Anne McEwen (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Polley, I move:

That the Senate—

  (a)   notes that:

     (i)   dementia is the greatest cause of disability in older Australians aged 65 and over,

     (ii)   there are almost 280 000 Australians living with dementia and 1.2 million who provide support and care, and

     (iii)   every week an estimated 1 600 new cases of dementia occur, with the number expected to grow to 7 400 new cases per week by 2050, resulting in 1 million Australians living with dementia by 2050;

  (b)   recognises the significance of Dementia Awareness Week, from 21 September to 28 September 2012, in promoting and advocating for the needs of those living with dementia, their families and carers;

  (c)   welcomes the designation of dementia by the Minister for Health (Ms Plibersek) as the ninth National Health Priority Area; and

  (d)   acknowledges the ongoing contributions of Alzheimer's Australia and its state and territory associations in supporting and advocating for those affected and leading the charge in the fight against dementia.

Question agreed to.