National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1162
25 May 2026
Dear Committee,
My cousin is 23 and lives with a severe intellectual disability. She is non-verbal, incontinent, and needs support with every part of daily life. As a family, we see how important the right NDIS supports are in helping her stay safe, maintain her routine, and remain connected to the community.
I am writing regarding the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026. I support the governments reforms to help ensure the NDIS is targeted to those who genuinely need its support, and I understand the importance of keeping the scheme affordable.
I am very concerned about the proposed 50% reduction to social and community participation funding from October 2026. For people with severe intellectual disability, this support is not optional - it is a vital part of everyday life. It helps them take part in the community, maintain routines, and access activities safely. Without it, many would be left isolated at home.
Funding for social and community participation should continue to reflect each person’s real level of need. For some people with severe intellectual disability, that includes one-to-one support so they can participate safely and consistently.
For my cousin, any reduction in funding would mean fewer days at her day program and fewer opportunities to engage with others. She enjoys being around people, but she cannot do that without support. These cuts would not only limit her world, but also place even more strain on her immediate family, who already carry a significant caring responsibility.
I respectfully ask that the proposal be amended so that people with moderate, severe, or profound disability are not included in these cuts.
From our family’s perspective, this kind of support makes a real difference to my cousin’s quality of life. Without it, her world becomes much smaller, and she risks becoming more isolated and disconnected from the community around her.
Thank you for considering this submission.
Yours sincerely,