The abilityNEWS Daily

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Shadow Boxing

There’s no danger that Liberal or Labor will peak too early. The problem is rather that they might not peak at all.

This morning Dutton began walking back policies to cut public servants and ‘end’ work from home. Turns out that once the Liberal leader began to think about it - or get some intelligent advice - he realised they were stupid ideas. Who could have guessed?

But both sides are at it.

Take last week’s battle over the Port of Darwin. It wasn’t about strategy. It was theatre - a shadow play, complete with fanciful bogeymen, faux ‘solutions’, paid for with imaginary money.

No sooner had Peter Dutton pledged to take the port back from its Chinese operators than Anthony Albanese was on the airwaves, insisting it was his idea all along. No paper trail, no prior statement, no policy. Just a Prime Minister dialing in to say, ‘me too’.

Meanwhile Dutton, of course, was Minister in the very government that signed off on the lease in 2015, a $506 million deal handing control to Chinese company Landbridge for 99 years. Not one but two government-commissioned reviews have subsequently insisted there is no problem with the lease.

Now, both major parties claim the lease is a mistake, just not their mistake.

Darwin is a symbol. It speaks to sovereignty, national security, and the illusion of control. But while the political class haggles over who wanted it back first, vital questions go begging: How will we pay for these ballooning costs? What about the collapsing rental market, climate resilience, and the NDIS?

The danger is that one day a government will have to be elected. When it is, someone will have to foot the tab. It’s unclear exactly where the money to do this will come from.

This is a real concern for the disability sector. We depend on a healthy, growing economy capable of financing a $50 billion bill.

Neither side is currently demonstrating how they might pay for the growing cost of the NDIS.

Upcoming Events - This Week

Jesus Club for Adults with an Intellectual Disability

The Jesus Club meets every second Monday and offers an inclusive environment for adults with intellectual disabilities to connect for fun, friendship, food and music. The event is free, and each gathering includes Bible teaching, singing, and craft activities.

Date: 7 April 2025 (Recurring event)
Location: Beverly Hills Baptist Church, 9 Warrawee Place (NSW)
Time: 7 PM to 9 PM

Let's Connect Launceston - for Disability Providers

This a networking event where providers can learn about supports available through Everyday Independence, meet experienced practitioners, and network with other like-minded disability service providers.

Date: 8 April 2025
Location: Launceston Library, 71 Civic Square Launceston (TAS)
Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Suicide Prevention Training - Disability Support Work

Wesley LifeForce has developed a suicide prevention training that is free and open to all front-line workers. It equips participants with the knowledge and skills to increase awareness of suicide in Australia, identify the signs that someone may be at risk of suicide and appropriate action to take.

Date: 8 April 2025
Location: Beeliar Community Centre - Main Hall, 33 Lakefront Avenue Beeliar (WA)
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

ACT Nursing Careers Expo 2025

This event offers aspiring or early career nurses and graduates the opportunity to meet Canberra-based employers, explore various nursing career pathways and connect with nursing professionals in the local healthcare sector.

Date: 8 April 2025
Location: 220 London Circuit Canberra (ACT)
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM