Disability left in dark after budget gives no answers

Peak disability bodies have raised alarm with the lack of clarity in the budget around the new system of supports Labor has promised for those with milder disabilities.

Disability bodies say there is a lack of budget clarity over its new system.

Peak disability bodies have raised alarm over the lack of budget clarity on the new system of supports Labor has promised for those with milder disabilities, while slamming the government for “missing a critical opportunity” to formally respond to the disability royal commission.

Labor says it is on track to deliver “foundational supports” — which will include specialised services to care for people with disabilities like mild autism spectrum disorder — in the second half of the year, despite states confirming little progress had so far been made.

Former NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said in August the foundational supports would start rolling out from July 2025, but with less than 100 days to go, disability groups have urged the government to provide more information about the policy.

“Most concerningly, foundational supports still lack a clear delivery timeline and are not underpinned by any agreements with the states and territories on the supports to be provided or the specifics on dollars each jurisdiction will commit,” the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations said in a statement.

People With Disability Australia welcomed the $364m worth of funding in the budget for foundational supports, but also demanded some “detail on how a long-term agreement will be struck with the states and territories”.

“In general, we’re feeling invisible in the mainstream budget,” PWDA board director Steph Travers said.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who chairs the Council for the Australian Federation which represents all states and territories, said the timing around foundational supports was still yet to be confirmed with the Commonwealth.

“States and territories have reiterated the Commonwealth’s responsibility in ensuring that the NDIS continues to support people with disability during the development of foundational supports,” he said.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the Commonwealth was on track to implement foundational supports, adhering to the time frame as promised.