Disability arts groups warn of severe impact from upcoming NDIS funding cuts

Large-scale changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, passed in August, will cut the social, civic and community participation stream by half beginning in October. Disability-focused arts groups across Australia, including Restless Dance Theatre in Adelaide and DADAA in Western Australia, warned that the loss of funding could force participants to abandon weekly classes that support both artistic development and mental health.

Officials from Arts Access Victoria described the cuts as dramatic with no alternative funding, while Hands On Studio in the ACT reported confusion among long-standing participants about remaining plan balances. Regional providers such as Second Echo Ensemble in Hobart highlighted additional challenges like transport costs, fearing heightened isolation for disabled artists. The sector has appealed to NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister for clarification, emphasizing the broader social damage the cuts could cause.