The Parliamentary Friends of Epilepsy has launched in the Australian Parliament by co-chairs, Member for Bowman, Mr Henry Pike MP, and Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP.

The parliamentary friendship group is bi-partisan and will raise awareness about Australians living with epilepsy among federal parliamentarians.

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP says that the parliamentary friendship group is an opportunity for parliamentarians to be better aware of Australians living with epilepsy and how the federal government can improve their quality of life.

“In Australia, 250,000 people are living with epilepsy and it’s a condition that affects every community across our nation”, Dr Reid said.

“Epilepsy is a condition where a person has recurrent seizures and is a neurological disorder, which is caused by a disruption of the electrical activity in the brain”, Dr Reid said.

"As an emergency doctor, I have firsthand experience caring for patients living with epilepsy, so it is a cause close to my heart”, Dr Reid said.

“Any attention I can shine on this condition at a federal level will be of great benefit to all Australians living with epilepsy and their families”, Dr Reid said.

Among the guests at the launch of the parliamentary friendship group was rugby league legend, Wally Lewis, who lives with epilepsy and is an advocate for the cause.

“It is important that we have strong advocates like Wally Lewis, who bring much-needed attention to this condition and ensure support is sought from all levels of government to further medical research and treatments”, Dr Reid said.

“I look forward to continuing to use my elected position to advocate on behalf of Australians living with health conditions in the Australian Parliament”, Said Dr Reid.

To learn more about epilepsy or to find out how to donate to Epilepsy Action Australia, visit: https://www.epilepsy.org.au/

ENDS