Community Affairs References Committee
Date referred: 11 March 2026
Submissions close: 15 May 2026
Reporting date: 10 September 2026

Terms of Reference

Epilepsy in Australia, with particular reference to:

1. barriers to diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment options, including the impact of factors such as:
   1. geographic locations,
   2. availability of medical practitioners, including neurologists,
   3. costs, and
   4. cultural and language barriers;
2. drug-resistant epilepsy and its psychosocial and economic impacts on patients and the community;
3. the level of community awareness and understanding of epilepsy and treatment options;
4. barriers to access support services after diagnosis, including the National Disability and Insurance Scheme;
5. the adequacy of Commonwealth funding for research into epilepsy; and
6. any other related matters.