Liam Thatcher
@lthat.ch
No relation. NDIS policy and supporting disability advocacy. Account is in personal capacity. he/him
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
Today there is (yet another) senate inquiry hearing that will receive evidence about the extraordinary harm caused by compulsory income control programs.
We know the government has no evidence that people want to be forced to use the BasicsCard. If the evidence existed, they would publish it.
We know the government has no evidence that people want to be forced to use the BasicsCard. If the evidence existed, they would publish it.
Labor rewrites history on cashless welfare as it quietly traps people in income control programs
The Antipoverty Centre is disturbed by Labor's comments regarding the failure to deliver on the government’s promise to end compulsory income control programs such as the BasicsCard and SmartCard.
apcentre.substack.com
September 17, 2026 at 10:59 PM
Today there is (yet another) senate inquiry hearing that will receive evidence about the extraordinary harm caused by compulsory income control programs.
We know the government has no evidence that people want to be forced to use the BasicsCard. If the evidence existed, they would publish it.
We know the government has no evidence that people want to be forced to use the BasicsCard. If the evidence existed, they would publish it.
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
"Can someone explain why – in an economy in which the central bank has decided we need almost 700,000 people to be unemployed – those people live in such dreadful poverty that it can make you up to 10 times more likely to die in the prime of your life?"
www.theguardian.com/business/gro...
www.theguardian.com/business/gro...
In such a rich country, it is shameful how many Australians on jobseeker are dying in desperate poverty | Greg Jericho
Lifting the abysmally low jobseeker rate to the poverty line would save thousands of lives
www.theguardian.com
September 16, 2026 at 10:59 PM
"Can someone explain why – in an economy in which the central bank has decided we need almost 700,000 people to be unemployed – those people live in such dreadful poverty that it can make you up to 10 times more likely to die in the prime of your life?"
www.theguardian.com/business/gro...
www.theguardian.com/business/gro...
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
🚨 New report from the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare on mortality rates of working-age welfare recipients between 2012-2022 makes for grim reading, could be hugely improved tomorrow by raising rates as per the Government's own committee.
@aihw.bsky.social
www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cent...
@aihw.bsky.social
www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cent...
September 11, 2026 at 8:31 AM
🚨 New report from the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare on mortality rates of working-age welfare recipients between 2012-2022 makes for grim reading, could be hugely improved tomorrow by raising rates as per the Government's own committee.
@aihw.bsky.social
www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cent...
@aihw.bsky.social
www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cent...
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
I looked at this data and the incredibly grim Figure 4. This shows suicide rates among unemployment payment recipients dropping in 2020 and rising again in 2021 (middle line) The top line is DSP recipients. Imo that rate increased later than the other payments because PIT changes ended in March 2021
September 11, 2026 at 8:51 AM
I looked at this data and the incredibly grim Figure 4. This shows suicide rates among unemployment payment recipients dropping in 2020 and rising again in 2021 (middle line) The top line is DSP recipients. Imo that rate increased later than the other payments because PIT changes ended in March 2021
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
Well, here goes. I tried to keep it contained. Ridicule is what we use to fight institutional hostility. Make no mistake, that's what this is. rick-morton.ghost.io/deliver-us-l...
Deliver Us, Lord, From Ridicule
On Friday, Defence deputy secretary Celia Perkins began her evidence before a senate inquiry into asset sales by the department and Australian military with an embarrassing manoeuvre.
'In closing, I ...
rick-morton.ghost.io
September 8, 2026 at 2:32 AM
Well, here goes. I tried to keep it contained. Ridicule is what we use to fight institutional hostility. Make no mistake, that's what this is. rick-morton.ghost.io/deliver-us-l...
A hearty endorsement for everything Lauren does. A tremendous colleague and so incredibly insightful and incisive in our time working on disability policy the last 12 months!
I'm finishing up in my current role and freelancing once again. Please get in touch if you need:
*submission and grant writing (inc. disability, social policy)
*academic editing and fact-checking
*qualitative research and literature reviews
No job too small or too left field!
*submission and grant writing (inc. disability, social policy)
*academic editing and fact-checking
*qualitative research and literature reviews
No job too small or too left field!
August 19, 2026 at 11:15 AM
A hearty endorsement for everything Lauren does. A tremendous colleague and so incredibly insightful and incisive in our time working on disability policy the last 12 months!
