By Disability Sports Australia Media Team
Disability Sports Australia (DSA) has acknowledged continued investment from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) through the Play Well Strategy following the first full implementation of the Play Well Investment Framework.
Under the 2026–27 Play Well investment outcomes, Disability Sports Australia’s allocation will reduce from $217,000 to $135,000.
The ASC has confirmed that DSA’s investment outcome is a direct result of assessment against the Play Well Investment Framework criteria only and does not reflect its broader view of Disability Sports Australia’s organisational capability.
DSA is one of a number of organisations to have their Play Well allocation reduced, following the announcement of a smaller funding envelope in the 2026-27 Federal Budget.
The Australian Sports Commission has also recently confirmed Disability Sports Australia’s recognition as a National Sporting Organisation for People with Disability through to 2036, reaffirming its ongoing role within the Australian sport system.
As the Federal Government agency responsible for funding and supporting sport, ASC is a longstanding backer of Disability Sports Australia, with investment complemented by collaboration and shared initiatives that have strengthened the organisation and expanded opportunities for people with disability to participate in sport.
Disability Sports Australia works across all sport and all disability, building the capability of sport to enable the meaningful participation of people with disability.
While Disability Sports Australia has an affiliate membership structure, it is an independent national organisation that leads its own strategy, programs and initiatives in collaboration with partners across the Australian sport system.
Disability Sports Australia CEO Ayden Shaw said the organisation remained focused on delivering the objectives of the Play Well Strategy despite the revised investment outcome.
“We appreciate the Australian Sports Commission’s continued investment through the Play Well Strategy and the confirmation of our recognition through to 2036,” Shaw said.
“Our focus remains on translating the ambitions of the Play Well Strategy into practical action that strengthens the capability of sport and improves access to sport for people with disability.”
“It is important to understand the assessment context while recognising what Play Well investment has enabled across the Australian sport system.”
Over the past 12 months, Play Well investment has supported the launch of Changing Lives Through Sport, Australia’s first national grassroots disability sport storytelling campaign; the continued growth of Abilities Unleashed, including admission into the Australian Sports Commission’s Sporting Schools program; and the continued delivery of the Bupa Try Para Sport Series in partnership with Paralympics Australia and supported by the Australian Sports Commission.
During the same period, the organisation has partnered with the Australian Sports Commission, Victoria University, Active Education Australia and Paralympics Australia to develop new capability building resources for the sport sector, including Building Inclusive Sport Clubs and Wheelchair Sport Skills.
This work has also included the development of the Disability Sports Australia and Members Play Well Participation Plan 2026–2029 in collaboration with its affiliate members.
Disability Sports Australia is one of 59 sporting organisations receiving Play Well investment through the Australian Sports Commission.
The announcement comes as the Australian Sports Commission and the University of Queensland lead consultation on Australia’s first National Disability Sport Action Plan.
The ASC has noted that while many organisations are doing valuable work, significant barriers to participation still exist for people with disability.
Work underway through the Play Well Strategy provides a foundation for the Action Plan and an opportunity to continue strengthening the Australian sport system so more people with disability can take part in the way they choose.
ENDS
About Disability Sports Australia:
Disability Sports Australia (DSA) is a national non-profit, registered charity, and National Sporting Organisation for people with disability, dedicated to increasing participation in sport.
For more than 65 years, DSA and its predecessor organisations have helped shape disability sport across Australia. Today DSA works with its members, sporting organisations, governments, clubs and communities to increase participation opportunities for people with disability and strengthen how sport is delivered nationally.
