Will accessible housing get a mention

The abilityNEWS Daily

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The Big Story

Liberal NDIS spokesperson Michael Sukkar on the job yesterday

Michael Sukkar’s a very busy man

It’s the perennial dilemma. Do you want a capable person too busy to focus full attention on the NDIS, or someone less sought after who can pay attention to the NDIS exclusively?

The shortage of affordable housing has soared to prominence as one of the critical issues of this election campaign. That’s great. As a result, Liberal housing spokesperson Michael Sukkar has shot to prominence.

What’s not so great is that Sukkar also shadows the NDIS and Social Services portfolios. Oh, and he’s Manager of Opposition Business. Oh, and after a 4.5% swing against him in 2022, he needs to pay attention to his own seat as well. At the last election Sukkar only managed to hold his eastern Melbourne electorate of Deakin by just 500 votes.

There’s been a redistribution since then (and with Victoria’s state Labor government on the nose) there’s no indication of any threat Sukkar will lose the seat. But he still holds what is, theoretically, the most marginal seat in parliament.

This might explain why the desperate need for accessible housing is being overlooked in the election campaign.

At lunchtime today Sukkar will debate Labor’s Housing Minister Clare O’Neill at the National Press Club. There he’ll be besieged with questions and housing will, once again, be the big issue. But just as on the ABC’s Q&A on Monday night, disability housing will be lucky to get a mention.

It’s the perennial problem.

Both sides have recognised disability as an important issue. That’s why the Liberals allocated the portfolio to somebody perceived as highly capable. Unfortunately, and exactly because Sukkar is seen as that way, he’s responsible for other complex portfolios as well.

Disability gets shoved to the sidelines.

Today abilityNEWS will definitely be speaking to Sukkar at the Press Club before his speech today. And - as long as the answers don’t run on for too long - we might even manage to get a televised question in.

We’ll be bringing you his answers tomorrow. Regretably, the mainstream media probably won’t be focusing on disability. They have other fish to fry.

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The Briefing

What the sector is saying

Staying safe online (courtesy NDSP Plan Managers)

Cybersecurity - five tips to stay safe online

by NDSP Plan Managers

Scammers are increasingly targeting vulnerable individuals using sophisticated digital tactics. That's why it's important to always use simple measures to protect yourself online. Protect personal information and don't share phones or computers; choose unique passwords and two-factor authentication; double-check before paying online; check who you've authorised to see your NDIS details, and be cautious sharing personal details to avoid fraud and misuse of your NDIS accounts.

National Women’s Alliances call on politicians to embrace meaningful reform

by Women With Disabilities Australia

Women with Disabilities Australia have joined with other organisations releasing an election platform urging candidates to support long-term systemic reform for gender equality. The plan highlights safety, economic security and leadership for women, especially those facing multiple layers of discrimination.

Five election priorities for people with disability

by Every Australian Counts

Every Australian Counts surveyed supporters to identify the key concerns people with disability want addressed in the upcoming election. Although it is keeping the details of the survey confidential, the organisation says the top five priorities reflect widespread frustration with disability services, funding, and inclusion across critical areas of daily life.

A comic about the importance of inclusion at school

by Children and Young People with Disability Australia

Twelve-year-old Tex uses humour and hand-drawn illustrations to depict life at school with Cerebral Palsy. His comic challenges perceptions and highlights why recognising individual differences is vital to building inclusive communities.

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The Wrap

The latest stories

'It's a disgrace': Paraplegic hits out at Health Minister's 'ghosting' act

by Adelaide Now

Paraplegic Ryan Mann has criticised Health Minister Mark Butler for neglecting the needs of over 50,000 Australians living with a stoma. Mann highlights the lack of access to modern stoma care technologies and the government's inadequate response to calls for improved support.

Teal Spender's battle of corflutes is powering up

by The Australian

The article discusses the misuse of over $140 million raised from investors intended for NDIS housing projects by developers such as Saorsa Health and ALAMMC. Funds were allegedly spent on luxury items and unviable foreign investments, prompting investigations into financial oversight and transparency.

NDIS housing funds 'blown on cars, casino, crypto'

by The Australian

A court-ordered receivership revealed that ALAMMC Developments misappropriated nearly $92 million intended for NDIS housing projects. The funds were allegedly used for personal luxuries, including gambling and cryptocurrency investments, instead of developing units for disabled Australians.

New OT sites to help more young people

by Adelaide Now

Occupational Therapy for Children (OTFC), an Adelaide-based provider specialising in play-based therapy for children with autism, ADHD, and developmental challenges, is expanding its services. The company plans to open new clinics in Findon and Camberwell in 2025, aiming to serve over 500 clients across 70 clinical spaces.

Qld researchers help reveal genetic links to osteoarthritis

by Courier Mail

Queensland researchers contributed to a global study that uncovered over 500 new genetic links to osteoarthritis, enhancing the understanding of the disease. The findings may lead to the repurposing of existing drugs for new treatments, potentially benefiting millions worldwide, including Australians with disabilities.

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The Diary

What’s coming up . . .

Go to abilityDIARY

Accessibility Workshop for CALD Community Workers

This upcoming workshop, hosted by The City of Canterbury Bankstown, is tailored for community workers who support the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community, to help them provide more inclusive services and supports.

Date: 5 May 2025
Location: Bryan Brown Theatre, 80 Rickard Rd Bankstown (NSW)
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Go to event webpage