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Opinion/Commentary

Should parents be fined if their children are bullies?

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There’s a new push to combat bullying. With a twist.

According to sheknows, police in Shawano, Wisconsin, started fining parents of bullies back in 2016.

In June this year, the ABC reported that Malaysia introduced a law where parents of bullies could be fined or sued.

A tribunal of fifty experts were set up to deal with each case individually. Peopke both welcomed and raised concerns about tbe bill. Member of Parent Action for Education, Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said:

We welcome the Act because it places children’s well-being at the centre and recognises that bullying has serious emotional, psychological and educational consequences.

(“New anti- bullying reform in Malaysia could make parents liable for their children’s behaviour’, AFP, 19 June 2026)

Should parents be fined? Mother of victim speaks out

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CW: This part of the post memtions suicide. Please proceed with caution if it affects you.

In July, a mother opened up to news,com.au about losing her 13 – year – old son.

Clare McCann lost her son, Atreyu to suicide. He’d been a victim of relentless bullying. Her son’s death pushed McCann to campaign against bullying.

Despite her grief, and in the wake of Malaysia’s Anti – Bullying Act 2026, McCann is wary about penalising families. She pointed out that many bullies are themselves, traumatised. If intervention is done incorrectly, McCann worries it may harm the children even more.

That is why I worry that charging their [the bully’s parents], without proper child – safety intervention, could place some of those children at even greater risk behind closed doors.

(“Mother of bullied teen says punishing parents won’t stop suicides”, Cydonee Mardon, news.com.au, 20 July 2026).

McCann applauded Malaysia for having such a swift nationwide approach to dealing with bullying. Unfortunately, Australia, who’s wealthier, is not going to do the same. If anything happens, it’d occur State by State/ Territory.

In July, McCann started a petition to call the Government to put an end to school bullying.

What is the answer

Bullying is a massive problem for young people. It has been for years. The presence of social media has made bullying even harder for children to escape.

Can anything be done?

Education resources website Twinkl has these tips:

  • Schools should adopt a way to report bullying that makes children feel safe and confident when opening up about bullying. A way to do this is allow a sstem where students can report incidents anonymously
  • Teachers could get students to act out roleplays of realistic situations to foster empathy
  • Create a ‘Kindness Week’ where students are encouraged to do acts of kindness, such as writing someone a compliment and creating inclusive games at recess.
  • Organise a peer mediation session where students are selected to step in to prevent conflicts from escalating.
  • Teach students responsible online behaviour. Students should learn how to respond appropriately to harmful messages
  • Conduct a ‘Restorative Justice Circle’. Bring the person affected by harmful behaviour and the instigator. The students, along with a trained mediator should discuss the behaviour, its impact and create steps to repair the relationship. Follow up to see if the students have done the agreed steps
  • Other suggestions include:
    • designate a bench to become a “vuddy bench”. Here, students can sit and seek friendship and support
    • Create a ‘Gratitude Wall’ where students can post positive notes ablut classmates
    • Create a class charter where students make an agreement on class values. Get all students to sign.

Society has a way to go in combatting bullying. Frankly, I can see where the call for a punitive justice comes from. But I’m also realising that to truly combat bullying, the perpetrator needs just as much help as the victim. However, I still think that schools should be held legally accountable, at least. Bullying should never be tolerated.

What do you think could resolve school bullying? Feel free to put your thoughts in the comments below.

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Uncategorized

Autism expert claims the diagnosis has become “meaningless”

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According to The Australian, Autism researcher has labelled current diagnosis “meaningless”.

German developmental psychologist, Uta Frith claimed that too many people were being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

An essay published in Cambridge University Press, which Frith took part in, raised questions in the dramatic jump in diagnoses since its inception in the 1940’s.

Frith and other researchers argued:

Marked differences now exist between those first disgnosed in childhood and others first diagnosed in adolescence or adulthood. The time has come to examine reasons for these conceptual changes and the consequences for clinical practice and research.

(“Autism Spectrum Disorder: has it lost its meaning and is it leading to misdiagnosis”, Published: Cambridge University Press, 4 August 2026).

