National leaders unite at first Dementia Australia Policy Roundtable

Leaders from across Australia’s health, aged care, disability and government sectors, along with people living with dementia and carers, have joined forces to build a shared agenda for action to improve the lives of Australians of all ages impacted by dementia.

Held at Parliament House, Canberra, Dementia Australia this week hosted the first No Time to Lose: National Dementia Policy and Advocacy Roundtable, bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives to identify practical policy solutions and to strengthen collective advocacy in a bid for change.

Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer Professor Tanya Buchanan said the collaboration and commitment demonstrated by participants provided a strong foundation for future action.

“There was a genuine spirit of collaboration, with people bringing different experiences with a shared determination to improve outcomes for people living with dementia, their families and carers,” Professor Buchanan said.

“The National Dementia Action Plan is a welcome foundation. However, a plan on paper without significant investment and sustained action will not deliver the change needed now and for the future.

“By harnessing our collective knowledge, skills, experience and influence, we can build momentum behind practical reforms that make a real difference to people living with dementia now, whilst reducing the impact of dementia into the future.”

Attendees were joined by the Honourable Sam Rae MP, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, who in his address to the group, reflected that dementia does not sit neatly within one system or affect people in the same way which presents challenges, but that good people find a way to work together on difficult problems.

Roundtable participants focused on six key interconnected areas of brain health and dementia risk reduction, earlier and more accurate diagnosis, supports to enable people to live with dementia as well as possible for as long as possible caring for carers, workforce capability and residential care. A range of challenges and potential solutions were explored including respite, system navigation, timely access to services, education and training and improving diagnostic pathways.

Participants committed to continuing to work together to improve outcomes for people living with dementia, their families and carers including opportunities for ongoing joint advocacy.

Further information about the Roundtable outcomes will be available on the Dementia Australia website soon. You can read more about Dementia Australia’s policy and advocacy work at dementia.org.au/about-us/dementia-policy-and-advocacy

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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 446,500 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au

Media contacts: Catherine McCarthy, Media and Communications Advisor, 0466 796 201, Catherine.McCarthy@dementia.org.au

When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.

Note to Editors:
We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:

If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.