The federal government of Australia is taking steps to improve the education system for students with disabilities, who make up nearly a quarter of all students. Autism expert, Professor Andrew Whitehouse, has been appointed to the national board overseeing school funding as part of these efforts. The number of students with disabilities has been on the rise, with data showing a steady year-on-year increase. 24.2% of total school enrolments in 2023 were students who received an educational adjustment due to disability. The appointment of Professor Whitehouse is seen as a positive move towards prioritising these students in state and federal school funding negotiations. This move is significant as state education systems are already under strain due to increased teacher workloads and staff shortages, while the number of school children with disabilities continues to rise. Moreover, the pressure on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which is subscribed by more than 9% of children aged five to seven, has highlighted the need for state education ministers to provide alternative supports. Two major government reviews into the NDIS and the school system at the end of last year argued for schools to become service hubs providing support services such as speech pathology and occupational therapy. Alongside this, efforts are underway to improve school funding tied to improving support for students with disabilities. In December, a breakthrough agreement to increase states’ share of support was reached at a national cabinet meeting, though the details are still being worked through. Professor Whitehouse’s appointment is seen as a signal that funding around disability will become much more transparent and Nicole Rogerson, chief executive of Autism Awareness Australia, said her organization will observe closely how states utilise the extra funding.