Momentum is building!

By September 22nd, 2025No Comments

More members have written to their MPs, two have met with MPs in person, and responses are starting to come back. Importantly, many MPs are committing to raise our concerns with Ministers – clear proof that our collective efforts are cutting through. A huge thank you to everyone who has taken action so far.

This week, our focus turns squarely to the states and territories. They are a critical piece of the puzzle – and we need your input now to make sure they understand the risks of the proposed National AT Loans Scheme and the importance of supporting the sector.

Please read on for key calls to action and requests for feedback.

State and Territory Aids & Equipment program reviews – input needed for ATSA’s campaign

The primary state-based aids and equipment programs across Australia are currently being reviewed. This includes:

  •    The State-wide Equipment Program (Victoria)
  •    EnableNSW
  •    The Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (Queensland)
  •    The Community Aids and Equipment Program (Western Australia)
  •    The South Australian Equipment Program
  •    TasEquip
  •    The ACT Equipment Scheme
  •    The Territory Equipment Program (Northern Territory).

Why this matters now:

These reviews are occurring alongside the Commonwealth Government’s proposal to implement a National Assistive Technology Loans Scheme that would be federally funded but administered by states and territories through these existing programs. Your ‘on the ground’ insights about how the current programs work (and don’t) will directly strengthen our advocacy and evidence base.

We’re seeking input from members currently contracted or subcontracted to provide services, as well as members who have faced barriers to participation. If you don’t have time to provide feedback on multiple programs, please focus on the scheme operating in your own state or territory as a starting point. A document summarising relevant feedback we have received so far is attached for your reference. We’ve also included a few consultation questions below to guide your response. Please make sure you indicate which scheme or schemes your feedback relates to.

Consultation questions:

  1. For those delivering services under the scheme, how would you describe your experience with contracting, subcontracting and administrative processes (e.g., applications, reporting, payments)?
  2. For those not currently contracted, what factors or barriers have prevented your business from participating?
  3. How effective do you believe the program has been in ensuring timely and equitable access to aids and equipment?
  4. What do you see as the key strengths of the current scheme design?
  5. What do you see as the key weaknesses of the current scheme design?
  6. If you could make any changes to improve the program, what would they be?
  7. What concerns you most about the proposal to implement a federally funded, state/territory administered) National Assistive Technology Loans Scheme under Support at Home?
  8. If this model was to be implemented, what parameters or safeguards would states and territories need to put in place to ensure fairness and long-term sustainability for businesses operating across the AT sector?

All feedback must be received by Friday 1 October 2025.

Please direct your feedback to ATSA’s Policy Officer, Karen Larsen-Truong at karen.truong@atsa.org.au. And if it’s easier for you to share your views over the phone, you can contact Karen on 0415 543 116.

Invitation to contribute to the MASS Review (Queensland)

As part of the ongoing Review of the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) in Queensland, ATSA has been invited to take part in a short meeting with Nous Group, on Wednesday 1 October, 2pm (AST) who are leading the consultation on behalf of Queensland Health.

If you are an ATSA member who supplies into MASS, or if you have relevant experience you would like to share, please contact me directly to express your interest in joining this meeting.

Members are also encouraged to complete the MASS Review survey. This is a valuable opportunity to ensure your views are captured in the review process. The survey will close on Friday 26 September and can be accessed here.

Reminder About Last Week’s Call to Action: Email a letter to your state/territory ministerial disability advisory committee!

Each state and territory has a disability advisory committee. These groups provide independent advice to government on issues that affect people with disability, their families, carers and service providers. They monitor policy, advise ministers and promote inclusion.

If you have time, please use our new letter template to draft and send a letter to your state/territory disability advisory committee. You only need to personalise the template with a few key details before sending it, including:

  •    Your business letterhead
  •    Date
  •    Name of the committee you are writing to
  •    Committee email address
  •    Minister’s name and title
  •    Name of your state or territory disability plan
  •    Your name and title.

We have included all of the state/territory-specific details you’ll need below for your convenience. This is an important opportunity to demonstrate the strength of our sector’s voice. Every letter adds weight to our campaign and increases the likelihood of meaningful reform.

Australian Capital Territory

Strategy: ACT Disability Strategy 2024–2033

Minister: Suzanne Orr MLA, Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services

Committee: ACT Disability Reference Group

Committee email: OfficeforDisability@act.gov.au


New South Wales

Strategy: NSW Disability Inclusion Plan

Minister: The Hon Kate Washington MP, Minister for Disability Inclusion

Committee: NSW Disability Council

Committee email: DisabilityCouncil@dcj.nsw.gov.au


Northern Territory

Strategy: Northern Territory disability strategy 2022–2032

Minister: The Hon Jinson Charls, Minister for Disability

Committee: Northern Territory Disability Advisory Committee

Committee email: officeofdisability.dpsc@nt.gov.au


Queensland

Strategy: Queensland’s Disability Plan 2022-27

Minister: The Hon Amanda Camm MP, QLD Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services

Committee: Queensland Disability Advisory Council

Committee email: QDACsecretariat@families.qld.gov.au


South Australia

Strategy: State Disability Inclusion Plan 2025-2029

Minister: The Hon Nat Cook MP, Minister for Human Services

Committee: SA Disability Minister’s Advisory Council

Committee email: DHS.SocialInclusion@sa.gov.au


Tasmania

Strategy: Tasmania’s Disability Strategy 2025-2027

Minister: The Hon Joanne Palmer MLC, Minister for Disability

Committee: Minister’s Disability Consultative Group

Committee email: disabilitypp@dpac.tas.gov.au


Victoria

Strategy: Inclusive Victoria: State disability plan 2022–2026

Minister: The Hon Lizzie Blandthorn MP, Minister for Disability

Committee: Victorian Disability Advisory Council

Committee email: vdac@dffh.vic.gov.au


Western Australia

Strategy: State Disability Strategy 2020-2030

Minister: The Hon Hannah Beazley, Minister for Disability Services

Committee: Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability,

Committee email: Boards_Committees@communities.wa.gov.au

Thank you once again for the passion and persistence you’re bringing to this campaign. Every letter, meeting and conversation adds momentum and shows decision-makers the strength of our collective voice. Please keep sharing your actions with me so we can demonstrate the breadth of member engagement and maximise our impact.

Together, we’re building the pressure needed to stop the National AT Loans Scheme – let’s keep going strong.

lauren.henley@atsa.org.au