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
I'm finishing up in my current role and freelancing once again. Please get in touch if you need:
*submission and grant writing (inc. disability, social policy)
*academic editing and fact-checking
*qualitative research and literature reviews
No job too small or too left field!
*submission and grant writing (inc. disability, social policy)
*academic editing and fact-checking
*qualitative research and literature reviews
No job too small or too left field!
August 19, 2026 at 3:00 AM
I'm finishing up in my current role and freelancing once again. Please get in touch if you need:
*submission and grant writing (inc. disability, social policy)
*academic editing and fact-checking
*qualitative research and literature reviews
No job too small or too left field!
*submission and grant writing (inc. disability, social policy)
*academic editing and fact-checking
*qualitative research and literature reviews
No job too small or too left field!
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
I just received the outcome of two more FOI applications I made with the NDIS. One relating to turnover of NCC staff in a customer facing role employed by Serco. In the financial year just ended, Serco offboarded more NDIS frontline staff than it offboarded. To compare like for like with APS staff:
August 18, 2026 at 8:16 AM
I just received the outcome of two more FOI applications I made with the NDIS. One relating to turnover of NCC staff in a customer facing role employed by Serco. In the financial year just ended, Serco offboarded more NDIS frontline staff than it offboarded. To compare like for like with APS staff:
Senate has voted to bring forward the debate on the NDIS bill and complete a final vote by the end of this evening. They’re working through the amendments now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR8P...
Senate | 18/08/2026
YouTube video by Australian Parliament House Streaming Portal
www.youtube.com
August 18, 2026 at 2:24 AM
Senate has voted to bring forward the debate on the NDIS bill and complete a final vote by the end of this evening. They’re working through the amendments now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR8P...
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
"We know there are at least 3200 people with an intellectual disability who have compulsory activities.
We think there are a lot more people with an intellectual disability who have not told Centrelink they have an intellectual disability."
We think there are a lot more people with an intellectual disability who have not told Centrelink they have an intellectual disability."
The team at @inclusionoz.bsky.social have made Easy Read information about changes to Centrelink Payment Compulsory Activities and the Targeted Compliance Framework (TCF).
www.inclusionaustralia.org.au/changes-to-c...
www.inclusionaustralia.org.au/changes-to-c...
August 15, 2026 at 12:31 AM
"We know there are at least 3200 people with an intellectual disability who have compulsory activities.
We think there are a lot more people with an intellectual disability who have not told Centrelink they have an intellectual disability."
We think there are a lot more people with an intellectual disability who have not told Centrelink they have an intellectual disability."
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
The team at @inclusionoz.bsky.social have made Easy Read information about changes to Centrelink Payment Compulsory Activities and the Targeted Compliance Framework (TCF).
www.inclusionaustralia.org.au/changes-to-c...
www.inclusionaustralia.org.au/changes-to-c...
August 14, 2026 at 8:49 PM
The team at @inclusionoz.bsky.social have made Easy Read information about changes to Centrelink Payment Compulsory Activities and the Targeted Compliance Framework (TCF).
www.inclusionaustralia.org.au/changes-to-c...
www.inclusionaustralia.org.au/changes-to-c...
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
The Senate Committee has recommended the NDIS Bill be passed, despite its interim report making passage conditional on foundational supports that are still not in place.
WWDA: “What happened to that condition?”
Full statement: wwda.org.au/2026/08/14/g...
#NDIS #GenderEquality
WWDA: “What happened to that condition?”
Full statement: wwda.org.au/2026/08/14/g...
#NDIS #GenderEquality
Government backslides on gender equality with NDIS bill - Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
Women With Disabilities Australia is asking the government to explain how they can support a NDIS bill that undermines its own gender equality agenda. Women With Disabilities Australia says the…
wwda.org.au
August 14, 2026 at 7:06 AM
The Senate Committee has recommended the NDIS Bill be passed, despite its interim report making passage conditional on foundational supports that are still not in place.
WWDA: “What happened to that condition?”
Full statement: wwda.org.au/2026/08/14/g...
#NDIS #GenderEquality
WWDA: “What happened to that condition?”
Full statement: wwda.org.au/2026/08/14/g...
#NDIS #GenderEquality
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
ACCESSIBILITY MEASURES ARE NOT OPTIONAL EXTRAS and doing away with them is not safe.
"in an effort to get more “basic and safe” homes built by doing away with “optional extras” such as compulsory energy efficiency and accessibility measures."
