Stroke Foundation is disappointed the 2026-27 Federal Budget has failed to deliver dedicated investment in stroke prevention, awareness or recovery, despite stroke remaining one of Australia's biggest killers and a leading cause of disability.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, said with a stroke occurring every 11 minutes and more than 440,000 survivors of stroke living across Australia, the Budget represents a missed opportunity to save lives and ease growing pressure on the nation's health and disability systems.
"Stroke costs the Australian economy more than $9 billion every year through healthcare, lost productivity, unpaid care and disability supports, yet this Budget delivers no targeted investment in the prevention, treatment or recovery initiatives proven to reduce that burden," Dr Murphy said.
Stroke Foundation welcomed broader investments in health, hospital care, Medicare and medical research, including increased public hospital funding, strengthening of the PBS and Medicare, the permanent establishment of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, and measures aimed at improving the affordability and accessibility of health and aged care services.
Stroke Foundation said it would be closely monitoring the Government's proposed NDIS reforms and urged a measured, consultative approach to ensure Australians living with disability, including many survivors of stroke, are not left with reduced access to essential supports and services.
The organisation acknowledged the Government's new $148.2 million Chronic Conditions Prevention and Integrated Care Program, aligned to the National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions, and said stroke prevention and recovery must remain central to the national chronic conditions agenda.
Dr Murphy said Stroke Foundation remains committed to working constructively with Government to improve outcomes for survivors of stroke, their families and carers.
"Stroke is one of Australia's greatest health and disability challenges, but it is also an area where targeted, proven and evidence-based programs can have a profound impact," Dr Murphy said.
"Investment in stroke prevention, treatment and recovery not only saves lives, it reduces pressure on hospitals, disability and aged care systems, while supporting people to remain connected to their families, communities and workplaces. We look forward to continuing to work with Government to ensure no Australian is left behind when stroke strikes."
Now marking its 30th anniversary year, Stroke Foundation continues to advocate for the more than 440,000 Australians living with the effects of stroke and the millions of family members, carers and loved ones impacted alongside them.
The organisation acknowledged the Government's new $148.2 million Chronic Conditions Prevention and Integrated Care Program, aligned to the National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions, and said stroke prevention and recovery must remain central to the national chronic conditions agenda.
Dr Murphy said Stroke Foundation remains committed to working constructively with Government to improve outcomes for survivors of stroke, their families and carers.
"Stroke is one of Australia's greatest health and disability challenges, but it is also an area where targeted, proven and evidence-based programs can have a profound impact," Dr Murphy said.
"Investment in stroke prevention, treatment and recovery not only saves lives, it reduces pressure on hospitals, disability and aged care systems, while supporting people to remain connected to their families, communities and workplaces. We look forward to continuing to work with Government to ensure no Australian is left behind when stroke strikes."
Now marking its 30th anniversary year, Stroke Foundation continues to advocate for the more than 440,000 Australians living with the effects of stroke and the millions of family members, carers and loved ones impacted alongside them.
