Parties pitch their policies and respond to asks at State Election Disability Forum

Politicians from across the political spectrum came together with the community to discuss issues important to South Australians with disability at JFA Purple Orange’s first ever State Election Disability Forum held in Adelaide last week.

Minister for Human Services Nat Cook (Labor), Shadow Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink (Liberal), and upper house members Rob Simms (Greens) and Connie Bonaros (SA-Best) responded to five key election asks developed with the disability community in the lead up to the State Election on 21 March 2026.

Tracey Wallace, Interim CEO of JFA Purple Orange, welcomed the opportunity to place disability inclusion at the centre of a robust discussion leading into the election, although lamented that the Forum had run out of time to include more audience questions.

“We need more conversations like this,” Ms Wallace said. “It’s great to hear the inclusion agenda being put front and centre and having the political parties really engage with these issues.”

“The key then is moving that into action. We can make statements and agree on vision, but it really is the plans and implementation, the actions and investments, that enact a vision.”

Although there were many positive sentiments expressed, responses to the specific election asks about independent advocacy, accessible housing, inclusive education, the Disability Royal Commission recommendations, and domestic, family, and sexual violence responses were mixed.

“We’re disappointed that we didn’t have the Government or Opposition make any substantial commitments, like a plan to invest in independent disability advocacy services, which can make a life changing, and even life saving difference for a person. Seeking change is a marathon and we’ll continue to stand alongside the disability community in taking these issues to government.”

Ms Wallace thanked the political panellists and disability community for participating in the Forum and engaging constructively with the election asks and other important issues.

Read our event summary which includes responses to each ask and questions from the audience, with JFA Purple Orange’s reflections included for additional context.

More information and media enquiries

All election asks and party responses will be published in full on our 2026 South Australian State Election page.

For more information, contact Marissa Brown, Leader – Marketing and Communications, on
(08) 8373 8388 or via email at media@juliafarr.org.au or marissab@juliafarr.org.au.