NDIS cuts strip support from disabled workers in Australian arts sector
Federal NDIS cuts remove weekend transport and care workers. Many disability artists rely on these to work and earn.
Abbey Faulkner is a 23-year-old journalism student on ABC's The Assembly. October's NDIS changes stripped her weekend support workers and transport, leaving her unable to travel safely to work.
The cuts affect a thriving disability arts sector across Australia. Bus Stop Films in Sydney employs more than 250 young adults with intellectual disability.
Arts Project Australia in Melbourne supports more than 120 resident artists. Back to Back Theatre in Geelong has spent 30 years building an international profile.
NDIS changes cut Social, Economic and Community Participation support by up to 50 per cent. They cut Improved Daily Living Skills by 10 per cent.
For artists, these budgets pay for support workers, travel and therapy services. These make public life and paid work possible.
Industry leaders say the policy shows a failure to understand what these supports mean.
- up to 50 per cent
- SECP support cut
- 30 years
- Back to Back Theatre history
Why it mattersThe cuts remove income and independence from disabled workers. This happens while Australia's disability arts sector wins international acclaim.
AustraliaThreatens careers of Australian disability artists and undermines a globally recognised arts sector that has challenged employment gaps for disabled Australians.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 16 h ago
