Former South Pacific Division (SPD) associate health director Dr Harley Stanton has welcomed the launch of Australia’s first National Parkinson’s Action Plan (NPAP), describing the moment as “historic” following years of advocacy.
Dr Stanton, who lives with Parkinson’s disease, was among those in Canberra for the official launch—marking a significant milestone for people living with Parkinson’s across the country.
“March was historic for me and my colleagues,” said Dr Stanton, who also served for two years as a public health scientist with the World Health Organisation. “The NPAP traces its roots back to Wings 4 Parkinson’s, a special interest group in Tasmania that met for the first time in November 2021. In 2023 the ABC featured my call for a NPAP on national television, and it was later picked up by The Project TV news program.”
The Australian Government’s 2024 Budget allocated funding to develop the plan, with the National Parkinson’s Alliance (NPA) leading a collaborative process to shape its direction. Dr Stanton said the plan’s six action points were presented 12 months ahead of schedule.
“My hope now is that ongoing funding and support will come for implementation from all levels of government, non-government organisations, health services, researchers and the wider community,” he said. “I give thanks with gratitude to all who have supported this project.”
Dr Stanton, who worked at the SPD from 1987-2000, has long been an advocate for people living with Parkinson’s, using his voice to raise awareness and push for coordinated national support.
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological disease in the world and second most common neurological condition in Australia after dementia. More than 200,000 Australians are living with the disease, with around 50 people diagnosed each day. The NPAP can be accessed on the National Parkinson’s Alliance website: https://nationalparkinsonsalliance.org.au/