The essay concluded that there are “marked differences” between those diagnosed in early childhood versus adolscence and adulthood.

Social models and misdiagnoses

In recent years, the term ‘neurodiversity’ has been used to destigmatise autism. The change in language saw a shift in how people saw ASD — not as a disability, but a natural variation. This view focuses on strengths of nerodivergent individuals, rather than their struggles. This way of thinking, researchers argue, benefits those diagnosed as adults, rather than children.

The report authors argue this to try to promote inclusion and “harm avoidance”. As a result, the disgnosis threshold has been lowered, and more people “identifying” with an autism label.

Sex differences

Image: Canva

Interestingly. the study showed that AMAB (assigned male at birth) people were more likely diagnosed in early childhoo, whereas people assigned female arpt birth (AFAB) were often diagnosed in adolescence or adulthood.

I have been told that this happens for two main reasons. Social conventions teach females to mask autistic traits, more than males. Secondly, ASD is often mistaken for anxiety, a mood disorder, or even borderline personality disorder (BPD). This would add to the fewer or later diagnoses in females.

Let’s talk about masking for a bit.

AFAB (assigned female at birth) people are taught to mask from an early age. This is not often a neutral or good thing.

According to Simply Psychology, masking can:

  • Cause or exacerbate stress, anxiety and depression
  • Cause a loss of identity
  • Cause low self – esteem and feelings of shame
  • Increase isolation
  • Increase the risk of exploitation and people violating personal boundaries
  • Increased risk of abuse and manipulation in relationships
  • A delay in diagnosis and ongoing struggle that comes with it
  • Mental and physical exhaustion

People with ASD, regardless of sex or gender identity, deserve to live without the stress masking brings and get their needs met.

How can someone stop or reduce masking

To limit or avoid masking, Simply Psychology advises:

  • Identify and reflect on your own masking behaviours
  • Find a supportive and accepting network. If possible, a family member may be a good start
  • Set small goals and slowly exhibit your natural behaviours (interests, stims, etc)
  • Look back at a time when you stimmed in front of another person. How did they react? Did they even notice?

Diagnosis, regardless of age is not the problem

Is ASD overdiagnosed? Misdiagnosed? Here are my (non – professional) thoughts.

My understandijg is that neurodivergence is often missed in AFAB people. This is because a lot of the research is outdated, and centres around AMAB (assigned male at birth) people.

I’m always a little weary of people claining that a diagnosis is wrong , overdiagnosed or doesn’t (or shouldn’t) exist (i,e, histrionic personality disorder/ HPD).

People’s struggles are real and should be taken seriously, rather than denied, Everyone deserves appropriate mental health care, and live in a world where they feel understood. If that means someone fits the criteria for ASD, then so be it. I don’t think it’s up to others to judge.

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Opinion/Commentary

My take on the upcoming changes to the NDIS

On Wednesday, 22 April, Australian Health Minister, Mark Butler announced plans to slash the cost of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

In a National Press Club Address, Health Minister Mark Butler , sympathised with people scared of the changes. He savaged “organised crime”, “shonks” and “rorters” who are ripping off the scheme.

Thing is, this emphasis on “shonks” and “rorters” has only been recent. It’s almost as if Labor are trying to soften the blow for people with a disability.

The fact is, these changes are ablut penalising peoole with disabilities. With the public and media’s support.

What reporters really have been talking about?

Back in March, Luke Kinsella wrote an inflammatory opinion piece in the Financial Review. Was he exposing abuse? No. Fraud? No. He was lamenting people with disabilities going out for coffees, the movies and walks with support workers. Half way down the article, Kinsella admitted:

Funding for social and community participation enables participants to have carers (ahem, support workers*) on daily activities outside such as goimg to the shops, getting a haircut, seeing a movie or going for a walk, although it doesn’t include the cost of the activity itself.

(“NDIS spends $12b on support for walks, movies, haircuts”, Luke Kinsella, Financial Review, 15 March 2026)

*My personal edit, not in the original quote. Emphasis mine.

