Australia’s Disability Strategy (ADS) 2021–2031

The national framework for disability inclusion, seven outcome areas, public reporting, and FPDN’s priorities for First Nations people with disability.

Australia’s Disability Strategy: delivering change through 2031

Australia’s Disability Strategy (ADS) is the 10-year, all-governments plan to improve inclusion, rights and participation for people with disability. Progress is tracked through an Outcomes Framework, annual AIHW reporting, and Targeted Action Plans that set specific actions for governments. Recent updates include revised Targeted Action Plans (2025–27) and a refreshed Data Improvement Plan to strengthen measurement.

The seven outcome areas:

inclusive and accessible communities image

Inclusive & accessible communities

Employment & financial security

Safety, rights & justice

Personal & community support (incl. NDIS & foundational supports)

Education & learning

Health & wellbeing

Community attitudes (respect and inclusion)

What this means for First Nations people with disability

Culturally safe services and local decision-making are essential, aligned to the Closing the Gap Priority Reforms.
Disaggregated, transparent data to show what’s working for mob.
Partnerships with First Nations organisations in delivery and evaluation.

FPDN’s focus under the strategy

Lifting access to foundational supports in community.
Justice, safety and early support to reduce harmful systems contact.
Monitoring outcomes and advocating for strong First Nations data in public reporting.

Foundational supports (beyond the NDIS)

Governments are designing foundational supports so people can access help in the community without needing an NDIS plan, a major ADS priority that complements the NDIS Review. Health, Disability and Ageing, Department of Social Services Ministers

Reporting & Data

AIHW outcomes Framework dashboard & annual reports. The authoritative source on progress.

Disability Gateway Strategy Hub. Plain-English summaries and links to state/territory plans. Disability Gateway

Useful links

ADS overview (Health) and Strategy Hub (Gateway). Health, Disability and Ageing
ADS outcomes Framework (PDF) and dashboard.
Targeted Action Plans – updates and reports. Health, Disability and Ageing, Disability Gateway

Work with us to make The Australian Disability Strategy real for First Nations people with disability

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