MELBOURNE – Leaders of Victoria’s Sikh community are calling for urgent public education as Victoria Police enacts expanded “stop and search” powers in the Melbourne CBD, sparking fears that religious freedoms may be caught in the crossfire of the crackdown on crime.   The new powers, which allow police to stop and search individuals without a warrant in declared areas of the CBD until May 2026, were introduced to combat rising knife crime. However, the Gurduara Council of Victoria (GCV) warns that the move could disproportionately affect initiated Sikhs, who are mandated by their faith to carry the kirpan, a small ceremonial dagger.   Harkirat Singh, a member of the GCV, highlighted the anxiety rippling through the community. Despite the kirpan being legally exempt from weapons bans under the Control of Weapons Act when carried for religious reasons, misunderstandings remain common.   “We receive at least two calls in a month on our helpline from amritdhari [initiated] Sikhs who have had an unfortunate encounter due to their kirpan,” Singh stated.   He recounted a personal incident where police were called on him at a multicultural event because of his kirpan—a symbol of a Sikh’s duty to protect the weak and uphold justice. “Even though the kirpan is exempted and we are legally allowed to wear it, the officer on duty was not aware of it,” Singh noted, adding that he had to produce an exemption card to resolve the situation.   Profiling Concerns   The expansion of warrantless search powers has drawn criticism from legal advocacy groups as well. The Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL) centre described the powers as “complete overkill,” warning of the potential for racial profiling.   Data obtained by the Racial Profiling Data Monitoring Project indicates that Aboriginal, African, and Middle Eastern communities are already stopped and searched at significantly higher rates than white individuals. The Sikh community fears that without proper training and public awareness, they will be singled out simply for “looking different.”   “Historically, we know that if a person looks different, they have a higher chance of being singled out by the police,” Singh said. “We need to educate people about different cultures and identities to ensure better social cohesion.”   Police Assurance   In response to these concerns, Victoria Police have sought to reassure the community. A spokesperson affirmed that the force has “zero tolerance towards racial profiling” and that officers are trained to identify religious articles.   “Members of the Sikh community can be assured that carrying a kirpan for religious purposes is exempt,” the spokesperson said. “Police respond to a person’s behaviour, not their background.”   Despite these assurances, the GCV is urging for a broader awareness campaign to ensure that Sikhs can travel into the city for work, leisure, or worship without fear of public embarrassment or legal harassment.  

Australia is entering 2026 with renters facing unprecedented challenges, as the income required to secure a typical capital-city house has soared to $112,667. This figure represents a staggering 51% increase from the $74,533 needed in 2019. The crisis is defined by a “widening gap” between the incomes required for housing and the suburbs Australians aspire to live in.   With rents rising faster than wages across every capital city, location has become the dominant factor determining lifestyle, choice, and affordability. Individual average annual earnings currently sit at $80,200, which is “well below what is needed in most inner- and middle-ring suburbs”. As a result, renters are preparing to navigate some of the toughest trade-offs seen in a decade.   Sydney remains the least affordable capital, requiring approximately $135,200 to rent a typical house. The financial strain varies widely across the country; while a two-person household earning average wages across the combined capitals would spend 21.1% of their income on rent, that burden increases sharply to 24.5% in Sydney. Melbourne and Hobart require incomes closer to $100,500.   The Shift to the Outer Ring   For those seeking relief, affordability increasingly lies in outer-suburban communities. Entry-level affordability starts at required incomes between $69,000 and $85,000. These outer-ring areas continue to offer genuine lifestyle appeal, opportunities, and more space without imposing overwhelming financial strains.   Examples of these more affordable communities include Melton in Melbourne’s west, Russell Island in Brisbane’s bayside region, and Willmot in Sydney’s outer west. In Brisbane, specifically, costs range significantly, requiring $190,667 in the inner suburb of Ascot versus $76,267 in Russell Island, with the most affordable suburbs generally found in the Logan-Beaudesert and Ipswich areas.   Rents are typically highest in inner-city areas, reflecting the premium placed on access to lifestyle amenities, transport, and jobs. Across the capitals, the most affordable areas are generally located 30 to 40 kilometers from the Central Business District (CBD). However, in cities like Sydney and Brisbane, required incomes can sometimes rise again beyond the 40-kilometer mark due to larger family homes and lifestyle suburbs attracting higher rents, despite the necessity of longer commutes.   Measuring Financial Strain   Affordability is often measured using the benchmark of spending more than 30% of pre-tax income on rent, a rule used by organizations like the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). However, this measure has crucial limitations. It fails to account for essential household costs such as childcare and transport.   Furthermore, because this rule relies on gross (before tax) income, it can significantly “overstate affordability” for lower-income renters. While high-income households might comfortably exceed the 30% threshold, low-income renters may struggle severely even if their rent falls below that benchmark.   The rental market’s increasing reliance on location to define affordability is acting like a financial drawbridge, pulling up access to inner-city areas and forcing middle-income earners to look further afield for relief.