(Side note: Kinsella (or AFR Editors) edited the headline, which originally suggested that NDIS paid for activities).

The AFR article caused a flurry of other reports and commentary on the “blowout” of the NDIS..

Greens Senator, Jordon Steele Johns attacked the journalists’ reporting on the NDIS in a speech in Parliament.

History of NDIS fear – mongering

Commentators starting raising the alarm much earlier.

In 2017, Andrew Bolt warned “the NDIS will blow out”, while reporting lawn maintenance and gardening companies signing up as NDIS providers. Some of their clients were allegedly parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One provider admitted to questioning the legitamacy of some claims.

This is when people with ASD started being scrutinised. People started throwing terms like ‘high – functioning autism’ around, despite people in the Autistic community taking issue with that terminology.

Recent Farrer election

Nobody has talked about this. This us just my theory on what is going on.

On the 9 May, the Farrer Electorate, (in southwest New South Wales), had a by – election. One Nation candidate, David Farley won in a landslide. One Nation is no longer just a threat to the Liberal/ National Party (LNP), but also Labor.

I also realised that support for the Australian Greens (who is most vocal in protecting the NDIS and everyone on it), has tanked. Farrer’s Greens candidate, Richard Hendrie, only got 2.3% of the vote. In natiomal polls, One Nation has risen in popularity, while Australian Greens has tanked.

I think Labor cracked down on NDIS participants to save their skin. They saw the media outrage, the exaggerations, the polls and freaked.

This wasn’t about justice or righting wrongs, If it was, they would have forced the NDIA to crack down on real fraud when it came to light. More unethical providers would already be shut down.

Instead, Labor sacrificed the security and peace of mind of people with disabilities for political gain. That’s outrageous.

Update: The new NDIS Act passed Parliament last week. It’s now subject to a senate inquiry.

If you have strong feelings about the NDIS, you can email a submission to Parliament of Australia. You can email them at: community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au. Submissions close 29 May.

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Opinion/Commentary

Australians need to change how they view people with disability.

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Trigger warning: this post briefly touches on fillicide and may be triggering for some readers. Please proceed with caution.

It’s only March, and already, Australia provesxwe have a long way to go in how we treat peoole with a disability.

In January, autistic brothers, Otis, 14 and Leon, 16: Clune died in a suspected murder – suicide in Mosman Park, Western Australia. A disability support worker found a note warning her not to go inside.

Over the next month, reporting and commenting on the case was swift, both in mainstream and social media. It highlighted how people view disabled people, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in this country.

Many TikTok creators who had ASD, pointed out the differences on how this case was reported, compared to the murder of non – disabled/ non – neurodivergent children.

Cases of fillicide against non – neurodivergent and non – disabled children is met with swift condemnation, with very little analysis on why it occurred. Suggestions that the killer snapped is immediately met with outrage.

Conversely, people were quick to empathise with the parentsMalwenna Goasdoue and Jarrod Clune.

News.com.au even had the gall to quote a parent, calling Leon a “monster”. There is no way anyone would say that about a neurotypical child.

Media slams NDIS participants for getting “haircuts” and “going to cafes”

Screenshot taken from Financial Review website

This article infuriates me.

Luke Kinsella wrote an inflammatory headline in the Financial Review, accusing NDIS participants of using NDIS funds for going to cafes and getting haircuts. Only later did Luke Kinsella admit that the NDIS funds covered support wotker, not the activity itself.

Funding for social and community partticioation enables NDIS participants to have carersaccompany them on faily activitiesoutside the home such asg9ing to the shops, getting a haircut, seeing a movie, or going for a walk, although it does not include the cost of the activity itself.

(‘NDIS soends $12b on support for walks, movies,haircuts’, Luke Kinsella, Financial Review, 15 March 2026).

TikTokers have also pointed fingers at anti – CCP creator, Drew Pavlou on sensational coverage of alleged fraud in the NDIS. To his credit, from what I’ve seen, he doesn’t attack NDIS participants themselves, but raises concerns on the legitimacy on some NDIS providers. And, unlike Kinsella, it doesn’t seem like he’s out to ragebait, using the disabled community.

