Easy Read version of this CEO Update is available at
https://www.pda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PDA-Member-Update-Easy-Read-Version-June-2025.docx
Hello Members,
There have been several developments since my previous update. The Labor government won with a surprising, decisive majority. The Ministry has undergone a reorganisation, with new Ministers appointed. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is now part of the newly formed Government department of Health, Disability, and Ageing. The systemic advocacy sector strongly called for a Minister for Disability in line with the recommendation from the Disability Royal Commission, but I am not sure we were expecting the outcome of ‘Disability’ becoming a part of such a large department nor for the Minister for Disability to have such an extensive portfolio. It is important to note that although Mark Butler is the Senior Minister within the new portfolio, the NDIS will effectively be the responsibility of Jenny McAllister within the new portfolio/s. I have written letters of introduction to both Ministers.
About Mark Butler
Mark Butler is a senior Labor MP who has held many different government roles since entering parliament in 2007. He has worked on issues including mental health, ageing, housing and climate change. He is now responsible for both the health and disability portfolios.
Before politics, Mark worked with the United Workers Union, supporting people in low-paid jobs. He has a long interest in social policy and has written about ageing and the environment.
About Jenny McAllister
Jenny McAllister has been a Senator for New South Wales since 2015. She was recently appointed Minister for the NDIS, following on from her roles as Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Cities.
Her background is in public policy and infrastructure, and she has worked in both government and private organisations. Jenny also co-founded the Labor Environmental Activist Network and has long focused on social justice and inclusion.
NDIS Reform
There has been much activity around the NDIS Reform initiatives and what this will mean for people with disabilities. In my role, I attend meetings, forums, and working groups with DRO representatives, NDIS participant representatives, and NDIS staff to discuss, debate, and share information on these reforms. Outcomes may not always align with agreements.
Let me give you my take from my perspective on what is currently happening:
Funding Period Rule Changes
New NDIS participants and those with reassessed plans will now see new funding periods in their plans.
https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10728-message-ceo-about-supporting-you-manage-your-ndis-funding
This has confused many. To find out how these changes may impact you, click on the following link:
New NDIS Funding Periods have Started: What You Need to Know – Every Australian Counts
If you read the article from Every Australian Counts (EAC), you can see that there are many concerns around the implementation of funding periods. EAC has highlighted the issues and concerns far better than I could, but here’s what I found interesting (particularly around the NDIS statement where it indicates that ‘funding periods will usually be set at 3-months.’) Firstly, the statement when initially released by the NDIS indicated that new plans or reassessed plans would be set at a default 3-month funds release period, unless participants were at elevated risk. The revised statement has softened this to ‘usually set at 3-months.’
Just a little more context around this decision. Plans renew annually and before May 19 and, except for certain supports like car and house modifications, funds are allocated for 12 months. The maximum period for releasing funds is 12 months. This should not require modification for most participants as they are not at high-risk, have no history of over-spending funds or running out of funds, nor do they have any history of misusing funds. So, what I am alluding to here is that the 3-month funding period is an NDIS decision and their decision alone.
Annual Pricing Review
The NDIS has just released its annual pricing review – Annual pricing review | NDIS
You can read more here about what this means for participants – Tightening the Belt:
The impact on participants is still unclear, with wage increases for support workers and level 1 support coordination in some States, but with reduced pricing limits on various therapy supports.
What I can say as an NDIS self-managed participant is that, from my experience when engaging therapy supports, if I didn’t state I was an NDIS participant, I was quoted one fee and if I did state that I was an NDIS participant I was quoted, again in my experience, a higher fee. This may not be the same experience as others. In one area of support costs will rise but, in another, they will decrease. Is this equivalent to robbing Peter to pay Paul?
Other Election Information
Ali France won the North Brisbane seat of Dickson, replacing Peter Dutton. Ms France is a woman who identifies as living with a physical disability as an amputee. I have written a letter of congratulations and introduction to Ms France.
Policy/Project Officer Recruitment
We have received several exceptional applications from individuals with lived experiences of disability for the new PDA position, which has been very encouraging.
The skills, experience and knowledge displayed by these candidates relating to the role has been exceptional. We are currently in the process of interviewing, and we hope to make our hiring decision over the coming weeks. Please stay tuned for further updates.
PDA Member Survey
On June 11th we emailed out a survey to our members. The purpose of this survey is to provide guidance to PDA on areas that our community would like us to focus on over the next 12 months and beyond. It also provides us with a valuable insight into issues and concerns that our members are currently experiencing. If you did not receive the survey and would like to be involved in this feedback opportunity, please contact Natasha Nobay – natasha.nobay@pda.org.au and a survey link will be forwarded on to you.
Thank you to those of you who have already responded. If you have not yet had the chance to complete the survey, please could I encourage you to do so as your input is invaluable.
New PDA Board Members
We have three PDA vacant Board Member positions:
• WA Associate Director
• NT Director
• NT Associate Director
These roles provide a wonderful opportunity to become part of a hardworking, fun team that works for the benefit of all Australians living with physical disability.
So, what is involved?
We are looking for someone with lived experience of physical disability who:
• is interested in improving the inclusion and participation of people with a physical disability in all aspects of life.
• will actively participate in the systemic advocacy work undertaken by PDA.
• will encourage and promote PDA membership and involvement to people with physical disability in your state/Territory.
• will assist in spreading the word by sharing PDA posts on social media pages and encouraging other members to do the same.
• will work with your State/Territory Board Members to identify local issues for PDA to act on.
• will attend PDA Board of Directors’ meetings by Zoom videoconference once every 2 months and in person if and when required.
If this sounds like something you’d like to be part of or you’d like to hear more, please email me – jeremy.muir@pda.org.au.
Want To Stay Informed?
Remember you can keep up-to-date with all that is happening in the disability sector by subscribing to PDA’s social media channels, such as PDA’s Facebook Discussion Page) which provides valuable disability-related information and allows you to provide us with feedback on issues of importance.
For information on accessing PDA’s other social media platforms, please visit https://www.pda.org.au/2025/01/08/stay-up-to-date-on-issues-affecting-you/
I also encourage you to regularly visit PDA’s website’s blog page. This page showcases blogs written by our Board Members. Our Tasmanian representative Tammy Milne recently had an excellent blog published, outlining the machinations of requiring support workers.
We are always interested in hearing your ideas for Blogs. If you have an idea for a blog, please feel free to contact Natasha Nobay to discuss – natasha.nobay@pda.org.au.
Congratulations to our President, Sharon Boyce.
PDA’S President and QLD Director, Dr Sharon Boyce, was recently recognised at the 2025 Toowoomba Business Disability Awards.
As winner of the Education & Training Award, this accolade celebrates excellence in education and/or training within the Toowoomba and Darling Downs regions.
A most deserving recipient.
Conclusion
I will finish my second update now.
However, 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 (PDA)
