The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
courtesy PS News [photo: Michelle Kroll]
Thrive Proceeds While Opposition Struggles to Unite
The government thinks the launch of its Thrive program for children with autism has gone well. Although largely condemned by parents, other political parties aren’t picking up on the call to challenge the reforms. Opponents haven’t found a rallying point. Yet.
Dr Sharon Zivkovic, founder of Community Capacity Builders has no doubt. “Wednesday’s speech by the Minister was a sad day for democracy. I feel that a lot of the good faith that was built between the Australian Government and the community during the co-design process of the National Autism Strategy evaporated.”
Her comments directly reflect the feelings of most of the groups working in this space. Despair, anger, and powerlessness. A feeling of being excluded. Again.
All of the effort that has gone into the development of the National Autism Strategy 2025-2031, including its guiding principles of “In partnership - Nothing about us, without us” and “Neurodiversity-Affirming, Individualised and Holistic” became meaningless on Wednesday when the Minister decided to ignore what was co-designed in the National Autism Strategy
So why is the government satisfied? The reason is simple: opposition to Thrive has been limited, so far, to angry parents. The coalition is divided (as this story about Liberal MP Phil Thompson - parent of an autistic child - emphasises) and the Greens, silent.
The key to the future of Thrive will be revealed in parliament this week.
By unveiling the details in a non-sitting week the government achieved its desired result. The changes were presented as a fait accompli. Unless opposition builds suddenly, Butler will continue ploughing ahead with the reforms.
The coalition’s support is critical to passing Thrive through parliament. But it’s criticised NDIS in the past and it seems unlikely it will do more than use words to protest.
The real key is overcoming opposition from the states, which have been excluded from any deals so far. Butler is relying on their need for hospital funding to get them to join the program.
The Briefing
AFDO Logos
REACTION: AFDO voices 'concern'
by Australian Federation of Disability Organisations
The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations has voiced concerns following Minister Butler’s address on the future of the NDIS. While supporting the scheme’s benefits, the group objects to the ongoing focus on cutting costs.
REACTION: MS Australia cautiously welcomes changes
by Multiple Sclerosis Australia
MS Australia has expressed cautious optimism following the government’s announcement of changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The organisation emphasised the need for ongoing consultation to ensure support services meet the complex needs of people with MS.
REACTION: DANA says stand united
by Disability Advocacy Network Australia
Disability groups have criticised the government's NDIS announcements for lacking proper consultation with those directly affected. "We are concerned about the ongoing emphasis on reducing supports for people with disability within the scheme, particularly for young people with disability."
PWDA Submission to the Economic Reform Roundtable Consultation
by People with Disability Australia
People with Disability Australia submitted recommendations to the Treasury's Economic Reform Roundtable focused on equity and inclusion. The group urges reforms in employment, education, housing and tax to align with the national wellbeing framework.
Inclusion Seekers: Building Community
by Disability Advocacy Resource Unit
A new series of talks invites people with disabilities, families and allies to explore inclusive ways of building genuine community. It begins with an introductory session offering strategies, stories and tools to spark connection and lasting engagement, and you can just attend this if you want.
Team member shares emotional reason she joined Afford
by Afford
This is the story of Kym Mafi, Afford’s General Manager of Homes and Living, has dedicated 14 years to supporting people with disability. Her personal connection through a sibling with disability drives her passion for inclusion and meaningful change in the sector.
Kym Mafi (photo: Afford)
The Wrap
Specialist Disability Accommodation program was meant to transform lives, but it's turned into a feeding frenzy for property sharks
by ABC (Video promo)
Investors were told their money would help tackle the disability housing crisis while earning government backed, fixed returns. Instead, $78 million is alleged to have disappeared into a web of failed projects, luxury cars, gambling sprees and offshore ventures. This week on Four Corners, reporter Jessica Longbottom reveals the cracks in the governance of Australia's disability housing market and exposes systemic regulatory failure.
‘Families feel like their child is an inconvenient dollar figure’: The MP, his daughter and the NDIS
by The Age
Liberal MP Phil Thompson is in an unusual position. As a member of the federal Coalition’s shadow ministry, his political instinct tells him to support changes that will deliver budget repair and bring down the rising costs of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. But as the father of a five-year-old autistic child, and someone whose family has been transformed by the services the scheme has provided, his heart says otherwise.
States threatened to get on board with NDIS changes or risk hospital funding deal
by ABC
The states have been warned to get on board with a federal government plan for the NDIS that would save billions of dollars in spending, or else risk losing hospital funding being negotiated. State leaders said they were caught off guard by Health Minister Mark Butler's announcement of a new scheme for children with mild autism called Thriving Kids, which would be run in conjunction with the states as an alternative support to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
NDIS wasn’t equitable or sustainable for families. As a paediatrician, I welcome change
by SMH
Every week, I meet with parents who have been waiting for months to access early intervention. It’s an anxious wait for treatment that could transform the life of their child with developmental delays or autism. But as much relief as they may feel from walking through the doors of my practice, or those of other experts, it is by no means the end to their journey. They have merely reached the starting line for a long trek ahead.
Medical bills could surge in unclear NDIS shake-up
by SMH
Psychology, physiotherapy and speech pathology are among the services currently covered by NDIS packages for children with mild to moderate developmental delay and autism. But, with limited Medicare rebates, these could come at significant cost if the children continued their average 70 sessions a year, which federal Health and Disability Minister Mark Butler has described as an “over-service”.
Disability advocates urge angered parents to boycott Federal Government’s slashing of autism support
by West Australian
Disability advocacy groups, such as the Regional Autistic Engagement Network and the Australian Neurodivergent Parents Association, are urging parents to boycott Thriving Kids and other NDIS services until the government provides more clarity and ensures the new programs meet adequate standards.
Mum of three kids with autism slams decision to remove the condition from the NDIS: ‘It’s prejudice, not policy’
by Adelaide Now
Shantelle Marks is a Melbourne mother of three children with autism who believes the decision to move the condition out of the NDIS is “prejudice, not policy”. Speaking as founder of Hope in Colour Advocacy but with no known medical qualifications, Ms Marks says there is “no such thing as mild autism”.
The Diary