Queenslanders are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES), a milestone that honors the commitment of thousands of volunteers who have supported communities in times of need. The SES was officially established in 1975, evolving from the former Queensland Civil Defence Organisation, which had operated since 1961. The creation of the SES was partially a direct response to the devastating 1974 Queensland floods.   The journey over the past half-century has been marked by a significant evolution in technology and operational capacity. In the early days, the SES fleet consisted of a patchwork of vehicles, often repurposed and adapted to meet emergency demands, including helicopters, panel vans, single-cab Jeeps, and even a Mini,. Today, the organization operates a diverse, modern fleet that includes flood boats, purpose-built trailers, and vehicles equipped for road crash rescue, storm damage response, and incident management.   Technological transformation has redefined how the SES operates, moving beyond hand-drawn maps and land-line phones. While analogue radios remain an essential tool in many areas, the SES has embraced innovations such as GPS, drones, digital tasking systems, and advanced communication technologies, which enable responses with greater precision, efficiency, and adaptability.   The familiar orange overalls worn by SES members today were not always standard. The organization adopted the orange uniform in the mid-1970s, transitioning from the dark blue worn under its previous identity as the Civil Defence Organisation,.   On this special occasion, Disaster and Emergency Management Deputy Commissioner Chris Stream offered profound gratitude to the volunteers. “On behalf of the Queensland Police Service, thank you to thousands of SES volunteers who have been there when Queenslanders need them most,” Stream stated. He described the volunteers as “everyday people, doing extraordinary things”.   To mark the anniversary, the SES is hosting a celebration on 11 December 2025. The organization is releasing a special video, available in one or four parts, which serves as “More than a celebration of history—a tribute to the spirit of service and the people who make it possible”. The video aims to share the experiences and perspectives of SES members.   The SES is encouraging the public to join the conversation and celebrate the tens of thousands of selfless volunteers. Community members can get involved by following the SES on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn; watching and sharing the celebratory video; using custom social media tiles; and sharing their own stories about times the SES provided help,. They are also encouraged to show appreciation using hashtags such as #SES50Years, #QldSES, and #ThankYouSES.   The history of the SES, marked by its continuous evolution from using adapted personal vehicles to high-tech digital systems, is a testament to its dedication to overcoming growing disaster response challenges across the state,.

 The Queensland Government, in conjunction with the Queensland Police Service (QPS), has launched a state-wide road safety operation, Operation Mistletoe, ahead of the busy Christmas and New Year period. Officially designated Operation X-Ray Mistletoe, this high-visibility police operation is designed to reduce road fatalities and targets a specific crackdown on speeding and impaired driving, including both drink and drug driving on roads and waterways.   Operation X-Ray Mistletoe begins this Saturday, December 13, and will continue throughout the entire holiday season. The operation sees an increased number of police patrolling Queensland roads as authorities work to crack down on the “Fatal 5”.   The operation comes in response to a tragic toll of 289 lives already lost on Queensland roads in 2025,. Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie highlighted the devastating impact, stating that 289 families have had their lives “torn apart and forever changed,” with every holiday now a constant reminder of their loss,.   Targeted Enforcement Across State   Police will conduct thousands of roadside and on-water drug and alcohol tests throughout the operation. These efforts will be supported by specialist officers, mobile patrols, and targeted enforcement activities focusing on high-risk locations.   The Crisafulli Government is delivering more police to the frontline to restore safety across Queensland, having bolstered frontline police numbers by 472 officers in just 12 months.   