Enough about the election

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The Big Story

Counting is almost finished (photo courtesy The Australian)

The only question is what Labor will make of this opportunity

The voting is over. It will take some time for the full extent of the new reality to sink in, but one thing is certain: the result has been decisive. Like it or not, Labor is in power.

Prime Minister Paul Keating said, ‘when you change the government you change the country’. This election has offered Labor the chance to remake Australia.

Anthony Albanese has already had three years in office and not a great deal has changed. This emphatic victory has rewarded his slow and steady approach so far. The big question for this term is whether he will be able to seize the opportunity and reshape the country.

Labor’s dramatic success at the election makes it almost impossible to conceive of the opposition coming back within one term. The Liberal party has been shattered. The danger it faces is that it has lost so many moderates that regaining the centre will be difficult.

The risk it faces is that unless it finds a way to change it will become increasingly trapped in the grip of an old and fading membership who don’t understand how the country has changed.

The Greens, too, will need to change. Labor will have no interest in changing the electoral system that has delivered it victory and so, once again, the Greens will be pushed to decide if they are a left-wing party or want to concentrate on specific issues.

Until now it has always chosen to represent the left. It seems unlikely it will change now.

The independents will remain a political force but will need to find a way of converting that into power. Unless they prove they can acomplish things for their constituents they will become increasingly irrelevant as the term continues.

Slowly, inperceptably, the country will change. So will Labor and Albanese. Political power changes people and alters the way things are done.

abilityNEWS will now concentrate on reporting exactly how this political earthquake is - or is not - being reflected in disability policy.

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The Briefing

What the sector is saying

What children say about cost of living crisis

by Children and Young People with Disability Australia

Ollie, a young disabled person, shares how rising living costs are affecting his family during the economic crisis. He urges policymakers to include disabled children and young people in discussions about household financial pressures.

DSWA CEO on Podcast

by Down Syndrome Australia

DSWA CEO Cassandra Hughes spoke on the Beyond Labels podcast about inclusion, independence and support for people with disability. The conversation highlights ongoing efforts to build community belonging and challenge outdated perceptions.

Down Syndrome WA Midwest Catchup

by Down Syndrome Australia

Over Easter, DSWA's Midwest team hosted a morning tea picnic in Geraldton, attended by 28 families and supporters. The event fostered community connections, welcomed newcomers, and featured a lively visit from inclusive dance group Beyond Beats.

Digital access for disability through fashion in Pakistan

by Centre For Accessibility Australia

An AI-driven fashion show in Pakistan featured virtual models wearing garments made by women under PTCL’s digital training programme. The initiative illustrates how technology can support economic inclusion for women and people with disability through online tools and skills.

Live up to election committments - PwDA

by People with Disability Australia

People with Disability Australia has urged the newly elected government to prioritise inclusion, equality and disability reform during this term. The group outlined seven key areas needing progress, including sustainable NDIS funding, income support increases and stronger rights protections.

CYDA says paid group should evaluate Disability Strategy

by Children and Young People with Disability Australia

Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) has provided feedback on evaluating Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–31. CYDA stresses the importance of including diverse lived experiences of disabled people, especially children and young people, in the review.

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The Wrap

The latest stories

Landmark NDIS review to prompt huge shakeup of scheme

by The West Australian

A comprehensive review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is set to initiate significant reforms aimed at improving service delivery and addressing systemic issues within the scheme.

Cook ‘concerned’ as huge NDIS overhaul passes Parliament

by The West Australian

The NDIS will undergo major changes to contain spiralling costs after legislation passed Parliament, despite concerns from disability advocates and some state leaders about the potential impact on services.

Broker 'swindled NDIS clients out of $700,000'

by The Australian

Sydney mortgage broker Jimmy Koufos is accused of defrauding clients of over $700,000 under the guise of facilitating property investments through the NDIS. He allegedly misappropriated funds meant for NDIS-related property investments to finance a lavish lifestyle.

Disability provider's practices exposed

by The Australian

Cocoon SDA Care, an NDIS provider, faces serious allegations of misconduct, including false billing and financial mismanagement. Whistleblowers claim the company overclaimed more than $50,000 and failed to pay staff wages and superannuation, leading to investigations by a national fraud taskforce.

Quiz -

Which government agency administers the NDIS?

(a) Services Australia (b) National Disability Insurance Agency (c) Department of Health

Answer – The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is responsible for delivering the NDIS.

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The Diary

What’s coming up

Go to abilityDIARY