This comprehensive review is one of the key recommendations from the 2023 Disability Royal Commission into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability. In its final report, the Royal Commission concluded that the DDA is no longer fit-for-purpose, highlighting significant gaps in protection and recommending 15 specific reforms to the Act.
On 1 August 2025, the Government released an Issues Paper and is now seeking input from people with disability, families, advocates, employers, educators, service providers and the wider community.
This is your chance to have a say in shaping a more modern, inclusive and effective DDA.
What the review covers
The Issues Paper invites feedback on several key areas:
- Definitions and interpretation: including the definition of disability, direct and indirect discrimination, and alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- A positive duty to prevent discrimination: exploring how a legal responsibility could be introduced to actively prevent disability discrimination.
- Work, education and public life: clarifying what constitutes reasonable adjustments, how unjustifiable hardship is assessed, and protections for students with disability.
- Access to justice: addressing areas such as vilification, offensive behaviour, and whether protections apply to services provided by police.
- Exemptions: including a review of long-standing exemptions such as the migration exemption.
- Modernisation of the DDA: including rules about assistance animals, strengthening disability action plans, and improving the framework for disability standards.
Why your voice matters
The DDA impacts many aspects of life – from inclusive education and fair employment to accessing services and being safe in public spaces.
Whether you’re a person with lived experience of disability, a family member, educator, therapist, employer or community ally, your insight matters.
Sharing your perspective helps ensure future reforms reflect the real-world needs and experiences of Autistic people and others with disability.
How to participate
You can choose the way that works best for you:
- Complete the online survey
- Make a written, audio or video submission
- Join a community forum (online or in-person)
Consultation closes on 24 October 2025
Click here to find out more and have your say.
At Aspect, we strongly believe that the voices of Autistic people, their families, and our wider community should be heard directly. Please take a few moments to add your voice and encourage others in your network to do the same.
Together, we can help shape a future where the rights and dignity of all people with disability are better protected.
