Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy in Australia
Submissions are closed. What's next?
Now that all submissions have been received and processed, the next step is for a number of public hearings to take place across the country before the final report is handed down on 10 September, 2026.
Public Hearings
An initial public hearing for the Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy in Australia took place on Friday, 26 June 2026 at Parliament House in Canberra, ACT.
Epilepsy Australia, of which Epilepsy Queensland is a member, presented recommendations at this hearing based on feedback from lived experience voices across the country.
Subsequent hearings have been announced in Brisbane, Melbourne, Launceston, Adelaide and Alice Springs.
The Brisbane hearing took place on Monday, 27 July 2026 and saw a panel of six lived experience speakers share their personal accounts of what living with epilepsy has looked like for their families.
Following this, Epilepsy Queensland presented before the Senate Committee, represented by Sandi Rodiger, CEO and Leonie Hogarth, Head of Service Delivery. You can watch the hearing playback below.
Find more information about the additional public hearings on the Parliament of Australia website.
Watch the Brisbane Hearing
This public hearing took place on Monday, 27 July 2026. Watch the livestream playback on the Parliament of Australia YouTube channel.
Watch the Canberra Hearing
This public hearing took place on Friday, 26 June 2026. Watch the livestream playback on the Parliament of Australia YouTube channel.
Thank You for Your Contribution
When the Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy in Australia was announced, it created an important opportunity for people impacted by epilepsy to share their experiences and help shape the national conversation.
Our community took that opportunity and responded with incredible generosity and openness.
Thank you to everyone who completed a survey, shared their story, or made a personal submission. Your lived experience brings vital insight to this process, helping decision-makers better understand the realities, challenges, and needs of people living with epilepsy and those who support them.
Read the Submissions
Submissions made to the Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy in Australia are available to read on the Parliament of Australia website.
Epilepsy Queensland’s submission is number 181. You can find our submission on the official website or download it below.
Why is the Senate Inquiry important?
Epilepsy affects over 270,000 Australians, yet people continue to face challenges with diagnosis, treatment, access to care, education, employment, and social inclusion.
A Senate inquiry gives us all an opportunity to tell government what life with epilepsy is really like. This can influence:
- Fairer rules and systems
- Support where it’s needed most
- Getting help and services locally
- Better community understanding of epilepsy
Personal stories help decision-makers see beyond statistics and understand the real impact of epilepsy.
Helpful Links
