In this essential episode of Community Matters, Nicky speaks with Alison Oyston, Manager of Illawarra Advocacy, about why the last 12 months have been "one of the most difficult in recent history" for people with disability.

"There's a lot of danger inherent in the circumstances we are seeing at the moment, and we are really screaming risk from the rooftops at our organisation - people with disability are suffering."

A perfect storm is brewing: housing crisis, cost-of-living pressures, reduced sector capacity, and ever-shifting NDIS goalposts. New restrictive NDIS rules are reducing funding flexibility, while "funding periods" drip-feed supports, leaving participants at risk of running out of funds for essential care.

The statistics are startling: the NDIA has spent over $60 million on lawyers in 12 months to defend decisions through the Administrative Review Tribunal - yet over 70% of cases are decided in favour of participants. Meanwhile, Illawarra Advocacy is supporting people 77% above their funded target, with no increase in resources.

"Are we not better served re-examining where we are investing our money?" Alison asks.

The consequences are real and devastating. Alison references the recent death of a person with disability due to inadequate plan funding, highlighting the life-and-death stakes of funding decisions.

This episode is essential listening for people with disability, families, providers, and anyone who cares about disability rights.

Links and Resources:

• Illawarra Advocacy - https://illawarraadvocacy.org.au
• Administrative Review Tribunal - Homepage | Administrative Review Tribunal

Acknowledgement of Country

Community Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders.

We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country.

We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.

Music Credit:
"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/