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Free multiple myeloma therapy now available

Eligible Australians with multiple myeloma will now be able to access Carvykti free. The Government says the therapy would otherwise cost more than $200,000 per patient each year. It’s being rolled out to specialist public hospitals in NSW, Queensland and WA.

Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

NDIA updates website to make NDIS information easier to use

The NDIA has updated the NDIS website with clearer menus, shorter pages and simpler language. It says the changes are intended to make information about NDIS reform and scheme changes easier to find, based on almost 700 hours of consultation with more than 300 participants and supporters.

Source: NDIS

What NDIS reforms could mean for home and living providers

Team DSC has published an explainer on how Minister Mark Butler’s proposed NDIS changes may affect home and living providers, including possible SIL commissioning, tighter unscheduled plan reassessment rules, SDA flow-on effects and social and community participation budget reductions.

Team DSC | Brent Woolgar

Summer Foundation urges NSW and WA to adopt livable housing standards

The Summer Foundation says an interim report on modernising the National Construction Code strengthens the case for NSW and WA to adopt the Livable Housing Design Standards already taken up by most other jurisdictions. Building Better Homes Campaign Lead Joel Dignam said national consistency would support industry learning, economies of scale and more accessible new housing.

Summer Foundation | Joel Dignam

Calls to protect culturally and linguistically diverse communities from ‘anxiety-driven’ NDIS cuts
ABC reports concerns that proposed NDIS cuts to social and community participation supports could disproportionately affect culturally and linguistically diverse participants, who are already under-represented in the scheme. Nidhi Shekaran from People with Disability Australia and the National Ethnic Disability Alliance warns CALD communities need protection from reforms that may deepen isolation.
ABC News

Don’t leave people ‘on their own’: Chaney calls for alternative supports before NDIS exit
Federal Member for Curtin Kate Chaney supports efforts to rein in the NDIS but says the transition is not being handled correctly. She warned Perth Radio 6PR participants could be left without support if alternative services are not in place early.
6PR

Carol Berry labels NDIS fraud morally repugnant amid changes
The Illawarra Mercury reports that Whitlam MP Carol Berry, a former disability advocate, has described NDIS fraud as “morally repugnant” while commenting on the government’s proposed scheme changes and savings. Public metadata indicates the article links the local MP’s comments to the broader NDIS overhaul.
Illawarra Mercury | Paywall: Yes

NDIS never meant to be perfect, but was meant to be human
The Geelong Advertiser published an opinion piece arguing that the NDIS was intended as a promise of dignity, choice and inclusion, not simply a funding mechanism.
Geelong Advertiser | Paywall: Yes

Fairy Meadow Land: Record $2 million sale for NDIS-approved site
The Illawarra Mercury reports that a vacant Fairy Meadow block with development approval for an NDIS-related site sold for $2 million. The sale is a record result and the story notes the strategic value of the approval.
Illawarra Mercury | Paywall: Yes

Jim Chalmers splashing cash in bid to cover majority of voters
Sky News reports on pre-budget positioning, saying the largest savings measure already announced was the planned $35 billion reduction from the NDIS. The visible public metadata frames the NDIS savings as part of the government’s broader budget strategy.
Sky News Australia

Budget buzzwords obscure the reality of State government’s health and housing failures
Jessica Page’s strong opinion piece condemns the WA state government’s recent budget cutbacks in health and housing policy context, particularly given NDIS cost-shifting.
The West Australian | Jessica Page | Paywall: Yes

NSW Productivity Commission to probe bed block, interstate taskforce established
The focus of this piece is the NSW Hospital ‘Bed Block’, but Mark Butler is also being questioned over the government’s NDIS reform and the proposed reduction in participant numbers. News.com.au