Australia's Disability Groups Warn Against Harmful Religious Discrimination Bill

Disability organisations across Australia have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern that the proposed Religious Discrimination Bill could override existing protections for people with disability. They argue the bill’s “statements of belief” clause would permit humiliating or demeaning remarks based on religion, potentially increasing stigma toward disabled Australians, especially those with intersecting identities such as LGBTQIA+, culturally diverse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, women, girls, children and young people.

Separately, representative disability bodies have criticised the rushed timetable for a Senate inquiry into reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). They warn that the one‑month deadline does not allow adequate scrutiny, public submissions or engagement with the disability community, increasing the risk that reforms could create unintended consequences and further marginalise vulnerable groups, particularly women and gender‑diverse persons with disability. Both statements call for more thorough parliamentary review, safeguards and consultation before any legislation proceeds.