Disability groups weary as DSP appeals skyrocket

Disability advocates are deeply concerned by an almost 80 per cent increase in Disability Support Pension appeals, warning that vulnerable people are being incorrectly forced onto lower benefit payments like Newstart.

Administrative Appeals Tribunal officials revealed during Senate estimates this week that from July to December 2018, there had been 2,672 appeals lodged related to the DSP – a 77 per cent increase compared to the same period the previous year.