Past News
- Breakthrough Research Holds Clue About MS Cause | 11 August 2011
- The Biggest Reform In Generations For People With Disability | 10 August 2011
- Link found between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis | 22 July 2011
- MS Australia Argues For Transparent PBS System At Senate Inquiry | 21 July 2011
- Figures Show More Must Be Done To Help Young People In Nursing Homes | 21 July 2011
- Statement Regarding Movectro - Update | 12 July 2011
- Pregnancy and MS Statement | 07 July 2011
- Statement Regarding Canadian CCSVI Trials | 01 July 2011
- Government Urged To Renew Funding For Young People in Nursing Homes | 27 June 2011
- Statement Regarding Movectro | 23 June 2011
- MS Australia Welcomes Subsidy of First Oral MS Medication | 21 June 2011
- MS Austrailia - Disability Pension Changes to Help Many | 10 May 2011
- MS and Cancer Treatment | 26 November 2010
- Opening of MS Goulburn Regional Office | 17 November 2010
- Double Honours for MS Leader | 17 November 2010
- Support for Labor's Accessible Housing Policy | 5 November 2010
- Journalism Honour for Disability Documentary | 3 November 2010
- Movectro® (cladribine): Oral treatment for MS | 27 October 2010
- Victorian State Election Voting Aids and Assistance | 25 October 2010
- NAA Submission
- MS Australia Needs Analysis Project
- Response to Recent Questions from Clients about Chronic
Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) Therapy - Vale Zanna Baron
- Fact Sheet: Stem Cell Treatments in MS (May 2010)
- NSW Medical Energy Rebate Increase
- Introducing the Betty Cuthbert rose
- $1.4 million announced to support MS research
- Media Release: Multiple Sclerosis Advocate Receives Australia Day Honour
- Media Statement Re: Fingolimod and Cladribine
- Media Statement Re: Sativex
- Stem Cell Treatment Reports
- NSW Medical Energy Rebate
- MS Australia welcomes the announcement of a study into a long term care and support scheme
- Companion Card Scheme
- Intouch Now Available in Text-Only Format
- Impact of MS on Caring Relations Project
- MS Australia's response to the federal budget announcement
- Australian first - University of Sydney Professor wins prestigious MS Award
- New Case of Brain Illness in Tysabri Patient
- Alemtuzumab (Campath) in the news
- Better Support for Carers - Federal Parliamentary Inquiry
- Predictors of subjective fatigue in 3 samples
- MS Advisory Councils Seeking Your Voice
- TYSABRI ALERT - from the MS Australia medical spokesperson, Dr. W. M. Carroll
- National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission Submission & Hearings
- Federal Parliamentary inquiry - Better Support for Carers
- National Advocates Program
- MS Brain Bank - Putting the best brains to MS research
- Researchers report that stopping Tysabri increased MRI-detected disease activity in some patients
Breakthrough Research Holds Clue About MS Cause
11 August 2011In one of the largest human genetic studies ever undertaken, scientists have identified the major common genetic variants that contribute to the cause of the devastating neurologic disease, multiple sclerosis (MS).
Click here to view MEDIA RELEASE 
The Biggest Reform In Generations For People With Disability
10 August 2011The lives of Australians living with disabilities will be turned around thanks to the announcement of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by the Federal Government today – the most significant reform to the disability sector in generations.
Link found between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis
22 July 2011Media reports today indicate that research has confirmed a link between Epstein-Barr virus (EPV) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
MS Australia Argues For Transparent PBS System At Senate Inquiry
21 July 2011MS Australia will argue for a fair and transparent system for listing medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on behalf of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) at a hearing of the Senate Inquiry into the Federal Government's policy in Melbourne today.
Click here to view MEDIA RELEASE
Figures Show More Must Be Done To Help Young People In Nursing Homes
21 July 2011Figures released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare this morning confirm that a joint Federal and State program to keep young people out of nursing homes has worked and must continue.
Click here to view MEDIA RELEASE
Statement Regarding Movectro - Update
12 July 2011Last month, Merck Serono announced that they were voluntarily withdrawing Movectro, an oral medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) from the Australian market.
Click here to view STATEMENT
Read more about Movectro (cladribine tablets)
Pregnancy and MS Statement
07 July 2011ABC Television news last night reported on current research into the affect of pregnancy on multiple sclerosis (MS).
