The Morrison Government’s $185 million Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission has taken another positive step forward today, with the release of the draft Roadmap for public consultation.
The consultation will present the Australian public with an opportunity to assess the draft Roadmap, and offer feedback on the current strategy.
It will ultimately assist the Government as it seeks to prioritise funding for critical dementia and aged care research.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, described dementia as “one of Australia and the world’s greatest health challenges,” but said it was a challenge the Morrison Government was “deeply committed to.”
“Greater research into dementia is vital, but it’s important to ensure the research is targeted to have the greatest impact” Minister Hunt said.
“I encourage Australians to jump on the website, read the draft Roadmap and provide advice, so we have a greater understanding of what research is required.”
Currently more than 447,000 people are living with dementia in Australia. The number is expected to be around 1.1 million people by 2058.
In 2017, 15 per cent of Australia’s total population — about 3.8 million people — were aged 65 and over. By 2057, this figure is projected to grow to more than 8.8 million or 22 per cent of the population.
Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said the draft Roadmap was an important and timely strategy.
“We want all Australians to maintain their health and quality of life as they age, to live well and independently for longer and access quality care when they need it,” Minister Colbeck said.
Funding for the Mission is made available through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
The MRFF is a $20 billion long-term investment supporting Australian health and medical research.
As the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety undertakes its work, the Government is continuing to act.
The draft Roadmap is available for comment at: https://consultations.health.gov.au.
For more information visit the Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission.