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A Six Year Agenda

A Six Year Agenda

The Labor government's now confident it will be running the country for the next 6 years

Nic Stuart
May 23, 2025

The abilityNEWS Daily

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Author’s Note

The Coalition’s on-again/off-again political marriage difficulties are reinforcing Labor’s increasing confidence that it will have six years to bed down change across the spectrum, and it’s preparing to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The big question at the moment is if Labor will be prepared to tackle big-spending issues that don’t fit naturally into the party’s own political agenda. This includes the AUKUS submarines and deeper tax reform. Anthony Albanese will have to deal with the Greens on these issues, whether he wants to or not.

But it’s understood Health Minister Mark Butler is very keen to engage in deep structural reform of the three portfolios he’s got overall responsibility for - health, aged care, and disability.

This means change.

No party has been willing to examine what’s working - and what’s not - in the disability sector since Bill Shorten invented the idea of the NDIS back in 2007. abilityNEWS will be working to keep you up to date on what’s happening politically every Friday from now on.

We’d love to hear from you, too!

Have a good weekend, Nic Stuart ([email protected])

The Briefing

What the sector is saying

NSW’s north coast floods are hitting First Nation people hard

NSW flood crisis highlights vulnerabilities for people with disability

By First Peoples Disability Network

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding in NSW’s Mid North Coast continue to impact vulnerable communities including First Nations people with disability. First Peoples Disability Network urges coordinated relief efforts that reflect their specific needs during this ongoing emergency.

DSS asks what does 'good supported and open employment' mean

By Disability Employment Australia

The Department of Social Services is consulting on the future of supported and open employment for people with disability. Key issues include inclusive workplaces, phasing out subminimum wages and segregated jobs, with submissions due by 22 June 2025.

WWDA seeks clarity on 'Impairment Category' definitions

By Women With Disabilities Australia

Women with Disabilities Australia is urging the NDIA to clarify how impairment categories under the NDIS are defined and applied. Concerns include inconsistent terminology, potential medical bias, and a lack of recognition for complex and intersectional disability experiences.

Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia isn't happy with the ART

By Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia

The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) has released a formal statement addressing public concerns around its recent decisions and procedures. The response follows growing criticism over transparency and fairness in the tribunal’s handling of administrative disputes.

Mental Health's list of political To Do's

By Mental Health Australia

Mental Health Australia’s Incoming Government Brief outlines key priorities for mental health reform under the Albanese Government. The document sets clear expectations for progress in the first 100 days, first year and beyond.

Life beyond group homes offers new possibilities

By Summer Foundation

After 28 years in group homes, Ben, 47, finally moved into his own city apartment under an individualised NDIS plan. He now lives with chosen housemate Colleen in Brunswick, enjoying greater independence, stability and community connection.

Want to get involved in PDA’s events and projects?

By Physical Disability Australia

Physical Disability Australia is encouraging wider participation during National Volunteers’ Week to strengthen its community and upcoming initiatives. Opportunities include joining social events, contributing skills, or helping plan Physical Disability Awareness Day 2026.

Deafblind World Workshop: Connecting in the Deafblind Community 2025

By Deafblind Australia

Deafblind Victoria is hosting a 2025 workshop led by deafblind individuals to strengthen understanding within the Auslan community. The session will explore communication methods, lived experience, and inclusion, with morning tea and interpreters available.

SBS On Demand expands accessibility with extra Auslan content.

By Deaf Australia

SBS has introduced Auslan-interpreted shows across its On Demand platform, coinciding with Global Accessibility Awareness Day. The collection includes dramas, documentaries, news, and children’s content, supporting ongoing partnerships with Deaf organisations.

The Wrap

The latest stories

Disability services provider which collapsed with $500,000 tax debt investigated by NDIS regulator

By The Guardian

Exclusive: Residents asked to sign contracts with a new company operated by a relative of Core & Capacity’s director after it was declared insolvent

‘Misleading’: Retailer cops $39,600 fine over NDIS claims

By Heraldsun

Bedshed pays penalties for alegedly misleading customers about NDIS endorsement

Bedshed caught lying over NDIS approval claims

By Inside Retail

Bedding retailer, Bedshed, has paid a fine of $39,600 after receiving two infringement notices from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for allegedly making false or misleading representations.

‘Error’ made as scandal hit NDIS company given gold membership

By Daily Telegraph

A disability peak body proudly announced that a controversial NDIS provider was one of its new gold members, but now claims it was published in error.

Quiz: Which organisation ran the “Ramp Up” disability media platform?

(a) SBS (b) ABC (c) Crikey

Answer – The ABC launched and ran "Ramp Up" as a disability advocacy and media platform.

The Diary

What’s coming up