Australia moves toward major NDIS and media reforms

The Australian government is seeking to pass sweeping reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), alongside new legislation regarding gambling advertising and media funding. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has held discussions with Coalition leader Angus Taylor to find common ground on these significant legislative changes.

The NDIS reforms aim to control costs, with the government targeting approximately $38 billion in savings over four years as part of a broader effort to manage the scheme's long-term budget. The changes include restricting eligibility to those with permanent impairments from 2028 and granting new powers to slash social and community participation budgets. While a Senate inquiry has green-lit the laws, a Labor-led human rights committee has warned that vulnerable Australians could fall through the gaps due to a lack of alternative supports.

In tandem with the NDIS overhaul, the government is addressing misconduct within the scheme. NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister reported a record 111 banning orders issued by the watchdog in the last quarter, aimed at removing fraudulent operators. Additionally, adjustments to the News Bargaining Incentive are moving toward the Senate, which could impose taxes on major tech companies that fail to reach funding agreements with news organizations.