Concerns over fuel rationing have eased with talk of a ceasefire in the Middle East but Australians living with a disability are facing a reality where they cannot leave their homes and support workers cannot afford to visit.
CEO of Women With Disability Australia, Sophie Cusworth, says the rising cost and difficulty accessing fuel is disproportionately affecting people with a disability.
“And then some of the measures that are put in place to provide support like free public transport might not benefit everyone in our community, where public transport is inaccessible or unavailable.
This has really tangible consequences for people who might need to cancel social and community participation supports or meal deliveries for example.
At the same time we know people with disability are more likely to be on lower incomes. We already disproportionately experience poverty. There can be really little capacity to absorb these extra costs and increases.”
Terry Symonds is the CEO of Yooralla, an NDIS provider across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Powerd Media’s Emma Myers spoke with Mr Symonds about the looming impact of the fuel crisis on disability support.
Image: 10 principles of disability justice poster at a rally in Canberra | Noah Secomb
Produced By: Emma Myers
Featured In Story: Sophie Cusworth – CEO Women With Disability Australia, and Terry Symonds – CEO Yooralla
First aired on The Wire, Thursday, 9 April 2026