In July 2024, the Australian Government, alongside state and territory administrations, collectively addressed the Disability Royal Commission’s findings.
However, the response was underwhelming, leaving People with Disability Australia (PWDA) and other Disability Representative Organisations (DROs) deeply disappointed.
This dissatisfaction grew in late 2024 due to legislative amendments impacting the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Act 2013 following the NDIS Review.
To rebuild trust with 5.5 million Australians living with disabilities, PWDA has put forward a budget proposal that calls for critical investments in:
- Economic justice, particularly amid rising living costs and a housing crisis disproportionately affecting disabled individuals.
- Improved access and inclusion, ensuring necessary services and supports remain available within and beyond the NDIS framework.
- Human rights protections, with reforms to both the Human Rights Act and Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
- Authentic codesign, replacing token consultations with meaningful collaborations.
The Australian Government has a crucial opportunity to set a precedent in disability advocacy by implementing long-term, transformative reforms to create an inclusive, accessible, and equitable society.
PWDA’s Key Recommendations
1. Economic Justice Measures
| Recommendation | Action Plan | Estimated Budget Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Increase funding for Disability Strategy oversight | Allocate funds for Australia’s Disability Strategy 2022-32, including the Inclusive Homes and Communities Targeted Action Plan | Not specified |
| Ensure national consistency in construction standards | The Disability Reform Ministerial Council (DRMC) should oversee uniform implementation of the National Construction Code across all states and territories | Not specified |
| Increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) by 60% | Assist disabled individuals with limited access to suitable rental properties | $2.37 billion |
| Raise JobSeeker allowance by $82 per week | Address economic disparities worsened by inflation and housing costs | $3.15 billion |
| Grant lifelong access to the Disability Support Pension (DSP) | Allow applicants to combine points from different eligibility tables | No additional budget required |
| Relax work restrictions for DSP recipients | Remove the 30-hour work limit per week to support those with fluctuating conditions | Not specified |
2. Enhancing Inclusion and Accessibility
PWDA urges federal, state, and territory governments to:
- Address service gaps for people living in rural, remote, and under-resourced regions.
- Establish nationally consistent Foundational Support Standards before rolling out new programs.
- Conduct pilot tests with disability representatives before nationwide implementation.
- Prevent NDIS budget reallocations from weakening existing support structures.
Budget Implications:
- Codesign of Foundational Support Standards – $1 million
- Pilot testing for Foundational Supports – Budget unknown
- Establish Disability Inclusion Ministerial Portfolio – $108 million over four years
- Expand funding for disability advocacy – $43 million per year for National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP)
3. Protecting Human Rights and Combating Discrimination
- Establish a national Human Rights Act aligning with the Disability Royal Commission’s recommendations.
- Revise the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to enhance protections for education, public transport, and emergency management policies.
- Invest $6.9 million into modernizing disability discrimination laws.
4. Commitment to Genuine Codesign
The government must:
- Create a Disability Reform Implementation Council by July 2025.
- Establish realistic timeframes for reforms, ensuring accessibility for all.
PWDA’s pre-budget submission presents a clear path forward for disability inclusion, economic justice, and human rights protections.
The Australian Government has a historic opportunity to enact meaningful reforms that will transform the lives of millions of people with disabilities.
By implementing these budget measures, the government can foster equity, accessibility, and social inclusion, ensuring that people with disabilities receive the support and dignity they deserve.
FAQs
What is the key goal of PWDA’s budget submission?
PWDA aims to secure funding for economic justice, inclusion, human rights, and genuine codesign, ensuring sustainable disability reforms.
Why is raising Commonwealth Rent Assistance important?
The lack of accessible housing forces many people with disabilities into higher-cost rentals, making financial relief essential.
What is the estimated budget impact of increasing JobSeeker for people with disabilities?
The increase of $82 per week is expected to cost $3.15 billion annually.