Humanitarian

Stand with Australians living with Parkinson’s

0% Target Collected

Target Number: 1000

Sign Petition Read the Letter

This initiative is powered by The Vocal Minority in partnership with Uniting Vic.Tas, working together to create a safer environment for women.

Stand with Australians living with Parkinson’s

More people are being diagnosed. Resources are being stretched. Parkinson’s NSW receives no government funding for the vital services it provides.

Stand with Australians living with Parkinson’s

More people are being diagnosed. Resources are being stretched. Parkinson’s NSW receives no government funding for the vital services it provides.

 Parkinson’s is Growing. Funding is Not.

Every day, more Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. More than 150,000 Australians now live with the disease, a number projected to double by 2040.[1]

Parkinson’s is not a niche condition. In fact, it affects more people than breast, lung, and prostate cancers combined.[2]  And as the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, the pressure on families, communities and health systems is only increasing.

Despite this growing need, Parkinson’s NSW receives no government funding to deliver vital services. These services include counselling, education, support groups and a free InfoLine that thousands of people rely on for guidance and care. Without them, many individuals and families would be left to face Parkinson’s alone.

Resources are being stretched to breaking point, and demand continues to grow. It is time for the NSW Government to act.

We, the undersigned, call on the NSW Government to:

  1. Provide sustainable funding to Parkinson’s NSW so they can continue delivering essential services.
  2. Recognise Parkinson’s disease as a major health priority requiring immediate investment in support and education.
  3. Ensure equitable access to services for people living with Parkinson’s across metropolitan, regional and rural NSW.

By funding Parkinson’s NSW, the Government will ensure that no one faces Parkinson’s alone.

Sign this petition to stand with the Parkinson’s community in NSW.

Together, we can make sure every person living with Parkinson’s has the care and support they need.

References:

[1] Parkinson disease: a public health approach. Technical brief. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2022

Living with Parkinson’s Disease An updated economic analysis 2014 (Deloitte, 2015)

Read The letter

The Hon. Ryan Park MP
Minister for Health
NSW Government
52 Martin Place
Sydney NSW 2000

Subject: Urgent Need for Funding Support for People Living with Parkinson’s

Dear Minister Park,

I am writing to you on behalf of Parkinson’s NSW and the thousands of people across our state who are living with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. In NSW alone, the number of people diagnosed continues to rise each year, placing increasing pressure on families, carers, and the health system. Despite this, Parkinson’s NSW does not receive any government funding for the critical services it provides.

Parkinson’s is more common than breast, lung and prostate cancers combined, yet it receives nowhere near the same recognition or support. Despite this scale, Parkinson’s NSW does not receive a single dollar of government funding for the vital services we deliver. These include counselling, specialist education, peer support groups and a free InfoLine that thousands of people rely on for practical guidance and care. For individuals and families navigating a complex, progressive condition, these are not optional extras, they are lifelines. They also play a crucial role in reducing avoidable hospitalisations and easing pressure on the health system. Without them, too many people would be left to face Parkinson’s alone.

Demand for these services is rising sharply, and Parkinson’s NSW is under growing pressure to expand programs across metropolitan, regional, and rural NSW. Without sustainable government investment, we cannot keep pace with the needs of our community.

We respectfully call on the NSW Government to:

  1. Provide direct and ongoing funding to Parkinson’s NSW.
  2. Recognise Parkinson’s disease as a major health priority.
  3. Support investment in services and education to improve outcomes for people affected by Parkinson’s disease.

Minister, with your leadership, we have an opportunity to ensure that no person in NSW faces Parkinson’s without the care and support they need. I urge you to take immediate action.

Thank you for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss a pathway forward.

Yours sincerely,
Mary Kay Walker

CEO Parkinson’s NSW

Sign the Petition Now

    By signing the petition, you agree to receive communications from Parkinson' NSW and The Vocal Minority and partners in accordance with their Privacy Policy and the Privacy Policy of Parkinsons's NSW.

    Supporter Comments

    Carol-Ann Fletcher 14 hours ago

    signed Stand with Australians living with Parkinson’s

    Because more people are being diagnosed every day, and support can’t keep up

    Humanitarian

    Stand with Australians living with Parkinson’s

    0% Target Collected

    Target Number: 1000

    Sign Petition Read the Letter

    Comments from other Petitions

    Janice Slack 1 minute ago

    signed Stand with Suffering and Persecuted Christians in the Middle East

    Protect the Future of Christianity

    View Petition

    Janice Slack 3 minutes ago

    signed Enough is Enough: Stop Violence Against Women

    vulnerable women, especially older survivors, deserve a fresh start and independence.

    View Petition

    Janice Slack 4 minutes ago

    signed Stand with Suffering and Persecuted Christians in the Middle East

    Protect the Future of Christianity

    View Petition

    Share

    You may also like

    Environment

    Strong Global Plastics Treaty Now

    49% Target Collected

    Target Number: 5000

    Sign Petition
    Humanitarian

    Support the call for a Federal Minister for Children

    35% Target Collected

    Target Number: 1000

    Sign Petition
    Animal

    Help End Dolphin Hunting

    72% Target Collected

    Target Number: 1000

    Sign Petition