Employers admit discriminating against disabled job seekers

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The only surprise is that some employers admit it.

According to ABC, 19% of employers admitted they reject potential candidates with a disability. Around 70% have also admitted they discriminate based on race, mental illness and age.

I have a suspicion that a lot more employers just didn’t admit they discriminate against people with disability.

Content creator and aspiring musician, Jay Morgan have pointed out that many employers covertly discrininare against disabled people by mandating having a driver’s license, even if it’s not really required for the job. They’re right.

The discrimination against disabled people has been going on for years, despite governments offering wage subsidy incentives, which are given by employment agencies.

So, what is the answer? Honestly, I think Australia has a massive attitude problem. Councils, the media, employers and, frankly people in general think disabled people are just burdens.

Employers just see cost of having disabled employees despite evidence proving that diversity, including people with disabilities, actually are a net positive to businesses. The penalties on discrimination need to be so severe that it’d be better for businesses not to discrimunate.

The days of ‘education’ ate over. Some people have disabilities, get over it!

P.S. On a positive note, one company that does treat people with disabilities brilliantly is Virgin Australia. I can’t fault them.

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Opinion/Commentary

‘All abilities’ pool has closed

Crisp blue water of a swimming pool
image: WordPress Library

Earlier this month, residents of Port Fairy, Victoria, got an unwelcome announcement

According to the ABC, Moyne Shire Council declared that it was permanently closing Belfast Aquatics Community Pool.

Moyne Shire Council conducted an inspection and found mould and algae in the facility.

Residents said they were blindsided and disappointed. Jacqui King has three daughters, all who learnt to swim at the facility. One is a competitive swimmer. She told ABC:

Without the pool she would have never had that [to become a competitive swimmer] opportunity.

(‘Port Fairy residents demand answers after council abruptly closes only all-abilities pool’, ABC Coco Velcamp and Ted O’Connor, 12 December 2025)

King claimed that Belfast Aquatics had been crucial in teaching Port Fairy residents water safety. Port Fairy is a coastal community. Many life savers have done their training there.

Another resident, Peter O’Keeffe said Moyne Council hasn’t been upfront about the needed repairs:

The council has [mentioned] A$2million to repair the pool, but there is no detail on the repairs.

Over three hundred residents attended a community meeting to protest the shutdown.

Risks of indoor pools

According to The Pool and Laws, there are risks of having indoor pools that need to be minimised. Indoor pools have a higher risk of algae and mould growth. They require extensive chemical treatments.

Air quality can pose a hazard to those who use an indoor pool. Due to a lack of open air, indoor pool water can react to human contaminates (sweat, urine, etc) and cause irritation.

Moisture causes condensation. Overtime, this can damage the insulation, walls, ceilings, and its mechanical systems.

Indoor pools take a lot of work to maintain (a lot more than I initially thought, to be honest). But that does not mean Moyne Shire Council should have penalised the elderly, children and disabled by shutting it down!

Belfast Aquatics’ closing is a kick in the teeth for children, elderly and disabled people

Amputee standing von side of pool
Image: WordPress Library

I can say from personal experience that some pools can be awkward to get in and out of. Sometimes, I’ve found ladders to get out of pools daunting.

Fortunately, some public pools are becoming more accessible. The pool in the town I used to live in has a ramp. Pools often have steps that are easier to go in and out of the water.

Getting rid of ladders embedded in pool walls would be a great next step, (no pun intended). A ladder outside the wall is better. Maybe that’s just me.

My point is, public pools can and should be accessible to all, no matter age, or abilities.

It sounds like the Belfast Aquatic Community Pool was great for the Port Fairy community. The Moyne Council neglected it, let it get hazardous, and penalised the community.

Now, there is one less pool that children, disabled and elderly people can go to that isn’t awkward to get in and out of or learn about water safety. It’s one less space where all people can gather, socialise and improve their fitness.

