Blog

Bond University (in conjunction with Professor Michelle McLean -Editor-in-Chief, Ms Elmarie Stander, Assistant Professor Jaclyn Szkwara, Associate Professor Allan Stirling, Dr Priya Iyer, Associate Professor Tanisha Jowsey, Dr Thomas Titus and PDA’s Ambassador, Dinesh Palipana) has had an invaluable resource published to support and inform those affected by spinal cord injury.Stemming from an initial idea by...

Written by Sean Tyrell – PDA’s VIC Associate Director This blog was prompted by a loose discussion within the PDA Board about our experiences travelling abroad. After hearing some truly horrific stories from some of our members, I volunteered to try a lighter tone and share some history about how I used a bit of...

CAN YOU HELP?   The Queensland Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is undertaking a review of the Disability Parking Permit Scheme to identify opportunities to improve safe access to community facilities and services. TMR administers the Australian Disability Parking Permit Scheme (the Scheme) and is conducting a review of the Scheme to...

PDA Members are invited to attend our Deferred AGM (financial year 2024/25) scheduled for Thursday 23rd April at 6:30pm AEST – to be held via MS Teams. To register your planned attendance (outlining any accessibility requirements): * email promotion@pda.org.au, OR * call 1800 732 674 (1800 PDA ORG). Once you have registered, and a few...

We understand just how overwhelming and stressful this period is for people with disabilities. Seeing the issue constantly highlighted in the news and across social media can make it feel even more intense and isolating.At Physical Disability Australia we are acutely aware that this can be traumatizing, so we are being careful to ensure that...

Last night, we successfully held our deferred AGM, and we offer our sincere gratitude to the many members who chose to join us.Following the meeting, elections were conducted for the Executive Board.We are thrilled to announce the newly appointed PDA Executive Team, whose energy and vision promise to lead us forward with renewed enthusiasm:Paul Williamson...

PDA is entering an exciting new phase, with a re-energised board and a new CEO, and we are thrilled to introduce, as our new CEO, Suzanne Gearing. Suzanne brings outstanding nonprofit leadership, advocacy expertise, and a passion for turning vision into action – the ideal formula to support PDA as we enter a new chapter...

At last night’s AGM, the PDA Board farewelled one of its most valued and dedicated members, Nick Schumi.Nick took on the role of SA Director in April 2017 and, over the years, has made a lasting and meaningful contribution to Physical Disability Australia.During his time on the Board, he played a key role in strengthening and...

Following yesterday’s NDIS announcements by Mark Butler MP at the National Press Club, the NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme has provided the following updates: “You can now watch the speech online (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VJa-mt-uTk) or read the transcript (Minister Butler speech at the National Press Club – 22 April 2026 | Health, Disability and Ageing Ministers |...

There are many genuine concerns within the disability community regarding the announcement made by Mark Butler MP yesterday. For those whose lives depend on support, this is a time of significant stress. While there are some welcome positive changes within the announcement, uncertainty remains until we have a clearer understanding of its impact on individuals....

Written by Sean Tyrell, PDA Associate Director Victoria Many PDA members are aware that the Parliament has passed legislative amendments intended to make it easier for victims of sexual harassment, discrimination and victimisation to enforce our rights in the Federal Court. The law has been changed so that the payment of legal costs no longer...

Created in 1948, World Health Day was established on April 7th and dates the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO). Recognised annually, this anniversary prioritises a global health issue. The theme for 2026 is “Together for health. Stand with science” – and focuses on scientific collaboration, achievements, multilateral cooperation and action to tackle health...