Influencing the Laws and Standards of Hearing Health
We are the national peak body’s engine room for policy change. We work with the Federal Government to ensure that every Australian has equitable access to hearing services and communication rights.
Our Current Policy Framework
Deafness Forum Australia’s policy work is grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We believe that accessibility is not a “benefit” to be granted, but a fundamental right to be protected by law.
NDIS and Hearing Services Reform
The National Disability Insurance Scheme has revolutionized support for many, but significant gaps remain for those living with hearing loss, particularly those over the age of 65 who fall outside the scheme’s remit.
- Advocacy for “Early Intervention” funding models
- Ensuring clinical autonomy for Audiologists and Speech Pathologists
- Protecting the Hearing Services Program (HSP) from privatisation
Universal Access to Media and Information
In a digital-first world, access to information is synonymous with access to democracy. We are campaigning for legislative reform to the Broadcasting Services Act to mandate 100% captioning accuracy and availability across all streaming and broadcast platforms in Australia.
We also advocate for the inclusion of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) in all major national emergency broadcasts, ensuring that the Deaf community has real-time access to life-saving information during bushfires, floods, and public health crises. Beyond that, we believe that all public broadcasts should include Auslan as all news should be accessible.
Historical Advocacy Achievements
Newborn Screening
Successfully lobbied for universal newborn hearing screening across all Australian states.
Workplace Safety
Influenced the 2011 OHS/WHS harmonized laws for noise-induced hearing loss prevention.
Captioning Rights
Secured mandatory captioning quotas for free-to-air prime-time television.
DGR Status
Ensured peak bodies in the hearing sector maintain Deductible Gift Recipient status for independence.
Recent Submissions
Please contact us if you would like further information about any of our submissions.
Pre-budget Submission to Treasury: Funding for cochlear implant sound processor upgrades for over 65s, December 2025
Submission to the MBS REview Advisory Committee on the inclusion of audiometrists under the MBS to provide limited audiology services, December 2025
Submission to the Department of Education: Review of the Disability Education Standards, November 2025
Submission to the Attorney General’s Department: Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Review, November 2025
Feedback to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication, Sports and the Arts: Aviation Consumer Protections updates, October 2025
Submission to the Department of Social Services: Review of the NDIS Support Rules, July 2025
Submission to the Department of Social Services: National Principles for the Regulation of Assistance Animals, June 2025
Submission to Public Skills Australia: Auslan, Interpreting and Translating Qualification Review, March 2025
Submission to the Department of Social Services General Supports Issues Paper: Advancing Foundational Supports in Disability Services, December 2024
Submission to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment: Getting the NDIS back on Track No 1, May 2024
Policy Consultation
Are you a researcher or a service provider with data that could inform our policy work? We want to hear from you.
Contact the Policy Team