Wally Lewis AM, Dementia Australia and Connecters Australia Ambassador, today welcomed the comments from the Hon Anika Wells MP, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Sport, in response to calls for $18M federal government funding for support services, education and awareness raising about concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
"While we are yet to see the details, knowing the Minister has confirmed there will be something in the federal budget to address our calls is fantastic news," Mr Lewis said.
"On behalf of the Concussion and CTE Coalition and all people impacted by chronic traumatic encephalopathy I say thank you."
"We look forward to finding out more details in the coming weeks."
The news follows a campaign led by the Concussion and CTE Coalition with Mr Lewis, who is living with probable CTE. Mr Lewis led a 20 strong delegation to parliament in February and addressed the National Press Club of Australia (NPC) yesterday where he shared his experience of living with probable CTE and his hopes for the future.
The Concussion and CTE Coalition's Joint Pre-Budget Submission calls for $18 million over three years to fund a national pilot program of support services for people impacted by CTE, and a national awareness and education program in schools to protect the brains of Australian children. CTE is the only preventable form of dementia, and some estimates suggest thousands of people are impacted. CTE affects brain function over time and can result in changes in mood, personality, behaviour, and cognitive function.
As Mr Lewis said in his speech, "We only get one brain."
Read Wally Lewis' National Press Club address
The Concussion and CTE Coalition includes Dementia Australia, Brain Foundation, ConneCTErs Australia, Associate Professor Fatima Nasrallah of the Queensland Brain Institute at The University of Queensland and Dr Rowena Mobbs of Mater Hospital Sydney, who are working together to promote awareness and understanding of CTE and its impact on individuals, families and communities.
