In response to the recently announced Parliamentary Inquiry into the purpose, intent and adequacy of the Disability Support Pension, WWDA would like to hear from WWDA members about your views and experiences.
If you currently or have ever received the DSP, or would just like to send in your thoughts, email our Senior Policy Officer Elly at: spo@wwda.org.au.
Please see the Terms of Reference below:
SENATE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
REFERENCES COMMITTEE
INQUIRY INTO THE PURPOSE, INTENT AND ADEQUACY OF THE DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION
The purpose, intent and adequacy of the Disability Support Pension (DSP), with specific reference to:
(a) the purpose of the DSP;
(b) the DSP eligibility criteria, assessment and determination, including the need for health assessments and medical evidence and the right to review and appeal;
(c) the impact of geography, age and other characteristics on the number of people receiving the DSP;
(d) the impact of the DSP on a disabled person’s ability to find long term, sustainable and appropriate, employment within the open labour market;
(e) the capacity of the DSP to support persons with disabilities, chronic conditions and ill health, including its capacity to facilitate and support labour market participation where appropriate;
(f) discrimination within the labour market and its impact on employment, unemployment and underemployment of persons with disabilities and their support networks;
(g) the adequacy of the DSP and whether it allows people to maintain an acceptable standard of living in line with community expectations;
(h) the appropriateness of current arrangements for supporting disabled people experiencing insecure employment, inconsistent employment, precarious hours in the workforce; and inequitable workplace practices;
(i) the economic benefits of improved income support payments and supports for persons with disabilities, their immediate households and broader support services and networks;
(j) the relative merits of alternative investments in other programs to improve the standard of living of persons with disabilities; and
(k) any related matters.
