year ago, Neurological Alliance Australia presented the Australian Government with its Blueprint for a National Action Plan for Neurological Conditions, setting out a practical framework for reform. Since then, our inaugural Neuro Survey has provided new national evidence of where the system is falling short, while the recent NAA Neuro Summit brought together people with lived experience, clinicians, researchers, sector leaders and parliamentarians to identify practical opportunities for action.

The neurological community is ready to work with Government. What is needed now is national leadership.

We therefore ask the Australian Government to commit funding in the 2027–28 Federal Budget to develop Australia’s first National Action Plan for Neurological Conditions, working with state and territory governments and the neurological community, with a clear pathway to implementation.

Millions of Australians affected by neurological conditions should not have to wait any longer for a coordinated national response.

It’s time for a fair go for neuro.