Australia could save $7 billion annually by implementing a national strategy for neurological conditions, prompting leaders to present a landmark blueprint to the Government at Parliament House today, in a crucial step toward delivering a much-needed National Action Plan.
Commissioned by the Neurological Alliance Australia (NAA) and developed by Lucid Health Consulting, new economic modelling identifies significant opportunities to improve productivity, reduce preventable hospitalisations, and deliver more coordinated care across the health, disability and aged care systems.
Modelling suggests that investing in prevention, better treatment and rehabilitation across the 11 most common neurological conditions could save $7 billion each year – or $42 billion over the life of a National Action Plan.
“Without a national strategy in place, Australia is missing critical opportunities to reduce costs, ease pressure on already stretched services, and improve outcomes for millions of people living with neurological conditions,” said Rohan Greenland, Chair of the NAA.
“We need to make neurological health a national priority, which is why we initiated a blueprint for a National Action Plan.”
Developed by more than 40 neurological and neuromuscular peak bodies, the blueprint draws on lived experience together with health, research and policy expertise.
It outlines evidence-informed actions to address gaps in care, support, and research, and provides a framework for a national plan to improve outcomes and alleviate long-term pressure on health, disability, and aged care systems.
“The blueprint is designed to inform and guide the development of Australia’s first National Action Plan for Neurological Conditions,” said Anne Wilson, Deputy Chair of the NAA.
“It provides a scalable template for coordinated action, helping governments move from fragmented, short-term responses to lasting, systemic solutions.”
Neurological conditions affect an estimated seven million Australians – around one in four people – and are the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide.
“Despite this staggering burden, neurological conditions remain under-recognised and under-prioritised in national health policy, leaving major gaps in care and equity,” Ms Wilson said.
“Children, families and older Australians don’t have access to the care, treatments and support they need – and the entire community pays the price for this lack of attention.”
Among those calling for urgent national action is Giovi, whose young daughter Angelina lives with a rare neurological condition caused by a mutation in the CASK gene.
“Angelina’s condition affects every aspect of her life,” said Giovi.
“A national action plan gives families like ours hope through a focus on research and support. We can’t wait; we need action now.”
In 2022, Australia joined all other World Health Organization (WHO) Member States in committing to a global effort to improve neurological care by 2031. Yet three years later, Australia still has no national strategy.
While some positive steps have been taken – including early work on neurological data gaps – a coordinated, long-term response is still urgently needed.
The blueprint provides a roadmap for federal leadership to:
- reduce disease burden through prevention, early diagnosis, timely intervention and equitable lifelong care
- close critical gaps in services, support and access to treatment
- uphold the rights of children, adults and older Australians with neurological conditions, along with their carers and families
- accelerate research, innovation and development of new therapies and assistive technologies
- build data systems to support coordinated national policy and planning.
“Australia is often a leader in international health policy. It’s time we led on neurological conditions too,” Mr Greenland said.
“We’ve developed the blueprint to guide the government in prioritising neurological conditions. Now it’s time for action.”
The blueprint will be presented to the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Rebecca White MP, at 3:30 pm on Thursday 4 September in the Main Committee Room, Parliament House.