Write a Personal Submission
Your submission doesn't have to be polished - it only has to be honest. Each story adds to a clearer picture of epilepsy in Australia and helps guide meaningful change.
While Epilepsy Queensland will be compiling our own submission, that includes stories and feedback provided by our community, the Senate Inquiry is also looking for personal submissions written by everyday Australians who have a connection to epilepsy and an opinion on how we can improve epilepsy care.
What to Include
Your submission (or letter) does not need to be technical and it can be as short or long as you like.
You can choose to address some or all of the Terms of Reference (below), but you do not have to – clarity, honesty, and your perspective is what matters most.
Your submission becomes part of the official public record, helping identify shared experiences and national priorities. Only include information you would be happy to see published on the internet.
You might like to include:
Outline how you are connected to epilepsy, whether you are someone living with epilepsy, a parent or carer, or someone who works with those diagnosed e.g. disability support worker or educator
Share what your experience of epilepsy has been and any key points that stand out to you that you think policymakers should know.
Describe anything that hasn’t worked well or has made life harder. You may want to consider:
- diagnosis and treatment (your healthcare journey)
- education,
- employment,
- other social, mental health, family and financial impacts
The committee will look to submissions for ideas to make recommendations for changes and improvements. If you have any ideas for things that would make life better for you and others living with epilepsy, make sure to include them.
Add anything else you think is important for the committee to know.
Privacy and Consent
- Submissions, including your name, are published on the Senate inquiry website. Your contact information will not be included.
- If you do not want your name published on the internet, or if you want your submission to be kept confidential, you should include the word confidential clearly on the front of your submission and provide a reason for your request.
- Make sure that your name and contact details are on a separate page and not in the main part of your submission
- If you mention another person or organisation, they may be invited to respond
Make a Personal Submission
Click here to be taken to the Parliament of Australia's website to make your submission
Submissions close 15 May 2026
How to Submit
- Online: Lodge my submission – Parliament of Australia
- Email: seniorclerk.committees.sen@aph.gov.au
- Post:
Senior Clerk of Committees
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
More information on the Senate Inquiry is available on the Parliament of Australia website.
Terms of Reference
Epilepsy in Australia, with particular reference to:
1. barriers to diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment options, including the impact of factors such as:
- geographic locations,
- availability of medical practitioners, including neurologists,
- costs, and
- cultural and language barriers;
2. drug-resistant epilepsy and its psychosocial and economic impacts on patients and the community;
3. the level of community awareness and understanding of epilepsy and treatment options;
4. barriers to access support services after diagnosis, including the National Disability and Insurance Scheme;
5. the adequacy of Commonwealth funding for research into epilepsy; and
6. any other related matters.