Minister Purdie urged Queensland motorists to make smart choices and follow road rules during the busy period. He delivered a clear warning to those who might break the law: “If you don’t follow the rules – our police will be out in force, as part of Operation Mistletoe, with a targeted crackdown on speeding and impaired driving. We will not tolerate drivers who disregard the Fatal 5 and put the lives of other road users at risk”.   Commissioner Appeals for Responsibility   Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg implored Queenslanders to remain alert and never drive under the influence, stressing the importance of doing the right thing whether on the busiest highways, back roads, or suburban streets,.   Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski emphasized the human cost of the road toll, noting that 289 families are without a loved one this Christmas. “These are not just numbers – these represent a parent, child, partner, mate,” Commissioner Gollschewski said. He urged Queenslanders to take responsibility for the choices they make when driving or taking to the water.   The Commissioner warned potential offenders, “Whether you’re heading to a Christmas party, driving to a holiday destination or out on the water, expect to see police. If you choose to speed, drink or drug drive, or take risks, you will be caught.” He concluded by urging citizens to “make the choices that save lives”.   Road Policing and Regional Support Commands’ Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Guild thanked most Queenslanders who “do the right thing” and make responsible choices. However, he reiterated the stern warning for those who put others at risk: “Police will be ready to respond the moment you make that choice”. Authorities aim for every Queenslander to arrive home safely this holiday season and every day.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced yesterday that the federal government’s subsidy for electricity bills, which provided a discount of $75 per quarter for all households, will not be extended into next year and will instead end in December as originally planned. Speaking at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Mr Chalmers described the Cabinet’s decision not to extend the program into a fourth round as “hard” but necessary, recognizing the “pressure on the budget”.   The electricity bill rebates were introduced in mid-2023 and were initially funded for just one year, though the program was twice extended due to acute cost-of-living pressures. The government stressed that the rebates were always intended to be a temporary measure and not a “permanent feature of the budget”. The three completed rounds of the energy bill rebates have cost the Commonwealth almost $7 billion, with states and territories contributing another $1.5 billion or so.   Shift to Permanent Relief   The ending of the temporary rebates marks a significant shift in how the government delivers cost-of-living relief, moving away from measures first decided when inflation was nearly 8 per cent, toward ongoing, permanent assistance.   Mr Chalmers highlighted that cost-of-living relief will now be provided in other ways, including through the tax system, Medicare bulk billing incentives, and cheaper medicines. This transition is illustrated by the upcoming second and third rounds of tax cuts, which the government has engineered to provide “permanent help with the cost of living delivered through the tax system”.   By one measure, the combined three rounds of tax cuts are expected to provide Australians with about $50 a week in permanent ongoing help, which people can use to pay electricity bills or meet other cost-of-living pressures.   Budget Context and Energy Future   The difficult decision to discontinue the rebates was made as the Treasury finalizes the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), which is due next week. Mr Chalmers stated that the mid-year budget update will be “sensible, responsible and restrained” and will contain savings and difficult decisions to manage substantial pressures on the budget. Notably, current inflation forecasts already account for the energy bill rebates finishing this month.   Regarding future energy prices, the government plans to put downward pressure on costs over time by introducing more cleaner and cheaper energy. The policy is to replace the least reliable, aging parts of the energy fleet with the “cleanest, cheapest, most reliable renewable energy”, firmed by gas and hydro and backed up by batteries.   The government maintains that its commitment to providing meaningful and responsible assistance is constant, even though the nature of that cost-of-living help is evolving.  

