The federal government has pledged $28 million to improve health outcomes and address health inequities faced by people with intellectual disabilities.
The funding will go towards establishing the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability, with a host yet to be selected through a competitive grant process.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said it would be a central hub of expertise and research, that will be made available to all health and disability service providers.
Jim Simpson from the Council for Intellectual Disability welcomed the announcement.
“The national centre is vital to the implementation of the 10-year plan in the national roadmap for improving the health of people with intellectual disability that was launched by health minister Hunt last August,” he said.
It will be a key driver of action on the “terrible health inequalities” experienced by people with intellectual disability – who on average, die 27 years earlier than the general population, Mr Simpson said.
People with intellectual disabilities also experience twice the rate of emergency and hospital admissions, higher rates of physical and mental health conditions and lower rates of preventative health care.
The national centre will identify research and data priorities, improve health services capabilities and provide online support, resources and information to people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
The government is contributing a further $20 million from the 2024/25 Medical Research Future Fund for research to improve health outcomes for people with intellectual disability.
The author wrote this story in a private capacity.
