Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee

PO Box 6100 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Australia

deeply concerned about the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024.

As a parent, I want to share my concerns regarding this legislation as it directly impacts our family’s experience within the National Disability Insurance (NDIS) framework. My child requires significant assistance due to anxiety-related challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder; thus, ensuring access to adequate resources through programs like these remains crucial for both personal well-being and overall quality-of-life improvements.

There are several aspects contained in said bill which raise serious reservations:

• Reasonable And Necessary Budgets: Altering terminology from ‘reasonable and necessary supports’ towards focusing solely upon financial allocations may inadvertently restrict available services essential for individuals living fulfilling lives despite disabilities or mental health conditions such as those experienced by many members across various communities affected similarly throughout Australia today.

• Narrower Definition Of Supports: The proposed redefinition appears overly restrictive when considering what constitutes meaningful support systems needed not only personally but also socially - enabling full participation among peers while pursuing individual aspirations becomes increasingly difficult under current proposals outlined here.

Increased Powers for the NDIA

The NDIA would have more power to make people undergo assessments or provide information. If people do not comply, their plans could be suspended or revoked. This could be very hard for people with disability, especially during a crisis or if we have complex needs.

Restrictions on Self-Managing Funding.

The NDIA could stop people from self-managing their funding if they have made mistakes before. This goes against the principle of choice and control.

I also have other concerns about the Bill: does not do well in an office setting with a psychologist and other therapy people so the best support for is a therapy that is outdoors and includes animals. This helps to cope with everyday life and become a contributing member of society. Without
thetherapy sessions, becomes withdrawn and relies on medication to cope.

Overall, I am worried that this Bill will move away from the original vision of the NDIS. The NDIS is meant to give people with disability choice and control over their support. This Bill is more focused on saving money than helping people with disability.

Submission Regarding the Disability Reform

I think the Bill should be paused or stopped. There should be real co- design with people with disability. We need changes that truly meet

the needs of people with disability.

I urge the Committee to recommend significant changes to this Bill or make other moves to save money. There must be thorough consultation with people with disability and our representative organisations.

The NDIS is too important to get wrong. We must get this right, with people with disability at the centre of the process.

Thank you for considering my submission. I would be happy to provide more information if needed.

Yours sincerely,

Anne-Marie Buttigieg