Jason Falinski (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise to convey my sincere gratitude to a not-for-profit organisation doing wonderful work across Australia and on the Northern Beaches, the most wonderful part of this nation. Functional neurological disorder, FND, is a significantly disabling and distressing condition that impacts many Australians. However, due to a lack of widespread medical awareness and the sheer complexity of this disorder, many patients do not receive adequate treatment.

FND Australia began their journey in April 2017. They saw need in their community and responded as such, registering the first Australian FND charity: FND Hope Australia Inc. Although their initial goal was to provide hope for individuals struggling with this severe and isolating condition, they soon realised that providing hope was inadequate. They needed to improve the awareness and practical knowledge surrounding this disorder.

FND Australia strives to support patients with FND, who experience a variety of neurological symptoms effecting the motor, sensory and cognitive functions of the body, by connecting them with knowledgeable practitioners, leading and participating in research, advocating for patients and empowering patients to access support services.

I feel that, under the volunteer grants program of 2019 and 2020, the federal government was able to provide fiscal support for the volunteers of this worthy organisation who are tirelessly— (Time expired)

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