Dave Hughes launches scathing expletive-filled attack on Australian Government for NDIS budget cuts

4 hours ago 6

By JIMMY BRIGGS, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER

Published: 06:05 BST, 14 May 2026 | Updated: 06:13 BST, 14 May 2026

Dave Hughes has launched a blistering attack on the Australian government over recent policy decisions made amid the new federal budget.

The comedian, 55, didn't hold back as he accused authorities of allowing criminal activity to spiral out of control and questioned the management of public systems.

'I can't remember the referendum where we all agreed that criminal cartels could just take over the country,' the TV personality began his expletive-filled rant.

'What are we doing, governments? The NDIS is a cash machine for criminals now, it is meant to help disabled people! What the f***'s that about?'

Dave went on to suggest law-abiding Australians were being let down, his frustration escalating as he broadened his criticism to other areas of public policy. 

'Why have you let this happen, are you in on it? The tobacco industry is just billions and billions of dollars going to criminals who firebomb tobacconists every single day. What the f*** are you doing?' he vented.

Dave Hughes, 55, has launched a blistering attack on the Australian government over recent policy decisions made amid the new federal budget

'What is the point of paying tax when it is just going to be stolen by criminals because the governments are f***ing useless? Enough of this bulls***!' he continued.

Dave further explained in the comments that he was angry at how the NDIS' expenses had significantly exceeded its budget, which would reportedly lead to over 160,000 Australians being excluded from its benefits by 2030.

'You get that NDIS is half our entire federal budget now! At least five times more expensive than it was meant to be? And the scamming of it is on an industrial scale?' he said.

Daily Mail has approached Dave Hughes for further comment.

The veteran comedian has developed a reputation for always speaking his mind. 

In March, Dave unleashed on a group of women for interrupting his comedy show before they were shown the door.

Footage of Dave's angry tirade at the Adelaide Fringe Festival showed him pausing his gig to scold three women sitting near the front who wouldn't stop chatting.

The crowd chanted 'out' as Dave told the group: 'I'm sorry, it's my f***ing show, you have to shut up.'

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The comedian didn't hold back as he accused authorities of allowing criminal activity to spiral out of control and questioned the management of public systems 

'If you talk one more time, you're out. All right, that's it. This is f***ing ridiculous,' he said.

'This is a lesson for anyone.'

He labelled the women's behaviour 'distracting' and the 'height of rudeness'.

The trio were escorted out after being called out, with one of them kissing Dave on the cheek and shaking his hand.

The comedian later told Seven News the interruption was 'frustrating' and 'terribly selfish' before offering etiquette tips to anyone attending his shows.

'Look if you've paid money to go to a show - you've got to shut up,' he said.

'Don't have your own conversations loudly. Especially if you're in the second row... it's not TV. The performers can hear you.

'Hopefully people read this and realise it's terribly selfish to behave that way during a live show.'

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