MS Australia’s 2025-26 Pre-Budget Submission advocates for strategic investments to support over 33,300 Australians living with MS. Key funding asks include $8M for a National MS Biobank, $300M for a Neurological Research Mission, and $550K for neurological data improvements; $6.5M to expand MS nursing services, a national strategy, and training programs; Improved NDIS pricing, workforce, assistive technology, and income support; and Increased funding for disability-specific aged care services.
MS Australia’s submission to the Support at Home Program inquiry outlines that the program does not adequately meet the needs of older people living with disability, including people with MS. It highlights insufficient funding, lack of disability-specific supports, high co-contributions, complex hardship processes, pricing inconsistencies, thin markets, and transition challenges. MS Australia recommends reforms to improve equity with the NDIS, increase funding flexibility, strengthen hardship assistance, support carers, address regional service gaps, and ensure older Australians can remain independent at home.
MS Australia’s submission to the National Transport Commission on the Assessing Fitness to Drive Standards, informed by the experiences of LEEP members, recommends that the updated Standards better recognise the variable and fluctuating nature of MS symptoms. The Standards should also support fair, practical and person-centred decision-making; provide clearer guidance for people living with MS, carers, health professionals and licensing authorities; and ensure review processes are responsive to changes in an individual’s circumstances.
MS Australia’s submission on the Draft Revised Whole Journey Guide acknowledges the Guide’s intent and potential value. However, drawing on feedback from our LEEP, we recommend that the Guide be substantially revised to improve clarity, usability and accessibility, including through a shorter structure, a plain-language companion guide, expanded air travel content, and a stronger focus on practical accessibility measures.
MS Australia submission supports strengthening the NDIS but warns the Bill risks reducing rights and flexibility for people with MS. It highlights concerns with stricter eligibility, assessments, informal support assumptions, pricing changes, and decision-making powers. The submission calls for stronger safeguards, consultation, workforce training, and human rights compliance to ensure reforms are person‑centred, evidence‑based, and responsive to complex, fluctuating conditions like MS.
MS Australia’s submission to the Inquiry into the Integrity of the NDIS highlights widespread risks of fraud and non-compliance, particularly among unregistered providers, leading to harm, reduced supports, and loss of trust for participants. It recommends compulsory provider and worker registration (with limited exemptions), stronger safeguards, improved transparency, and tailored approaches for rural areas and self-management to better protect participants and strengthen scheme integrity.