"in an effort to get more “basic and safe” homes built by doing away with “optional extras” such as compulsory energy efficiency and accessibility measures."
August 14, 2026 at 6:27 AM
ACCESSIBILITY MEASURES ARE NOT OPTIONAL EXTRAS and doing away with them is not safe.
"in an effort to get more “basic and safe” homes built by doing away with “optional extras” such as compulsory energy efficiency and accessibility measures."
"in an effort to get more “basic and safe” homes built by doing away with “optional extras” such as compulsory energy efficiency and accessibility measures."
NDIS Bill committee report has been tabled. Labor and Libs recommend passing it, Greens and Pocock dissent. www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
Tabled documents
Documents presented (tabled) in the Senate and the House of Representatives since 2022 (the 47th Parliament). Documents presented prior to this and information for government departments can be access...
www.aph.gov.au
August 14, 2026 at 6:30 AM
NDIS Bill committee report has been tabled. Labor and Libs recommend passing it, Greens and Pocock dissent. www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
Re-upping this in light of the government's decision to bring back welfare penalties that were deemed unlawful before they've even bothered to demonstrate what's been done to make sure they're administering "mutual" obligations lawfully.
Any notion of care they express is pure performance.
Any notion of care they express is pure performance.
Get the background on last year’s police welfare cancellation powers, unlawful use of welfare penalties & what would actually be useful for people who want help finding paid work.
Thanks @tomcballard.bsky.social for having @kristin8x.antipovertycentre.org on to get into the details.
Thanks @tomcballard.bsky.social for having @kristin8x.antipovertycentre.org on to get into the details.
228: Labor’s welfare “reform” wank ft. Kristin O’Connell
YouTube video by Serious Danger
youtu.be
August 13, 2026 at 7:21 AM
Re-upping this in light of the government's decision to bring back welfare penalties that were deemed unlawful before they've even bothered to demonstrate what's been done to make sure they're administering "mutual" obligations lawfully.
Any notion of care they express is pure performance.
Any notion of care they express is pure performance.
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
Today we have issued a joint statement with the other members of the reference group that the government convened in response to the discovery of unlawful welfare administration.
You can read more on The Point: live.thepoint.com.au/2026/08/the-...
You can read more on The Point: live.thepoint.com.au/2026/08/the-...
August 13, 2026 at 4:59 AM
Today we have issued a joint statement with the other members of the reference group that the government convened in response to the discovery of unlawful welfare administration.
You can read more on The Point: live.thepoint.com.au/2026/08/the-...
You can read more on The Point: live.thepoint.com.au/2026/08/the-...
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
"The bottom line is, we have zero confidence in DEWR’s capability and competence to know whether they are operating this system lawfully, and it will never be possible to fully protect the safety and wellbeing of people in poverty while compulsory activities remain." @kristin8x.antipovertycentre.org
Advocates oppose plan to revive harmful welfare penalties
Members of a government reference group strongly oppose plans to restart some penalties – which have been unlawfully administered – for people on Centrelink payments.
apcentre.substack.com
August 13, 2026 at 3:14 AM
"The bottom line is, we have zero confidence in DEWR’s capability and competence to know whether they are operating this system lawfully, and it will never be possible to fully protect the safety and wellbeing of people in poverty while compulsory activities remain." @kristin8x.antipovertycentre.org
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
New paper by e61 that examines a hypothetical means-testing of the NDIS.
Means testing the NDIS: Fiscal and distributional effects – e61 INSTITUTE
e61.in
August 12, 2026 at 1:59 AM
New paper by e61 that examines a hypothetical means-testing of the NDIS.
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
“But we very rarely speak about how the NDIS became a catch-all because we don’t have enough social services and supports to help people who need it” writes @amyremeikis.bsky.social
Read the full piece on The Point: thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...
Read the full piece on The Point: thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...
August 11, 2026 at 2:12 AM
“But we very rarely speak about how the NDIS became a catch-all because we don’t have enough social services and supports to help people who need it” writes @amyremeikis.bsky.social
Read the full piece on The Point: thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...
Read the full piece on The Point: thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
As the govt seeks deal to pass controversial NDIS legislation to cut $38bn from scheme, agency is being coy about disabled people 'experience testing' a new needs assessment tool. They won't say if their data being signed over to train secret cost-cutting algorithm. www.crikey.com.au/2026/08/11/n...
