Media Release

The Federal Government's investment in Medicare-funded three-year-old health assessments, an expanded Comprehensive Health Assessment Program, and additional supports for parents of children with developmental delay will provide welcome support for people with intellectual disability, the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health says.

However, the Centre says the Budget stops short of the broader reform needed to address the severe and longstanding health inequities experienced by people with intellectual disability.

Centre Director Professor Julian Trollor said the measures aimed at improving early identification and support for children were positive steps.

"Anything that helps identify developmental delay earlier allows targeted supports and interventions to begin sooner," Professor Trollor said.

"It's encouraging to see the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program expanded to include a stronger focus on young children with intellectual disability and other developmental delay or neurodevelopmental difference."

However, Professor Trollor said the Budget failed to include the Centre’s proposed $10 million scholarship program to help GPs and primary healthcare workers undertake continuing professional development in intellectual disability health – a move which could hinder the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program.

"People with intellectual disability continue to experience some of the poorest health outcomes in Australia, much of it preventable," he said.

"We know the training works and high-quality education resources already exist. What is missing is investment to ensure healthcare professionals have the time and support to access that training.

"Funding the three-year old assessments is incredibly important, however there’s a real risk they may not be taken up as broadly as intended if GPs and primary health care workers aren't adequately trained.

"Ensuring our health care professionals are given the training and skills they need to provide the crucial care people with intellectual disability need and deserve is fundamental to improving health care across the board."

Professor Trollor said the Budget outcome also highlighted slowing progress on the National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability.

"All governments committed to implementing the National Roadmap when it was released in 2021, but progress has slowed significantly in recent years,” he said.

"People with intellectual disability continue to die on average 27 years younger than other Australians. Action on improving health care for people with intellectual disability remains urgent."

Media contact: Alana Mew, 0419 929 722, alana.mew@essentialmedia.com.au