  Today marks the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a historic document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. Born from the ashes of World War II, the UDHR was the first time nations collectively committed to universally protect the inalienable rights of every human being, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.​   The Universal Declaration of Human Rights forms the foundation of international human rights law and serves as the standard by which human rights compliance is measured worldwide. Among its 30 articles, Article 14 enshrines a fundamental protection: “everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution”. This provision became the basis of refugee protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention, to which Australia is a signatory.​   A World of Growing Instability   Yet 77 years after its proclamation, Human Rights Day 2025 is observed in what the United Nations describes as a world of growing instability and turbulence. This year’s theme, “Our Everyday Essentials,” aims to reconnect people with human rights by demonstrating how they shape daily lives in ways often unnoticed.​   Politics of fear and division are emboldening those who seek to undermine the very principles the declaration enshrines, with chilling glorification of some of the darkest periods in human history. In Australia, recent months have witnessed disturbing displays of hostility and intolerance directed at both migrants and First Nations people.​   Rise of Racist Demonstrations in Australia   The so-called “March for Australia” rallies held on August 31 and October 19, 2025, brought thousands of predominantly white demonstrators to streets across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra. These events were marked by anti-immigration sentiment and, according to investigations by ABC News and The Age, were organised by individuals with ties to neo-Nazi and white nationalist groups, including the National Socialist Network.​   In Melbourne, violent confrontations erupted between rally participants and counter-protesters. Police deployed pepper spray, flash-bangs, and rubber bullets as tensions escalated. The rallies culminated in a shocking attack on Camp Sovereignty, a sacred Aboriginal burial ground in Melbourne, where approximately 50 individuals, many dressed in black and led by National Socialist Network leader Thomas Sewell, invaded the site shouting “white power” and racial slurs.​   Attackers trampled the sacred fire maintained to honour Indigenous ancestors, stomped on the Aboriginal flag, and assaulted those present, specifically targeting women. Four people sustained injuries, with one woman requiring hospitalisation. Police only arrived after the attackers had fled, and no arrests were made at the scene.​   Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, a DjabWurrung, Gunnai, and Gunditjmara woman, condemned what she termed institutional hypocrisy in handling far-right groups and has demanded a full investigation into the attack and the slow police response, which she directly linked to systemic racism.​   Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner has warned that inaccurate and dehumanising rhetoric over migration risks fanning the flames of racism and distraction from the real causes of social and economic challenges. For people who have escaped war, torture, or persecution, these hostile displays are terrifying, and some have felt too unsafe to leave their homes.​   Research confirms the persistent nature of racism in Australia. According to the 2024 Australian Reconciliation Barometer, 56% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people believe Australia is a racist country, and First Nations peoples’ experiences of racism have significantly increased over the last decade, with 54% reporting experiences of racism in 2024 compared to 39% in 2014. Younger First Nations peoples experience racism at particularly high levels, with 68% of those aged 25-34 reporting racial prejudice.​   Offshore Detention Corruption Exposed   Adding to the human rights concerns, explosive revelations have surfaced about Australia’s offshore detention system. In November 2025, a confidential report from Australia’s financial crime agency AUSTRAC revealed that the Australian Government had known for years about suspected corruption involving senior Nauruan officials before signing a new multibillion-dollar deal in secret.​   Whistleblowers, including senior Home Affairs official Dr Derek Elias and former Australian soldier Oisin Donohoe, have exposed systemic corruption, cover-ups, and criminal infiltration at the heart of Australia’s offshore detention regime. Their testimony revealed that members of the Finks bikie gang had been contracted to run security operations under Australia’s latest $2.5 billion offshore deal with Nauru, and that millions of taxpayer dollars were allegedly funnelled through secretive contracts to enrich private companies and corrupt officials.​   The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) has called for a Royal Commission into offshore processing, describing the system as one built to avoid scrutiny, where secrecy enabled abuse, cover-ups, and corruption to flourish. Around 100 people remain trapped on Nauru today under Australia’s offshore processing arrangements, with reports of food insecurity and deteriorating health.​   Transparency International Australia has described Nauru as “a classic case of kleptocracy where government politicians and elites engage in corruption and theft of public funds”. A Senate inquiry is now underway to investigate these allegations.​   Surge in Demand for Asylum Support   Against this backdrop, the ASRC reports a dramatic surge in demand for frontline support. The organisation has witnessed a significant rise in people seeking assistance from places like Gaza, Syria, Sudan, and Afghanistan, many facing multiple crises simultaneously: risk of homelessness, food insecurity, legal limbo, and deep isolation.​   With over 120 million people forcibly displaced by escalating crises worldwide, Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers has come under scrutiny. The Australian Government has rejected over 7,600 Palestinian visa applications—almost 70%—accepting a mere 3,808, with only approximately 1,500 individuals safely arriving. Additionally, approximately 7,000 people remain in “visa limbo” after being failed by the deeply flawed Fast Track process, trapped on temporary bridging visas without the ability to rebuild their lives with certainty or reunite with family.​   ASRC’s Response and Call to Action   The ASRC’s wrap-around model—lawyers, nurses, caseworkers, foodbank, and housing teams working side by side—remains a lifeline for thousands in need

