NDIS funding cuts spark safety concerns for Australian women

Disability advocates are warning that proposed federal government cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) could put tens of thousands of women at risk. The government's plan aims to reduce funding by $37.8 billion over four years and remove 160,000 people from the scheme to address unsustainable growth and fraud.

Sophie Cusworth, head of Women With Disabilities Australia, has raised concerns regarding proposed cuts to community participation spending. She argues that these funds are essential for accessing medical appointments, work, and social activities, which serve as a vital safeguard for women. Cusworth noted that "more than half have experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15 . . . for us, social and community participation is a safeguard."

Advocates highlighted that women are often under-diagnosed within the current system and face existing disadvantages. Additionally, the Australian Human Rights Commission has advised the federal government to halt the proposed NDIS changes until significant human rights concerns are addressed.