MND Australia seeks three key election commitments during the 2022 federal election campaign to ensure equity of access to improve the lives of all Australians impacted by motor neurone disease (MND):
There is a complete lack of equity for people with MND based on their age which results in a lottery when a person is diagnosed with MND. People diagnosed with MND aged 65 and over cannot access the NDIS for disability services and supports, and instead must rely on government-funded services through the Aged Care system.
There are clear inequities between the Commonwealth Aged Care system and the NDIS. In contrast to the NDIS, which provides needs-based and person-centred service provision, the Aged Care system has long waiting lists and inadequate funding to address the complex and changing needs of someone with MND. It is imperative that the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety are funded and implemented to improve equity of access to in-home supports to meet the needs of older Australians.
We're calling for an end to age discrimination in disability support and a commitment to:
Many NDIS participants living with MND have plans that are having positive, life-changing impacts; many others, however, continue to experience a protracted planning process and struggle to receive plans that meet their changing needs. It is imperative that the NDIS continues to be fully funded and further strengthened.
We're calling for a commitment that:
There are currently no effective treatments for MND. With an average life expectancy of just 27 months there is an urgent need for access to clinical trials and fast-track approval processes for therapies when proven to be safe and effective.
We're therefore calling for a commitment to fast track access to effective novel therapies for MND, and in doing so implement the recommendations of the report: The New Frontier – Delivering better health for all Australians, November 2021.
We're calling for all candidates in the federal election 2022 (both in the lower and upper house) to commit to our three key election issues to help improve the lives of those impacted by MND. You can work with us to ensure candidates endorse our three commitments by communicating with candidates in your electorate that these are issues that you and your community care about.
You can write, email, or call or your local election candidates. You can find contact details for the MP and senators currently representing your electorate here. We've drafted a template letter that you can use to help craft your message. The more letters and messages MPs receive about this issue, the more likely they are to address it.
Many candidates are also active on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Try reaching out to them on these platforms, where other people in your network and theirs may also see your message. Don't forget to tag @mndaustralia so we can help amplify your message by sharing it through our social media accounts.
You might like to attend an event where a candidate is speaking or ask them for an in-person meeting. Our election issue flyers, outline each of the three commitments we're calling for (age discrimination, the NDIS and fast-track therapies), and could be a useful tool to either drive discussion or to give printed copies to candidates.
When communicating with candidates, remember to:
