STATEMENTS BY SENATORS
Senator ASKEW (Tasmania—Chief Opposition Whip in the Senate) (13:35): It was my privilege to attend the Parliamentary Friends of Dementia event hosted by Dementia Australia during our September sitting week, alongside my co-chair, Senator Polley. Listening to the stories from advocates Gina Callan, Dr Fouad Abo, Megan Maack and Tasmanian Sue Watts, as they spoke about their lived experiences and the impacts of dementia, was inspirational.
Their bravery should be acknowledged and applauded. September was World Alzheimer's Month, and Dementia Action Week took place between 15 and 21 September. It was only a few days prior to this that dementia was recognised as Australia's leading cause of death.
Not only does it impact the 433,000 Australians that are living with dementia but a diagnosis has a significant impact on their carers, family, friends and social network. Recently, experts have warned that, without significant intervention, the number of Australians living with the condition could soon exceed one million. The message for this year's event was that nobody can do it alone, and it remains true both for those individuals living with dementia and for their carers.
As many in this chamber would know, advocating for health, particularly women's matters, has been a consistent priority for me throughout my time in parliament. Dementia is a condition that disproportionately affects females, with almost two-thirds of all dementia diagnoses being female. This concerning number, together with the forecast increase in cases, is why I'm keen to work with Dementia Australia throughout this parliamentary term to help achieve their stated goals, which include the development of national pathways for adults and providing education to all Australians to ensure that brain health is prioritised throughout their life, as well as upskilling the care workforce.
The Albanese government must step up and provide the necessary funding, education and advocacy to ensure improved outcomes for carers and patients alike, whose lives change forever after a diagnosis.