People with disability invisible in Federal Budget

Tonight’s Federal Budget raises more questions than answers about how people with disability are going to be supported through the government’s major reforms to the NDIS.

Cuts to the NDIS have been outlined, as expected, with the Federal Government projecting almost $1 billion in immediate savings over the next financial year.

$364.5 million has been set aside for Foundational Supports to fund services for those no longer eligible for the NDIS. This is the first time a dollar value has been provided, and it is positive to see.

Yet the Budget does not outline whether or not this funding is contingent on states and territories matching it. Cutting the NDIS without establishing robust alternatives is leaving people with disability with nowhere to turn.

Disability support services are not optional – they are essential for daily life. People with disability rely on them to get out of bed, shower, go to work or school, and participate in their communities. Without adequate support, people with disability face disproportionate poverty, cost-of-living pressures, and exclusion.

In key Budget cost-of-living measures, people living with disability are absent. In Australia’s housing strategy, there is no mention of accessibility.

People with disability are missing in this budget. Just 18 months after Australia’s ‘landmark’ 4-year $600 million Disability Royal Commission, it is like it never happened.

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability was billed as a transformative opportunity for our community to be heard. Yet in this Budget, it hasn’t even rated a mention.

People living with disability appear invisible in the Federal Government’s financial path forward for Australia. Are we really back here?