The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
Mark Butler yesterday (courtesy The Australian)
Work should be done here
NDIS Europe Study Tour Axed After Backlash
“We've got a really serious agenda as a government to get the NDIS back on track. that work should best be done, frankly, here in Australia. My understanding is that the NDIS committee has reflected on this question over the course of this morning, and will not be taking up that trip.”
A European study tour by members of the Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS has been abruptly cancelled after a political backlash erupted over timing and optics.
The 10-day trip to the UK and Sweden was designed to examine international disability service models. Within hours of becoming public - and sharp criticism that MPs would travel on business-class flights, use chauffeur-driven vehicles, and stay in five-star hotel rooms - the study trip was canned.
The contrast between the trip and the unprecedented cost pressure the NDIS now faces was just too great.
The travel was never going to be funded from the NDIS budget. Such trips are paid for from a separate bucket: parliamentary travel, overseen by the Presiding Officers of Parliament. It was a standard committee tour, routinely undertaken by MPs from both sides.
But these aren’t standard times.
The burgeoning cost of the NDIS, now well in excess of $40 billion, has shifted the political dynamic. The government is under sustained pressure to rein in spending. And anything that even looks like indulgence — especially in the disability space — is now radioactive.
NDIS Minister Mark Butler shut it down swiftly.
“The committee has reflected on this... and will not be taking up that trip,” he said, distancing government from the decision. “This is not something funded by government. Government was not involved.”
The message is clear: the politics of disability have changed. The era of quiet, business-as-usual committee trips is over.
The Briefing
In Parliament House yesterday - the PM celebrates with Arthritis Australia
Arthritis Australia proudly commemorates its 75th Anniversary with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
by Arthritis Australia
Arthritis Australia marked its 75th anniversary at Parliament House, joined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and health leaders nationwide. The event highlighted groundbreaking research, lived experiences and a call for increased funding to improve musculoskeletal care in Australia.
NDIS Reform Advisory Committee Appointed to Guide Implementation
by National Disability Services
The government has named members to a new advisory committee to steer changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The panel includes people with disability to ensure reform plans reflect lived experience and address current systemic issues.
It’s a Wrap: Safe Listening Week 2025 – “Turn It Up Right”
by Deafness Forum Australia
More than 6,000 people participated in Safe Listening Week 2025, raising awareness around hearing health from 25 to 31 August. Organised by Deafness Forum Australia, the campaign shared listening tips and resources across social media platforms.
Join CYDA’s Sydney Photo + Video Shoot
by Children and Young People with Disability Australia
Children and Young People with Disability Australia is inviting Sydney families with children aged 4–8 to join a media project. The photos and videos produced will support materials for parents and carers of children with disability.
Join a Consultation Session on the Australian Digital Health Agency tools and apps
by People with Disability Australia
People with Disability Australia is seeking participants for consultation sessions on digital health tools used by people with disability. Feedback will inform improvements to the Australian Digital Health Agency’s approach to privacy, safety and usability.
Congratulations to the winners of our 2025 Membership Drive draws
by Physical Disability Australia
PDA held its 2025 Membership Drive with prize draws for new members and those updating their details. Winners Nicholas and Linda were selected at random, each receiving a $100 Prezzee card for their participation.
Linda’s a winner!
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The Wrap
Home Care Package: Families blame delays for deaths and suffering
by Cairns Post
The government will release funding for thousands of home (aged) care packages after families reveal how delays were killing older Australians. One of those who is waiting, but does not know if they will be one of the lucky ones is Ellie Botonakis. She is blind in one eye, deaf in one ear, has a pacemaker and has had four hip replacements.
Learn English - Bonus Practice: #94 Talking about autism (Med)
by SBS
Speaking out loud will help to improve your English speaking fluency and will make it easier for you to remember new vocabulary. This bonus episode provides interactive speaking practice for the words and phrases you learnt in #94 Talking about autism (Med).
Latest revelation in court shows 'fatal restraints and duty of care breaches continue to kill First Nations people with disability across Australia'
by National Indigenous Times
The First Peoples Disability Network has called for urgent reforms after court documents revealed a young Aboriginal man died of acute respiratory failure after being held in a "bear hug" and with a knee to his back while in the care of registered NDIS provider Life Without Barriers in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
Glenn McGrath fronted an NDIS property play. It’s now bowled over
by commercialrealestate from AFR
Until recently, McGrath also listed his promotion of NDIS-housing investment firm Apollo Investment Australia. Even describing the business model of Apollo will cause this masthead’s rational readers to howl at the moon. The company went to mum and dad investors to pitch them the specialist disability accommodation market.
The Diary