Click here to read MS Australia's STATEMENT
Statement Regarding Canadian CCSVI Trials
01 July 2011The Canadian Government yesterday announced they will be funding future Phase I and II clinical trials into chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Click here to read MS Australia's STATEMENT
Government Urged To Renew Funding For Young People in Nursing Homes
27 June 2011A vital program funded by the Federal and State Governments to keep young people out of nursing homes runs out of money this Thursday, prompting peak bodies to appeal for it's urgent renewal.
Click here to view MEDIA RELEASE
Statement Regarding Movectro
23 June 2011Merck Serono has today announced that they will be voluntarily withdrawing Movectro, an oral medication for multiple sclerosis (MS), from the Australian market.
Click here to view STATEMENT
Read more about Movectro (cladribine tablets)
MS Australia Welcomes Subsidy of First Oral MS Medication
21 June 2011The first medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) that can be taken orally will be subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) - welcome news for many Australians living with MS.
Click here to view MEDIA RELEASE
Read more about Gilenya (fingolimod)
MS Austrailia - Disability Pension Changes to Help Many
10 May 2011More people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other chronic illnesses are set to benefit from the Federal Budget and stay in work after the announcement that people eligible for the Disability Support Pension (DSP) can also work up to 30 hours per week without being penalised.
Click here to view MS Australia's response
MS and Cancer Treatment
26 November 2010Recent stories in the media have raised the issue of treatments for people who have both MS and cancer. Learn more here.
People with MS are at no greater risk of developing cancer than the general population. For people who are being treated for cancer, there may be a large number of factors to consider when you are discussing treatment with your cancer specialist. There is no research to indicate that people with MS should not have standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy and there are many reports of people with MS being successfully treated for cancer. While there are some reports of people experiencing exacerbations after cancer therapy, it is much more important to cure the cancer. Your oncologist is the best person to advise you about your individual treatment options.
It is important that people with MS maintain their general health and well being and receive the appropriate therapies for any illnesses which may occur in addition to their MS. It is important that you keep all health care providers advised of any medications (including over the counter medications) that you are taking. They will use this information along with your test results and medical history to determine the best course of treatment for you. If you are concerned about how a particular treatment or medication may impact on your MS, it might be helpful to discuss the matter with your neurologist.
Opening of MS Goulburn Regional Office
17 November 2010New MS Office opening in Goulburn to provide much needed services to people with multiple sclerosis in the Southern NSW.
Double Honours for MS Leader
17 November 2010Congratulations to the Director of MS Research Australia, Simon McKeon on being awarded two prestigious honours this week – Victorian Australian of the Year and recipient of MS Australia's John Studdy Award.
Mr McKeon, who is the Executive Chairman of Macquarie Bank's Melbourne office has been a shining light in the philanthropic world for many years.
He was awarded the 2010 John Studdy Award, which celebrates 'outstanding consistent and selfless provision of meritorious service to people with MS' at a ceremony on Sunday. The award recognised his key role in the establishment of MSRA in 2004, and his ongoing leadership role. Mr McKeon, who was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago, is also a past Chairman of the MS Australia Board.
"Simon has guided and inspired MSRA to a position as Australia's peak body for MS research and made it one of MS Australia's most successful initiatives," said MSRA Executive Director Jeremy Wright.
Mr McKeon's many other humanitarian and philanthropic activities include being a Director of World Vision for 15 years, a director of the Global Poverty Project and working directly with heroin addicts and remote indigenous communities.
Support for Labor's Accessible Housing Policy
5 November 2010MS Australia announces its support for Labor's accessible housing policy.
Journalism Honour for Disability Documentary
3 November 2010Congratulations to MSL client and ABC Journalist John Blades, who has been shortlisted for a prestigious Walkley Award, Australian journalism's highest honour. John's magnificent radio documentary The Too Hard Basket was about disability and sexuality. You can read the transcript or listen to it here. Or hear John talking about the documentary on BBC radio at: www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/interviews/john_blades.shtml.
We wish John the very best of luck for the awards ceremony, which is being held on December 9th and we will keep you posted on the outcome.
Movectro® (cladribine): Oral treatment for MS
27 October 2010The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved Movectro® (cladribine tablets) for the treatment of relapsing remitting MS.
Read more about Movectro (cladribine) here.
