- abilityNEWS
- Posts
- Advocates urge Labor to act quickly on reform
Advocates urge Labor to act quickly on reform
And take advantage of its numbers to push disability changes
Nic Stuart & Melissa Marsden
June 01, 2025
The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
Trinity Ford, President PwDA (image supplied)
It’s time for action, say advocates
Advocates from the disability community are urging the Prime Minister to “not waste time” as the Albanese government gears up for its second term in parliament. But they say action is now needed to back up the rhetoric that dominated the recent election campaign.
People with Disability Australia President Trinity Ford says with the government’s new sweeping majority in the House of Representatives and the Greens’ “power to control the Senate,” she is “cautiously hopeful” there will be positive action.
Ford says Mark Butler and Jenny McAllister are both welcome additions to the NDIS portfolio and could be “well placed to build trust and relationships.” “They’ve been fairly good on the rhetoric side of things, so I’m cautiously hopeful, but I’m also nervous about this transition”, Ford said.
“We understand that there are a bunch of changes to the NDIS that we’ve been calling for, and there are changes the government is keen to make to make the scheme fit for purpose. “Doing that requires proper codesign and sharing of power with people with disability.”
CEO of the Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) El Gibbs says the government’s majority in parliament will make the future direction of the sector “interesting.” “It’s good having a senior Minister responsible for foundational supports and settling deals with the states”, Gibbs said.
She adds, however, that she has “mixed feelings about the NDIS working into the Health Services portfolio,” said Gibbs. Gibbs said moves to tighten NDIS supports did not take into consideration the lived experience of not just People with Disability but society at large.
With the election of Ali France in the seat of Dickson and the parliament now comprising two people with physical disabilities, Gibbs says now is the time for action.
“We have seats at the table that we’ve never had before.”
- Melissa Marsden
Author’s Note
Yesterday, the PM quickly squashed Defence Minister Richard Marles’ suggestion that Labor needed to spend more money on defence. Nevertheless, the government’s still got a real problem. There are far more demands for money than dollars available to spend.
Every department wants extra funding; the treasury wants to slash foreign debt; and taxpayers want relief. It seems unlikely there will be very much left over to boost disability support, as Trinity Ford and El Gibbs have urged in our lead story this morning.
The big political story of the next three years is going to be how Labor decides to reconcile these differing demands on the budget.
In the meantime, this morning abilityNEWS is celebrating Reconciliation Day in Canberra.
Enjoy!
Nic Stuart, editor
The Briefing
Gene therapy can stop hearing loss
New Gene Therapy for People Born with Hearing Loss
By Deafness Forum Australia
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that may correct a common form of inherited hearing loss present from birth. Early trials suggest the treatment could restore hearing function by targeting specific gene mutations linked to deafness.
From Scooting to Scissors: Goals McKenzie worked on in HABIT-ILE
By Cerebral Palsy Alliance
McKenzie took part in the HABIT-ILE therapy programme to improve everyday skills affected by cerebral palsy. She worked towards milestones like independent scooting, using scissors and increasing control in both hands.
Fads and fiction preventing Australians with MS from making lifestyle changes to improve their health and wellbeing
By Multiple Sclerosis Australia
Misinformation and health fads are stopping many Australians with multiple sclerosis from adopting evidence-based lifestyle changes. Experts warn this confusion may hinder their ability to improve long-term health and wellbeing.
The Wrap
Minister backs off 'supports' deadline
By The Australian
Health and NDIS Minister Mark Butler indicated that the planned 1 July rollout of foundational supports for individuals with mild disabilities is unlikely to proceed as scheduled, citing ongoing negotiations with states and territories. This delay raises concerns among advocacy groups about the absence of support for those excluded from the NDIS.
Kathy has terminal cancer and cares for her son with a profound disability. At a crisis point, his NDIS funding ran out
By The Guardian Australia
Kathy, a terminally ill mother in Melbourne, faced a critical situation when her son Steven's NDIS funding lapsed, leaving them without essential support for weeks. The family resorted to crowdfunding and political appeals, highlighting systemic issues within the NDIS.
Mum in wheelchair finally granted access to belongings after being evicted
By The Courier-Mail
Alyce Nelligan, a wheelchair-bound mother and disability advocate in Queensland, was evicted from her rental home, with her belongings left on the front lawn. The incident underscores the challenges faced by disabled individuals in securing accessible housing.
People with disabilities reject Labor’s NDIS bill, say changes would ‘homogenise’ community
By The West Australian
Disability advocates have criticized proposed changes to the NDIS, arguing that the reforms would reduce individual choice and homogenize services, undermining the scheme's person-centered approach.
NDIS funding reforms leave vulnerable kids in therapy limbo
By The West Australian
Reforms to NDIS funding have led to confusion and financial stress for families, leaving vulnerable children without necessary therapy services. The changes have been criticized for their lack of clarity and the burden placed on families to navigate the new system.
Quiz - Which parliamentary committee oversaw NDIS reforms in 2024?
(a) Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS (b) Senate Community Affairs Committee (c) House Standing Committee on Health
Answer – The Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS closely monitored reforms in 2024.
The Diary
