The group was launched at Parliament House on Monday 12 October, with Dr Mike Freelander MP and Angie Bell MP as co-chairs.
The event brought together parliamentarians and members of the cerebral palsy community to hear lived-experience perspectives on life with CP, including the importance of support across childhood, adulthood and ageing.
Zane McKenzie, Chair of Cerebral Palsy Australia, captured the purpose of the group: “We want to be in the room when decisions are being made about our lives.”
He also described the value of the new forum: “The Parliamentary Friends of Cerebral Palsy gives us a standing, cross-party way for our voices to reach policy makers directly, not second-hand.”
People with cerebral palsy, advocates and families spoke about the difference that the right therapy, technology and support can make to independence, health, work, relationships and participation.
Briar Tomkins shared a message that resonated strongly with the room: “For me, therapy isn’t about getting better. It’s about not getting worse.” Her words highlighted why support for people with CP must recognise the role therapy can play in maintaining function, health and independence over time.
Cerebral palsy is lifelong and highly individual. As Wade Costley noted, “Almost everyone has heard of CP. Far fewer understand what it means to live with CP across a lifetime.”
The Parliamentary Friends group will provide a standing, cross-party opportunity for parliamentarians to hear directly from the community and work alongside it to build on what is working.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance was proud to support Cerebral Palsy Australia in bringing the launch together, alongside the people with lived experience who led the conversation.
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Download the information sheet here.
