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The abilityNEWS Daily
Editor’s Note
Every business loves certainty. When you know something is about to happen you can plan for it, and the news business is just the same.
Journalists knew Trump’s trade restrictions were coming, knew it would be big, and planned their day (and coverage) accordingly. That’s why it seemed as if nothing else was happening yesterday. It was because every camera was tuned to what was happening in Washington.
But don’t believe the hype. The earth will still revolve, and will continue turning tomorrow. The only constant is change.
Years ago, as an ABC correspondent, I reported on Vietnam during the fall of the Berlin Wall. Trade was exclusively with other communist economies - Comecon - meaning you could buy a huge tin of Soviet caviar for US$150 but couldn’t buy a cheap, replacement Toshiba cassette tape to record an interview on for love or money.
You very quickly learned to live with the dysfunction, stocking up on tapes when outside the country, drinking vodka and eating caviar when in Hanoi.
The one constant is change and these changes will have an effect on the NDIS.
Our medical equipment is almost exclusively imported from America and that won’t change. Because Australia has no intention of imposing reciprocal tariffs we will probably not immediately feel the change. However this doesn’t mean we will escape scot free.
The economy will contract. The problem is the NDIS is not designed to be responsive to broad changes in business conditions. Individual plans will not go up and down with the economy.
It will be harder for service providers to balance their books and there will be added political pressure to cut back on spending.
Perhaps the tariff story really is important, after all.
Best,
Nic Stuart, editor
The Briefing
People with Disability Australia
And something to read for the weekend . . . Burnt Rice by Josephine Moon
By Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia
How do we find our way through life? Burnt Rice by Josephine Moon explores the complexities of autistic identity through a personal and sensory-rich narrative. Published by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network Australia and New Zealand, it highlights self-expression and lived experience.
Politicians urged to tackle rising disability hate
By Advocacy for Inclusion
Disability advocates are urging political leaders to confront rising hate speech and falsehoods targeting people with disabilities in this election. They are calling for a national summit, funding for advocacy groups, and a stronger parliamentary stance on inclusion and equity.
Criticism of opposition budget plans
By Women With Disabilities Australia
Women With Disabilities Australia has criticised the Opposition's Budget Reply for ignoring the needs of women and gender-diverse people with disabilities. Despite broad policy announcements, key issues like inclusive healthcare, housing and employment opportunities remain unaddressed.
PWDA's 7-point 'election platform'
By People With Disability Australia
People with Disability Australia has released a federal election platform urging politicians to commit to improving conditions for disabled Australians. The seven-point plan addresses housing, income support, representation, and reforms recommended after the Disability Royal Commission.
Politicians urged to tackle rising disability hate
By Advocacy for Inclusion
Disability advocates are urging political leaders to confront rising hate speech and falsehoods targeting people with disabilities in this election. They are calling for a national summit, funding for advocacy groups, and a stronger parliamentary stance on inclusion and equity.
Engaging with life as a person with autism
The Wrap
Man's sudden death sparks renewed calls for NDIS provider registration reforms
By ABC News
An unregistered NDIS provider in Brisbane is under scrutiny after a man died in its housing facility last month. The company entered liquidation days after the incident, highlighting concerns about the lack of mandatory reporting requirements for unregistered providers.
Melbourne man faces eviction after moving into home linked to suspected NDIS fraudster
By ABC News
A Melbourne man is facing eviction after unknowingly renting an apartment linked to a suspected NDIS fraud involving millions of dollars. The situation underscores vulnerabilities in the NDIS housing sector and the impact on innocent tenants.
Two-year wait for autism diagnosis hurts children's future
By The Australian
A survey by Autism Awareness Australia reveals that nearly one in three families wait over two years for an autism diagnosis, up from less than 20% in 2014. Delays hinder early intervention, impacting children's development and future employment prospects.
Dutton threatens to wield the axe in health, education and ABC
By The Australian
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has indicated potential budget cuts to sectors including health, education, and the ABC, aiming to eliminate perceived wasteful government spending. He also plans to scrutinize the $48.8 billion NDIS to ensure funds are directed to frontline services.
My daughter has a disability. Some parts of the NDIS terrify me
By The Canberra Times
A parent and support provider shares concerns about potential NDIS cost-cutting measures, questioning whether the government can balance quality care with budget constraints. The article reflects on personal experiences and the broader implications of funding reductions.
The Diary
