Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan is calling on the Government to adhere to Parkinson’s Australia’s request for funding in the upcoming Federal budget.

During the recent parliamentary sitting, Mr Conaghan met with Olivia Nassaris, Vice President of Parkinson’s Australia and Jeff Smart from Parkinson’s ACT to discuss the need for a national awareness campaign combined with a GP education program to increase recognition and early diagnosis of the condition.

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurodegenerative condition in Australia with a broad range of symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, slowness and stooped posture and can affect people at all ages.

Parkinson’s prevalence increases threefold after the age of 65. It is estimated that the growth rate will average 4% over the next 20 years. These numbers are even more significant in regional, rural and remote areas which have a higher median age than metro areas.

“In 2021 in my own electorate of Cowper, 145 people developed Parkinson’s and a total of 891 people were known to be living with the condition. My own mother-in-law is amongst them, so our family is well versed in the process of diagnosis and the importance of identifying early warning signs,” Mr Conaghan said.

“Living well with Parkinson’s requires the expertise and involvement of many allied health professionals and that begins with a trusted GP being able to recognise early warning signs of provide an early diagnosis.”

Parkinson’s Australia’s proposal requires a $2.5 million investment broken down over three years and would ensure the creation and distribution of a National Awareness Campaign and an Education Campaign that will upskill GP’s and allied health professionals in how to ensure that someone lives well with Parkinson’s.

The potential back-end outcomes would include not just a vastly better experience for the sufferer and better support for carers, but equally importantly, less pressure on the health care system by reducing unplanned admissions and bed days.

Mr. Conaghan expressed his support for the proposal which he recognised as good value for money, considering the potential outcomes.

“The ask of $2.5 million over three years is extremely reasonable and from a budgetary viewpoint, has the potential to save future expenditure rendering it a cost neutral investment. Better programs that enhance early diagnosis will enable better potential self-management of the condition and enhance a sufferer’s feeling of dignity and control and allow people to live independently for longer. This is itself is priceless not just for the sufferer but also their family and support networks.”