Neurological Alliance Queensland launches to drive change for 1.3 million Queenslanders

A new alliance of Queensland neurological charities is calling for stronger support, clearer pathways and greater recognition of neurological conditions as a healthcare priority.

Neurological Alliance Queensland (NAQ) has launched to bring together the collective voices of organisations supporting people living with neurological conditions.

The alliance will advocate for better outcomes, clearer support pathways, stronger services and greater awareness of neurological conditions across Queensland.

It has been formed following the 2025 Neuro Matters Report and collaboration between neurological charities across the state.

A united voice for neurological conditions

NAQ brings together MS Queensland, Epilepsy Queensland, MND Queensland, Dementia Australia, Muscular Dystrophy Queensland, ME/CFS & FM Australia, SCN2A Australia, Parkinson’s Queensland and Huntington’s Australia.

Together, these organisations support Queenslanders living with many different neurological conditions.

These include multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, motor neurone disease, dementia, muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, SCN2A, stroke and more than 600 other neurological conditions.

Why action is needed

Neurological conditions affect 1 in 4 Queenslanders. Despite this, many people still struggle to access the right support at the right time.

Only 6% of Queenslanders living with a neurological condition receive vital support. Many people fall between the gaps of the NDIS and Aged Care systems.

A growing health priority

NAQ Chair Chris Dougherty said neurological conditions must be treated as a healthcare priority:

“While rates of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions have declined, neurological conditions are growing at an alarming rate—4 times the rate of cancer, twice as high as mental health and musculoskeletal disorders, and is the leading cause of death in Australia.”

This growing impact places pressure on individuals, families, carers, health services and community support systems.

It also creates a major financial burden, costing Queensland an estimated $24 billion annually.

What NAQ will advocate for

Neurological Alliance Queensland will advocate for policy, funding and resources that improve quality of life for people living with neurological conditions.

This includes clearer support pathways, better access to services, adequate funding for support mechanisms and more research into treatments and cures.

It also includes greater awareness of the urgent need to address the rising neurological condition burden of care.

Advocacy has already started

The alliance has already begun its advocacy work.

It has made a submission to the Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy in Australia. It has also contributed to the recently announced Queensland Government tender for eight Neuro Wellness Hubs and Neuro Community Navigators across regional Queensland.

Chris said these steps were important, but more action is needed:

“This is an important first step in recognising the critical and growing need for services and support to the 1.3 million Queenslanders and their families, who are impacted by neurological conditions.”

A call for urgent action

NAQ will continue to promote shared issues and concerns across neurological conditions. It will also advocate for better quality of life, stronger service funding and research into better treatment, management and cures.

As Chris said, the message is clear:

“Neuro needs to matter in Queensland. We need resources to stand up to this crisis; a crisis that steals the best of people’s lives—physically, financially, and emotionally.”

Supporting documents

For more information about the launch of Neurological Alliance Queensland and the scale of neurological conditions in Queensland, download the full media release and fact sheet.