Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is proud to share our 2025 Election Platform, calling on all candidates for election to commit to practical, lasting progress for women, girls, and gender-diverse people with disabilities. As a national Disabled People’s Organisation and National Women’s Alliance, we are urging all political parties to commit to strong action in relation to gender-based violence and disability support. This includes:
- Funding for a disability-led gender-based violence working group.
- Reforming legal definitions of ‘domestic and family violence’.
- Gender-responsive foundational supports for people with chronic health conditions.
These priorities – grounded in unmet need for our community and the findings of the Disability Royal Commission and NDIS Review – draw attention to the urgent need for gender-responsive and disability-specific approaches in policy and design. With the support of policymakers, we have an opportunity to create real, lasting impact.
“Women with disabilities are part of every community across Australia, but our needs and experiences are too often overlooked in policy and decision-making. We are calling for bold, meaningful action to break down the barriers we face – so that no woman with disability is left behind.”
– Sophie Cusworth, CEO, Women With Disabilities Australia
Leading prevention and support initiatives
Women and gender-diverse people with disability experience some of the highest rates of violence in the country– often in ways that are overlooked or misunderstood. The violence we face is compounded by ableism, gender inequality, and gaps in support and justice systems. Despite this, national violence prevention efforts rarely include our voices or reflect the specific ways violence impacts us.
WWDA is calling for a funded, disability-led gender-based violence working group to guide the implementation of the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children. This group would offer expert advice, co-design accessible resources, and ensure disability-specific violence is considered in national responses and strategies.
Changing the law to reflect our reality
Many forms of violence faced specifically by people with disabilities, including financial abuse, denial of medication, or withholding assistive technology, are not recognised under current legal definitions of ‘domestic and family violence’. The Disability Royal Commission recommended changes to expand these definitions and reflect the lived experiences of women with disabilities, especially in private or institutional settings. However, the Government is yet to fully accept this recommendation.
WWDA is advocating for full implementation of Recommendation 8.24 of the Disability Royal Commission. Every person deserves to be safe and supported, and that starts with recognising their experiences without the harm of inadequate legal frameworks.
Ensuring support is accessible to everyone
Too many people with chronic and episodic health conditions are left behind by existing health and disability service systems. They may be ineligible for government programs and services but still face serious unmet need in daily life – especially women and gender-diverse people living with multiple, complex diagnoses.
WWDA is calling for gender-responsive foundational supports for people with chronic health conditions across every state and territory, to access the supports they need. This includes outreach services, flexible supports during flare-ups, and training for professionals on the impacts of gender bias in healthcare and disability discrimination.
WWDA is committed to continued advocacy for structural change and disability rights. Our community must be central to public decision-making on safety, access and support – now, after the election and beyond. Our election priorities represent years of advocacy, and persistent unmet need in our community – and they are actionable steps toward a fair and equitable future.
WWDA will continue to work alongside community advocates, Government and partner organisations to ensure that the needs, priorities and voices of women, girls and gender-diverse people with disability drive reform.
“This election is a defining moment. The Royal Commission and the NDIS Review have made it clear: we need systems that are built with and for women and gender-diverse people with disabilities. Our community has waited too long for action on violence, safety, and support. These are not fringe issues – they are central to human rights and equity. We are calling on every candidate to show leadership and act on the solutions we’ve laid out.”
– Karin Swift, President, Women With Disabilities Australia
📥 Explore WWDA’s 2025 Election Platform below.
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact: officeadmin@wwda.org.au. Sophie Cusworth (CEO) is available for comment and/or appearance upon request.
About WWDA:
Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is the national Disability Representative Organisation and National Women’s Alliance for women, girls and gender diverse people with disabilities in Australia. We work to protect, promote and advance the rights of women, girls and gender-diverse people with disabilities in Australia, amplify their voices, and dismantle systemic barriers. We advocate for human rights, challenge discrimination, and promote policies that enable all women with disabilities to thrive. For more information, visit wwda.org.au.
