DISABILITY organisations have slammed the Social Security and Other Legislative Amendments (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025, warning that it could have devastating consequences for vulnerable Australians.
Section 5 of the bill would give the Home Affairs Minister the power to revoke a person’s welfare benefits if they have an outstanding arrest warrant for a serious crime, even without a criminal charge or conviction.
The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) has called on the Federal Government to withdraw the controversial section, citing concerns that it will exacerbate inequality and create unintended consequences in the justice system.
AFDO CEO Ross Joyce said the amendment undermines fundamental rights, including the presumption of innocence and procedural fairness.
“There’s a whole range of domino effects,” Mr Joyce said.
“People with disability are already overrepresented in the justice system and face systemic discrimination. That’s not the way society should work.”
He warned that denying benefits based on a warrant, rather than a court finding, could have severe knock-on effects for other support services that people with disability rely on.
Mr Joyce emphasised that the changes would apply even if a person had not committed a crime.
“We’re having judgment before you know the details of the offence,” he said.
“They may have a criminal history and an arrest warrant, but they haven’t committed a crime.
“They receive punishment before there is any judicial finding and the ability to defend themselves.”
The amendment is expected to disproportionately affect First Nations Australians, who are overrepresented in both the disability and justice systems.
Thirty-five per cent of First Nations people under 65 have a disability, with many children in the justice system having cognitive or other disabilities and involvement with child protection.
Mr Joyce warned that the changes could push people further into poverty, housing insecurity, and unsafe living conditions.
He also expressed concern that people with intellectual, psychosocial, or acquired disabilities could be particularly vulnerable due to ongoing reforms to the NDIS and related support services, including the Thriving Kids program.
Mr Joyce criticised the Government for rushing the legislation through Parliament, saying it risked causing widespread harm before proper safeguards were in place.