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Opinion/Commentary

Social media challenge saves Australians money

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It’s nearly the end of September.

It’s no secret that people around the world are struggling financially. According to news.com.au, RBA boss Michelle Bullock admitted that the cost of living wasn’t easing, despite a decrease in inflation.

According to Caitlin Davey on the ABC, Instagram creator, Lou Gibson, aka ‘The Money Mum‘ took on ‘No Spend September’. She took on the challenge for the past two years. She told the ABC why she took on the chalkenge:

It’s mainly to stop unconscious, habitual, spending and to focus on all the wonderful things in my life that are completely free.

(‘No spend September is kicking off on social media to help people save,’ Caitlin Davey, 31 August 2025)

Gibson wasn’t the only one. She is part of a growing number of people who swore to ditch takeaway coffee and other luxuries throughout the month of September.

Financial literacy advocate, Ketvi Roopnairainwas positive about the challenge.

About ‘No Spend September’

What is No Spend September? No Spend September is a global social mefia trend where creators vow to eliminate unnecessary spending throughout September. Currently, there are 1757 posts with the hashtag #nospendseptember on TikTok.

Image screenshot from TikTok

No Spend September gained some traction on Instagram, too, amassing over 1,000 posts.

Screenshot of Instagram hashtag #nospendseptember

Here are some of yhe Instagram creators who took on the trend:

  • madison.hungerford, by her own admission, is very self – sufficient. However, she describes herself as a “Costco addict”. She tod her followers she will only buy cream for coffee.
  • A Purposeful Home: Andrea offered a course on reducing spending
  • the.brokegeneration suggested people go into shops only to take a photo of items to trick the brain and provide the same dopamine hit
  • sweewtfrugallife offered six tips when doing the challenge. They were:
    • Tell your friends
    • Seek free community events
    • Remind yourself why you’re doing the challenge
    • Unsubscribe from non – essential emails and social media accounts that tempt you
    • Prepare meals in advance
    • Forgive yourself for slip ups

The impact of No Spend September

When Gibson did the challenge last year, it had a positive impact on her family. Her family had:

More family time, park plays and board games meant that we didn’t feel deprived.

In my opinion, it seems like No Spend September could reveal to people what really is important.

Alternatives to No Spend September

No Spend September may not work fpr everyone. If you believe that may be you, Roopnairain suggests selling your unused belongings for extra money. She even suggests getting rid of thirty belongings in thirty days. She also suggests looking at utility plans and try and get the best one. You can also megotiate for better deals with your current utility company.

No Spend September isn’t bad, but it doesn’t change the real issue

I think No Spend September (and selling unused possessions) isn’t bad. It may be good for some peoole, or at least offer some financial relief.

However, it’s important to point out that this doesn’t fix the state of the economy. The issue of the economy goes beyond middle – class (and lower – class) families. Unless those who hoard wealth, buy multiple properties, making the cost of housing worse, avoid paying taxes, many families will continue to struggle.

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Opinion/Commentary

Teens delete TikTok to combat negative body image

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For years, parents, teachers and health professionals have worried about how social media affects children and teenagers.

Over the past decade, many young people have experienced cyber – bullying. In response, the Australian Labor Government recently introduced a bill banning children under the age of sixteen from certain social media platforms, including: Snapchat, Meta (Facebook), TikToknand YouTube.

Another issue affecting young people is body image. Not surprisingly, Instagram images and reels and TikTok videos often portray unattainable beauty standards and lifestyles.

Now, researchers are realising that getting off social media can reverse some of these negative effects.

Researchers reveal that deleting social media reverses harm

Image: Canva

According to Lauren Novak, researchers from Flinders University had teens deleting social media, especially TikTok. Psychologist and researcher, Dr Simon Wilksch has raised alarm in social media and its impact on body image. He’s vocally backed Australian Government’s ban on social media for children under sixteen.

He’s also urged governments to offer more treatment options. for young people with eating disorders.

Dr. Wilksch told Herald Sun:

As a psychologist working with people with an eating disorder, I see the devastating toll these illnesses can take.

