The final Federal Budget before the election in May was handed down last night.

We, along with other Disability Representative Organisations, have called it out: “People with disability are invisible in this Budget.” You can read the full statement here.

For advocates, the Budget presents some small wins, but major gaps remain—particularly in funding for advocacy, appeals, and the implementation of the Disability Royal Commission recommendations.

Here’s what you need to know.

Appeals Funding: Extension, not expansion

One of the few direct investments in disability advocacy is an additional $7.3 million for NDIS Appeals funding.

This funding ensures that people with disability can continue to receive advocacy support when challenging NDIS decisions at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

However, this funding appears to only maintain current levels—it does not increase support (we are confirming with the Department of Social Service). The amount matches the 2022–23 Budget allocation when an extra $21 million was provided to NDIS Appeals over three years.

We are pleased to see the Government recognise the important role advocates play in supporting people through the tribunal, but we know that demand continues to rise. With cases at the Tribunal rising following last year’s NDIS Act changes, this level of funding is nowhere near enough to meet demand. The Disability Royal Commission recommended an additional $20 million per year for appeals advocacy—this Budget falls far short of that need.

Advocates have worked hard to build expertise in supporting people through the NDIS appeals process. Without adequate funding, there’s a real risk of burnout and service gaps.

NDIS: Less spending, more restrictions

For the second year in a row, the Government is banking on lower-than-expected spending on the NDIS.

• $954 million less will be spent on the NDIS next year than previously forecast
• $3.9 billion less will be spent over the next five years

These cuts stem from ongoing NDIS reforms, including:

• New support lists, restricting what participants can spend their plans on
• Fewer opportunities for top-up funding, even as people’s needs change
• A new needs assessment process, which is likely to tighten access

The NDIA will receive $171 million to expand fraud detection technology, but it will also face a $1 billion cut to staff and operations by 2028.

ILC Reform: A restructure, not new funding

The Government has allocated $364.5 million to redesign the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program.

For advocates, this is significant because ILC has been a key funding source for self-advocacy, capacity-building, and peer support programs—all of which play a critical role in ensuring people with disability can navigate services and protect their rights.

However, this funding is not new money. It appears to be a restructuring of existing ILC funding rather than an expansion.

While we welcome the Government’s commitment to Foundational Supports, it’s clear that states and territories must step up to ensure that these supports are properly funded and accessible to all people with disability—not just NDIS participants.

We stressed in our pre-Budget submission that ILC funding must continue beyond June. This commitment is a step forward, but much more is needed.

Nothing Addressing Disability Royal Commission

The Government’s response to the Disability Royal Commission has been deeply disappointing—and this Budget does nothing to change that.

• There is no new funding for implementing the Commission’s recommendations
• The long-term reform agenda remains unclear

No Action on Disability Poverty

Once again, the Budget fails to increase the Disability Support Pension (DSP) or JobSeeker payments.

The cost of living crisis is hitting people with disability particularly hard. Advocacy organisations continue to support people who can’t afford essentials, face housing insecurity, or struggle to access services due to financial barriers.