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A new Australia Institute Paper points out simply taxing gas going overseas would more than pay for the entire NDIS. Labor’s decision to push ahead with these cuts represents a choice, not a necessity.

Greg Jericho’s the Chief Economist for the Australia Institute. Although this is often described as a ‘left-wing think-tank’, there’s never been anything woolly, superficial or confused about his actual analysis.

This has happily been repeated by politicians of every party whenever it suits them, and that’s what makes his detailed new paper so powerful.

Firstly, he establishes the cuts represent a funding drop of up to 12 percent by the end of the decade. The impact is real: a cut to 94 million hours of paid care, the burden of which will fall on families and those least able to find extra resources.

This risks a likely increase in abuse and neglect. It will also slash at professionals supporting people with disability and low-paid workers: the very people who would naturally form part of the political constituency that a Labor government so desperately needs when it seeks re-election.

But his final point is the real kicker.

“The overriding premise that the cuts are required is revealed to be false. A 25 percent tax on gas exports would over the next 4 years raise $31.8 billion more than would be ‘saved’ by the cuts. The level of fuel tax credits to be provided to mining companies over the next 4 years is equivalent to 61 percent of the proposed cuts.”

Jericho’s point is simple: the cuts to the NDIS represent a choice.

[continued on the abilityNEWS website]

The Government's own review of the NDIS Supports Lists documents a system many people cannot reliably interpret. Of 1,703 survey respondents, 71 per cent said it was hard to know what the NDIS could fund. Just 12 per cent found it easy.

The consultation report says 77 per cent of respondents had experienced, or heard of, different interpretations of the lists. Among respondents with disability, 46 per cent found the lists unhelpful. Normally such failure would rebound on the NDIS with demands to make details clearer.

Not this week. The timing matters because on the same day, the Department released feedback from consultation on new framework planning and a table of eight proposed planning rules. Those rules will govern everything from support-needs assessments and budgets, to spending restrictions.

The Government says it has changed its proposals in response to feedback. This is useful, but it doesn’t indicate how things have changed.

The test is practical. Can a participant understand what will be funded before committing to a support? And will two decision-makers apply the rules in the same way?

Data Watch: In the 2025 NDIS Supports Rules consultation survey, 71 per cent of 1,703 respondents said it was hard to know what the NDIS could fund; only 12 per cent said it was easy.

Consultation finds widespread confusion about NDIS Supports Lists

The Department says its 2025 consultation drew 1,791 individual and organisational responses. Respondents called for clearer guidance, consistent decisions and more flexibility.

Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Government releases planning feedback and maps eight new rules

The Government published feedback on new framework planning before a gradual start from April next year. It identified rules to cover transition, assessments, budgets, impairment notices, stated supports and spending.

Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing | Table of new framework planning rules

PWDA opens practical inclusion webinars for LGBTQIA+ people with disability

People with Disability Australia has opened registration for four free webinars on intersectional inclusion and safety. The sessions cover accessible and affirming spaces, workplace and practical allyship.

Source: People with Disability Australia |

Wheelchair tennis player and inclusion initiatives reach Victorian awards finals

Tennis Victoria says 17-year-old quad wheelchair player Jin Woodman is a Junior Sportsperson of the Year finalist. Its Accessibility and Inclusion Profile is shortlisted for Sport Initiative of the Year, while blind and low-vision tennis coach Jon Watson is also a finalist. Winners will be announced on 25 August.

Source: Tennis Victoria

The NDIA wants disabled people to test a new tool. It won’t say if their personal data will train a cost-cutting algorithm

Crikey reports the NDIA is recruiting participants to test a new needs-assessment tool. It hasn’t clearly disclosed if personal data will be used to train budget algorithms, but said participants can withdraw consent at any time.

Source: Crikey | Paywall: Yes

First lifetime bans issued under NDIS watchdog’s expanded powers

News.com.au reports the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has permanently banned consultant Zeinab Ghamraoui and auditor Sanyog Desai. It says these are the first lifetime bans under powers expanded in April 2026. Summary based on visible public preview only.

Source: News.com.au | Paywall: Unknown

Ben Carroll delays WFH laws after business backlash

The Australian reports Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has delayed debate on the state's proposed right to work from home, pushing its start to July 2027. The report records the Greens' warning that the delay particularly affects women, carers and people with disability. Summary based on visible public preview only.

Source: The Australian | Paywall: Yes

Push for independent disability system inspector-general

The Mandarin reports yesterday’s call for an independent inspector-general to scrutinise the disability system as the Government proceeds with its NDIS reforms. The proposal would provide system-wide oversight outside the agencies responsible for administering and regulating the Scheme. Summary based on visible public metadata only.

Source: The Mandarin | Paywall: Likely

NDIS denial leaves diabetic man in limbo

The Advocate reports Silvio Smigielski has been left without potentially life-saving care after being denied NDIS support. Its public preview contrasts his position with the profits of an NDIS provider funding local sporting organisations. Summary based on visible public preview only.

Source: The Advocate | Paywall: Yes