An Easy Read version of this CEO Update is available at https://www.pda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PDA-Member-Update-Easy-Read-Version.docx
Hello Members,
For those of you who I have not yet had the pleasure to meet or speak with, I’d like to introduce myself.
My name is Jeremy Muir and I have been in the role of CEO of PDA for the past two months and, even though it has been a steep learning curve, I am getting my head around the activities that PDA has been and is currently involved in.
With that in mind, I want to provide an update on PDA and its current positioning in relation to issues affecting the lives of people living with a physical disability. After all, this is why PDA exists for you, our members.
PDA is recognised as a Disability Representative Organisation (DRO). We are a DRO that provides systemic advocacy for people with physical disabilities. PDA receives funding through the Department of Social Services and the National Disability Insurance Agency with a view to representing PDA and its members by participating in strategies and initiatives, including the reform agenda associated with disability services (for example, the National Disability Insurance Scheme reform and the National Disability Strategy).
Over the past 2 months, I have been to countless meetings with representatives from other DROs, carer organisations, the Department of Social Services, and the National Disability Insurance Agency, as well as meetings with PDA staff, PDA executives and the PDA board.
Meetings like the DRO Forum and the Disability Representative Carer Organisation Forum (DRCO) happen quarterly, last up to six hours, and involve discussions between DROs, DRCOs, and relevant departments.Issues are raised by the DROs and DRCOs for discussion with the department. The department then provides information and feedback on agenda reform, policy, and outcomes. These meetings allow DROs and DRCOs to address issues from member feedback. At the last DRCO Forum in February, the Honourable Minister Amanda Rishworth attended and gave her account of the current state of the NDIA and the NDIS. All the members who attended appreciated Minister Rishworth’s candour and there was a sense that Minister Rishworth honestly believes that the NDIS reform will create greater efficiencies, improve clarity around process and improve access for participants.
As part of the NDIS Reform, the NDIA has created Co-Design Working Groups that focus on various aspects of the NDIS. PDA represents its members in ‘Co-Design Strategies’. Alongside other DROs we participate in partnership with the NDIA staff in reviewing distinct functions of the NDIS.
When I came on board PDA was part of the ‘Assessment and Budgeting’ Co-Design Group and the ‘Self-Management Advisory Group’. I will not provide extensive details about these groups as the work is ongoing. Much remains to be done, and efforts will continue to amplify our voice. We have learned that a ‘co-design’ reset will occur, which will change the future proceedings of the Assessment and Budgeting working group.
PDA works in partnership with other DROs under the National Coordination Function (NCF) hosted by the Disability Advocacy Network Australia or, as it is better known, DANA. Being a part of this community provides PDA with the opportunity to collaborate on agreed strategies, supporting national initiatives and discussing issues and topics relevant to the wider disability community. The NCF members released a joint statement on budget night following the budget announcement.
Through this collaborative approach, PDA has endorsed a number of position statements released by other DROs that may will support a positive impact for you, our members. Two statements PDA recently endorsed are:
- Assistance Animal Framework – Australian Autism Alliance
- Rights-Based Needs Assessment Model – Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
PDA has also endorsed and sponsored DANA’s election campaign, with this becoming more visible over the coming weeks in the lead up to the election. PDA has also endorsed the election campaigns developed by The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) and Every Australian Counts.
In case you missed it, I also wrote a blog about accessibility and polling locations.
When taking on the role of CEO, I thought it important to introduce myself to the current incumbent Minister’s responsible for the NDIS, The Hon Amanda Rishworth and Dr Anne Aly (Minister Assisting with the NDIS) by way of the Introduction Letter. This resulted in an incredibly positive meeting with Dr Aly’s office. With the upcoming election and depending in results, new letters of introduction may be needed to keep PDA on the radar of relevant Ministers.
With the election date now called, PDA wants to canvas you, our members, by way of a survey. This survey will ask you about topics and issues you feel are important and relevant for PDA to focus on throughout the next year or two. This survey will help us decide the best way PDA can represent you. Look out for the survey over the coming weeks.
PDA has also started the recruitment process for a Policy/Project Officer. Again, look out for the announcements about this role and, if you are interested, please consider applying.
In the fast-paced media world, I had the opportunity to provide comments on the discriminatory treatment of a 12-year-old boy living with cerebral palsy and his family by Qatar Airlines. ABC produced the story, highlighting the challenges met by individuals with disabilities, particularly those with physical impairments, during air travel. Further to this, PDA has released a media statement about air travel.
To keep up to date with what’s happening in Australia’s disability space, I encourage you to subscribe to PDA’s social media channels, (such as PDA’s Facebook Discussion Page) which will provide you with valuable disability-related information and allow you to provide us with feedback on issues of importance.
I also encourage you to check out PDA’s website’s blog page, which gives you access to excellent blogs written by PDA Board Members. If you have an idea for a blog that you think may interest the PDA membership, please feel free to contact Natasha Nobay (PDA’s Communications and Engagement Manager) to discuss – natasha.nobay@pda.org.au.
At the risk of writing too much, I will end this first version of the CEO update now. I will continue to provide you with updates throughout the year. If you have any questions or concerns, or you simply want to reach out and say “hi”, please do not hesitate to contact me – jeremy.muir@pda.org.au.
Together let’s make our voices heard.
Jeremy Muir – CEO Physical Disability Australia
