Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I stand here to highlight a petition on behalf of community members who have requested financial assistance for those suffering with epilepsy. Those who are not able to receive disability support are now having to pay for all their own medication, doctors' appointments, dietary needs, transportation, and seizure warning systems, all of which are required to keep seizures under control. In addition, the side effects of medication, both physically and emotionally, can have a great impact on their everyday lives and, I'm advised, can also make working in an employed capacity very difficult.

The petition as presented highlights the importance of much-needed financial assistance in order to effectively help those living with epilepsy—helping people to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as many within our communities live with the condition throughout their whole life. Times are tough right now, and seizure control is the key to keeping people healthy. However, unfortunately, many people cannot afford the recommended ketogenic diet which has proven to be helpful for epilepsy and seizure control.

Petitioners have requested that the government provide financial assistance to those with epilepsy who experience cost-of-living pressure that is much higher than for others. I know many within my local community do suffer from epilepsy, and I understand and present their request for this financial assistance, given the impact and pressure on their daily lives.