Victorian State Election Voting Aids and Assistance
25 October 2010On November 27th the Victorian State elections will be held.
The Victorian Electoral Commission has set up various aids to assist voting for people with disabilities. The following link details the aids and assistance that are available to voters. There is information on postal voting, assistance at the voting stations and locations of accessible booths.
Click here for more information
NAA Submission
MS Australia is part of Neurological Alliance Australia (NAA). This is the submission from NAA to the Productivity Commission's inquiry into disability care and support.
Read the full submission here.
MS Australia Needs Analysis Project
MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC is seeking participants for a project that aims to assess the growing needs of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Click here for more information
MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC statement on Chronic
Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) therapy
27 September 2010
MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC is a client support organisation working under the national banner of MS Australia. Our primary objective is to provide assistance and support to help make life easier for people living with MS. We recognise the important role that research plays as part of this and facilitate MS studies through MS Research Australia (MSRA), the research arm of MS Australia.
MS Australia recently recognised a need within the community to know more about Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI), involving impaired drainage in the brain and spinal cord.
A study conducted in Italy in 2009 has introduced a possible connection between MS and CCSVI. This issue and whether there is a relationship to the cause or treatment of multiple sclerosis has been the focus of significant attention throughout the world since then. As a result, many clients and stakeholders of MS Australia, including people with MS and their families, are looking to our organisation for guidance.
Since the issue arose, we have been working with MSRA to assess and analyse the global data on CCSVI therapy. Recently MSRA has funded a CCSVI study at the Austin Hospital (in Melbourne), where patients are being tested for venous obstruction. Other funds have been earmarked and we are currently encouraging further Australian research and liaising with MS Societies overseas to complement the world-wide effort to better understand this issue.
As more evidence becomes available, we intend to work with leading expert neurologists, vascular surgeons, radiologists, other medical professionals, people with MS, MSRA and the CCSVI community group to find out more and communicate relevant findings.
While we support new treatments which may improve outcomes for people living with MS, we only do so after those treatments have been subjected to rigorous scientific testing and review.
On the basis of the current evidence, we do not recommend that people living with MS seek CCSVI treatment outside controlled tests. However, as with all forms of treatment*, it is a matter to be discussed on an individual basis between the patient and their specialist.
If CCSVI treatment is being considered it’s important to note:
- There have been documented complications with the use of stents. MS Australia strongly recommends against the use of stents during CCSVI therapy for MS.
- Receiving CCSVI therapy as part of a controlled trial is supported if it will contribute to the research being conducted into the treatment. More information on current and future clinical trials will be available on the MS Research Australia website.
- People living with MS should communicate with their doctor, neurologist and family members before deciding to undergo CCSVI treatment.
- If the patient and their specialist do decide that CCSVI is appropriate for them, it is recommended that procedures be performed in Australian hospitals where ongoing care can be provided.
For all media enquiries, please call Sara Irvine on 0402 982 002.
*Disclaimer: MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC cannot recommend any specific disease treatments for people living with MS. The choice of therapy to treat the disease is a matter to be discussed with a specialist healthcare professional.
Vale Zanna Baron
The MS community lost a treasured friend recently in Zanna Baron.
Zanna gave many years to MS Australia’s efforts in NSW, and in fact her involvement dated back to the establishment of MS Australia in 1956. She was the President of the NSW Council of People with MS, National President of People with MS and gave many years of service on the Board of the MS Society of NSW.
Zanna was the founder of the first quarterly newsletter for people with MS – Magscene – and is remembered fondly for her contributions in ‘Zanna’s corner.’ She was awarded the prestigious John Studdy Award in 2001.
The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation recognised Zanna with the renowned International Person with MS Award, but people with MS, staff of MS Australia and all people involved in the MS community will remember her most for her warm personality and tireless commitment to helping advocate for people living with the disease.
Fact Sheet: Stem Cell Treatments in MS (May 2010)
On Tuesday 17 May 2010, The 7:30 Report (ABC) ran a story about two people with MS who had received stem cell treatment. Read more about the story and MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC’s response.
Download Stem cell treatments in MS fact sheet.
See also Recent reports regarding stem cell treatment.
To view the coverage of the 7:30 Report or obtain a transcript of the interview, click here.
Visit the MS Research Australia website for more on the latest on stem cell research.
