Welcome to the May update on all things WWDA. This update is sent directly to our members as our part of our monthly newsletter – become a member or join our mailing list today.
What WWDA is advocating for
Following the Federal Budget and the introduction of the new NDIS Reform Bill, WWDA wants our community to know: we are advocating for you.
We are advocating for disability supports both inside and outside the Scheme, so every woman, girl and gender-diverse person with disability can get what they need to live safely, independently, with dignity and choice.
WWDA CEO Sophie Cusworth has shared what WWDA is advocating for following these updates, and where you can seek support – read her full statement here.
Submission: Gendered Risks of the NDIS Amendment Bill 2026
Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) has published a submission and supporting evidence paper on the gendered risks of the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.
WWDA is deeply concerned by the Bill, and the broad powers it gives the Government to tighten access, reduce supports, cap funding and shift people to other systems before new rules, safeguards and tools have been designed.
To read the full submission and letters of support, click here.
[Video description: This video is 1 minute and 46 seconds in length. Diana discusses WWDA’s position on the new NDIS Bill. This video has a purple background, with Diana speaking to the camera and white text captions with a black background.]
Media Release: Federal Budget is a devastating blow for women with disabilities
On Federal Budget night, WWDA released a statement on the “devastating blow” of NDIS cuts that are set to leave more women, girls and gender-diverse people with disability, without essential support.
WWDA said the Government is chasing Budget savings through cuts to essential disability supports, tighter NDIS access and reduced participant growth, despite the absence of real supports outside the Scheme.
To read the full statement, click here.
Media Release: DROs call on Government to ensure critical supports remain while NDIS changes are made
Australia’s Disability Representative Organisations acknowledge the need to tackle NDIS fraud and ensure long-term scheme sustainability, and we are ready to work constructively with the Government on these reforms.
Any decisions that determine who gets support and who doesn’t must be built with the people most affected. People with disability are the experts in their own lives and must lead the design of solutions.
To read the full statement, click here.
Statement: DROs call for Senate scrutiny over rushed NDIS reforms
Australia’s Disability Representative Organisations (DROs) are united in calling for a robust Senate Inquiry into the NDIS Reform Bill introduced today by the Australian Government.
We are deeply disappointed by the extraordinarily short timeframe of approximately one month for the Senate Inquiry to report, and have grave doubts that this will allow proper scrutiny of legislation, with major implications for the wellbeing, rights and supports foe people with disability, families and carers.
To read the full statement, click here.
In the News
- No foundations for NDIS changes – The Saturday Paper
Community Updates and Opportunities
- Make a Submission on the Inquiry into Securing the NDIS for the Future Bill 2026 – submissions close 1 June 2026.
- Join the campaign to End Partner Income Testing – find out more or share your story.
- Attend the 2026 ‘Safer Together’ Big Meeting with the Safer Me Safer You project – In-person or online, Tuesday 23 June 2026.
Update: WWDA Youth Network and WYAG
For 11 years, the WWDA Youth Network has been a space for young women, girls and gender-diverse people with disability to connect, share stories, build leadership and create change.
WWDA is transitioning from the current dedicated youth model into a broader member engagement approach that brings together voices from across our whole community. As part of this change, the WWDA Youth Advisory Group (WYAG), social media channels and newsletter will close on 30 June 2026.
This does not mean youth advocacy and participation at WWDA is ending. Young women, girls and gender-diverse people with disability remain central to WWDA’s work, advocacy and campaigns. This transition is about creating a more connected and inclusive approach to meaningful change for our whole community, while continuing to ensure youth voices are visible, valued and heard in all areas of our work.
We know WWDA Youth and WYAG have been important spaces for connection, leadership and representation for our community. We want to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed their time, ideas and lived experience.
