Federal Budget investments recognise dementia challenges - but more must be done
Dementia Australia
Dementia Australia welcomes the investment in dementia specific initiatives announced in the 2026-27 Federal Budget.
The Government has invested $200 million to expand the Specialist Dementia Care Program units and the Hospital to Aged Care Dementia Support Program which meets an important need for people living with dementia with the most complex needs who are finding it difficult to access appropriate care.
The $6.7 million to continue innovative respite grants for people with dementia under the Support for Informal Carers for a further year is welcomed.
The $11.5 million for continued operation of the National Centre for Monitoring Dementia within the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare is also essential to ensure continued monitoring of progress against the National Dementia Action Plan.
Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer Professor Tanya Buchanan said these are important steps forward. However, there is still more to be done to deliver the level of funding required to respond to dementia - now the leading cause of death for Australians.
“It is vital the Commonwealth Government fully invests and implements the ten-year National Dementia Action Plan, which is a joint commitment led by the Federal Government in 2024, along with all state and territories,” Professor Buchanan said.
“We must invest in effective strategies aligned to the National Dementia Action Plan, like a national brain health awareness campaign, so we are addressing dementia throughout the life course, striving to prevent it, as well as managing it in acute settings.
“With two in three people with dementia thought to be living in the community, we must ensure funding extends to support all Australians of all ages, impacted by all forms of dementia, wherever they live.
“There are an estimated 446,500 Australians living with dementia in 2026. Without a significant intervention, the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to increase to more than one million by 2065.
“As the number of Australians living with dementia increases, without significant additional investment services will not be able to keep up with escalating needs, creating additional pressure on individuals, families and the healthcare system.
“People living with dementia, their families and carers have told us and the Government what they need through extensive consultations and the development of the National Dementia Action Plan and they have been patient. Dementia Australia will continue to advocate for the additional Government commitment and investment needed.”
For dementia information and support contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au.
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 446,500 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
Media contact: Andrea Hogan, Media Relations and Communications Manager, 0406 904 118, [email protected]
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
Note to Editors:
We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.