Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Government Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Van for his question on this most important of issues, one that I know unites everybody in this chamber. Today is Motor Neurone Disease Global Day. Today we recognise and shine a light on motor neurone disease, a cruel and unrelenting degenerative disease. MND is represented by a blue cornflower, which is a symbol of hope: it has a fragile appearance but is hardy in nature.

This morning I attended the MND Global Day event here at Parliament House. There I had the privilege to hear Sharon and Peter share their personal journeys with MND. Seven-year-old Harrison did a wonderful job speaking on behalf of his mother, Sharon, who is no longer able to personally share her story. Sharon shared her journey since her diagnosis at the age of only 34, her life, her work and her aspirations for herself and her family. Sharon herself described her journey with MND as a nightmare. It's a journey in which she is seeking as much control as possible so she can provide as normal a life as possible for her husband, Adam, and for her sons, Harrison and Hayden. Peter spoke of the need for hope, despite being diagnosed with MND, and how he could maximise control of his life and the quality of life for himself and his family.

Hope for a cure still remains so elusive, which means we must keep working together to ensure that people with MND and their families have quick and ready access to the supports they need. This is why NDIS has prioritised people with MND seeking access for the supports that they need, with claims now being completed within five days. The NDIA continues to work with the MND associations nationally to ensure that people have the flexible and timely supports—in particular the AT—that they need. (Time expired)