Etta Palumbo - CEO Neurological Council of WA and Karen Quick - CEO Meningitis Centre Australia
A message from Etta Palumbo, CEO, Neurological Council of WA
In 2022, Australia became a signatory to the World Health Organisation’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders — a global commitment to improving neurological health through better prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support.
This year marks a significant step toward fulfilling that commitment nationally.
On 4 September 2025, I will join colleagues from across the country at Parliament House in Canberra for the official presentation of the Blueprint for a National Action Plan for Neurological Conditions to federal Ministers, MPs and sector leaders, led by the Neurological Alliance Australia (NAA).
Developed with extensive input from organisations, clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience, the Blueprint provides a nationally coordinated framework to improve outcomes for the seven million Australians living with neurological and neuromuscular conditions — including common, rare and complex conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraine, motor neurone disease and many more.
The Blueprint outlines six strategic objectives that focus on promoting awareness, strengthening prevention and early intervention, improving access to lifelong care, enhancing supports for carers and families, driving data and research, and integrating health, aged care and disability systems. It proposes a staged, six-year implementation process, co-produced and co-delivered in partnership with the Australian Government, state and territory governments and the neurological community.
The Neurological Council of WA is proud to have contributed to this important work and welcomes its call for the establishment of a Federal-State/Territory Steering Committee, co-chaired by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the NAA, to guide the next phase of development and delivery. This governance structure reflects the integrated nature of neurological care and the need for cross-portfolio and cross-jurisdictional coordination.
The Blueprint also presents a strong economic case for action, with evidence showing that targeted investment in prevention, assistive technology, early support and research can generate substantial savings across health, disability and aged care. Building a smarter, more connected system is not just the right thing to do — it is an economically sound and socially responsible step forward.
At the Neurological Council of WA, we see the real-world impact of fragmented services and delayed support every day. We also see the extraordinary strength of people living with neurological conditions and their families, and the positive difference that timely, integrated care can make.
We thank the Neurological Alliance Australia for its leadership and look forward to working with the Federal and State Governments, service providers, researchers and communities to help shape and deliver a National Action Plan that is inclusive, evidence-informed and future-focused.
Find out more about the Neurological Council of WA.