Lets get disability on the agenda this federal election.

As the upcoming Federal election looms large, it's time to shine a spotlight on an often-overlooked demographic; people with disability. We represent 20% of the population, and we vote. Yet, despite our significant presence, the struggles we face seem to be largely ignored in the halls of power.

For years, people with disability have been pushed to the margins, but the situation is only worsening. Disability support and advocacy organisations, once lifelines for our community, have faced devastating cuts to their funding. These cuts have led to staff layoffs and the termination of essential programs that helped those in need. Local councils, overwhelmed by the growing demand, continue to push individuals with disability towards the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and associated programs, without the capacity or knowledge to support those who are unable to access it. At the same time, councils continue to fail in providing even the most basic opportunities for connection and participation for people with disability. When questioned, they often cite a lack of funding from higher levels of government—yet, at the same time, it is clear that funds are simply not allocated to disability, over other projects.

An alarming statistic that may surprise both our local councils and the general public, is that less than 13% of people with disability currently benefit from the NDIS. The remaining 87% are left reliant on community supports and infrastructure that barely exist, if at all. Accessing the community or receiving help at home is a daily struggle for many, with support options either minimal or non-existent.

For those fortunate enough to be granted access to the NDIS, the process is far from easy. Gaining entry into the scheme often requires a fight—one that includes internal reviews and lengthy, exhausting hearings with the Administrative Review Tribunal (formerly known as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal). At these hearings, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is represented by lawyers, while the applicant, often unable to afford legal representation, must face them alone. The process can involve invasive medical assessments, with some applicants being forced to undergo assessments conducted by occupational therapists, flown in from interstate. And even when all that effort culminates in a successful application, the battle is far from over.

It can take three to four months for participants to receive their first NDIS plan, and even then, the plan often lacks clarity. It may outline the funds allocated for the year, but it doesn't detail what those funds can actually be used for. To get this information, participants must wait for yet another NDIA employee—the Local Area Coordinator (LAC)—to provide a breakdown. But this communication is often a gamble, as the LAC’s ability to write clear, concise, and informative emails varies greatly. In addition, there is no easy-read language or user-friendly layout, and the details often remain vague. If a participant asks whether the funding covers a specific therapy or item, they are often left without an answer, and must wait once again for the LAC to contact the NDIA. Worse still, some participants receive funding for items they do not need, whilst crucial necessities like handrails in toilets or showers and other assistive technologies, remain unfunded despite multiple reports from occupational therapists stating their necessity.

It is frequently argued that the NDIS is too costly for taxpayers. But the true costs lie not in the support itself, but in the bureaucracy and convoluted processes that drain resources. And that is before we even address the issue of providers who inflate their prices, charging NDIS participants far more than non-NDIS clients for the same services. The NDIS is essential, and its scope must be broadened to cover more people with disability. However, it is equally important to reduce costs by eliminating unnecessary processes, stopping the exploitation of participants by unscrupulous providers, and, above all, listening to the people who rely on this support.

So, what do we need from our federal politicians? We need a significant investment in the organisations that are doing the heavy lifting, supporting people with disability. We also need additional funding for local councils to deliver targeted community programs, specifically designed for people with disability. These programs are essential in fostering inclusion and ensuring disabled community members have the resources and opportunities to live, connect, and thrive in their local areas. It’s not enough to push people towards existing systems; we must build stronger, more accessible supports within the very communities we live in. Lastly, we need improved access to the NDIS for all people with disability, along with clearer, more flexible funding delivery for participants. The system must be easier to navigate, with funding processes that are transparent and adaptable to the unique needs of each individual.

As we head into the federal election, let us remind all candidates and MPs seeking (re)election— we are the 20%, and we vote. It’s time for our voices to be heard. It’s time for policies and funding that actually support people with disability, not just those lucky enough to navigate the complex system. It's time for our politicians to step up, recognise these needs, and take action to provide the support and resources that people with disability deserve.

✊

If you’re passionate about getting disability on the agenda this federal election, consider volunteering with Brimbank Disability Advocacy & Support to help facilitate a disability election forum. Your involvement can make a real difference in raising awareness and ensuring that the issues impacting our community are heard. If you're able to help, please reach out to them via email at brimbankdisability@gmail.com