Consultation Hub

Between 17 November 2025 and 16 January 2026, we tested ideas for a new Commonwealth individual disability advocacy program.

We’re committed to improving and building on disability advocacy services, so they are easier to access and better meet the needs of people with disability, their families, carers and supporters.

We heard from people with disability, families, kin, carers, advocacy organisations, community groups, peak bodies and government agencies. Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas and experiences.

People agreed that individual disability advocacy is very important, that it helps keep people with disability safe, protects their rights, and supports people to make their own choices.

People said advocacy is especially important for people with disability at risk of harm, abuse or neglect, or who feel excluded.

Most people said the new program is a good opportunity. They said it could make advocacy stronger. People said success depends on careful design and careful rollout. People told the government about some key things to focus on, such as:

• supporting different types of organisations, including local and community-based support
   
• supporting more people to access advocacy supports and services, including raising awareness
   
• ensuring services are accessible to people with different culture and language needs
   
• supporting advocates with training and funding
   
• planning changes carefully.

We analysed all feedback including survey responses, submissions, and additional insights. This information has been incorporated into a consultation report, which will guide us to:

• inform the design of the new advocacy program
   
• create the rules for funding and grant guidelines
   
• carefully plan the changes as the new program begins.

The consultation report is now available. It shows who took part, what they shared, and the issues that matter most to them.

The consultation report is also available in Easy Read and Auslan. The Easy Read report is in 2 parts. The first part is about the consultation process. The second part is about what people told us through the consultation.

An Auslan translation will be available shortly. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Thank you for having your say on the future of individual disability advocacy in Australia.

Next steps / watch this space

The final design of the new Commonwealth individual disability advocacy program, including any future grant opportunities, is subject to decisions by government.

Any information about potential grant opportunities will be released publicly on GrantConnect, in line with the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Principles 2024.

Organisations can register to receive notifications about forecast and grant opportunities as they arise.

Between 27 November 2025 and 14 January 2026, we sought your feedback on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) prepared for the DIR 221 licence application (Clinical trial of a genetically modified (GM) Escherichia coli for the treatment of ulcerative colitis from Melius MicroBiomics Pty Ltd).

During the 7-week consultation period, we received advice from prescribed Government agencies, and the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee.

We heard support for:

• the overall conclusions of the RARMP
• the licence conditions for DIR 221.

We heard concerns for:

• potential negative impacts on people and the environment
• the limits and controls proposed in the draft licence.

We analysed the feedback provided during the public consultation process in finalising the RARMP. The issues raised and how they were addressed can be found in Appendix A of the final RARMP.

The Gene Technology Regulator issued a licence to Melius MicroBiomics Pty Ltd for the clinical trial with the GM E. coli on 4 February 2026. More details, including the final version of the RARMP and the licence, are available at DIR 221 | Office of the Gene Technology Regulator.

We appreciate all those who provided input to the consultation – your feedback will help to ensure that any risks posed by gene technology to people and the environment continue to be managed

Between 28 October 2025 and 10 November 2025, we sought feedback on proposed improvements to the Health Insurance (Bonded Medical Program) Rule 2020.

We heard from over 300 current and former legacy and statutory Program participants, universities and professional bodies who provided feedback on the proposed changes.

We heard support for:

• Removal of the ‘fellowship’ requirement, enabling all participants to commence and complete their Return of Service Obligation (RoSO) earlier in their career.
• Increased flexibility for former Bonded Medical Places Scheme participants with a 52 week RoSO by allowing pro-rata part time RoSO.
• Minimising evidence administration to reduce the administrative burden for participants.
• Altering telehealth eligibility to the location of the provider only.

We heard concerns about changes:

• To location eligibility impacting participants’ ability to return service.
• Being applied inconsistently to legacy and statutory Program participants.
• Adding to existing administration and communication challenges.

Feedback from this survey shaped the advice provided to the Minister. Should changes be made to the Rule, they will commence the day after they are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. We will keep participants informed about implementation progress.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this consultation.