Disability, multicultural and Indigenous leaders share mixed views on 2026 budget

We can anticipate that there will be, uh, a large amount of people exiting the scheme, difficulties accessing the scheme as well, as well as seeing a reduction to plans as well."Three billion dollars has also been earmarked over five years to establish foundational supports outside of the NDIS.That money is to be matched by state and territories as agreed by National Cabinet There were plenty of community-led solutions on the table, and very little commitment at a time when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families and the services that support them are under scrutiny and needing support the most."Close the Gap funding includes $299 million for the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program – aimed at doubling the number of remote jobs from 3- to 6,000.There is also $218 million towards ending gendered violence; $144 million in new funding for health infrastructure across Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services; and $113 million for programs aimed at improving educational outcomes.Ms Liddle has welcomed support for community-controlled, culturally safe service "Our Ways - Strong Ways - Our Voices" initiative which was launched in early 2026, saying it will play a strong and critical role in ensuring First Nations families get help when needed.