Brainwaves Ed 77, 2026

Dear Friends

A Defining Moment: Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy

 Only 2 Days Left – Your Voice Can Make a Lasting Change

Dear friends and supporters,

We’re reaching out with hearts full of hope and a gentle but urgent reminder: there are only 2 days left to make your voice heard in the Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy.

Submissions close this Friday, 15 May 2026.

This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to shape how epilepsy is understood, supported, and prioritised across Australia. Every single submission matters. They are all read and counted. This isn’t a petition – it’s an official inquiry that has the power to drive real, lasting change.

Whether you live with epilepsy yourself, care for someone who does, teach a child living with seizures, work as a clinician, or represent an organisation – your experiences and insights are valuable. You don’t need to be an expert or write a formal report. The Senate wants to hear the real stories: the daily challenges, the delays in diagnosis, the gaps in support, the impact on families, work, safety, and quality of life.

Epilepsy affects more than 250,000 Australians, yet too many continue to face inconsistent care, barriers to treatment, and hidden struggles that ripple through families and communities. Your contribution helps paint a clearer picture of what’s happening on the ground and what needs to change.

A Simple Way Forward

We’ve made it as easy as possible for you. Visit our central hub where everything is in one welcoming place:

👉 Start here – everything you need

You’ll find:

• Clear guidance on the Inquiry
• Helpful submission templates (or simply write your own story)
• Our webinar series to walk you through the process

If you don't have time to look at the above, share YOUR STORY - everyday reality – the wins, the frustrations, and the hopes you carry – that is powerful enough.

This is a pivotal moment. A chance for lived experience, clinical knowledge, and community wisdom to come together and influence national policy. We are so grateful to everyone already preparing their submissions, and those who have submitted. 

Please share this message with your networks today – a colleague, a family member, a parent group, or a fellow clinician. You never know whose story might be the one that sparks meaningful change.

Thank you for caring. Thank you for standing with the epilepsy community. Together, we can turn this moment into lasting improvement in safety, support, and quality of life for so many.

Warm regards,

Paul Quilliam

CEO, Epilepsy Tasmania

P.S. If you haven’t had a chance to explore the Inquiry yet, here are three quick ways to get started:

👉 Start here (everything in one place):
https://epilepsytasmania.org.au/senateinquiry/

🎥 Watch the webinar series (understand how to contribute):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCaFMR0KqP676fgnyrxqsc9jLhk9fkYUX

🏛️ View the official Senate Inquiry:
Epilepsy in Australia – Parliament of Australia