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The Big Story
New Disability Minister Mark Butler (photo courtesy Lukas Coch/AAP)
Why Mark Butler could be the right fit for the disability portfolio
When he was appointed Minister ysterday, Mark Butler said exactly what you’d expect. “Australia’s systems of care and support are world-leading and trail-blazing.” But then he said something surprising and revealing. His task, he insisted, was crystal clear: to “secure the future of the NDIS.”
Dissect those words - ‘secure the future’. That phrase wasn’t chosen by accident. Butler’s got one of the finest minds in parliament. The current explosive growth trajectory of the NDIS represents an existential threat to the scheme’s very existence. He knows that someone has to wrestle he scheme back under control if it’s going to survive.
Butler’s saying he’s going to make this his mission.
He comes to the task with a strong pedigree.
He was Minister for Mental Health and Ageing (2010–2013), Social Inclusion (2011–2013), and Housing and Homelessness (2013) back in the Rudd/Gillard years. During this period he also took on the difficult task of reforming mental healthcare. Since 2022, of course, he’s held the hugely complex Health and Aged Care portfolios. He’s proven a competent performer dealing with difficult issues, like dealing with pharmacists.
In fact, Medicines Australia CEO Elizabeth de Somer says she “welcomes the reappointment of Minister Butler, noting his deep understanding of the complexities of the health portfolio including the PBS and the medicines industry”.
It’s a far more genuine tribute than other ministers (such as Richard Marles) are likely to receive from industry representatives in their portfolios.
Much more significant than this, though, is his ability to get on with the PM. The two are close and trust one another. This will mean a huge deal when it comes to ensuring the NDIS becomes what it was always supposed to be . . .
The Briefing
Young people in aged care (photo courtesy australianageingagenda)
New data on younger people in nursing homes a wake up call for new government
By Summer Foundation
Fresh data shows 81 Australians under 65 entered aged care in early 2024, despite a government pledge to prevent this. The Summer Foundation warns a looming policy loophole could still funnel younger people with disability into aged care facilities.
The Wrap
Tricky portfolios and rising stars: the biggest moves in Albanese's cabinet reshuffle
By The Guardian Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a cabinet reshuffle, with Tanya Plibersek moving to Social Services, overseeing welfare, disability, and mental health. Mark Butler and Jenny McAllister will jointly manage the NDIS, balancing cost control and service quality.
'World class': Vision for major Central Qld tourism drawcard
By The Courier-Mail
Rockhampton Regional Council supports upgrading the First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve, including developing adaptive trails for individuals with disabilities. The plan aims to enhance accessibility and transform the site into a world-class tourism destination.
'Super distressed': Wheelchair taxi doesn't arrive for disabled boy
By Adelaide Advertiser
An 11-year-old boy missed a crucial medical procedure in Adelaide after a pre-booked wheelchair-access taxi failed to arrive. A truck driver, hearing the story on ABC Radio, stepped in to transport the boy, highlighting issues in accessible transport services.
Quiz: Who was the Prime Minister when the NDIS was introduced?
(a) John Howard (b) Kevin Rudd (c) Julia Gillard
Answer – The idea for the NDIS germinated when Kevin Rudd was Prime Minister but the legislation establishing the scheme was introduced by Julia Gillard.
The Diary