NSW Medical Energy Rebate Increase
The NSW Medical Energy Rebate is currently $130 a year, and is increasing to $145 a year from 1 July 2010. This Rebate will further increase to $161 per year from 1 July 2011. If you have MS and are on a pension or have a healthcare card you may be eligible.
For more information see the NSW’s Dept of Industry and Investment website at www.industry.nsw.gov.au 
or contact MS Connect on 1800 042 138.
Introducing the Betty Cuthbert rose
Four-time Olympic gold medallist Betty Cuthbert has been honoured for dedicating nearly forty years to championing the needs of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) through the naming of a rose by famed rose grower, Treloar Roses. Labelled the ‘golden girl’ of Australian athletics after setting two world records at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Cuthbert now aged 70 was diagnosed with MS in her late thirties and since her diagnosis has devoted a vast amount of her time and energy to raising awareness about the disease.
Treloar Roses will donate a $1.00 from the sale of each rose to MS Australia. The rose will retail for $18.00 each.
Click here for more information
$1.4 million announced to support MS research
MS Australia today welcomed the announcement by the NSW Government and Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia of $1.4 million in funding and a new network to help researchers unlock the mystery of Multiple Sclerosis.
The NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research, Jodi McKay MP today announced $270,000 to assist in setting up the NSW Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Research and Clinical Trials Network.
The Network will bring the State’s top researchers together and streamline the clinical trials process. The funds will support a Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trials Coordinator and provide secretariat and grant writing support.
MSRA also announced the investment of $970,000 to support two new fellowships to continue the promising research already occurring in genetics and neuropathology.
This follows the recent identification of the second gene involved in multiple sclerosis.
In 2009, MS Australia - ACT/NSW/VIC contributed $2.211 million to MSRA, making MS Australia the largest single funder of MS Research in Australia through MSRA.
For more details on this exciting announcement go to www.msra.org.au
Media Release: Multiple Sclerosis Advocate Receives Australia Day Honour
Leaders from the multiple sclerosis movement have today congratulated Graham Tribe for being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his tireless commitment to Australians living with
multiple sclerosis (MS).
Read the full media release here.
Media Statement Re: Fingolimod and Cladribine 21 January 2010
Reports in the New England Journal of Medicine today (21 January 2010) indicate that clinical trials of the drugs Fingolimod and Cladribine show favourable results for treating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Fingolimod and Cladribine are pharmaceutical medications for relapsing-remitting MS and would be taken as capsules, as opposed to most currently available treatments, which are administered by injection.
MS Australia welcomes research into any new therapies which may give people living with MS more options for the reduction in disease activity and the strong possibility of less long term disability.
However, despite the exciting phase III trial data reported today these drugs are still at clinical trial stage and are yet to go through the required Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) assessment and other approval processes for use in Australia.
We are looking forward to the results of these assessments by the regulatory authorities in Australia to determine when these drugs will be available to help people with MS in Australia.
People living with MS who require further information about this subject should contact
MS Connect on 1800 042 138 for more information.
For all media enquiries please contact Jenny Crocker on (02) 9646 0640 or Kate McEvoy on 0424 649 148.
Media Statement Re: Sativex - Friday 15 January 2010
Several media reports today (Friday 15 January 2010) indicate that doctors at the Royal Melbourne Hospital are aiming to test the drug Sativex for treatment of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Sativex is a pharmaceutical medication derived from cannabis.
MS Australia welcomes research into any new therapies which may help people living with MS manage the symptoms of the disease.
However while the drug has been approved in other countries it is yet to go through the essential Therapeutic Goods Administration approval process in Australia.
We are looking forward to the results of this rigorous testing to determine whether this drug will be effective in helping people living with this disease.
It must be noted that this form of treatment is only symptomatic and will not slow or affect the course of MS. At best it will improve the quality of life for those with appropriate symptoms such as painful stiffness of muscles etc and will not replace but only supplement physical and other existing therapies.
People living with MS who require further information about this subject should contact
MS Connect on 1800 042 138 for more information.
For all media enquiries please contact Jenny Crocker on (02) 9646 0640 or Kate McEvoy on 0424 649 148.
Recent reports regarding stem cell treatment
Media outlets in a few states and territories over the past few days have reported on a Canberra teenager with multiple sclerosis (MS), who has shown positive signs of improvement after receiving stem cell treatment. Ben Leahy is 19 years old and was diagnosed with the disease in 2008.
