New report calls for urgent action on neurological conditions in Queensland

The Need, Impact, Opportunity report highlights the scale of neurological conditions in Queensland and calls for stronger support, better care and a coordinated statewide response.

A new report is calling for urgent action to improve support for Queenslanders living with neurological conditions.

Need, Impact, Opportunity: Transforming the lives of Queenslanders with neurological conditions brings together data, insights and recommended actions to help improve neurological care across the state.

Epilepsy Queensland, MS Queensland and Parkinson’s Queensland developed the report to show the growing impact of neurological conditions in Queensland.

The report also helped lay the foundation for stronger collective advocacy through Neurological Alliance Queensland.

Importantly, the report highlights a major issue. Neurological conditions affect many Queenslanders, yet they often receive less attention than other chronic disease groups.

Why the report matters

Neurological conditions can be complex, long-term and difficult to diagnose. They can affect how people move, think, speak, work, study and take part in daily life.

As Rohan Greenland, Chair of Neurological Alliance Australia and CEO of MS Australia, writes in the report foreword:

“The need is compelling. The impact is undeniable. It is now time to make a meaningful difference for the one-in-four Queenslanders with neurological conditions.”

A call for coordinated action

The report makes one thing clear. Queensland needs a more coordinated response to neurological conditions.

At the moment, many services focus on individual conditions. However, many neurological conditions share similar symptoms, care needs and support challenges.

Because of this, the report calls for a broader approach. It recommends better planning, stronger data, improved service access and more support for people, families and carers.

The report warns:

“The most significant and costly risk for Queensland is to do nothing.”

Seven opportunities for change

The report identifies seven key opportunities for action.

These include creating a dedicated Queensland Neuro Alliance, developing a cross-government neuro care framework and improving public awareness.

The report also calls for new models of care, including Neuro Wellness Hubs, better research and data, and improved navigation between the NDIS, aged care, health care and disability care systems.

Together, these actions would help Queensland build a more connected and practical support system.

Improving care and support

The report also highlights the need for better access to specialist care, clearer information at diagnosis and easier ways for people to find support.

This is especially important for people in regional and remote communities, where services can be harder to access.

The CEOs of Epilepsy Queensland and MS Queensland describe the report as a foundation for change:

“The need is clear based on this report. The impact is far reaching and profound. The opportunity is ours to collectively make a positive and critical transformation.”

Queensland has an opportunity to lead

Queensland now has an opportunity to take the lead in neurological care.

By working with people with lived experience, peak organisations, government and service providers, the state can build a stronger and more connected system of care.

As a result, more Queenslanders living with neurological conditions could access the right support earlier, stay connected to their communities and have a better quality of life.

The report provides a clear starting point for action, policy development, service planning and future investment.