Australia’s temporary visa population has surged to a record 2.9 million people, intensifying pressure on the federal government to overhaul the migration system ahead of the 2026 election campaign. The blow‑out is driving fierce debate over housing, jobs and fairness for both migrants and the broader community.​   Record numbers on temporary visas   New data shows about 10 per cent of Australia’s population is now living in the country on temporary visas as of October 2025, a level 70 per cent higher than in 2019 and above the pre‑pandemic peak. The largest groups are international students (around 638,000) and New Zealand citizens on Special Category visas (about 731,000), with sharp growth also in Temporary Graduate, Working Holiday-Maker and bridging-visa cohorts.​   System under strain   Experts warn a system originally built for short‑term stays is increasingly being used as a long, uncertain pathway to permanent settlement. More than 402,000 people are now on bridging visas, contributing to administrative congestion and long wait times. The Administrative Review Tribunal is dealing with a record 124,000‑case backlog, dominated by student and protection‑visa appeals, raising concerns about fairness and efficiency.​   Calls for major policy reset   Former deputy immigration secretary Dr Abul Rizvi says the numbers show Australia has shifted from “planned permanency” to “unmanaged temporariness” and is at risk of creating a two‑tier society of permanent and perpetual temporary residents. He is urging the government to increase the permanent migration program by 50,000 places a year for the next three years and streamline appeals so people are not left in limbo for years.​   Business and unions demand fixes   Business groups and unions agree the current system is not working, but for different reasons. Universities rely heavily on fee‑paying international students, while sectors such as hospitality, agriculture and aged care depend on temporary workers to fill chronic labour shortages. Employers say slow processing, sudden rule changes and patchy enforcement make workforce planning almost impossible, and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling for a single digital portal to track applications from lodgement to final decision. Unions, however, argue that the priority must be stronger compliance to prevent wage theft and exploitation of migrant workers in vulnerable sectors.​   High political stakes ahead of 2026   Politically, the record visa numbers are fuelling a heated contest in Canberra. The Coalition accuses the Labor government of letting migration “run off the rails”, while the government says it inherited a broken system and is tightening English‑language standards, student‑visa integrity checks and employer‑sponsorship rules. With a federal election due next year and housing affordability dominating public concern, both major parties are under pressure to show how they will manage migration in a way that supports economic growth while easing pressure on rents, services and social cohesion.  

Queensland’s health system is set for significant improvements following the passage of new legislation aimed at strengthening assisted reproductive technology (ART) services, organ donation, and overall accountability across the healthcare sector.   The Crisafulli Government has passed the Health Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2025, the third omnibus health bill introduced this year. The new laws are designed to enhance patient safety, improve transparency, and deliver a more responsive health system for Queenslanders.   Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, said the bill addresses key gaps left by previous legislation and ensures that families seeking IVF treatment can receive care safely and without unnecessary barriers.   “Labor’s ART Act is the poster child for what can happen if legislation is rushed, and it resulted in a framework that was difficult for providers to navigate and put up heartbreakingly unnecessary barriers for patients desperate to be mums and dads,” Minister Nicholls said.   Revisions to the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2024 introduce stronger powers for inspectors, improved information collection, and transitional provisions to ensure ongoing treatments are not disrupted. These changes aim to make IVF services safer and more accountable for both patients and providers.   The bill also updates the Transplantation and Anatomy Act 1979 to support organ donations after circulatory death, a move expected to help more Queenslanders receive life-saving transplants.   “With over 1,800 Australians on the transplant waiting list and more than 14,000 undergoing kidney dialysis, it’s crucial we do everything possible to enable donation where individuals and families support it,” Minister Nicholls said.   Under the new framework, families and next of kin will be able to consent to medical interventions—such as administering medications to preserve organ viability or performing imaging scans—to facilitate organ donation once life support has been withdrawn.   In addition to IVF and organ donation reforms, the bill introduces governance and accountability changes to several health acts, including the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011, Private Health Facilities Act 1999, and Health and Wellbeing Queensland Act 2019. These updates will strengthen oversight of leadership roles and implement new national safety standards for cosmetic surgery.   “These changes ensure that those in leadership positions are held to the highest standards and remain accountable to the people of Queensland,” Minister Nicholls added.   The Health Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2025 represents a key step in the Crisafulli Government’s plan to modernize Queensland’s health system and deliver what the Minister described as “a fresh start” for health services across the state.   “This bill is all about delivering a modern, safe, and responsive health system for all Queenslanders by ensuring better protection for patients, improved performance across the system, and stronger foundations for future health reforms,” Minister Nicholls said.  

