Press Conference Following Minister's Address
On Wednesday, 22nd April, disability representative organisations will respond to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) changes. This response follows a significant address by Minister Mark Butler at the National Press Club.
The press conference is scheduled for approximately 1:45pm outside the National Press Club, located at 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT. Key figures from prominent disability advocacy groups will discuss how these changes impact people with disabilities.
Megan Spindler-Smith, Acting CEO, and Jeramy Hope, President of People with Disability Australia, are set to attend. Emma Bennison, CEO of Disability Advocacy Network Australia, Maeve Kennedy, CEO of Inclusion Australia, and Erin Papps, Advocacy and Policy Manager at Down Syndrome Australia, will also provide their insights.
Details of the Announcement
Minister Butler’s speech details are expected to play a central role in the discussions. The organisations plan to address the implications of the NDIS announcement, focusing on its effects on Australians with disabilities.
Following the press conference, spokespeople will be available for doorstop interviews. This will allow them to share further insights into the organisations’ perspectives and proposed actions.
Disability Representative Organisations are funded by the Australian Government to advocate for people with disability. They work to ensure that the concerns of people with disabilities are voiced and addressed in policy changes.
The press conference aims to shed light on the potential impact of the NDIS changes announced by Minister Butler. These changes are expected to affect funding and support services, which are critical to the daily lives of Australians with disabilities.
People with Disability Australia, along with other groups, emphasise the need for comprehensive consultation with the disability community. They argue that involving those directly affected leads to better policy outcomes.
Maeve Kennedy of Inclusion Australia highlighted the importance of transparency in implementing NDIS changes. She stated, “Clear communication from the government is essential to prevent confusion and ensure smooth transitions.”
Erin Papps from Down Syndrome Australia expressed concerns about how these changes might impact families. She called for detailed guidelines to assist families in navigating the new system.
“Disability advocacy groups stand united in their call for clarity and collaboration,” noted Emma Bennison. “We need to work together to ensure that these changes benefit everyone involved.”
Anastasia Symons, the media contact for the event, can be reached at 0491 034 479 for further information. The organisations urge the public and media to attend the press conference to understand the full scope of the discussions.
Last updated: 22 April 2026, 1:04 pm
