Dementia policy and advocacy
Dementia Australia is the national peak body supporting people living with dementia, their families and carers. We advocate to all levels of government to reduce the impact of dementia for Australians of all ages.
Dementia Action Week
21-27 September
Dementia is Australia’s leading cause of death, but it’s not talked about nearly enough. This Dementia Action Week, we’re asking every Australian to help change that, one conversation at a time.
The impact of Dementia Australia's advocacy efforts
How we advocate
Living experience
Latest research
Sector engagement
Latest advocacy news
Read our recent submissions to state, territory and federal government consultations, position statements and discussion papers outlining the issues affecting people living with dementia, their families and carers below.
Joint Position Statement on RespiteDementia Australia and Carers Australia call for an independent review of respite care services to improve access, quality, suitability and affordability for carers and people living with dementia.
Senate Inquiry into the Support at HomeIn our submission to the Inquiry, which was informed by people living with dementia and their carers, we share how Support at Home is not consistently providing people living with dementia the support they need to live safely and with dignity at home.
Dementia Australia’s government submissions
Our submissions are informed by people with living and lived experiences. Submissions to government support our dementia policy priorities and advocate for action on systemic issues across healthcare, aged care, the National Disability Insurance Scheme and upholding the rights of people impacted by dementia.
NDIS Supported Independent Living (SIL) CommissioningSeptember 2026
Dementia Australia supports commissioning where SIL markets fail and advocates for dementia-capable services, flexible supports and genuine choice and control for people with young onset dementia.
NDIS Inclusive Communities FundSeptember 2026
Dementia Australia advocates for the Inclusive Communities Fund to build dementia-inclusive capability in community organisations through education, practical resources and lived experience.
Dementia clinical guidelines reviewAugust 2026
Calls for clearer, person-centred dementia guidelines, stronger support for shared decision making, palliative care, rehabilitation and equitable access to care.
- Media releases
Dementia Australia's archive of media releases.
- Position statements
Dementia Australia’s Policy Position Statements address a diverse range of issues that directly impact people living with dementia, their families and carers.
- Discussion papers
A list of papers Dementia Australia has published.
Our approach to advocacy
Dementia impacts Australians of all ages, including children, younger and older adults. It is a progressive brain condition and there is currently no cure. Dementia Australia takes all steps possible to promote good brain health throughout our lives in order to reduce the risk of dementia in the future.
We advocate to:
- Improve support and services for Australians impacted by dementia
- Improve understanding of dementia
- Reduce stigma and discrimination
Parliamentary Friends of Dementia
Parliamentary Friends of Dementia (PFOD) is a non-partisan initiative activating Parliamentarians and decision-makers in the Federal, NSW, SA, Queensland, Victorian and Tasmanian Parliaments.
PFOD brings together Members of Parliament, Senators and advisers to support dementia as a national and community priority, with leadership provided by cross-party leaders.
How we work with state and territory governments
Dementia Australia works with state and territory Parliamentarians, government agencies and departments to drive positive change for people living with dementia.
We do this by:
- Working with Parliamentary Friends of Dementia initiatives
- Contributing to relevant state government committees
- Providing submissions on state government issue
- Connecting government to people living with dementia to inform policy
How you can advocate
You can help reduce the impact of dementia and lend your voice to Dementia Australia’s advocacy efforts.
You can:
Become a Dementia Advocate and join the Policy or Government Relations Special Interest Groups.
Share your feedback or experiences via our open consultations.
Help share our messages with your local representatives.
Dementia advocacy and the 48th federal ParliamentHere’s how you can help advocate for dementia and brain health with the 48th parliament.
Dementia Advocates ProgramThe Dementia Advocates Program is for people living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, carers and former carers who want to raise awareness, fight stigma and influence decision-makers.
Dementia facts and figuresHow common is dementia in Australia? Dementia Australia’s quick, authoritative guide to dementia prevalence.
Meet Dementia Australia's Patrons, Ambassadors and Honorary Advisors
Dementia Australia enjoys the support of respected and high profile Australians who are motivated by the impact of dementia in their own lives, to help others. They champion our cause and help us advocate to decision makers.
We also work with leading health professionals and researchers who use their professional expertise and profile to strengthen our advocacy.
Get in touch
Our advocacy takes a systemic approach. If you’d like to share feedback or alert us to a policy issue, contact us at the link below.