Health and Community Solutions

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

31/08/2026

Now Free In Australia

31/08/2026

Yesterday, ASU members won an increase to the fuel allowance for community and disability workers. For too long, workers have been getting pumped at the bowser just for doing their jobs. It's a hard-won step in the right direction.

30/08/2026

Thousands of aged-care and disability workers who are required to use their own car to visit clients stand to gain up to an extra $59 a week after the Fair Work Commission agreed to increase their vehicle allowance from $1.01 to $1.05 a kilometre for six months, reports Ewin Hannan: https://bit.ly/3SjCr9M

27/08/2026

New NDIS changes start today. Here’s what you need to know.

From 27 August 2026, the first changes under the new NDIS legislation come into effect.

These include:
🔹 Plan reassessments
Only participants, plan nominees or child representatives can ask for an unscheduled plan reassessment. Requests must relate to a significant and ongoing change in functional capacity, support needs or key life circumstances. The NDIA will have 90 days to decide whether to reassess a plan.
🔹 New record-keeping requirements
Participants must keep relevant records for 3 years, nominees for 5 years and providers for 7 years. The NDIS says further rules will explain exactly what records need to be kept.
🔹 Stronger NDIA compliance and information-gathering powers
Participants and providers may be required to provide information to the NDIA, with stronger enforcement powers now available.
🔹 Changes to NDIS pricing powers
The Minister for Disability and the NDIS can now make pricing determinations. The NDIA says there are no immediate changes to current NDIS pricing.
🔹 More automated administrative action
Computer systems can now be used for some administrative actions, including claims and payment processing. The NDIA says safeguards and oversight will apply, and details of where automated systems are used must be published.

These are significant changes, and how they are implemented matters.

Every Australian Counts will be watching closely, listening to people with disability and families, and holding the Government and NDIA accountable for what happens in practice.
The legislation has passed. Our work to protect our NDIS continues.

More information: https://www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-laws/securing-ndis-future-generations
If these changes have already impacted you, we want to hear your story: https://forms.gle/SFPLCv2cCg5C46Zp9

If an NDIS decision is affecting you, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Contact the Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787 for help finding an independent disability advocate. If you need immediate emotional support, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.

[Image description: Red Every Australian Counts graphic reading: “NDIS Changes: Now in effect. New NDIS changes start today. Here’s what you need to know.” Includes an August 27 calendar icon.]

27/08/2026

For a more detailed timeline of changes, visit our NDIS changes information page: https://pwd.org.au/ disability-rights/2026-ndis-changes-what-the-new-laws-mean-and-what-happens-next/ (both linked in bio)

26/08/2026

26/08/2026

Have your say on proposed NDIS new framework planning and NDIS support rules.

We are making changes to the NDIS to ensure it is sustainable for future generations.

The proposed rules explain how support needs assessments and budgets could work under a new planning approach. We're working with states, territories and the disability community on these changes.

We want to hear from NDIS participants and the disability community to help shape the final rules.

🗓️ Consultation closes at 11.59 pm AEDT on 14 October 2026.

For more information, see the comments below. 👇