Social media platforms are image and video-based, constantly giving users the meesage. that how they look is important and that efforts to change their appearance will lead to greater likability by others.

(’Devastating toll’: Aus researchers team up with teens to fight TikTok – fuelled eating disorders, Lauren Novak, Herald Sun, 15 September 2025)

Dr. Wilksch highlights how teenagers are vulnerable, due to peer relationships and their need for acceptance.

The research

A trial by the Media Smart Targeted (MST) included over 500 13 to 25 – year – olds across Australia and New Zealand.

Dr. Willksch said that the rate of young people seeking help for eating disorders has doubled over the past twelve years.

On the I Am Media Smart Fact Sheet, Dr Wilksch recorded:

  • 50% of boys and 75% of girls between 13 – 25 report having poor body image
  • A study of 1,000 Year Seven and Year Eight students revealed 52% of girls and 45% of boys have recently displayed disordered eating behaviour

Poor body image is linked to many health issues, including:

  • Higher risk of depression
  • Higher risk of anxiety
  • Low self – esteem
  • Self – harm
  • Substance abuse
  • Sleep disorders
  • Unhealthy relationship with food (no surprise, really)
  • Unhealthy relationship with exercise
  • A drop in academic performance
  • Lower school attendance
  • Poor peer relationships

Parents of children under sixteen granted consent for their children to be surveyed. Participants over sixteen gave their own consent.

What can be done to help young people struggling with body image?

Content warning: this part of the post deals with suicide

Dr. Wilksch encourages schools and health practitioners to display the MST data.

Obviously, healthcare for young people needs to be adequate. Unfortunately, services like Headspace — which is meant to help young people within that age group — are often ill – equipped to help young people in dire circumstances. Unfortunately, they don’t have enough qualified psychologists and psychiatrists that deal with issues as severe as self – harm and severe mental illness.

Unfortunately, too many inpatient services aren’t properly equipped either. In 2011, Albury Councillor, Stuart Baker and his wife Annette lost their only daughter, Mary to suicide. She was only fifteen and had a long battle with an eating disorder after an abcess removal and root canal treatment.

Paeditricians initially dismissed Mary’s inability to eat, telling Stuart and Annette that it was “all in her head”. She battled the eating disorder for three years before tragically losing her life.

In the aftermath of Mary’s death, Stuart, Annette and their two sons have worked tirelessly to end the stigma around mental health and suicide. For years, Stuart and Annette held the Survivors of Suicide and Friends Winter Solstice to help people who’ve lost loved ones to suicide.

Mary Baker’s tragic passing exposed the fatal flaws in youth mental health system and the need for better treatment for young peoole with eating disorders.

It’s great that the media is shining a light on youth mental health, the effects of social media and disordered eating. I hope society keeps up with the fight and finds a solution that saves future generations.

If you are in crisis, please call 000 (or your national emergency number).

If you’re in Australia and need help, you can contact Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or visit the website.

If you need help with an eating disorder, you can visit the Butterfly Foundatiin website.

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Opinion/Commentary

Doctor suggests getting rid of the ‘middlemen ‘ in the NDIS. Is this a good idea?

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) logo on white screen

How can the Government fix the National Disability Insurance Scheme?

The Australian Government implemented the NDIS Act in 2013. By late 2020, all people with “permanent” and “significant” disabilities could access the NDIS nationwide.

The NDIS has had a number of issues; from criminal neglect, abuse and fraud. More recently, there have been fears and controversies about whatis and isn’t funded by the NDIS.

Some ‘services’ that aren’t covered seem quite obvious for most people, such as: alcohol, sex workers and standard day – to – day expenses.

Other services have been substituted. For example, the NDIS pays for participants to have an Exercise Physiologist, rather than a Personal Trainer.

The future of other services currently covered by the NDIS are murkier.

