National action plan on dementia released

The Albanese Government has released a historic document, the National Dementia Action Plan 2024-2034, marking our commitment to Australia being more dementia inclusive.
 
The Plan outlines eight high-level actions for implementation over the next decade. The focus is on increasing dementia awareness, reducing the population’s risk of dementia, and driving better coordinated dementia services.
 
Progress against the Plan will be tracked and reported annually through an online dashboard developed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
 
The Plan was developed in partnership with state and territory governments and informed by people living with dementia, their carers and families, aged care providers and workers, advocates, health professionals, researchers and peak industry bodies and organisations.
 
We have delivered on our commitment to work with state and territory governments to create a better coordinated and integrated approach to dementia support, responding to recommendation 15 of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
 
The eight actions plans are:
 
Action 1: Promote equity and human rights
 
Action 2: Tackle stigma, improve awareness and promote inclusivity
 
Action 3: Empower individuals and communities to minimise risk where they can, and delay onset and progression
 
Action 4: Improve dementia diagnosis and post‑diagnostic care and support
 
Action 5: Improve treatment, coordination and support for people living with dementia
 
Action 6: Support carers of people living with dementia
 
Action 7: Build capability of the workforce to care for and support people living with dementia
 
Action 8: Improve dementia data, maximise the impact of dementia research and promote innovation
 
The Albanese Government has already made significant investments to improve dementia care.
 
The 2024/25 Budget invested $101.4 million in better care for people with complex care needs as well as readying the health system for new diagnosis and treatment advances.
 
We are providing $7.7 million in 2025-26 to boost dementia training, following the Royal Commission’s recommendations and we are directing $1.7 million in 2025-26 to the Australian Dementia Network to continue preparing the healthcare system for new developments in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia.
 
As part of the Government’s commitment to Strengthening Medicare, $56.8 million has been allocated to support older patients with dementia to transition out of hospital into aged care.  We've also invested an additional $8 million to expand the delivery of innovative respite programs.
 
Importantly, the Plan also fulfils Australia’s obligations in relation to the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025.
 
For more information and to view a copy of the Plan, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
 
ATTRIBUTABLE QUOTES
 
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler
 
“Dementia is a national health priority for our government and the National Dementia Action plan reflects this.
 
“This historic plan is a reminder that while we have made huge advancements in treatment there is more to be done to raise awareness, diagnose, and care for individuals and community impacted by dementia.”
 
Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells
 
“I have said this since year one as Minister for Aged Care, dementia is core business for our government and will continue to be in the future.
 
“It is estimated that over 411,000 Australians live with dementia and, without intervention, this number is projected to more than double by 2058.
 
“We can make a difference and reduce these numbers, slow the progression of dementia and improve quality of life by working together to deliver the National Dementia Action Plan.”
 
“There are also 1.6 million Australians playing a role in caring for someone with dementia at home or in aged care. The National Dementia Action Plan aims to support carers in their role and improve respite options.
 
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan:
 
“Dementia Australia is committed to working with the Government and across the sector on the delivery of the National Dementia Action Plan and to ensure we have the right systems in place for all Australians impacted to be able to access appropriate services and more treatments as they become available. 
 
“I acknowledge the extensive contributions by people living with dementia, their families and carers in creating the Action Plan and congratulate the Federal Government along with State and Territory Governments and key stakeholders that were involved in developing the plan”.  
 
Executive Director of Dementia Training Australia, Dr Isabelle Meyer:

“The National Dementia Action Plan is not just a policy; it is a promise to Australians living with dementia and their loved ones. It acknowledges that dementia is a societal challenge requiring a collective response.
 
“Whether it’s a café worker learning how to assist a distressed customer or a financial adviser safeguarding vulnerable clients, education transforms our ability to support those living with dementia."