The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
How do you report a story that isn’t there?
"Israelis don't want us to film the devastation outside the window...” Jeremy Bowen, BBC
George Orwell used the University of London’s Senate building, a 1930’s art-deco monolith, as his model for the Ministry of Truth in the novel 1984. So that’s why I found myself standing on the roof with my friend Jeremy Bowen in the first moments of that new year, watching the dawn break over London.
Back then, Bowen had just begun reporting with the BBC; I was a student with no intention of becoming a journalist. His enthusiasm, however, was contagious. He always wanted to discover what was happening . . . and then tell you about it.
Since then he’s had a wonderful career as a foreign correspondent. As has his desire to get behind the headlines to relate the whole story.
This newsletter tells the story of disability in Australia: it’s not our job to focus on other issues. But Bowen’s stunning report from Gaza last week demands to be seen. It forces us to think of how desperate the situation must be for anyone who happens to be Palestinian, and a person with disability.
How can the vulnerable survive when everyone is starving?
The Briefing
National Disability Data Asset has launched
by Departmrnt of Health, Disability and Ageing
Researchers can now apply to access the National Disability Data Asset, which brings together de-identified data from across Australia. It helps us to better understand and meet needs and will be used to give a more complete picture of the programs and services people with disability use; share information about how we can improve opportunities and outcomes for people with disability; and, help governments improve supports and services for people with disability.
Public Input Sought on Disability Discrimination Reforms
by Attorney-General
The Albanese Government has today released an Issues Paper to seek views on reforms to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, as well as other opportunities to clarify and strengthen protections for people with disability. This is part of the Government's response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission).
Bundaberg’s Accessible Tourism Initiative.
by Centre For Accessibility Australia
Bundaberg Tourism has introduced inclusive travel tools, co-developed with people with disability, to improve regional holiday experiences. The initiative aims to reduce long-standing travel barriers through guides, sensory-friendly events and low-vision audio experiences.
HWL Ebsworth data breach July 2025 update
by NDIA
HWL Ebsworth continues to manage the fallout from a 2023 cyber incident that exposed sensitive client and government data. The law firm faces scrutiny over its ongoing recovery efforts and communication with affected parties.The NDIA has an obligation under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) to notify any individuals potentially impacted by this cyber incident
Tech Talk – Explore 12 set-up and demonstration
by Deafblind Australia
Andrew Howard demonstrates the features and setup of the Explore 12, a portable electronic magnifier for vision support. The device offers adjustable colours, zoom options, image saving and connectivity, improving readability for users with low vision.
The Wrap
Calls for rideshare services to be included in taxi subsidy schemes nationally
by 9News
People who are blind or have low vision are calling for rideshare services such as Uber to be included in taxi subsidy schemes across the country. Currently Victoria is the only state that includes rideshare services in its scheme, allowing members to link their membership to their Uber account since 2021.
Disability discrimination commissioner calls on Queensland to scrap plan for new special schools
by ABC
Australia's disability discrimination commissioner wants Queensland to scrap plans to build more special schools, but the state government says there has been an increased demand for them. Commissioner Rosemary Kayess said she was "disappointed" by the Queensland government's announcement of six new special schools.
Open house for brand-new NDIS homes
by Sunraisia Daily
FIVE modern, safe and accessible purpose-built homes plus supports will be open for viewing next Wednesday ahead of being finalised. Disability provider Aruma has partnered with Property Trends and specialist disability accommodation provider SDA Residential to offer access to the homes in response to the demand for more diverse housing.
Mackay father jailed for sexually assaulting daughter, stepdaughter
by Courier Mail
A Qld father on NDIS support payments betrayed both his biological daughter and stepdaughter, holding them down and subjecting them to years of “abhorrent” abuse. *Distressing. Defence barrister Scott Moon said the man was diagnosed with ASD by a psychologist and he was provided with a NDIS package.
The Diary