The Packer’s Prize has long celebrated works that challenge, inspire, and move audiences and this year’s winner does all three. Artists Kuweni Dias Mendis and Grant X Wilkes have been awarded for their breathtaking collaborative work Homecoming, a piece that pulses with memory, identity, and quiet revolution.   Chosen by the team who hang and bring the exhibition to life, The Packer’s Prize is proudly supported by Howard Smith Wharves. Their selection reflects not just technical mastery but emotional resonance a rare ability to turn complex histories into visual poetry.   Homecoming marries cyanotype, botanical toning, pigment, and intricate stitching, creating layers that feel alive with story. The deep blues and natural tones evoke heritage and place, while the textures suggest the interwoven threads of belonging and decolonisation. Together, Mendis and Wilkes reinterpret portraiture, shifting it beyond likeness toward a conversation about who we are, where we come from, and what we reclaim in returning.   Judges praised the work as “deeply considered and innovative,” acknowledging its capacity to transcend conventional portraiture and speak to the heart of contemporary identity.   The recognition doesn’t end there, Homecoming also received the Metro Arts Experimental Portraiture Prize, granting the duo a two-week exhibition at Metro Arts, a space that continues to champion artists unafraid to experiment and provoke thought.   In an era shaped by migration, multiplicity, and cultural reclamation, Homecoming feels especially resonant. It welcomes audiences to reflect on the concept of return not only to a physical homeland, but to the truth of self and the stories that shape us.   Through Homecoming, Kuweni Dias Mendis and Grant X Wilkes remind us that art is not just seen; it is felt, experienced, and remembered. Their work stands as a luminous testament to how collaboration can bridge disciplines and histories and in doing so, bring us home.

Australia is currently failing more than 130,000 people with significant psychosocial disability, despite annual expenditures of billions through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), according to a new report titled “Bridging the gap: Meeting the needs of Australians with psychosocial disability”. The report, authored by Sam Bennett, Mia Jessurun, and Reilly Polaschek, highlights a critical gap in support where 130,000 adults with the greatest needs are receiving nothing from either the NDIS or the broader mental health system.   Last year alone, the NDIS provided nearly $6 billion to support approximately 66,000 people with psychosocial disability. However, thousands of Australians who need help but do not meet the scheme’s eligibility threshold are stranded without the necessary supports.   The consequences of this gap are significant, fuelling a growing problem where people without adequate support are more likely to experience homelessness, hospital admissions, or have their needs escalate, adding intense pressure to already strained systems. For individuals deemed ineligible for the NDIS, access to support is currently described as a “postcode lottery,” resulting in patchy, underfunded, or non-existent services necessary for a better life. The personal, social, and economic costs of this failure include reduced quality of life, fewer opportunities for community participation, and lost productivity.   The Grattan Institute report urges reform, proposing an integrated system of psychosocial support where the NDIS works alongside a broader range of non-NDIS services. Crucially, the authors contend that this gap can be closed without spending any additional public money. This would be achieved by redirecting some NDIS funds to ensure all Australians can access help, regardless of whether they are in the scheme or where they live.   Rebalancing the system to ensure stronger recovery-oriented supports are available both inside and outside the NDIS would transform the lives of Australians with psychosocial disability and make better use of existing funds.   The report recommends a four-pronged plan to bridge the support gap:   Establish a new National Psychosocial Disability Program outside of the NDIS. This program would be funded within existing contributions to the scheme and provide support for the 130,000 adults identified as having the most significant needs. Deliver consistent services nationwide, expanding access to individual support facilitation and a broader array of recovery-oriented psychosocial supports. Direct Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to lead regional planning, commissioning, and coordination, thereby balancing national consistency with necessary local flexibility. Make federal, state, and territory governments jointly responsible and accountable for designing and delivering the program.   These reforms, all implemented within the current NDIS budget envelope, are expected to create a fairer and more effective system to better meet the needs of Australians with psychosocial disability.