Doctor suggests cutting “middlemen” out of NDIS

Chalk drawing of three arrows. Top arrow, pointing left saying ‘Advice’. Second arrow pointing right saying: ‘Support’ and third arrow pointing left saying ‘Help’.
Image: Canva

According to The Australian, Western Australia – based General Practitioner, Dr. James Fitzpatrick suggests cutting out ‘the middlemen’ of the scheme. This includes Plan Managers and Support Coordinators.

Dr. Fitzpatrick argues that some Support Coordinators are charging “trail fees” and earning more than a junior doctor. He also argues that Plan Managers make the NDIS more complex and take funds away from therapies:

The plan management model has diverted substantial resources within the NDIS and has made it more complex to administer for therapy providers and this has resulted in less resources being available for direct service provision

(“NDIS spends $1bn-plus on fees for middlemen managers”, Natasha Robinson, 21 March 2025).

According to Dr. Fitzpatrick, each participant is charged a ‘set – up fee’ from their package often ranging from A$230 to A$350. The cost is dependent where the participant lives and how remote they are.

Who will keep watch?

In a perfect world, maybe Plan Managers and Support Coordinators wouldn’t be needed in 5he NDIS. But it’s no secret that the NDIS has been plagued with fraud and abuses.

Plan Managers keep an eye on the amount of funds that a participant have in their Plan. They also alert participants if the funds are going to run out early. Lastly, they keep an eye on invoices that NDIS providers submit, making sure that invoices are legitimate and in line with the guidelines.

Support Coordinators are advocates for participants. They argue with the NDIA and make sure that participants get the funding they’re entitled to. They also alert participants when changes should be made and when a Provider is being unethical.

So, who will fulfil these roles and maintain participants’ rights? Local Area Coordinators (Navigators)? Doctors? Other professionals who are already overworked?

Is there a better solution?

I think the real problem is lack of professional standards. Currently, there are very few mandates for NDIS workers. Many organisations don’t require certain qualifications, Police Checks or Work With Children Checks, or even First Aid.

Rather than abolishing Plan Managers and Support Coordinators, maybe they need to be better regulated. They should all have a background and/or qualifications in Disability and/ or Community Services at minimum.

They should all have appropriate checks, including NDIS Worker Check, Work With Children’s Check (WWCC) and National Police Check.

Finally, there needs to be strict regulations on the rates that Plan Managers, Support Coordinators and other providers can charge. Anyone proven to be charging the wrong amount should be dealt with affectively.

If Support Coordinators and Plan Managers are done away with, I fear that there will be less support for participants. Dare I say, there will be more fraud, exploitation and abuse. The Government should deal with unethical providers, regardless of their role. Deal with the fraud and abuses, rather than deprive participants of advocacy and support they need!

Should Support Coordinators and Plan Managere be taken out of the NDIS? Let me know thoughts in the comments below.

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Opinion/Commentary

Parents face struggles when children start the school year

Back of mother and her four children side by side holding hands
School has started. Unfortunately, so has stress. Image: Canva

It’s the start of a new school year for millions of children. Many children have started school; entering Kindergarten or Prep (depending on the Australian State you’re in).

 

Jodi Wilson wrote on the ABC website about the “hardest year of motherhood”. It was Wilson’s youngest child’s first day at school. She didn’t expect the transition to have such an emotional impact.

I held it all together for him [hercyoungest son] — ushered him through tired afternoons and big emotions — but it took me months to accept that I needed a similar kind of care, too.

(‘The transition to school was harder on me than my kids’, ABC, Jodi Wilson 29 January 2025)

Perfectionism and the pressures parents face

Adult wearing a white t - shirt with the word ‘VOLUNTEER’ in big black letters
Parents feel pressure to volunteer at their school’s events. Image: Canva

Parents stress about what schools expect from them. Wilson pointed out the pressure parents face to volunteer at their child’s/ children’s school.

Then there’s responsibilities that children and parents face throughout the year. Signing permission notes, returning library books, etc. Of course, perfection doesn’t exist. Things happen: children lose library books, etc. Children waste time and are late to school. Heck, parents often struggle to get their children out of bed!