While this is great news for the young man involved, there is no clinical evidence to lead us to endorse this treatment as being useful in all cases. While it has the potential to be a promising area, much more research is needed to
be done.
Professor Bill Carroll, MS Research Australia’s Scientific Chairman says "With changes in the way bone marrow stem cell transplants are performed nowadays the risk of death from this treatment has fallen. When this is combined with transplantation at a relatively early stage of aggressive disease the risk-benefit relationship has been improved considerably."
"At present this is not a treatment option to be considered for all people with MS. There is an increasing amount of research interest worldwide in this form of treatment".
People with MS are encouraged to always seek the advice directly from their treating neurologist about their
own disease.
NSW Medical Energy Rebate
The NSW Medical Energy Rebate was launched by the NSW Government in October 2009 and will take effect on 1 January 2010. It is a $130 annual rebate for people living in NSW who are on low incomes and who suffer from heat intolerance and/or cold intolerance. .
Read more.
MS Australia welcomes the announcement of a study into a long term care and support scheme
MS Australia has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new feasibility study to assess approaches for funding and delivering long-term disability care and support, including the possibility of a social insurance scheme.
Read more.
Companion Card Scheme
A new National Website has recently been launched detailing the operation of the Companion Card scheme. A companion card allows 2 people to attend an participating event or use a service where one person is a cardholder, has a disability and requires a companion to access the community. The website details eligibility, participating businesses and application requirements.
Read more.
Intouch Now Available in Text-Only Format
The latest edition of Intouch should be arriving in your mailbox shortly, and is now available online.
The magazine is now also available in a text-only format, which has been developed especially for clients who may have difficulties reading the hard copy magazine.
Please contact the editor on (02) 9646 0725 or email intouch@msaustralia.org.au to be emailed a copy of the text-only version.
Impact of MS on Caring Relations Project
Back in 2002, Beatrice Zuluaga conducted a research study designed to better understand the impact of MS on the lives of those living with MS and the lives of others affected by MS. She called upon participants to take part in the study which consisted of in depth conversations with 12 pairs (a person with MS and their identified main carer).
She has recently completed her study titled: Impact of Multiple Sclerosis on committed caring relationships: the experience of twelve spousal carepartners dealing with this “uninvited guest” and would like to thank those who participated in her research study.
To read her thank you letter, please click here
To read the original letter calling for participants, please click here
MS Australia's response to the federal budget announcement
Australian first - University of Sydney Professor wins prestigious MS Award
The winner of MSIF's biennial Charcot Award is Prof John Prineas, from the University of Sydney, Australia.
Prof Prineas was selected from an outstanding field of candidates by an international panel of experts from MSIF's International Medical and Scientific Board, chaired by Professor Alan Thompson.
"The Charcot award recognises a life-time contribution to the world of MS and there could be no more deserving recipient. John Prineas has made a unique contribution to our understanding of the pathology of multiple sclerosis - over a number of decades, collaborating with colleagues on a truly global scale." Prof Alan Thompson, Chairman, MSIF International Medical and Scientific Board.
To read more about Prof Prineas and the Charcot award click here
New Case of Brain Illness in Tysabri Patient
January 2009Another Tysabri patient has contracted progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML, a recognised rare complication of Tysabri treatment.
Click here for more information.
Alemtuzumab (Campath) in the news
Recently, news of a new drug being trialled, known as Alemtuzumab or Campath, featured on various TV and Radio programs.
MS Australia welcomes any potential new drug that could give hope to people with MS. Different people respond to drugs in different ways, and this drug is still being trialled, so we have limited information on it at this stage. We look forward to the results of the trial to determine whether it can be used safely and effectively for people with MS.
For more background information on the drug and the results of overseas trials, please click on the link below:
Better Support for Carers - Federal Parliamentary Inquiry
MS Australia has made a submission to the House of Representatives inquiry into Better Support for Carers, and gave evidence at the Melbourne Hearing of the Inquiry. We highlighted the need for increased workplace flexibility for carers, improved superannuation provisions and a disability insurance scheme to fully fund disability services. Read the submission here.