The NDIA wants disabled people to test a new tool. It won’t say if their personal data will train a cost-cutting algorithm
The NDIS agency is encouraging participants to take part in a new assessment tool, but avoided questions on whether personal data will train a budget algorithm designed to slash costs.
www.crikey.com.au
August 11, 2026 at 1:17 AM
As the govt seeks deal to pass controversial NDIS legislation to cut $38bn from scheme, agency is being coy about disabled people 'experience testing' a new needs assessment tool. They won't say if their data being signed over to train secret cost-cutting algorithm. www.crikey.com.au/2026/08/11/n...
From Inclusion Australia (peak body for people with intellectual disability) on Centerlink/TCF welfare penalties being switched back on. This will hurt people with disability: TCF must be removed and proper compensation for everyone harmed.
August 7, 2026 at 3:28 AM
From Inclusion Australia (peak body for people with intellectual disability) on Centerlink/TCF welfare penalties being switched back on. This will hurt people with disability: TCF must be removed and proper compensation for everyone harmed.
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
We have zero confidence that DEWR can safely or lawfully administer the TCF – it's not possible.
Yet again DEWR acting in bad faith with no regard for the human cost of compulsory activities, and they aren't offering any meaningful compensation to people who had their payment cancelled unlawfully.
Yet again DEWR acting in bad faith with no regard for the human cost of compulsory activities, and they aren't offering any meaningful compensation to people who had their payment cancelled unlawfully.
#BREAKING 🚨 The new DEWR Secretary announced they'll seek to resume suspending or cancelling welfare payments on October 26 in respect of:
• Refusal or failure to accept an offer of suitable work
• Failure to 'reconnect' with a provider within 4 weeks
www.dewr.gov.au/assuring-int...
• Refusal or failure to accept an offer of suitable work
• Failure to 'reconnect' with a provider within 4 weeks
www.dewr.gov.au/assuring-int...
www.dewr.gov.au
August 5, 2026 at 1:15 AM
We have zero confidence that DEWR can safely or lawfully administer the TCF – it's not possible.
Yet again DEWR acting in bad faith with no regard for the human cost of compulsory activities, and they aren't offering any meaningful compensation to people who had their payment cancelled unlawfully.
Yet again DEWR acting in bad faith with no regard for the human cost of compulsory activities, and they aren't offering any meaningful compensation to people who had their payment cancelled unlawfully.
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
#BREAKING 🚨 The new DEWR Secretary announced they'll seek to resume suspending or cancelling welfare payments on October 26 in respect of:
• Refusal or failure to accept an offer of suitable work
• Failure to 'reconnect' with a provider within 4 weeks
www.dewr.gov.au/assuring-int...
• Refusal or failure to accept an offer of suitable work
• Failure to 'reconnect' with a provider within 4 weeks
www.dewr.gov.au/assuring-int...
www.dewr.gov.au
August 5, 2026 at 12:10 AM
#BREAKING 🚨 The new DEWR Secretary announced they'll seek to resume suspending or cancelling welfare payments on October 26 in respect of:
• Refusal or failure to accept an offer of suitable work
• Failure to 'reconnect' with a provider within 4 weeks
www.dewr.gov.au/assuring-int...
• Refusal or failure to accept an offer of suitable work
• Failure to 'reconnect' with a provider within 4 weeks
www.dewr.gov.au/assuring-int...
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
The government is designing a "new" (un)employment service to replace Workforce Australia. Once again, they're failing to meaningfully include people affected.
If you would like to inform our work on this & ensure we reflect your views, contribute here: bit.ly/MOs2026survey
If you would like to inform our work on this & ensure we reflect your views, contribute here: bit.ly/MOs2026survey
Centrelink recipients and compulsory programs 2026 - Intellistack
bit.ly
July 16, 2026 at 7:22 AM
The government is designing a "new" (un)employment service to replace Workforce Australia. Once again, they're failing to meaningfully include people affected.
If you would like to inform our work on this & ensure we reflect your views, contribute here: bit.ly/MOs2026survey
If you would like to inform our work on this & ensure we reflect your views, contribute here: bit.ly/MOs2026survey
Reposted by Liam Thatcher
catching up on the NDIS bill amendments in the House yesterday, and spotted a significant watering down of plan manager conflicts of interest provisions
www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
Hansard Display
Hansard Display
www.aph.gov.au
July 1, 2026 at 10:35 PM
catching up on the NDIS bill amendments in the House yesterday, and spotted a significant watering down of plan manager conflicts of interest provisions
www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...