LATEST NEWS
Framework for Dementia Priority Actions Published
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released the Collective Priority Framework 2025-2027 as part of the National Dementia Action Plan 2024-2034. The Framework has outlined the following as priorities: improvements to dementia diagnoses, care and support for those diagnosed, support individuals and communities to minimise risk and progression, and improve data, research and innovation.
Have Your Say: NDIS Public Consultation on New Framework Planning
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is seeking feedback from the disability community regarding the new NDIS framework planning set to start mid-2026 and slowly roll out, which aims to make planning fairer and easier for people with disability, families, carers and providers. The framework aims to create greater flexibility for participants and implement a person-centred approach. Community consultation regarding the framework planning is focused on developing rules to guide how NDIS plans will be created. Consultation closes on 6 March 2026.
Thriving Kids Program Roll-Out Update
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released the Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report, which includes the proposed national model. Thriving Kids will support children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism, with low to moderate support needs, as well as their families and carers. Children not eligible for Thriving Kids will continue to be eligible for NDIS support. The Program is set to begin on 1 October 2026 and will be fully rolled out by 1 January 2028.
Aged Care Provider Workforce Survey
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has begun the 2026 Aged Care Provider Workforce Survey, to understand the workforce and inform future policy. Selected residential aged care services, Support at Home program providers and Commonwealth Home Support Program providers have been contacted to participate. All Multi-Purpose Services and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Services have also been invited to participate in the survey. The survey will be conducted by HealthConsult and will close on 27 March 2026.
Have Your Say: Supported Decision-Making in NSW
The Committee on Ageing and Disability is seeking submissions regarding an inquiry into supported decision-making for adults with disability and older people in NSW. The inquiry is examining the role and function of the Ageing and Disability Commission in supported decision-making, options for improving the process of supported decision-making and substitute decision-making is used appropriately and in limited circumstances. The Committee on Ageing and Disability is seeking the lived experiences of people looking to access support to make decisions, including Aboriginal people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Submissions close on 13 March 2026.
Schedule of Fees and Charges for Residential Care
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released the Schedules of fees and charges for residential care from 1 January 2026. It also includes rates for transition care in both home or community settings and residential care settings.
NSW Government Disability Inclusion Plan 2026-2029
The Department of Communities and Justice has released the Disability and Inclusion Plan 2026-2029, which was developed through consultation with people with disability, Disability Council NSW, NSW government agencies and other peak disability organisations. The new plan includes four focus areas that develop positive community attitudes and uphold the rights of people with disability: create liveable and safer communities, support access to meaningful employment and independence, and improve access to mainstream services through better systems and processes.
Disability Royal Commission Progress Report 2025
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released the Disability Royal Commission Progress Report 2025, which focused on the 222 recommendations outlined in the final report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. The implementation of the recommendations is being guided by people with disability, representative organisations and disability advocacy groups.
CHSP Wellness and Reablement Outcomes Report
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has published the 2024 Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) wellness and reablement report. The report focuses on the required annual reporting of CHSP providers about their approaches to wellness and reablement within their service delivery. The report outlines the progress providers are making in implementing wellness and reablement practices, the impact of service delivery approaches, and the challenges and strengths of different service delivery methods. Email [email protected] for any queries
NDRP Funding for Disability-Led Research
National Disability Research Partnership is investing $5 million to support collaborative research in expanding existing knowledge and information regarding safety and accessible and inclusive communities. There are two NDRP Research Agenda research themes to focus your research project on, and applications close at 5:00pm AEST on 20 April 2026.
Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services 2026 Available for Reading
The Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services 2026 provides information on the equity, effectiveness and efficiency of government services in Australia, and its release has been staggered between 29 January and 10 February 2026. The report contains community services data including data from aged care services and services for people with disability. This data has been collected using multiple indicators such as unmet need, quality of care, wait times, workforce sustainability, unit costs, and carer health and wellbeing.
CPSA eVoice Newsletters Now Available
The Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association (CPSA) is a non-profit, non-party-political membership association dedicated to improving the quality of life and wellbeing of pensioners of all ages, superannuants and low-income retirees. Their Voice newsletter is now available digitally, with news, stories and updates relevant to pensioners, superannuants and retirees across NSW. Their contact information can be found here.
