Federal Election Platform 2025
Advancing Equitable Sport Participation for People with Disability
Disability Sports Australia (DSA) is proud to launch our 2025 Federal Election Platform. We are calling on all political leaders to commit to inclusion, access, and opportunity in sport for people with disability.
Sport has the power to transform lives and build inclusive communities.
But right now, too many Australians with disability are still being left on the sidelines.
Our Purpose
To build the capability of sport to enable the meaningful participation of people with disability.
Our Mission
To improve opportunities for people with disability to be involved in sport in the way they choose.
Our Vision
Lives and communities changed through the power of sport.
Our Federal Election Asks
We are calling on all political parties and candidates to commit to the following:
Enhance access and opportunities in sport
Create jobs in sport for people with disability
Challenge Stereotypes, Shift Perceptions, and Elevate Leadership in Sport
1. support investment in access and choice in sport for people with disability by:
- Continuing to increase investment in disability sport organisations to lead adaptive initiatives and recognise their expertise in program design.
- Working with mainstream sports to co-develop inclusive programs that respond to the needs of people with disability.
- Expanding participation opportunities in mainstream sport, promoting genuine choice in how people with disability engage.
- Ensuring universally designed, accessible sport infrastructure is available across the country.
2. support investment to increase employment opportunities for people with disability in the sport sector by:
establishing a Disability Sports Employment Program to create dedicated pathways into sport-related roles for people with disability, ensuring inclusive career opportunities across coaching, officiating, administration, leadership, and event delivery.
partnering with the Department of Social Services (DSS) and sports organisations to develop clear pathways into various roles within the sport sector, supporting long-term career growth and fostering a diverse, inclusive workforce.
recognising and valuing the expertise of people with disability, promoting the creation of a workforce that mirrors the broader community and reflects the rich diversity of lived experiences in sport.
3. continue to invest in programs that challenge stereotypes and shift community attitudes about disability by:
- funding initiatives that promote inclusion, challenge stereotypes, and build understanding of disability,
- supporting programs that elevate the voices and leadership of people with disability through sport, and
- investing in national campaigns and community-led efforts that position sport as a place where every body belongs.
Why This Matters
of Australians live with disability
people with disability aged 18+ are not participating in sport each week.
Only 48% of people with disability are employed.
“If Australia is inclusive, people with disability can take part in everything that happens in Australia.”
— Australian Disability Strategy 2021–2031
Inclusive sport builds health, confidence, and belonging.
Policy Foundations
This platform is grounded in
The Australian Disability Strategy 2021–2031
The Australian Disability Strategy 2021–2031
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
Article 30: Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure, and sport
Article 30: Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure, and sport
Support This Campaign
If you believe in our 2025 Federal Election Platform, we’d love to hear from you.
Your support helps us create more sport opportunities for people with disability to be fully involved.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.