Predictors of subjective fatigue in 3 samples: chronic fatigue & MS patients and university student controls
Investigators: Rhonda Brown, PhD.; Einar B. Thorsteinsson, PhD. University of New England NSW Australia
MS Australia- ACT/NSW/VIC would like to invite you to participate in an on line research project being conducted by the University of New England, NSW, Australia which aims to better understand fatigue. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression, viral infection symptoms, sleep disturbance, and a number of specific stressors, unhealthy behaviours, psychosocial factors, and cognitions. Fatigue often has a physiological basis (e.g. viral infection), but previous research has shown that fatigue also has psychological aspects. This research is intended to help us better understand the way in which psychological factors impact on fatigue over a period of time. If you decide you would like to participate in the study, you will be asked to complete set of on line questionnaires three times (i.e., now, 6 months from now, and then 12 months from now).
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=sAu4Ep2exYGsdAW_2bc6UQMg_3d_3d
MS Advisory Councils Seeking Your Voice
MS Advisory Councils ensure that people with MS continue to have their voices heard within Australia's peak representative organisation.
The MS Advisory Council is an independent body representing people with MS and is a direct voice to MS Australia's Senior Management and the Board. In March 2008, the Councils began working to a new charter and have been working on a number of new initiatives including the development of operating guidelines.
We currently have Councils operating in Victoria and New South Wales with a similar group operating in the ACT. The MS Advisory Councils advise the Board and Management on a range of MS-related issues affecting people living with MS in the ACT, NSW and VIC.
The Advisory Council's are keen to hear from people who would like to contribute to any matters being discussed by the Councils. If you are interested in joining or attending a meeting as a guest please contact the Advisory Council at advisorycommittee@msaustralia.org.au.
TYSABRI ALERT - from the MS Australia medical spokesperson, Dr. W. M. Carroll [1 August 2008]
This morning MSA was advised that two patients with MS, overseas, have been diagnosed with PML (progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy) while on Tysabri (Natalizumab).
Details are not complete but one patient with aggressive MS developed the condition after 17 infusions having had no other treatment. The second had previously received Azathioprine and an immunomodulatory therapy.
Both were detected by the post marketing surveillance system set up for Europe and similar to the TAPP programme in Australia. With the cessation of Tysabri treatment and the use of plasma exchange the condition has been halted and the patients are now stable.
Biogen-Idec have advised the TGA of the development and said that it highlights the need for continuing vigilance by MS practitioners and immunotherapy nurses. Further information will be posted as it becomes available.
W M CARROLL
Chair MSRA Research Management Council
If you have any concerns please contact your Neurologist.
National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission Submission & Hearings
The MSA Policy Team put in a submission to the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission on 30 May 2008, see the links below. Additionally, the Commission is holding hearings throughout Australia in June and July. If you are interested in attending and testifying at one of the hearings, please contact the policy team via Alan Blackwood. Dates for the hearings and other information about the Commission can be found on their website: www.nhhrc.org.au
MSA Submission to NHHRC: Read more
Continuous Care Model: Read more
Federal Parliamentary inquiry - Better Support for Carers. Submissions due 4th July
A new Inquiry has been announced by the House of Representatives Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth looking at the system of carer support in Australia. The inquiry is focusing on social and economic participation and the practical measures need to better support carers in their role. The MS Society will make a submission, however this is a great opportunity for carers and families to tell the inquiry their own ideas for improvements that come from direct experience of caring for a person with MS. Read the Inquiry Media release
We have prepared a brief guide for families wanting to make a submitting to the inquiry. Read more
National Advocates Program
The program is part of the existing MS Australia Policy and Advocacy program, and will engage a number of volunteer advocates who live with MS in each State and Territory who will take part in the policy development, network and campaign activity of the Policy team across all levels of Government to help ensure that public policies are supportive of the needs of People with MS & their families. Read more
MS Brain Bank - Putting the best brains to MS research
Australia's first MS Brain Bank is underway for People with MS to bequeath their tissue for MS research. The facility will coordinate the collection and use of brain and other neural tissue for MS research that will increase our understanding of the disease. The ultimate goal of MS neurobiology research is to understand the biological mechanisms causing MS to develop a cure...
Read more.
Researchers report that stopping Tysabri increased MRI-detected disease activity in some patients
MSA is awaiting confirmation of this observation at this time. If you are on Natalizumab, and it is to be ceased for a period longer than 3 months you should discuss it with you treating neurologist... Read more.