The 2026 Federal Budget reinforces Australia’s long-standing commitment to HIV prevention and treatment, with continued investment aimed at achieving the virtual elimination of HIV transmission. At the same time, proposed reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) signal broader changes that will shape how community support is delivered.
Together, these developments highlight both progress and complexity for the people we serve.
Continued investment in HIV response
The Budget delivers targeted funding to ensure prevention and treatment remain accessible.
This includes:
- $52 million over four years to expand access to PrEP
- $42.5 million over three years to maintain access to HIV treatment
- Continued funding for community-led programs, education and self-testing initiatives
These investments are central to Australia’s HIV strategy, recognising that access to affordable medication and prevention tools is essential to reducing transmission.
They also reaffirm the importance of community organisations, which play a critical role in connecting people to care and supporting long-term health outcomes.
Rising demand for support
The experiences of many people living with HIV is increasingly shaped by the cost-of-living crisis.
Rising housing costs, financial stress and social isolation are driving increased demand for services such as financial counselling, wellbeing programs and case management. These pressures sit outside traditional health funding but directly affect people’s ability to stay connected to care.
For BGF, this reflects a growing need to respond holistically, supporting not just health outcomes but stability, dignity and quality of life.
NDIS reforms
The Federal Government has also outlined significant reforms to the NDIS, aimed at improving sustainability and strengthening oversight, including new eligibility criteria based on functional capacity, reduced participant numbers, expanded provider registration and changes to funding.
As a registered NDIS provider, BGF is well positioned in a more regulated environment, with strong governance and compliance in place.
Mike Searle, Acting CEO of Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, said the organisation is prepared to respond while continuing to prioritise client outcomes.
“These reforms will reshape the NDIS, but BGF is well placed to adapt. Stronger regulation supports quality and safeguards for participants, but it’s essential people continue to access the supports they need to stay connected, engaged and well, particularly those with complex health and social challenges.”
Through all of this, BGF’s role remains clear; to provide inclusive, person-centred care that supports people living with HIV and people with disability to live well, stay connected and thrive.
