- NDIS Minister Bill Shorten plans to ban sex work funding under the NDIS.
- Disability advocates argue this limits choice and control for participants.
- Greens criticize the decision as a double standard in disability support.
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten’s decision to ban the use of NDIS funding for sex workers has generated significant concern within the disability community. Advocates argue that this move restricts the autonomy of people with disabilities, who should have the right to make decisions about their own sexual lives.
Greens disability spokesman Jordon Steele-John highlighted a perceived double standard, noting that the government funds medications like Viagra while restricting sexual support services for people with disabilities.
Controversial NDIS Sex Work Funding Ban Under Scrutiny
The planned ban on NDIS funding for sex work by Minister Bill Shorten has prompted an outcry from disability advocates. They argue that this decision undermines the rights and choices of people with disabilities, limiting their ability to access services that support their sexual expression. According to Marayke Jonkers, President of People with Disability Australia, sexual expression is a normal part of life, and government intervention in such personal matters is deeply concerning.
Since 2020, specialized sex services have been available through the NDIS, following a federal court ruling that deemed them reasonable and necessary for some participants. This ruling arose from a legal challenge by a woman with multiple sclerosis who argued that the NDIS Act did not explicitly exclude funding for sex services. This historical context underscores the significance of the current debate and the potential impact of the proposed ban.
Minister Shorten defends the ban by suggesting that the use of NDIS funds for sex work is rare and questions its sustainability within the scheme. He emphasizes the need to prioritize other essential supports for participants. However, critics argue that such a move could set a precedent for further restrictions on the types of services available under the NDIS, affecting the overall quality of life for people with disabilities.
Jordon Steele-John of the Greens points out the inconsistency in government policy, where medications like Viagra are funded, yet sexual support services for disabled individuals are not. He stresses that this double standard perpetuates stigma and shame around sexuality for people with disabilities. The broader NDIS reforms under Senate review will likely influence future access to various supports, making this debate particularly relevant.
The proposed ban on NDIS funding for sex work has ignited a critical conversation about the rights and autonomy of people with disabilities. As broader NDIS reforms continue to be scrutinized, the implications of this decision will be closely watched by advocates and policymakers alike.
“Sexual expression is part of an ordinary life and a human experience.” – Marayke Jonkers, President of People with Disability Australia
