Media Discourse Surrounding Removal of NDIS Funding from Sex Services: A Mixed-Methods Content Analysis

Introduction Since 2020, funding of sex supports has been considered an appropriate service as part of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) packages in Australia. Former NDIS Minister, Bill Shorten, announced in July 2024 that specialised sex services will no longer be available with NDIS funding, leading to an influx of media discourse. Methods This study aimed to analyse this media discourse between February and August 2024 and understand the diversity of expert representation, the reach of the articles, and explore how sex services were interpreted in the coverage. It was hypothesised that people with disability are underrepresented in news media focussing on these changes to NDIS support. In total, 347 articles were identified: 200 were duplicates and three were not news articles, leaving 144 for screening. These articles were double screened by the assessors, leaving 40 articles for inclusion. The data extracted underwent content and statistical analysis. Results Results illustrated a narrow breadth of expert representation, with heavily skewed political representation, poor sex-related terminology presented and discussed, and five prominent themes and subthemes identified. Conclusion This treatise highlights continued bias in media representation of disability-related issues and the need for greater guidance for journalists in how to best write media articles related to political issues surrounding people with disabilities. Policy Implications This study seeks to guide policymakers on the importance of the co-design process with the disabled community to ensure future reforms to the NDIS will meet and acknowledge the complex needs of people with disability.