The journey toward inclusive, high-quality housing for people with disabilities is a shared responsibility—and one of the most pressing challenges lies within the realm of state-owned Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). Prior to the NDIS, housing for people with disability was primarily provided by the State and not-for-profit providers, to benefit as many people as possible. Often, this stock represents a legacy of older models of care, but it also holds the key to unlocking transformative opportunities for participants, providers, and policymakers.

That’s why the work of the SDA Alliance (SDAA) Subcommittee on State-Owned Existing Stock is so vital. This national initiative is designed to tackle the unique complexities surrounding legacy housing, advocate for equitable policies, and drive systemic change in the SDA sector.

The Significance of State-Owned SDA

State-owned SDA has long provided essential support to Australians with disabilities. However, much of this housing reflects older models of care, built to meet past needs rather than today’s standards. According to the NDIS Quarterly Report (September 2024), Australia has 3,991 legacy SDA homes, with 175 housing six or more residents—a stark contrast to the contemporary focus on independence and choice. State-owned SDA properties have long provided essential housing for people with disabilities, but many of these assets no longer meet contemporary standards or participant expectations. They often were built prior to the release of the SDA Design Standards and feature outdated designs that lack alignment to contemporary compliance requirements, inflexible lease arrangements, and group living models that limit choice and control. For participants, this can mean reduced independence, limited choice, and diminished quality of life.

These challenges underscore the importance of coordinated national and state-level efforts to modernise SDA and deliver solutions that promote independence, inclusion, and dignity for all participants.

The SDAA Subcommittee – Driving Change

Recognising the critical need for action, the SDA Alliance (SDAA) Subcommittee on State-Owned Existing Stock is spearheading a national initiative to address these issues. With a clear focus on innovation and collaboration, the Subcommittee is working to:

• Advocate for policy reforms that enable sustainable, participant-focused housing solutions.
• Collaborate with state governments, the NDIA, and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to develop strategies for transitioning participants to modern SDA.
• Explore innovative design through a codesign with participants and providers.
• Propose actionable development strategies to deliver accessible, future-ready housing.

Why It Matters

The work of the Subcommittee is about more than upgrading infrastructure—it’s about empowering lives. For participants, transitioning from outdated congregate housing to contemporary SDA means gaining greater autonomy over where and how they live. It means choosing housemates, designing their ideal living spaces, and stepping into a future where housing supports their aspirations, not just their needs.

For the State, it will ensure that housing for people with disability is met by the SDA market, and potentially free up housing stock for other state housing needs.

For the broader community, modernising state-owned SDA is an opportunity to create a more inclusive society where people with disabilities are empowered to live with dignity, independence, and full participation.

Looking Ahead: A United Approach
At Apollo SDA, we’re proud to collaborate with leading providers in Queensland to contribute our expertise to this transformative effort. Together, we’re building housing solutions that not only meet today’s challenges but also set the foundation for a more inclusive and participant-focused future. We are very proud to have one of our team members Amelia Salmon Manager | Enterprise Solutions alongside the SDA Alliance as chair of Queensland working group. Which aligns closely with her passion for improving housing choice, control, and inclusion for people with disabilities. With a strong foundation of experience in the disability sector, Amelia has had the privilege of working on innovative projects that intersect housing, government policy, and participant outcomes. 

The SDAA Subcommittee’s work is a bold step forward—a chance to modernise legacy SDA, drive systemic change, and empower participants to live their best lives. It’s a challenge worth taking on, and Apollo SDA is honoured to be part of this journey.

When we work together, we create homes—and futures—that reflect choice, individuality, and possibility.

For more information on this incentive contact Amelia Salmon [email protected] or visit www.apollosda.com.au