Blog

Today PDA’s star Policy/Project Officer, Sarah McInnes, was part of the NDRP’s “Evidence to Action: Accessible and Inclusive Communities” which explored the importance of changing community attitudes to improve genuine inclusion and accessibility within our communities. As always, Sarah spoke eloquently, with conviction and with understanding around what is needed to achieve a society that...

Prior to his resignation as PDA CEO taking effect, Jeremy Muir was interviewed by the “Saturday Paper” in regards to increased technology and surveillance by major retailers to reduce shoplifting. This story went to print on Saturday. With proposed “upgrades” bringing added inconvenience and potential safety issues to people living with disability or mobility issues,...

On Wednesday 10th December 2025, PDA’s accomplished Policy and Project Officer, Sarah McInnes, was a guest panelist at the Human Rights Day Symposium hosted by B-Hart. Leading voices from government, academia and lived-experience perspectives addressed human rights in shaping disability service provision. Big ideas, bold conversations, and plans for real action were shared by an...

PDA’s CEO, Jeremy Muir, and Project/Policy Offer, Sarah McInnes were recently guest speakers at the National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) Evidence to Action event “Building Respectful Partnerships”. This session brought together advocacy leaders and researchers who challenged common myths about working together in disability research. To watch this very interesting discussion, go to: https://youtu.be/QPRhsVz3pp4?si=7_2dmqfq1OIWO7u-&t=886

Melanie Hawkes (PDA’s WA Director) was recently interviewed by “In Plain Sight” podcast team of Simon and Abby. It’s just gone up on their website and is a really great listen. Covering the many experiences, opportunities and achievements of Melanie’s very full and very exciting life, this conversation celebrates her passion for self-exploration, creativity and...

Check out Nas Campanella’s and Evan Young’s video story featuring PDA’s CEO, Jeremy Muir. “Forget what you think you know about disability. Many people view disability as something that needs a medical fix, not a societal one. That forces people with disability to work within the limitations of a world not designed for them. Could...

The ABC’s Nas Campanella and Evan Young have written a wonderful article featuring PDA’s CEO, Jeremy Muir, who talks about his independence being impacted by his surroundings and the built environment. It is a really great read. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-08/social-medical-models-disability-accessibility-inclusion/105494462

On Wednesday 30th April 2025, PDA’s CEO Jeremy Muir was interviewed by Vision Australia Radio’s Peter Greco in regards to PDA’s recent media release on airline accessibility following announcement of the Virgin Australia and Qatar Airlines partnership (https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2025/04/physical-disability-australias-response-to-airline-accessibility-following-virgin-qatar-airlines-partnership/96690/). You can listen to his interview in full by clicking below and visiting PDA’s YouTube channel. Whilst...

Physical Disability Australia (PDA) expressed wary optimism of the newly approved partnership, in the hope that many more passengers will feel accommodated and respected in the skies. https://www.disabilitysupportguide.com.au/talking-disability/virgin-australia-and-qatar-airways-partner-for-accessible-skies

“Melbourne family’s flight harness ordeal spurs call for better airline disability protocols. A Melbourne family says a recent travel experience has highlighted different airline approaches to disability seating on flights. The Qasim family have urged airlines to adopt more inclusive policies to assist passengers. Disability advocates are calling for national changes in the wake of...

To the Editor, NDIS changes need input from participantsRecent criticism of the National Disability Insurance Scheme as an economic burden overlooks its critical role in supporting Australia’s economy and communities (‘‘NDIS cost blowout adds to inflation’’, September 27). We agree, there are issues within the NDIS that need urgent reform, particularly around red tape, inefficiencies...

Letter to the Editor: NDIS—A Pillar for the Economy, But Reform is Needed To the Editor, The recent criticism of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as an economic burden overlooks its critical role in supporting Australia’s economy and communities. However, we agree that there are issues within the NDIS that need urgent reform, particularly...