National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1254
Submission: NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
I strongly oppose the proposed Bill due to its likely negative impact on people with disability and the integrity of the NDIS.
Key concerns
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Cuts to essential supports The Bill enables reductions to capacity-building and community participation supports, which are critical for independence, daily functioning, and social inclusion. Reducing these supports risks increasing isolation and worsening long-term outcomes.
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Restricting access to the NDIS Changes to eligibility, particularly the move to strict functional capacity assessments, risk excluding people with genuine needs. Many disabilities are complex or fluctuating and may not be accurately captured by standardised assessments.
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Shift away from a needs-based system Expanding the definition of “reasonable and necessary” to include scheme sustainability risks prioritising cost over individual need. This undermines the core principle of the NDIS as a person-centred scheme.
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Reduced flexibility and responsiveness Restrictions on plan reassessments, fixed plan end dates, and removal of fund rollover will make it harder to respond to changing needs.
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Increased Ministerial power The Bill allows funding decisions to be adjusted by the Minister with limited oversight, reducing transparency and consultation.
Conclusion
While sustainability is important, this Bill prioritises cost-cutting over participant outcomes. It risks reducing access to essential supports, increasing inequality, and undermining the original intent of the NDIS.
Recommendation
The Bill should not proceed in its current form. Any reforms must be co-designed with the disability community and protect access to evidence-based supports that enable people with disability to live full and inclusive lives.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1254
Kind Regards,
Heidi Bortfield Occupational Therapist Embrace KidsOT