News
The 2025 Federal Budget has is committing a total of $424 million dollars committed for the next four years to further implement safeguards for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and support services for people with disability. So let’s take a look at who were the winners and who were the losers in Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ allocation of funds.
AUTISM STRATEGY
Autism strategy – the government has committed $42.2 million to deliver the National Autism Strategy and implement its First Action Plan.
The Strategy and Action Plan focuses on social inclusion, economic inclusion, as well as diagnosis, services and supports, and health and mental health.
The large sum was confirmed back in January when the National Autism Strategy was first announced. The Strategy is the first of its kind for Australia and sets out a long-term vision to improve the life outcomes of all Autistic people.
BEACH ACCESS AND OUTDOORS
The budget reiterated a $17.1 million promise to remove accessible barriers through the Access Australia plan.
Accessible Australia proposes to improve accessibility for people with disability with items such as all-terrain wheelchairs for nature trails and rugged terrain, mobi-matting for beaches, and inclusive play equipment.
The initiative has committed to building additional accessible infrastructure projects in national parks, beaches and play spaces across the country so people with disabilities can experience them.
ANTI-FRAUD
More than a third of the total payout for Australians with disability will be going towards cyber security, with the Treasury allocating $151 million to continue enhancements to the National Disability Insurance Agency’s fraud detection systems.
This will operate in conjunction to the $17.1 million investment in the NDIA’s ability to detect and respond to fraud and non‑compliant payments.
EDUCATION
Education was arguably an area that lost out.
Prior to the budget’s delivery, Powerd Media spoke with Skye Kakoscke-Moore, the CEO of Children and Young People with Disability, Skye Ms Kaksoke Moore, told Powerd Media she wanted improved funding towards inclusion in schools.
“I would love to see something like a National Roadmap for Inclusive Education, which was one of the recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission.” Unfortunately, that did not happen.
APPRENTICE PAYMENTS
According to Australian Apprenticeships, the Australian Government provides additional support to apprentices) with disability to help them reach their full potential as skilled workers.
In light of this, the government announced $11 million will go towards increasing Apprentice Wage Support for young workers living with disability. As it stands, the Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) is paid to employers, and used as assistance for tutorial, interpreter and mentor services for apprentices.
Ms Kakoshke-Moore says the budget hasn’t done enough: “While we were pleased to see investment in some areas that may make a difference, it was disappointing to see that there wasn't more action or more investment in others.”
GENERAL POINT
All in all, Deputy CEO of People with Disability Australia, Megan Spindler-Smith, argues there isn't anything new for people with disability.
“It almost feels like we are somewhat invisible in this budget and only really appear as a cost or by way of explanation around any sort of fiscal risk,” they say.