One Month Left to Shape Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act
In just one month, the consultation period for the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) (DDA) review will close. This is a rare opportunity to influence how discrimination law works in Australia.
What is the Review About?
The Australian Government’s Issues Paper asks how the DDA could be modernised to better reflect lived experience and international human rights standards. Potential changes include:
Updating definitions of disability and discrimination
Recognising intersectional experiences
Strengthening the duty to provide reasonable adjustments
Considering a new positive duty on organisations to prevent discrimination
Improving access to justice, clarifying exemptions, and modernising disability standards.
Why a Positive Duty Matters
A positive duty would require organisations to proactively prevent discrimination — not just respond to complaints.
This shift would:
Move the system from reactive to preventative
Share the responsibility for equality across institutions, workplaces and service providers
Better align Australian law with international human rights standards
Ensure accessibility and inclusion are designed in from the start.
At Intersection we have seen the game changing possibilities that embedding a positive duty in the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) has created. A positive duty in the DDA would prompt the same change and pave the way for prevention to become part of BAU for organisations and service providers.
How to Have Your Say
The consultation is designed to be accessible, with multiple ways to contribute:
Written, audio or video submissions – detailed responses to consultation questions
A community survey – a quicker way to share views
The Issues Paper is available in a range of accessible formats are also available, including plain English summaries, easy read versions, Auslan videos, and one-page overviews. You kind find direct links to the different ways to engage under ‘Consultation’ on the ‘Review of the Disability Discrimination Act’ page.
One Month to Make It Count
Time is short. With one month left, now is the moment to contribute. Whether you’re part of an advocacy organisation, an employer, or someone with lived experience, your perspective will help shape a DDA that is stronger, fairer and more inclusive.
Intersection has a range of advisory and education offerings to support you meet and exceed your leadership obligations. Reach out to Talk to us today.