Neurological Alliance Australia

 

MEDIA RELEASE

NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE OF AUSTRALIA WELCOMES A FUNDED NDIS

Friday, 3 May 2013

The Neurological Alliance of Australia (NAA) today congratulated all sides of Parliament for their support of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding model for DisabilityCare Australia.

The planned increase to the Medicare levy will provide certainty to thousands of Australians living with a neurological disability, as well as their carers, family and loved ones, that a better and sustainable assistance model is around the corner.

Carol Birks, Chairman of the Alliance, said the agreement on a way forward to fund DisabilityCare Australia is a landmark decision for Australian politics.

“I think many would agree there is no perfect way to raise the funds needed for the NDIS but I’m sure all of us would agree we have to raise the funds somehow,” Ms Birks said.

“This is the most important reform ever to come to disability services in Australia and we need to get it right. To do that we need guaranteed funding to move forward with assurance and security.”

There are more than 500,000 Australians currently living with a neurological disability. Many of these conditions are progressive and will worsen over time resulting in the need for early intervention and flexible and timely care options and supports to maintain the best quality of life possible.

Ms Birks said the Alliance is optimistic that DisabilityCare Australia will meet these needs in the future.

“There are some truly inspirational people living with a neurological condition across the country who just want the opportunity to live their life to the fullest,” Ms Birks said.

“We are hopeful that the NDIS and DisabilityCare Australia will give people, their carers and their families the support they need to maintain independence and to make their goals a reality.”

Ms Birks said the Neurological Alliance commends all sides of politics for their support of the NDIS and the increased Medicare levy.

“Make no mistake, with continued bipartisan support throughout the election period, the landscape for people with a disability in Australia will change for the better and we are proud to be part of this movement.”

 

Media Releases

11 December 2012

PROGRESS TOWARDS NDIS GOOD NEWS FOR NEUROLOGICAL ILLNESSES

23 November 2012

NEW PBS SUBSIDY A WELCOME RELIEF FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

 3 July 2012 

NEUROLOGICAL LEADERS GATHER TO INFLUENCE NDIS 

Submission

May 2011

Response to Productivity Commission Disability Care and Support Inquiry Draft Report 

Position Statement

July 2012

National Disability Insurance Scheme

About Neurological Alliance Australia

Introduction:

The Neurological Alliance Australia (NAA) is an alliance of not-for-profit peak national organisations representing adults and children living with progressive neurological and neuromuscular diseases in Australia. The Alliance was established in 2010 to promote improved quality of life, coordinated services and greater research investment.

Who does the Alliance represent?

The Alliance represents over 500,000 Australians living with progressive neurological or muscular conditions that have no known cause and no cure. This group includes adults and children, carers, families, friends and workmates whose life is, or has been, affected by a progressive neurological condition.

What are Progressive Neurological Conditions?

Progressive neurological and neuromuscular diseases are a set of complex and disabling conditions. While this broad group contains conditions with various characteristics, all are degenerative and incurable, resulting in significant disability, grief and need for expert care and personal assistance. A large number of diseases and diagnoses are represented by this definition. 

Membership of the NAA includes:

Alzheimer’s Australia

Brain Injury Australia 

Friedreich Ataxia Research Association Australasia

Huntington’s Disease Australia

Muscular Dystrophy Australia

Muscular Dystrophy Foundation Australia

MND Australia

Multiple Sclerosis Australia

Parkinson’s Australia

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Australia