There is a pressing need for hospitals throughout Australia to become more responsive and inclusive in meeting the health needs of people with intellectual disability.

The National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (third edition) is out now for public consultation. These are the standards that all hospitals are audited against.

The draft Standards overlook people with intellectual disability, despite the profound health disparities affecting more than 560,000 Australians with intellectual disability.

Here is a consultation draft of the proposed revised Standards: NSQHS Standards (third edition).

The Driving Change team have consulted with a range of experts in the health of people with intellectual disability to develop key points for a submission on behalf of the Centre. We need many strong voices amplifying those points if we are to achieve major change in the final Standards.

How can you help?
You can add your voice to the inquiry too. Submissions close 25 September 2026. We encourage you to contribute a submission if you regularly encounter situations where people with intellectual disability do not receive the quality of hospital care they need.

Every submission strengthens the case for a more inclusive, equitable health system. It does not take long to contribute and make an impact. You should be able to complete and lodge a submission in 30 minutes with the materials Driving Change have made to assist you.

Here is a link to the Centre's key points which you can use in your submission.

Please copy us in at drivingchange@cid.org.au if you make a submission.