On Thursday 4 September 2025, Parkinson’s Australia joined over 40 organisations at Parliament House in Canberra for the official presentation of the Blueprint for a National Action Plan for Neurological Conditions, a landmark initiative led by the Neurological Alliance Australia (NAA).
This event marks a major step forward in addressing the needs of the seven million Australians living with neurological and neuromuscular conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, migraine, motor neurone disease, Huntington’s disease and many more. It brings together diverse stakeholders, including the government, the Neurological Alliance Australia, and community members, to work towards meaningful, lasting change.
A Blueprint for Change
The Blueprint is the result of extensive collaboration between health professionals, researchers, advocates, and people with lived experience. It outlines a practical, six-year roadmap for the Australian Government to develop and implement a National Action Plan, co-designed with the neurological community and delivered in partnership with state and territory governments.
It focuses on six strategic objectives:
- Raising awareness and understanding
- Strengthening prevention and early intervention
- Improving access to lifelong care
- Supporting carers and families
- Driving data and research
- Integrating health, aged care and disability systems
The Blueprint also presents a strong economic case for action, showing that targeted investment in prevention, early support, assistive technology and research can reduce long-term costs and improve outcomes.
Parkinson’s Australia’s Role
Parkinson’s Australia is proud to be a founding member of the NAA and has actively contributed to the development of the Blueprint. On World Brain Day 2025, our CEO Olivia Nassaris joined leaders from across the neurological sector in Sydney for a national workshop to help shape the Blueprint’s final recommendations.
This Blueprint is more than a policy document, it’s a strategic imperative. It recognises the complexity of neurological conditions and the urgent need for integrated, person-centred care. For people living with Parkinson’s, this means earlier diagnosis, better access to therapies, and stronger support for families and carers. We stand ready to work with government to turn this vision into reality.
said Olivia Nassaris, CEO of Parkinson’s Australia.
Why it matters
Neurological conditions now affect one in four Australians and are the leading cause of disability worldwide. In Australia, the economic cost exceeds $100 billion annually, and is expected to rise with population growth, ageing and improved diagnostics.
In 2022, Australia became a signatory to the World Health Organisation’s Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders, committing to improve prevention, care and research by 2031. Yet, Australia still lacks a national strategy to guide coordinated services, investment or reform.
The Blueprint provides the map. What’s needed now is the will to act.
Looking ahead
Parkinson’s Australia will continue to advocate for a funded, inclusive and evidence-informed National Action Plan that delivers better outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions.
