Physical Disability Australia has chosen not to contribute separately to the commentary at this stage, recognising that there is already much information to digest. We are aligned with the comments made by the disability organisations we work closely with, and as an overview direct your attention to the government resource found here:

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/securing-the-ndis-for-future-generations

Today, we will join several other peak organisations to meet with Ministers Butler and McAllister to gain insights into how they envision this process rolling out. Our focus will be on ensuring that the voices of people with disabilities are heard and on collaborating with government to uphold their rights.

Once we have a clearer understanding of the transition and its impact, we will issue a statement to share this information. Additionally, we will establish a process for people with disability to share their concerns and stories with us, ensuring that their voices are represented throughout this process.

We will work closely with the government and other disability peak organisations to ensure your voice is heard, sharing fact-based information as it becomes available, and working tirelessly to protect your rights. For those interested in staying up to date on our activities, we will be sending out regular updates to our membership.

You can apply for membership here: https://www.pda.org.au/membership-application/.

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 in our mission to enable every Australian living with a physical disability to realise their full potential.

Suzanne has a strong commitment to sustainable growth, and a people-first culture rooted in equity and inclusion. With lived experience, boundless energy, and a drive to remove barriers, she deeply believes that everyone should have the opportunity to be fully included in all social, economic, and political aspects of life.

Suzanne also chairs the Board for Women with Disabilities ACT, serves on the Advisory Board of Dial-a-Mate Mental Health Support Services, and is an award-winning mentor and leader.

Please join us in welcoming Suzanne as we move towards a more inclusive, empowered future!

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 days prior to the meeting, you will receive login details and meeting papers.

We look forward to seeing you at this meeting.

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 threats, and the need for inclusion and fairness across all facets of healthcare.

For more information go to:

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day

#WorldHealthDay

It’s happening on Monday 6th April.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOUR LOCAL TIME MAY HAVE CHANGED DUE TO THE END OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS AND THE CLOCKS GOING BACK:

6pm NSW/VIC/ACT/TAS/QLD
5:30pm SA/NT
4:00pm WA

Our Social Hours are held on the first Monday of the month and are a great chance to hang out with some wonderful people for a chat, laugh, sharing and advice.

If you haven’t yet joined us at a Social Hour, we encourage you to check it out.

If you’re one of our regulars, we look forward to seeing you there.

To register, go to:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqc–qqjkjG903J2KoieI9ASVSig7b4mxr?os=ipad#/registration

PDA’s Deferred AGM (financial year 2024/25) is scheduled for Thursday 23rd April at 6:30pm AEDT and will be held via MS Teams.

Part of the agenda involves finding Directors for both South Australia and the Northern Territory.

The Board is calling on people living with a physical disability who are residing in the NT or SA to nominate for these positions.

If you are eligible and interested in joining PDA’s Board, want to make a positive contribution to Australia’s disability sector and are eager to be part of a recognised and well respected disability representative organisation, we invite you to nominate.

You do need to be a Full PDA member (person living with a physical disability) but, if you’re not already part of our organisation, you can sign up for free membership by going to www.pda.org.au/membership. Once you have done so, please email promotion@pda.org.au to express your interest in nominating for either the SA or NT Directorship.

Existing PDA Members have been emailed information on this upcoming meeting – including Nomination and Proxy Forms. Please fill in the required form and return as per the detailed instructions. If you are a PDA Member and have not yet received this correspondence, please let us know by emailing promotion@pda.org.au.

Nominations must be received by close of business (5pm AEST) Thursday 16th April 2026.

140 advocacy groups completed the survey, representing approximately 35% of the estimated workforce. 48 individual advocacy organisations also took part, with every state and territory included in responses received.

Revealing a strong sector, fuelled by expertise and commitment, findings also reflected the strains of rising demand, funding uncertainty and strain on the available workforce.

To read this report, go to:

www.ncda.org.au/advocacy-sector-workforce-survey-2025-results-report/

Notice is hereby given that the Deferred Annual General Meeting of Physical Disability Australia Ltd (financial year 2024/25) will now be held on:

Thursday 23rd April 2026
6:30pm to 7pm AEDT
Location – Online via MS Teams

PDA Members have been emailed information on this upcoming meeting. If you are a PDA Member and have not yet received this correspondence, please let us know by emailing promotion@pda.org.au.

We look forward to seeing Members at this meeting.

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 is truly inclusive and respectful and which sees and utilises the value of everyone.

To watch her talk, go to:

She comes in at 18:16.

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, should these decisions be better considered?

Do you think that retail management needs to look at better options?

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