This strategy builds on its predecessor, the National Disability Strategy 2010–2020, which saw a range of reforms introduced to better support and include people with disability. These included:

• establishing the world-leading National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
• new disability legislation, such as state Disability Inclusion Acts, to strengthen legal protections for people with disability
• new Australian, state, territory and local government disability inclusion plans
• local initiatives focused on creating inclusive communities, accessible transport, and improving access to health and education services
• establishing the NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner to investigate and protect older people and people with disability from abuse, neglect and exploitation
• significant shifts in government and social and community services towards rights-based approaches to remove barriers for people with disability.

The strategy was developed by Australian, state, territory and local governments, through more than two years of engagement with people with disability, their families and carers. The outcomes and recommendations from several reviews and evaluations of the National Disability Strategy 2010–2020 has also informed the development of this strategy.

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability and the work of the Commission has also shaped the development of this strategy and will shape future updates. Governments are committed to reviewing the strategy upon the release of the Commission’s final report.