Fears for Dementia Care as NT Memory Clinic Faces Cuts

10 Mar 2026

COTA NT is urging the Northern Territory Government to intervene urgently to prevent cuts to a critical dementia support service, with funding changes threatening to significantly reduce capacity at the NT Memory Clinic.

The clinic plays a vital role in diagnosing and supporting people living with dementia and their carers across the Territory. However, changes to Commonwealth dementia program funding from 1 July 2026 are expected to significantly reduce staffing levels.

Under the proposed changes, the clinic’s full-time doctor would be reduced to a half-time position, while nursing staff would fall from 1.5 positions to just one, with clerical support also potentially reduced.

Sue Shearer, CEO of COTA NT, said the cuts could have serious consequences for older Territorians and their families. “The NT Memory Clinic provides essential diagnosis, treatment planning and support for people living with dementia,” Ms Shearer said.

“People are already waiting around six months after referral to be seen. Cutting specialist staff risks pushing those wait times even further.”

The clinic is also one of the few services providing specialist dementia support beyond Darwin. Ms Shearer warned that reducing nursing capacity could mean the clinic can no longer support patients in regional communities such as Katherine and Nhulunbuy, while home-based support programs in Darwin and Palmerston may also be lost.

Dementia programs in the Northern Territory, including the clinic, are currently funded by the Commonwealth. Ms Shearer said governments must ensure the service is protected.

“Either the Commonwealth must reconsider these reductions, or the Northern Territory Government must step in through its health budget to ensure Territorians living with dementia are not left without the support they need. Dementia is one of the biggest health challenges facing our ageing population. Territorians deserve timely diagnosis and support — not longer waits and fewer services.”

The issue comes as the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly enters its final sitting weeks before the Territory Budget is delivered in May.

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Media contact: Sue Shearer, CEO, COTA NT
Email: Phone: 08 8941 1004 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 3pm)