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McAllister commits to engaging
The new Minister for the NDIS emphasises her determination to work with the sector
Nic Stuart
May 21, 2025
The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
Jenny McAllister at the DSC Conference yesterday (photo courtesy Graeme Furlong/OnePicture)
A minister deeply committed to working with the sector
Exactly a week ago—to the minute—the new NDIS Minister was being sworn in at Government House. Yesterday, she made her first speech to the sector. It’s a clear sign of her determination to engage closely and work with the sector.
It’s always the big question: what’s the new Minister like? Do they just want quick, politically safe answers; or are they genuinely prepared to take on problems and find real solutions?
Any doubts about Jenny McAllister's answer were quickly dispelled in Melbourne yesterday, as she assured the DSC Conference she hadn’t wasted a single day since then in attempting to understand her challenge.
“Your voices carry weight,” she assured the sector. “I have a responsibility to ensure nothing is done to change the NDIS without listening to participants and without their input.”
“Deep in my heart I know that you can’t do this job properly unless you engage people directly.”
McAllister went on to make two key points: change is both needed and coming, yet it won’t be driven without direct input from the sector.
“Government cannot make good decisions without good information,” she continued. “We do best when we make decisions together. This government is committed to engaging with those who live and work with this scheme.”
She also gave the first insight into why the NDIS has been grouped with health and aged care. Together with Health Minister Mark Butler she’s is aiming to integrate the journey of individual people through the system and align these with government responses.
“Too often people are diverted from one system to another. Demand in one puts pressure on another. We need health, disability and aged care to be connected and seamless to support the social model embodied in the NDIS.”
McAllister takes notes on criticisms of the NDIS (photo courtesy Graeme Furlong/OnePicture)
Author’s Note
abilityNEWS is in Melbourne this morning for day two of the DSC Conference - and a lot is happening.
Yesterday offered the first glimpse of the new Minister’s commitment to listening to the sector as she works to make the NDIS better. It was also jam-packed with criticism and comments about how urgently things need to change for the better.
No doubt today will be the same.
Over the next few weeks we’ll be unpacking these contributions in the detail they deserve, rather than trying to flood you with news today. In the meantime, here’s our brief of what the sector’s saying, what’s in the papers, and what’s coming up for the sector.
Best, Nic Stuart, editor
The Briefing
NDIS CEO Rebecca Falkingham wants you to manage your NDIS funding
By NDIS
The CEO outlines the organisation’s commitment to helping participants navigate and manage their National Disability Insurance Scheme funding. This message highlights new support initiatives aimed at making the funding process clearer and more manageable for individuals and families.
Members Leadership Forum Recap: Advocacy in the new Parliament
By Disability Advocacy Network Australia
DANA’s first Leadership Forum of the year gathered over 40 members to discuss advocacy amid shifting political responsibilities and urgent funding issues. New CEO El Gibbs confirmed DANA will oversee consultations on a revised advocacy program while tackling misleading provider practices.
Core Supports: Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation
By NDSP Plan Managers
This article explains how Core Supports under the NDIS help participants engage in social, economic and community life. It outlines what is funded, what is not, and how participants can align supports with their plan goals.
Researchers pinpoint bacteria that may trigger MS
By Multiple Sclerosis Australia
Scientists have identified specific gut bacteria that may play a role in triggering multiple sclerosis in genetically susceptible individuals. The discovery could improve understanding of MS development and inform future research into prevention and treatment strategies.
The Wrap
The government wants to contain NDIS growth. But ineligible people with disability also need support
By The Conversation
As the government seeks to moderate growth of the scheme budget, some NDIS participants are finding they are no longer eligible for the scheme. The problem is, the supports they’re supposed to be able to access instead aren’t yet in place – or don’t exist.
Quiz: What is DisabilityCare Australia?
(a) An old name for the NDIA (b) A former trial-site administrator (c) A privately-owned care provider
Answer – DisabilityCare Australia was the name of the agency that operated NDIS trial sites before the NDIA.
The Diary
