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With Labor returned to power with an increased majority following the federal election, at least two leading advocacy groups for people with disability, are urging the new administration to push ahead with Foundational Supports.
These supports encompass a mix of general and targeted assistance, to meet the needs of people with disability who might not qualify for the NDIS. Prior to the election, the Labor government suggested the rollout would commence later in 2025, and implementation would be phased into communities in stages.
CEO of Autism Awareness Australia, Nicole Rogerson, says Australians have delivered a clear message of confidence in the Albanese government, but urged Labor to do more, saying the opportunity is there to reinforce the urgent need for immediate action on Foundational Supports:
The introduction of Foundational Supports, alongside the National Autism Strategy, must now move from policy blueprint to operational reality, guided by transparency, urgency, and genuine co-design with the autism community
Nicole Rogerson
She went on to congratulate the Labor leader who won the federal election in an historic second-term win, achieving an increased majority.
“I’d like to personally congratulate Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and his Party for their overwhelming result on the weekend,” Ms Rogerson says.
Megan Spindler-Smith, Deputy CEO of People with Disability Australia, also urged that this is the time for action, arguing that people with disability must be actively engaged in the co-design of policies and decisions that affect their lives.
The rights and needs of people with disability are central to all government initiatives. Moving forward, our communities lived experience will be cornerstone to a meaningful and impactful relationship with the returned Labor government.
Megan Spindler-Smith
Meanwhile, Opposition leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat in a heartfelt speech.
"We didn't do well enough in this campaign, that much is obvious," Mr Dutton said.
The former opposition leader also congratulated his Dickson electorate replacement, Labor’s Ali France, after it was announced he had become the first federal leader of an opposition party to lose his own seat.
Speaking on ABC’s Radio National, Ms France said she wants to use her lived experience of disability to make meaningful, vital change in the very heart of Australian politics.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be able to give back… that's why I got involved in politics,” Ms France says.