Australia’s commitment to disability equity

The Australian Government is committed to advancing disability equity and rights. 
Everyone benefits from disability equity. It is an integral part of our international engagement and is a strategic investment in a more peaceful, stable and prosperous region. For sustainable development to be achieved, we must deliver on our commitment to leave no one behind, including people with disability. 

Australia’s International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy outlines how we are advancing disability equity and rights through our international engagement. The Strategy introduced Australia’s first ever performance target for disability equity in our international development program, a phased performance target of 60 per cent of development and humanitarian investments performing effectively on disability equity by 2026, and 70 per cent by 2030. 

Disability inclusive development fund

Australia supports the full participation of people with disability in economic, social and political life to reduce poverty, drive growth and enhance democratic governance. 

In 2025-26, Australia’s central disability funding increased to $15 million, which supports our partners in implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and building the capacity of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs).

Through bilateral, regional and multilateral programs and key partners, Australia advocates for and supports disability-equitable development.

Partnerships

Strengthening disability equity capability

Australia is increasing disability equity in our development cooperation by improving access to specialist expertise, training and outreach. We are committed to ensuring meaningful participation by people with disability and OPDs in all stages of development programming.