The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story

Cuts to services in the regions (photo supplied: Michelle Landry)
Cuts Bite in the Bush
On Tuesday, we try to focus on the business of disability. For the past few months the sector has been traumatised by the sudden, arbitrary cuts to rebates. It’s difficult, however, to see any evidence that widespread protests are having much effect.
The relatively swift imposition of a completely new system by the NDIA not only swiftly destroyed the business model of many providers of professional services, it gutted the sector in regional and remote areas. Protests and trauma have accompanied the consequent, swinging reduction in services.
What’s been significant, however, is that government hasn’t listened.
Every day our wrap has carried reports of services - particularly in regional and remote areas - that are increasingly unable to cope. Warnings that they will be unable to cope and have to shut down. These have been met with a tin ear. What is perhaps even more significant is that these stories haven’t been picked up in the mainstream media.
As far as the big cities are concerned, these cuts aren’t happening. And this is the vital political dimension of this particular story.
Until now, we’ve viewed these changes through the perspective of the people with disability who are losing vital services. This is the way abilityNEWS has unashamedly framed our reporting. But there is another perspective, and it is this rival viewpoint that is setting the agenda.
This is driven by politics and money. The finance part of this equation is simple. It’s focused on the growing cost of the NDIS and insists if people with disability want particular services they’ll have to move, because the services won’t come to them.
The political dimension is just as clear to explain. The hardest hit are people in regional and rural Australia and these people aren’t voters in Labor electorates. And perhaps that’s why these protests aren’t biting.
Author’s Note
A production error yesterday meant the link to Jeremy Bowen’s report on Gaza failed to appear. Here it is:
The Briefing

Summer Foundation looks at the advantages of ILA’s
I’ve been thinking about how I want to live, could an ILA work for me?
by Summer Foundation
Individualised Living Arrangements offer people with disability a flexible, personalised alternative to traditional group homes. They focus on relationships and community, often leading to greater independence and a stronger sense of belonging. This post by the Summer Foundation looks at some of the positive opportunities that come from individual living arrangements.
Dr. Scott Hollier to Speak at Perth Digital A11y Group’s August Meetup.
by Centre For Accessibility Australia
Dr Scott Hollier, CEO of Centre for Accessibility Australia, will speak at the Perth Digital A11y Group's August online meetup. He will explore the W3C’s ongoing work in artificial intelligence governance and its relevance to inclusion.
Join our Webinar – Take Charge of Your Support and Not all the Paperwork
by Living My Way
Living My Way is hosting an online session for NDIS participants seeking more independence in managing their support workers. The webinar outlines how individuals can take control while receiving help with administration.
Arthritis Australia announces CEO transition
by Arthritis Australia
Arthritis Australia CEO Jonathan Smithers is stepping down after five years, with Louise Hardy named interim chief executive. Hardy previously led the organisation’s policy and advocacy work and brings experience from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Afford announces employment tender win
by Disability Employment Australia
Afford has secured a government contract to deliver a new disability employment program, Inclusive Employment Australia, from November. The scheme replaces Disability Employment Services and expands Afford's operations into regions across NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

Greg and James at the movies . . .
The Wrap
Calls for rideshare services to be included in taxi subsidy schemes nationally
by 9News
People who are blind or have low vision are calling for rideshare services such as Uber to be included in taxi subsidy schemes across the country. Currently Victoria is the only state that includes rideshare services in its scheme, allowing members to link their membership to their Uber account since 2021.
Disability discrimination commissioner calls on Queensland to scrap plan for new special schools
by ABC
Australia's disability discrimination commissioner wants Queensland to scrap plans to build more special schools, but the state government says there has been an increased demand for them. Commissioner Rosemary Kayess said she was "disappointed" by the Queensland government's announcement of six new special schools.
Open house for brand-new NDIS homes
by Sunraisia Daily
FIVE modern, safe and accessible purpose-built homes plus supports will be open for viewing next Wednesday ahead of being finalised. Disability provider Aruma has partnered with Property Trends and specialist disability accommodation provider SDA Residential to offer access to the homes in response to the demand for more diverse housing.
Mackay father jailed for sexually assaulting daughter, stepdaughter
by Courier Mail
A Qld father on NDIS support payments betrayed both his biological daughter and stepdaughter, holding them down and subjecting them to years of “abhorrent” abuse. *Distressing. Defence barrister Scott Moon said the man was diagnosed with ASD by a psychologist and he was provided with a NDIS package.
The Diary
