In a joint submission coordinated by DANA in its role as the National Coordination Function, Disability Representative Organisations (DROs) have come together to advocate for critical improvements to foundational supports for people with disability.

At the heart of this submission is the principle of genuine partnership with the disability community to design and implement foundational supports. The “nothing about us without us” principle, central to the disability rights movement, underlines the importance of lived experience expertise in creating responsive, effective, and fit-for-purpose programs and systems.

The joint submission calls for:

• Representation and inclusion of people with disability and their representative organisations in decision-making processes.
• Active involvement of people with disability in determining how resources are prioritised, applied, and structured.
• Rebuilding trust between government and people with disability by ensuring decisions are co-designed, transparent, evidence-based, and adaptable to diverse needs.

The submission underscores several key priorities, including:

• Strong partnerships between the disability community and their representative organisations, ensuring collaborative and inclusive decision-making.
• The implementation of interim supports and programs to bridge gaps and prevent disruptions in essential services.
• The development of a robust network of place-based expert programs that are inclusive, affordable, and accessible to all.

This joint effort reflects the collective expertise and lived experiences of DROs and their members. Through a collaborative process, the submission highlights the pressing need for supports that address the diverse needs of the disability community while fostering equity and accessibility across all systems.