Dementia Australia welcomes the release of the Collective Priority Framework for the National Dementia Action Plan, but says further investment is urgently needed to address the growing impact of dementia in Australia.
The Commonwealth and all state and territory Health Ministers have agreed the urgent priorities for action are:
- Empowering individuals and communities to minimise risk where they can, and delay onset and progression.
- Improving dementia diagnosis and post-diagnostic care and support.
- Improve dementia data, maximise the impact of dementia research and promote innovation.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the release of the framework is a positive development and an important next step in addressing the growing impact of dementia now and into the future.
“We support the action areas that have been identified,” Professor Buchanan said.
“We are also pleased that all governments will report annually on their dementia related activity and that people living with dementia will be involved in implementation.
“However, the National Dementia Action Plan was released in 2024 after extensive consultation.
“Since then, dementia has become the leading cause of death in Australia and there are now an estimated 446,500 people living with dementia – a figure projected to more than double to more than one million people by 2065 without significant intervention.
“People living with dementia, their families and carers have been patient and were expecting to see firmer commitments and new investment to address the growing human and economic cost of dementia.
“Without that, there is a danger services will not keep pace with demand and we will go backwards.
“We urgently need:
- a brain health campaign to help people minimise their risk of developing dementia,
- support to help people navigate the fragmented dementia service system, and
- improved access to diagnostic and post diagnostic services, such as respite services, particularly in rural and regional areas.
“Dementia Australia acknowledges current Government investments and is committed to delivering essential services and supports for people through the National Dementia Support Program, including the National Dementia Helpline available 24 hours a day seven days a week.
“However, to really shift the dial for people living with dementia and address its growing impact on health, community services and the economy, we need to act now.
“We understand all Government budgets are stretched, but reducing the new cases of dementia by just 5 per cent every year has been estimated to result in savings of $120.4 billion by 2056.
“We cannot afford to wait and are calling for the government to make further investments to make dementia a priority in the upcoming budget.”
Read Dementia Australia’s 2026-27 Commonwealth pre-budget submission at dementia.org.au/pre-budget
For dementia information and support contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au.
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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 contact: Catherine McCarthy, Media and Communications Advisor, [email protected], 0466 796 201
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.
