Curious about where candidates stand on all things disability? So were we.
That’s why we reached out to each major party and a few key minor parties to learn directly from them about their disability policies.
We asked each representative, 'Could you please share your party's stance and policies on disability in 100-150 words?'
We received three responses, and here's what they had to say.
Skip to:
- MP Amanda Rishworth (Labor)
- MP Michael Sukkar (Coalition)
- Senator Jordon Steele-John (Greens)
- Closing statement
Statement from Amanda Rishworth MP
Labor’s Minister for Social Services and NDIS
Image source: Amanda Rishworth's official website.
“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to creating a more inclusive community where all people with disability can participate as equal members of society. And it’s always been Labor governments that have built Australia’s strong, sustainable and responsive social safety net.
A re-elected Albanese Labor government will continue our strong focus on breaking down barriers, creating opportunities and building high quality services and supports for people with disability both inside and outside the NDIS.
A top priority of the Albanese Labor Government is to work with states and territories to implement foundational supports and continue reforms to the NDIS to deliver better outcomes for people with disability and to be more responsive to individual needs.
Our Government will continue to make changes to improve the NDIS in a transparent way, making sure it delivers better, consistent and fairer decisions, protects the safety and upholds the rights of participants, and that every dollar allocated to NDIS participants reaches them and is spent in a meaningful way that makes a difference in their lives.
We will continue to work closely with NDIS providers, participants and the disability community to implement reform and changes in a meaningful and considered way.”
Statement from Michael Sukkar MP
Shadow Minister for Social Services, NDIS, Housing, and Homelessness. He represents the Liberal and National Party Coalition.
Image source: Michael Sukkar's facebook.
“The Coalition is committed to a fully funded National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as a demand driven scheme and has always been clear that the NDIS needs to be sustainable to ensure it delivers for generations to come.
A Dutton Coalition Government will eradicate fraud and waste from the NDIS to deliver value for taxpayer dollars and provide ongoing support to those with permanent and significant disabilities and protect the safety of workers and providers.
We support, in principle, a mandatory registration process that is proportionate to the service provided to people with a disability.
The former Coalition Government committed more than $500 million for the operation of the Disability Royal Commission over five years, including almost $150 million over three years to the Department of Social Services, the National Disability Insurance Agency and the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission, to provide counselling services and other support to people with disability in connection with their participation in the Royal Commission.
If elected, the Coalition will continue to consult with stakeholders and carefully consider the recommendations of both the Disability Royal Commission and the NDIS Review.”
Statement from Senator Jordon Steele-John
Member for The Greens
Image source: Supplied.
“The Greens are working for a future where disabled people can access education, employment, housing and healthcare – free from discrimination. We’ll prioritise fixing the NDIS by reversing Labor’s budget cuts and ensuring disabled people get the support they need.
We’ll invest in access to healthcare, communications, education, employment, reproductive rights and disaster response. We’ll also fund a national Disability Pride Week to celebrate the strength and diversity of our community.
Most importantly, we believe real change must be led by lived experience. That’s why we’ll create a Federal Minister for Disability, introduce a disability employment quota in the Australian Public Service, and establish an Election Access Fund to support disabled people to run for office.”
Closing statement
Over the past few years, the disability space has seen significant change, from the NDIS Review and the response to the Disability Royal Commission.
At Hireup, we’re committed to a consultative approach, making sure that the voices of people with disability are heard at every level of Government.
As we head toward the election this Saturday, one thing is clear: whoever forms the Government, we need strong, decisive, community-minded leadership in the disability space.
The sector has done the work – providers and advocates have engaged in consultation and contributed insights. Now it’s time for the Government to provide clear direction, commitment, and action.
Want to learn more about the upcoming Australian federal election? Check out our 2025 Election Hub for everything you need to know.