Author’s Note

The Briefing

National blueprint for economic justice for People with Disability

By People with Disability Australia

Thirteen national disability organisations have released a shared blueprint calling for economic reform to improve outcomes for people with disability. The proposal outlines structural changes needed for a more inclusive economy under the next federal government.

Online fatigue intervention program shows promising results for people with MS

By Multiple Sclerosis Australia

An online programme aimed at reducing fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis has shown early promising outcomes. Researchers say the intervention may offer a practical support tool for managing one of the condition’s most common symptoms.

A warning signal for civil liberties

By Deafness Forum Australia

Right wing commentators mocked emergency use of sign language interpreters during the 2016 Los Angeles fires. Disability advocates warn such rhetoric undermines communication access and poses a threat to civil liberties.

We’re asking six key questions for politicians ahead of the Federal Election: Will they listen?

By Disability Advocacy Network Australia

Disability advocacy group JFA Purple Orange has posed six key policy questions to federal politicians ahead of the May 2025 election. The questions cover housing, employment and inclusion, with responses to be published to inform voters before polling day.

DSWA Life Skills Lab Forum

By Down Syndrome Australia

DSWA is launching its first Life Skills Lab Forum aimed at supporting young people on their journey to independence. The one-day event will cover transport safety, self-organisation and healthy eating, based on community-driven survey feedback.

What the NDIS Co-Design Reset Means for You Right Now

By NDIA

The NDIA has paused parts of its NDIS reform process after criticism it was moving too fast with poor communication. People with Disability says the reset will focus on key issues like planning and safeguards, with clearer updates and broader community input.

Urgent Recall PAD-PAK BATTERY for HeartSine® samaritan® Public Access Defibrillator (PAD)

By Stryker Hospital Beds

A recall has been issued for specific lots of Pad-Pak battery and electrode cartridges used in HeartSine samaritan defibrillators. The batteries may be depleted prematurely, risking failure during emergencies if the device cannot be powered on.

Using your capital supports budget for Assistive Technology

By NDSP Plan Managers

Assistive Technology, funded through the NDIS Capital Supports budget, covers equipment that helps participants live more independently. Higher-cost items require specific evidence, quotes, and approvals due to stricter funding rules.

NSIS updates co-design approach

By NDIS

The organisation has reviewed its co-design approach to improve collaboration with communities and enhance decision-making processes. This update reflects lessons learned from past initiatives and outlines steps to ensure broader input and transparency moving forward.

The Wrap

Dutton pledges no tightening of NDIS eligibility

By The Australian

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton commits to maintaining current NDIS eligibility criteria if elected, aligning with Labor's stance and diverging from previous reform suggestions aimed at cost containment. Despite fiscal pressures, Dutton supports maintaining current funding targets without restricting access, complicating his broader objective of reducing the structural budget deficit while aspiring to introduce personal income tax indexation.

‘Better ways’ to spend NDIS $230bn: expert

By The Australian

Dr. Sam Bennett from the Grattan Institute suggests capping individualised NDIS funding to redirect part of the $230 billion four-year budget toward foundational support services. He argues that many, especially children with developmental delays or autism, might benefit more from targeted services in schools and communities than from individualised funding.

Three big disability issues the next government needs to address

By ABC News

Disability advocates are urging the incoming federal government to prioritise comprehensive reforms beyond the NDIS, highlighting that only 11% of Australians with disabilities are covered by the scheme. Key concerns include the implementation of recommendations from the disability royal commission, ensuring adequate support for those outside the NDIS, and addressing systemic barriers to inclusion.

Mum's heartbreak as man back in community after shaking her baby

By The Advertiser

Felicity Scanlon expressed devastation after her former partner, Koebbie Marius, received a suspended sentence for causing serious harm to their infant daughter. Marius admitted to shaking the child during an 'autistic meltdown,' leading to severe injuries, but was sentenced to a good behaviour bond instead of prison time.

Doctors shine light on 'secret' contracts driving patient care

By The Australian

The Council of Procedural Specialists has called on the federal government to investigate confidential contracts between private hospitals and health funds that allegedly compromise patient care. These contracts are said to influence clinical decisions without patients' knowledge, particularly by limiting referrals to inpatient rehabilitation after surgeries.

Inside explosive endgame

By The Australian

The appeal in Australia's largest defamation case sees a dramatic confrontation between Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith and journalist Nick McKenzie. Roberts-Smith alleges that McKenzie used privileged information to undermine his defense during a defamation trial won by the Nine newspapers.

Linda Reynolds in bid for 'secret documents'

By The Australian

Former Liberal minister Linda Reynolds has initiated legal action seeking access to confidential documents that may reveal if the law firm HWL Ebsworth, representing both her and the Albanese government, improperly allowed Brittany Higgins to extend a statutory deadline in her compensation claim. Reynolds alleges that this extension enabled Higgins to add new allegations against her post-deadline, despite Reynolds’ objections.

Rescue helicopter called after highway rollover

By The Courier-Mail

Emergency services responded to a rollover crash on the Cunningham Highway at Oman Ama, where a man in his 50s sustained injuries and was transported by rescue helicopter to Princess Alexandra Hospital. In a separate incident, a young man in his 20s was injured after falling off the back of a ute in Allora and was taken to Toowoomba Hospital.

Anzac Day controversy for Albo's star

By News.com.au

Labor candidate for Dickson, Ali France, faces scrutiny over past social media posts, including criticisms of the NDIS and depictions of political figures in Nazi uniforms. Despite the backlash, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defends France, highlighting her advocacy and personal experiences with disability.

The Diary