Disability peak develops government action plan

 

 

by Government News Team

 May 19, 2025

(iStock.com/Alvarog1970)

A detailed action plan is required for government to successfully reform the disability sector, says the peak body for disability service organisations in Australia.

Disability reform focuses on improving the lives of people with disabilities, ensuring their equal participation in society, and addressing issues identified by the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. 

The royal commission’s final report – released in September 2023 – contained 222 recommendations including an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and broader changes within the disability sector. 

“Change at this scale requires a detailed action plan and a comprehensive change management strategy. It will ensure everyone is ready, minimising unintended consequences for people with disability and the quality providers they rely on,” says National Disability Services.

The reform agenda “is complex and intersects multiple areas,” says the NDS. It involves introducing or amending legislation, creating new standards, and changing workplace practices and other systems.

NDS has developed an action plan to support governments in the design and delivery of the reform agenda. The document brings together recommendations not only from the royal commission, but also the NDIS Review, Australia’s Disability Strategy, and state and territory disability action plans.

A clear plan is essential to outline the next steps

Government must approach the reform agenda in two ways, says the NDS. Firstly, engage with people with disability, their families, carers, sector workers, providers and the community. “Close engagement helps minimise the risks of unintended consequences. It will boost awareness and ease the adoption of changes, while reducing consultation fatigue.”

Secondly, ensure a smooth implementation of reforms “by addressing barriers and implementing key initiatives through immediate and ongoing action.” This includes establishing new bodies and expanding existing organisations to coordinate the design and delivery of the reform agenda.

Meanwhile, Australian governments will need to invest in enabling infrastructure to support broader systems reform, “focusing on new capabilities in data, technology, evidence, and reporting,” says the NDS.

The NDS is also calling for new regulations to “ensure minimum quality and safety standards, address poor and inequitable outcomes and enforce rights as critical foundations of the disability sector.”

Other recommendations include:

• establishing effective governance and cross jurisdictional collaboration
• developing a joined-up system of supports and services for all Australians with disability
• attract, retain and develop the disability support workforce.

Some reforms – such as changes to the NDIS – are already underway. Other disability reforms are evolving and will build on previous efforts. “Change is occurring at varying rates,” says the NDS. “A clear plan is essential to outline the next steps.”