Submission to the Review of the Disability Discrimination Act – Nov 2025
In November 2025, we made a submission to the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department’s review of the Disability Discrimination Act draws on lessons from Victoria’s human rights framework to recommend law reform that would improve the lives of people with disability around Australia.
About the submission
While the Commission is primarily concerned with state-based anti-discrimination and human rights laws, we are also committed to ensuring robust federal laws that complement human rights protections in Victoria.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) (DDA) was added to the suite of Australian discrimination laws in 1992. At the time, it was described as a ‘landmark’ piece of legislation with an important role in furthering equality and human rights in Australia.
However, there have been significant social and legal changes in the years since the DDA was enacted, including reforms to Victoria’s anti-discrimination and human rights laws.
Disability discrimination has a significant impact on people’s ability to live a meaningful life, whether it be in accessing a quality education, securing meaningful employment, finding safe and secure housing, or receiving goods and services they want and need.
Ensuring that the DDA reflects modern-day challenges is vital to ensuring equality for all people with disability.
The Royal Commission on Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability recommended a comprehensive review of the DDA. This review is being conducted by the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department.
Our submission to the review draws on close consultation with impacted people and our own expertise with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) to recommend reforms that would help people with disability achieve their potential.
Some of our recommendations would see the DDA updated with the more effective aspects of Victoria’s anti-discrimination laws. Other recommendations are based on gaps we have identified in the Equal Opportunity Act that present opportunities for reform in both jurisdictions. Ultimately, these improvements are key to achieving the DDA’s aim of eliminating discrimination as far as possible against people with disability.