Welcome to the June 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.
WWDA and the NDIS Reform Bill
Many people in our community are feeling worried and uncertain about proposed changes outlined in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Reform Bill. We hear those concerns clearly.
WWDA wants our community to know: we are advocating for you. We are continuing to push for a sustainable and fair NDIS, strong safeguards, greater transparency and fully funded supports both inside and outside the NDIS.
We’ve created a webpage for our NDIS Updates, including information about the Bill, our advocacy, and what we’ve been sharing with our members. Click the link below to find out more.
Watch: WWDA speaks out at Senate Inquiry
On June 10th, Sophie Cusworth and Dr Diana Piantedosi represented WWDA and its members at the Public Hearing for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.
They advocated for more co-design and inclusion of people with disability, the risks and harm the Bill will cause, and discussed a number of key issues, including proposed new definitions of ‘parental responsibility’ and ‘functional capacity’.
Watch WWDA’s full Public Hearing session on our YouTube channel.
COSP19: WWDA goes to New York
Earlier this month, Sophie Cusworth (CEO), Dr Diana Piantedosi (Senior Manager, Policy & Advocacy) and Claire Bertholli (Youth Development Officer), travelled to New York to attend the 19th Session Of The Conference Of States Parties To The CRPD (COSP19).
Each of them spoke at the Conference:
- Claire shared an intervention at the Civil Society Forum, speaking to social and community participation;
- Diana was a featured speaker at the Roundtable on ‘Creating a world free from exploitation, violence and abuse for all persons with disabilities’; and
- Sophie was a panellist at a side event WWDA co-hosted on intersectionality and co-design.
WWDA is proud to represent our community on the global stage, and hope to bring insights from COSP19 to our advocacy and policy work.
Joint Statement: The SDA Amendment Bill is a threat to all women
WWDA has joined with feminists, women’s organisations and community coalitions to express our opposition to the Sex Discrimination Amendment (Sex-based Rights) Bill 2026.
It seeks to limit protection to discrimination by defining men and women only by their physical characteristics, imposing a strict sex binary and allowing people to establish ‘women-only’ places and services without any justification needed.
Goodbye WWDA Youth Network!
On June 30th, WWDA will be closing our Youth Network and the Youth Advisory Group (WYAG).
We’re still advocating for youth voices, but want to make sure everyone in our community is heard and recognised.
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.
If you would like to find out more, click here to see our Q&A page.
Discover the achievements of the Youth Network by clicking this link.
In the News
- Women to be hardest-hit by sweeping NDIS changes
- NDIS cuts could create unsafe environments and domestic violence risks, inquiry warned
- Tightening NDIS eligibility will disproportionately affect women – in more ways than you’d expect
- Listen: NDIS changes slammed at inquiry
- Women ‘at higher risk of abuse’ under proposed NDIS changes
- Disabled people urge reflection as key report delayed
- Disability advocates welcome extension after ‘ridiculous and disrespectful’ NDIS inquiry
Community Updates and Opportunities
To find more opportunities to get involved and have your say, stay up to date with WWDA’s Have Your Say page.
- The Australian Government is now seeking community feedback to inform the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. Consultations close 31 July 2026. Click here to take part.
- Researchers at the Disability Innovation Institute at UNSW are conducting a project about the methods that are most useful when researching the health and health priorities of people with disability. To register your interest, contact Jodi Lamanna by email (j.lamanna@unsw.edu.au) or call 02 9348 3307.
- People With Disability Australia are hosting a survey on the NDIS. They want to hear about experiences in finding information about NDIS changes, and having your say on reforms. Click here to take the survey.
