The abilityNEWS Daily
Author’s Note
Hi, and welcome back to abilityNEWS.
Yes, we’ve been off since Christmas - but not (just) partying. We’ve been using the past few months getting better and hopefully improving the newsletter. There’s more to be done but with your help we can make abilityNEWS even better.
On Friday, we accidentally sent our one of our tests to everyone. Many of you replied and said you loved it. Thanks!
So today, instead of continuing work on the newsletter in private, we’ve decided to use that accident to spur us on to publishing daily, bringing you all the news from the disability space.
It would be great if you could send us a return email with just a few words on it so your mail systems know we’re a real newsletter, not spam. Please add us to your safe senders or contacts in your email program.
And if you do have any feedback on how we can get better, or things we’ve left out, please let us know about that too, at any time. We’d love to hear your ideas about how we can inform, connect and empower the disability sector.
All the best,
Nic Stuart
editor, abilityNEWS
The Briefing
Funding Cuts to Community Supports
by Deafness Forum Australia
Specialist community programmes supporting D/deaf people and those with hearing loss face potential funding cuts, raising concerns about future services. A survey seeks public input to highlight the impact of reduced financial support on representative organisations.
NDIS – New rules for plan management and plan changes
by NDIS
From 4 March 2025, the NDIS will implement clearer rules on plan management and changes to improve fairness and transparency. The updates refine how funding risks are assessed and establish clearer processes for varying or reassessing participant plans.
Join an upcoming webinar on “Protecting your rights at work”
by Disability Employment Australia
People with disability can face unfair treatment at work, making it essential to understand workplace rights and protections. A webinar featuring ACTU Assistant Secretary Joseph Mitchell will explore how unions support workers, including those with disability.
International Women’s Day – women and MS
by Multiple Sclerosis Australia
MS affects three times as many women as men, with symptoms influenced by pregnancy and menopause, yet research remains limited. MS Australia is funding studies on menopause and financial inequality to better understand and support women living with MS.
International Women’s Day 2025: What does it mean to women and girls with disability?
by People Living with Disability Australia
International Women’s Day 2025 highlights the ongoing exclusion of women with disability from leadership, policy discussions, and feminist movements. Despite progress in representation, systemic barriers remain, demanding greater inclusion to achieve true gender equality for all women and girls with disability.
Celebrating Leadership: Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s General Manager of Fundraising Honoured on International Women’s Day
by Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Lucy, CPA’s General Manager of Fundraising, has helped double the team’s size and expand its impact in cerebral palsy research. Recognised on International Women’s Day, she champions mentorship, innovation, and sustained support for established charities driving meaningful change.
The Wrap
NDIS to notch up $600m in savings
by The Australian
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has achieved over $600 million in savings through reforms targeting fraud, banning mid-year plan top-ups, and reducing access to inappropriate services. The scheme's growth rate has slowed to 11%, aiming to meet the national goal of 8% by 2026-27, with ongoing collaborations with the disability community to ensure sustainability.
Wheelchair-bound mum told mouldy unit is 'liveable'
by Courier Mail
Merissa, a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy in Townsville, was informed by the Department of Housing that her flood-damaged, mould-infested unit is 'liveable,' despite severe water damage rendering it unsafe. This situation highlights the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in securing appropriate and accessible housing, especially following natural disasters.
Controversial rehab centre shuts down
by news.com.au
The Connect Global rehabilitation centre in Swan Bay, north of Newcastle, is closing amid controversies, including incidents involving residents with criminal backgrounds. The closure raises concerns about the availability and oversight of rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with complex needs.
Office-only edict has Coalition on the defensive
by The Australian
The Coalition's proposal to mandate federal public servants' return to office faces significant challenges due to existing workplace and discrimination laws, which may delay enforcement until 2027. Critics argue that such a blanket policy could disproportionately affect employees with disabilities who benefit from flexible work arrangements, underscoring the need for inclusive workplace policies.