Review of Australia’s Disability Strategy (ADS)

Closed

Review of Australia’s Disability Strategy

This consultation is now closed.

The Australian Government invites you to provide feedback about Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 (also called ADS or the Strategy). ADS sets out our plan for continuing to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia.

The Department of Social Services are undertaking a Review of ADS in 2024 to make sure it is working as planned, and if there are new things that should be part of ADS.

Taking part in the Review

We have provided a discussion paper in different formats to give you information about the review and Australias Disability Strategy. We have summarised what we have heard so far and what we think we should do. We want to know what you think. There is an image describing this below.

What we heard so far: ADS relies heavily on governments working together, however more needs to be done to support a coordinated approach to ADS implementation across governments. Our draft Recommendations: Refine ADS mechanisms to support a nationally coordinated approach to implementing ADS. What we heard so far: There is strong support for new TAPs. Our draft Recommendations: Consider developing new TAPs on:Inclusive Homes and CommunitiesSafety, Rights and JusticeCommunity Attitudes. What we heard so far: Accessible information and communications are vital for safe and inclusive communities. Our draft Recommendations: Identify ways to support best practice approaches on accessible communications. What we heard so far: ADS reporting does not support government accountability, implementation compliance, or recognising intersectional experiences of people with disability Our draft Recommendations: Extend ADS data and reporting to improve visibility of intersectional experiences.Embed mechanisms that will support the early identification of delayed and undelivered TAPs actions. What we heard so far: For ADS to achieve is goals, it is critical that people with disability are genuinely involved in the design, implementation, and governance of ADS. Our draft Recommendations: Develop and implement an ADS Community Engagement Plan, in addition to the existing ADS engagement commitments.

What’s next?

We will use feedback we receive from the community to update the ADS. The Report on ADS Review will be published on ADS Hub on Disability Gateway.

We will release an updated ADS in December 2024.

We will continue to consult with people with disability including a major Independent Evaluation in 2025 – 2026.

Some updates to ADS will be deferred until the Independent Evaluation. This will give people more time and opportunities to be involved in the development and implementation of reforms to ADS.

About ADS

The ADS Hub on Disability Gateway offers a single place for resources and reports on ADS.

Core information is provided in accessible formats, including Easy Read, Auslan, and 13 community languages. Other accessible formats, like Braille, can be provided on request.

Videos in 3 First Nations languages and English are also available to help you understand ADS and what activities have been undertaken, and continue to be undertaken, to implement ADS.

Contact us