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- 7 June 2006
Parkinson's New South Wales
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Page: 772
The Hon. JOHN RYAN [11.05 p.m.]: Tonight I make representations on behalf of Parkinson's New South Wales to the New South Wales Government. Parkinson's disease is a common, age-related, disabling, neurodegenerative disease of unknown cause that is progressive and has no cure. No treatment has been shown to slow progression of the disease or to prolong the survival of those suffering from the disease. In the initial stages, there is predominantly a motor disability characterised by slowing of movement and tremor. For the first few years the symptoms can be treated by medications, but after five to 10 years of the disease 50 per cent to 100 per cent of patients develop disabling fluctuations in their motor function. At this stage, loss of balance sufficient to cause frequent falls become common, a condition that is usually not responsive to medications. Most Parkinson's disease sufferers die within 12 years of diagnosis. An organisation that represents them in New South Wales, Parkinson's New South Wales Incorporated, is a non-profit, community-based organisation established in 1979 to provide information, counselling and support to people living with Parkinson's disease. Its network of support groups throughout New South Wales has helped many individuals and their families to better manage living with Parkinson's disease. It resources and operates a toll-free 1800 info line that provides general information regarding Parkinson's disease. Information officers and volunteers staff the info line.
Parkinson's New South Wales also provides valuable information to general practitioners. It provides contact cards designed for people with Parkinson's disease to carry in their handbag or wallet to inform people of their condition in the event of an emergency. One of its most valuable services is the development and co-ordination of a network of some 40 Parkinson's disease support groups throughout metropolitan and regional New South Wales. These support groups provide people living with Parkinson's disease and their families the opportunity to share information and overcome the feelings of isolation that are commonly associated with the disease. Parkinson's New South Wales also has an advocacy role on behalf of the Parkinson's disease community. It strives to increase community awareness about the disease through educational sessions and promotional events. It is interesting to note that New South Wales is one of the few States that does not provide its local Parkinson's advocacy group with a basic grant to fund critical resources, such as office accommodation and secretarial assistance, and a phone line. Parkinson's New South Wales seeks to make a positive contribution to the provision of treatment and professional support services for people with Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's Victoria receives $180,000 a year, Parkinson's Western Australia receives $243,000, Parkinson's South Australia receives $105,000, Parkinson's Queensland receives $125,000 and Parkinson's Tasmania is funded in a joint exercise with the Multiple Sclerosis Society. In New South Wales it does not receive anything, despite making many representations to the New South Wales Government over many years. I understand that Parkinson's New South Wales has also sought support from the New South Wales Government for a very valuable program called a Co-ordinated Managed Care Model. This internationally recognised best practice model of treatment of Parkinson's disease involves multidisciplinary clinics and Parkinson's disease nurse specialists. Currently New South Wales has only two of these nurses, and the organisation is seeking funding to increase that number to five. This very valuable intervention will be of enormous benefit to people with Parkinson's disease. It will help them to provide support and education to other people that live with Parkinson's disease, their partners, families and carers. I implore the State Government to listen carefully to the submission made by Parkinson's New South Wales, and to provide it with either funding for additional multidisciplinary clinics, or funding for secretarial support for its information line and support groups.
Earlier this evening I made a remark during debate on a Treasury matter. Although I intended it to be in good fun, it obviously offended the Treasurer, who was incredibly upset about it. I had no intention of causing him that offence, and I apologise for doing so. However, I would counsel the Treasurer to think carefully about the manner in which he regularly abuses members of this House and offends them—me included.
The Hon. Jan Burnswoods: Is this an apology or an attack?
The Hon. JOHN RYAN: It is not an attack at all. If he were perhaps not so robust in the way in which he abuses the forms of the House, he might not—
The Hon. Peter Primrose: You don't abuse people's families
The Hon. JOHN RYAN: I did not abuse his family.
The Hon. Jan Burnswoods: You're a sanctimonious hypocrite.
The Hon. JOHN RYAN: I did not abuse his family. I acknowledge the member's interjection as an excellent example of the way in which debate in this House is conducted.
The Hon. Jan Burnswoods: We all heard what you said. You are either apologising or—
The Hon. JOHN RYAN: I unreservedly and totally apologise to him. I did not intend to cause him offence.
The Hon. Jan Burnswoods: Go away! You hypocrite!
The Hon. JOHN RYAN: I thank the Hon. Jan Burnswoods. I do not think I am a hypocrite. I do not recall her ever apologising for any of the many remarks she has made in this House. But in any event, I apologise for the remark I made to the Treasurer. I had no intention of causing him or his family offence.
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