ADVOCACY
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Parkinson’s Tasmania advocates on behalf of all people affected by Parkinson’s regardless of age
or locality. -
This occurs at the grass roots level of people in their own homes, hospitals or residential aged care.
It involves community education at all levels by talking to people, e.g. service providers, clubs, etc. -
We produce a quarterly journal/newsletter that is sent to members, service clubs, GPs, health professionals and to all other Parkinson's state/territory organisations. Whilst we encourage people
to become members it is not a requirement for our help and information. -
We advocate for better services and supports by lobbying our state and federal politicians.
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We belong to the National Alliance of Neurological conditions to create a bigger voice.
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Parkinson’s Tasmania is represented on the Parkinson’s Australia Board.
Advocacy events 2026
March 2026
The National Parkinson's Action Plan (NPAP) was launched in Canberra on 24 March 2026 as a result of people with Parkinson's making their voices heard.
NPAP aims to support improved responses to the needs of the Parkinson's community through better care and support for people with Parkinson's, along with their families and care partners. Parkinson's Tasmania is a proud founding member of the National Parkinson's Alliance (NPA). Our Chair + President Claire Myers is a Director of the NPA ensuring Tasmania has a strong and loud voice at the table. Thank you to our members and the broader Tasmanian community that participated in the national survey (over 5,700 participants).
We have a lot of work ahead of us to deliver the key priorities, including:
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Tackling stigma
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Strengthening prevention
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Improving accurate/timely diagnosis
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Improving coordination of care
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Building workforce capacity
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Improving data/maximising impact of research
Feb 2026
A Tasmanian Lifeline and Parkinson's Tasmania - collaborating to help Tasmanians with Parkinson's
David O'Byrne MP (right) and Lifeline Tasmania CEO Liz Brown (middle) have launched a partnership between Parkinson’s Tasmania and A Tasmanian Lifeline to enhance support for those with Parkinson's. This initiative provides specialized training to Lifeline staff, creating a stronger support network for patients and caregivers in Tasmania. The collaboration and partnership aims to provide specialised, free and confidential support to Tasmanians living with Parkinson's, their families and carers. A Tasmanian Lifeline (ATL) offers telephone support from 8 am–8 pm daily, with specialised
training to help staff recognize the unique challenges of
Parkinson's. Parkinson's Tasmania chair Claire Myers (left)
noted the collaboration is vital as Tasmania has the highest
rate of Parkinson's in Australia, with cases expected to
double in the next decade. David O'Byrne MP supported the
collaboration to ensure no Tasmanian faces Parkinson’s alone.
