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The NDIS Bill is drafted, but today’s hearings will test if the government is willing to listen to positive suggestions to improve it.

The NDIS Bill inquiry moves from submissions to witnesses

Bottom line: The Senate inquiry into the NDIS Amendment (Future Planning) Bill begins a public hearing in Canberra today. Parliament lists live coverage from 9am to 5pm, although the official hearing program was still marked “TBC” early this morning.

Why this matters: This process is about turning concerns into specific amendments that will change how the reforms will work. Health Services Daily reports that a joint submission supports the direction of the reforms but warns that further changes are needed to protect participants with complex needs.

This hearing is an early test of whether senators are genuinely prepared to identify practical safeguards before the Bill is finalised.

What to watch: How the questioning goes. Will the government members simply try to push through or are they genuinely fishing for potential changes to the bill? How successful will the Liberals be in drawing out substantive possibilities for reform? Will the Greens simply attempt to demolish the reforms or will they work with Labor to change it for the better? And how will the independent Senators fall on the reforms? Is this a crusade being waged by David Pocoak alone, or can he use his leverage to get the government to commit to changes? Watch the final witness list; questions about participants with complex needs; and any commitments to amendments.

NDIS Bill hearing begins without a published program

The Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee begins the first of three public hearings into the NDIS Bill in Canberra from 9am today, but its official program still had not been released shortly before abilityNEWS publication.

Source: Parliament of Australia

Carer Gateway grant webinar slides released

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has published applicant guidance for the Integrated Carer Support Service–Carer Gateway Service Providers grant opportunity GO8455.

Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Studio A secures long-term North Sydney home

North Sydney Council announced on Tuesday that Studio A, which supports professional artists with intellectual disability, will receive a five-year lease with an option for a further five years at accessible premises beside Victoria Cross Metro.

Source: North Sydney Council

Speech Pathology Australia to give evidence on NDIS Bill

Speech Pathology Australia says it will appear before the Senate inquiry at 3.30pm today to take members’ priorities to Parliament and advocate for fair reform.

Source: Speech Pathology Australia

Free play resources launched for families of children with disability

Toy Libraries Australia has launched a five-part podcast and seven free resources to help families and allied-health workers use everyday play to support children with disability or developmental delay.

Source: Toy Libraries Australia — Medianet distribution copy | Syndicated media release — not independent reporting | Paywall: No

National inclusive-sport series launches

Disability Sports Australia announced on Tuesday that its free Every Body Moves series will bring people with and without disability together through community sport in Adelaide, Blacktown, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney.

Source: Disability Sports Australia

Thousands rejected: Labor's problem with NDIS paperwork gurus laid bare

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that data obtained by the masthead shows more than 8,000 claims from NDIS “middle managers” were rejected in nine months.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald | Paywall: Yes. Summary based on visible public preview only.

People don't want to be 'forgotten' amid NDIS inquiry

The Canberra Times reports disability advocates fear people removed from the NDIS will be forgotten, particularly where loss of Scheme access threatens secure housing. Disability organisations and the Australian Federal Police will give evidence to the Senate inquiry in Canberra today.

Source: The Canberra Times | Paywall: Likely.

Children and Families worker Ifunanya Genevine Ebelebe faces $18m NDIS fraud allegations

The Courier-Mail reports that the former Northern Territory public servant was granted bail with electronic monitoring and passport-surrender conditions after appearing on five charges connected with an alleged NDIS scheme. She and her co-accused are due back in court on 18 August; the allegations remain untested.

Source: The Courier-Mail | Paywall: Yes. Summary based on visible public preview and official-source check.

Sunshine Coast disability support firm Empire Supports wound up

The Courier-Mail reports that Empire Supports, which controlled five disability-support businesses across Queensland, has entered liquidation. The effect on creditors, services and NDIS participants was not yet known from the public report.

Source: The Courier-Mail | Paywall: Yes. Summary based on visible public preview and official-register information.

Heywire seeks regional young people with disability

The Disability Gateway says ABC Heywire 2027 applications are open to people aged 16 to 22 in regional, rural and remote Australia, with Australia’s Disability Strategy supporting opportunities for young people with disability to tell their stories.

Source: Disability Gateway