April at WWDA: Our monthly update

NDIS reform must not leave more women without support 

Responding to Minister Mark Butler’s National Press Club address last week, WWDA has acknowledged the Government’s focus on the long-term sustainability, integrity and safety of the NDIS, while warning that more women will lose out if reform is not done properly.

We have released several items on our website addressing NDIS changes, including harmful media narratives, and our advocacy position. 

Click here to find out more.

WWDA meets with Assistant NDIS Minister Rebecca White MP

Earlier this month, WWDA met with the Hon. Rebecca White MP, the Assistant NDIS Minister, to provide feedback on the women’s health package, and make sure women were included in the broader focus on chronic health conditions.

Women with disability are disproportionately impacted by chronic health conditions, and that needs to be more clearly reflected in the next phase of reform and future funding.

Find out more about our position in Diana’s video here.

[Video description: Diana is talking to the camera. Her background is a blue and purple gradient image. She has brown hair tied back, light skin and is wearing a black shirt. Subtitles are shown in white text with a purple background.]

NDIS Update on the new Framework Planning Model

Following the Federal Government’s recent NDIS announcement, the NDIS has shared new updates on the new framework planning model. It has now been delayed until April 2027, after further consultation with people with disability, families, carers and advocates.

The Government says the delay will allow for more time to listen to feedback, test proposed rules and processes, and provide clearer information about the transition.

What this means right now:

• Current NDIS eligibility and planning policies remain the same.
• Participants should continue using supports and services in line with their existing plans.
• Providers should continue delivering supports under approved plans.
• Participants will be informed well in advance if any future changes affect them personally.

Further information, including Auslan, factsheet and Easy Read resources, is available through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

WWDA at Women Deliver 2026

This week, several members of the WWDA Team and community advocates attended the Women Deliver 2026 Conference (WD2026). 

They had important conversations and meetings with industry leaders, advocates and government ministers – including the Hon Katy Gallagher, Minister for Women – to discuss inclusive leadership, gender equality and disability-specific justice.

Our Youth Development Officer Claire Bertholli was a featured speaker on the ‘We Belong at the Table – Getting Young Voices into Policy’ panel. Claire is a leader for youth advocacy and participation, passionate about creating pathways for young people to shape the decisions that affect their lives.

Our team is grateful to represent our community in global forums – check out our social media to see our conference recap!