Another pressure Wilson brings up is volunteering. Often, parents are encouraged to volunteer for numerous school roles: canteen, reading, sports carnivals, fundraisers, you name it. But so many parents are so busy, they probably don’t have time to volunteer in every event.

Of course, there are always events that parents want to attend to support their children. I think it’s important for parents and friends outside the school to support students in their events (carnivals, Drama performances, etc). Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible.

Parents need to be supported by schools as much as parents should support teachers. Everyone needs to be able to lighten their load and not feel obligated for every little thing!

 

Tips for parents of school – aged children

Luckily, there is help and tips for parents. According to Parents Victoria:

  • Parents should have a mutual agreement with the school on communication method/s
  • Parents should inform the school of their child/ren’s needs, and be realistic in their rxpectations
  • Have agreed pick up/ drop off points
  • Parents should inform teachers if their child/ren has mental health concerns (i.e if the children are prone to anxiety)
  • Parents should familarise themselves with the school layout and transport pick – up/ dropp off points.
  • It’s important that parents get to know and build a respectful relationships with their children’s teachers and Head Teachers
  • If a child is starting a new school, parents should brainstorm with conversation starters with their child to give them more confidence.
  • If parents are unable to get the school items they need, there is no shame in asking for help

By the time this post is published, students have already started school for 2025. I wish all students and parents the the best. May you be able to be relax a little and enjoy the school year.

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Opinion/Commentary

Australian principals are fighting food insecurity among students. How did this get so bad in the first place?

Image: Prostock – Studio, iStock

How can this happen in Australia in 2024?

According to the ABC, 1.3 million Australian children live with food insecurity. Going to school hungry is detrimental to a child’s learning. Fortunately, one school is combatting this.

Alexandra Hills State School, Queensland teamed up with not – for – profit, Eat Up to provide students with a free lunch.

Principal, Scott Ward explained the program as:

[It’s] really a vehicle for the kids to know that we care and that our community cares about them, no matter what, whether they can afford food or they can’t.

(‘Children experiencing food insecurity can face challenges at school. Some groups and principals are changing that’. Stephanie Felsina, ABC News, 9 September 2024)

The school is incredibly humble and wants their students to ask for food without shame:

I think the most important thing for us is we don’t make a big deal of it, because we want our kids to know that they can come to a staff member without shame.

Food insecurity leads to absenteeism

Image: kuarmungadd, iStock

A few months ago, ABC’s Four Corners raised alarm about children being too anxious to go to school.

Living with food insecurity is a common reason for children not attending school.

In 2018, Foodbank revealed that one in three parents lived with food insecurity. When parents struggle with finances, essentials are sacrificed. It’s food vs rent. Or electricity bill vs school expenses.

Heartbreakingly, children who live in poverty face bullying when they do go to school. Parents also told Foodbank they realised mood and behavioural changes in their children due to hunger.

Conversely, founder of Eat Up, Lyndon Galea has seen an increase of attendance since partnering with Alexandra Hill School.

Schools also reached out to other charities, such as Y (formerly YMCA), to help provide food for students. Like Mr. Ward, Y aims to destigmatise children reaching out when in need.

Touching stories exposes national shame

Alexandra High Schol and charities should be commended for providing food to hungry children. However, it exposes a national shame.

The media in Australia is flooded with reports of the cost of living crisis. There have also been reports of major supermarkets, most infamously, Woolworths, being condemned for falsely advertising ‘specials’. Social media users exposed the supermarket giant for price gouging and exploiting the cost of living crisis.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has launched legal action against Woolworths and Coles, accusing them of raising prices and falsely promoting them as specials.

It’s disgusting how supermarket giants, power companies and, ultimately the Australian Government has created this situation. It’s disgusting that children don’t have the means to have their basic needs met. We’re not talking about a twelve – year – old wanting the latest PlayStation, PARENTS CAN’T AFFORD TO FEED THEIR CHILDREN! It’s such an outrage with plenty of blame to go around.

So, what can be done? Until the Government gets its act together, maybe you can support an Australian charity. The Smith Family directly helps children in poverty attend school.