National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1095
Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee
Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Dear Committee Members,
My name is . I am the mother of , my 10 year old son who has Down syndrome. I oppose the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 unless it is changed to protect children and families who are already using the scheme carefully and properly.
Down syndrome is not only an intellectual disability. For , it affects his learning, communication, physical development, motor skills, stamina, independence, emotional regulation and safety in the community.
- 50% cut to social, civic and community participation supports
Social, civic and community participation support is one of the ways learns to be part of the world outside home and school. It gives him real practice with people, places, routines, transitions, confidence and safety.
A 50% cut to this funding would not reduce his needs. It would only reduce his chances to build the skills he needs as he grows. Children like need more safe opportunities to practise independence and inclusion, not fewer.
- Self management and trusted unregistered workers
I am very concerned about any change that could force self managing families to stop using trusted unregistered workers for supports that are safe, appropriate and working well.
We have a team of support workers who have been with for several years. They are competent, reliable, trustworthy and know him well. Most importantly, is comfortable and happy with them.
Losing them because of a registration rule would be devastating for him and our family. Registration does not automatically make someone the right person for a child. Trust, consistency and understanding matter, especially for a child with Down syndrome.
- Minister’s power to reduce funding without proper appeal rights, s 34A
I am also concerned about the Minister’s proposed power under s 34A to reduce funding for types of support without proper individual appeal rights.
A set percentage cut does not properly consider needs, his development, his safety, or the supports that are already working. Families need the right to challenge decisions that harm their child. That is not red tape. It is basic fairness.
I ask the Committee to recommend that the Bill not proceed in its current form. Please remove the 50% cut to social, civic and community participation supports, protect self management and trusted unregistered workers, and amend s 34A so participants keep proper review and appeal rights.