The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
SA Disabilities Minister Nat Cook (photo courtesy DHS)
First interview: State signs on to Autism support outside the NDIS
South Australia’s Minister for Disabilities, Nat Cook, has reaffirmed her state’s commitment to long-term disability reform following the latest Disability Reform Ministerial Council (DRMC) meeting. The meeting, chaired by federal Ministers Mark Butler and Jenny McAllister, publicly confirms state backing for controversial changes moving children under nine with autism out of the NDIS and onto foundational supports.
But in sudden news today (see AFR story below) Queensland is threatening to withhold NDIS reform until a further agreement is arranges on how to distribute GST income between the states.
South Australian Minister for Disabilities Nat Cook has become the first state minister to publicly confirm that governments have agreed to transition children under nine with autism out of the NDIS and into alternative foundational supports.
In an interview with abilityNEWS, Cook acknowledges the significance of the June 13 Disability Reform Ministerial Council meeting, noting that “we have agreed with the national agenda to ensure children under nine are targeted to put those supports in place.”
The shift is part of a major component of the broader reform agenda being driven by Federal Health and NDIS Minister Mark Butler and Senator Jenny McAllister. Cook has welcomed their appointment, describing Butler as “in a unique position to implement those policies” and saying McAllister “is very on top of her brief, she is well informed and experienced.”
Minister Cook framed the broader national reform effort as essential but challenging. “The recommendations and Royal Commission were hard listening to, and it must have been hard for people with disabilities,” she said. “While we haven’t gotten all the recommendations completed, we are making progress.”
We have agreed with the national agenda to ensure children under nine are targeted to put those supports in place.
We have agreed with the national agenda to ensure children under nine are targeted to put those supports in place.
Cook confirmed that “approximately 48% of participants who undergo reassessment, primarily children in the early intervention stream, are being removed from the NDIS.”
In response, South Australia is aligning with the federal National Autism Strategy and preparing to deliver foundational supports for these people.
“It is a priority cohort,” she said. “We’ve been working hard listening to the narrative from the federal government on the rule changes and what might happen. We have agreed with the national agenda to ensure children under nine are targeted to put those supports in place.”
The Briefing
PWDA want to know about experience with NDIS Supports
by People with Disability Australia
People with Disability Australia is gathering community stories to inform its response to recent changes in NDIS funding rules. The survey focuses on how Section 10 and new support lists affect people with complex or multiple disabilities.
Why Do People Assume Everyone With Hearing Loss Can Sign?
by Deafness Forum Australia
Many assume people with hearing loss use sign language, overlooking the diversity of communication methods in the deaf community. The article highlights this misconception through a personal exchange about captioned videos.
Joint Position Statement: Human Rights-based Needs Assessment Model
by People with Disability Australia
Leading disability groups are urging a shift to a human rights-based model for assessing support needs under the NDIS. The joint statement outlines guiding principles and recommendations aligned with the UN disability rights convention and the 2023 NDIS review.
We Call for a Mental Health System that Puts Human Rights First
by National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum
The National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum has released its final statement urging a mental health system centred on human rights. It demands stronger leadership, respectful support, and an end to harmful practices within Australia’s mental health services.
The Wrap
NDIS savings in doubt as Qld doubles down on GST fight
by AFR
Hundreds of millions of dollars of NDIS savings are in doubt after Queensland threatened to withhold funding for child participants if the federal government does not overhaul the way GST revenue is distributed among the states. The March budget forecast savings of $700 million from moving children off NDIS and onto state government-funded services known as foundational supports from July.
NDIS cuts threaten allied health access for Hunter children
by NBN
There are fears children with disabilities across the Hunter could soon be restricted to how they access allied health. Parents say its crucial for their children to access care where they’re most comfortable, but impending cuts to the NDIS are poised to make that a challenge.
Still Waiting: Testimonies from the Disability Royal Commission demand action on housing choice
by The Lismore App
A NEW study which analysed hundreds of harrowing submissions to the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) has highlighted the lack of action on developing real housing and support choice for people with disability. Almost two years on from the final report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, there are dozens of recommendations that have not been acted on by the government.
Man with disability killed in his own home at public housing complex in Adelaide
by 7 News
A woman has been charged with murder after a man with a disability was found allegedly stabbed to death at a public housing complex. The same woman is also facing several other charges after allegedly smashing her way into the home of a former Channel 7 personality who lives next door to the Bentzen Court complex at Gilberton in Adelaide’s inner-northern suburbs.
Roche Reports BTK Inhibitor Suppresses Disability Progression in RMS Patients Over Two Years
by GeneOnline
Roche has released findings on the long-term effects of its BTK inhibitor in treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The data indicates that the drug achieved near-complete suppression of disability progression for up to two years in individuals diagnosed with RMS. These results highlight the potential impact of this treatment approach on managing the progression of symptoms associated with the condition.
The Diary
