National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1274
Committee Secretary Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs Parliament House, Canberra
RE: Inquiry into the NDIS Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track) Bill
Dear Senators,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and the impact these changes may have on families like mine.
My daughter, , is 16 years old and lives with Level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder. While she faces challenges in many aspects of daily life, the area that impacts her most significantly is social functioning, emotional regulation, and navigating the world independently. Caring for has required an enormous level of support and involvement from our family throughout her life.
Since was three years old, I have been unable to return to work due to the level of care and support she requires on a daily basis. Supporting a child with complex needs is not something that ends at the close of a school day — it affects every aspect of family life, emotionally, physically, socially, and financially.
The impact also extends beyond the primary carer. ’s younger sister, who is 11 years old, has experienced emotional and mental strain from growing up in a household under constant stress and frequent conflict. Siblings of children with disabilities are often overlooked in these discussions, yet they also carry the weight of the challenges within the family home.
The supports currently receives through the NDIS have been genuinely life-changing for her wellbeing and development. Her weekly speech therapy sessions have been extremely beneficial, helping her communication skills and emotional understanding. In addition, attending Fit’n’Able gym — a specialised program supporting people with disabilities through physical health, occupational-style supports, and social development — has had a profoundly positive impact on both her mental and physical health.
Programs like these are not luxuries. They are essential supports that help prevent social isolation,
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1274
improve confidence, encourage participation in the community, and build skills that may one day allow greater independence.
As gets older, my concerns about her future are growing significantly. The transition into adulthood for autistic teenagers can be incredibly difficult, and yet many of the support categories related to independence, work readiness, social participation, and life after school are either limited or unavailable to her at present. This creates enormous anxiety for families like ours who are trying to prepare our children for adulthood while also recognising the very real support needs they will continue to have.
I am particularly concerned that proposed reductions to social and community supports will disproportionately affect participants whose disabilities are less visible but deeply impactful. Social participation programs are often the very supports that keep vulnerable young people connected, mentally well, physically active, and progressing toward independence.
I am also concerned about the broader consequences these changes may have for families and carers. Reducing supports does not eliminate needs — it simply shifts the burden back onto already exhausted families, many of whom have sacrificed employment, financial security, mental health, and personal wellbeing in order to care for their loved ones.
Additionally, cuts to community participation funding may threaten the viability of specialised local providers such as Fit’n’Able, which provide highly valuable and tailored services for people with disabilities. Losing programs like these would significantly reduce opportunities and quality of life for many participants.
The NDIS was established to provide dignity, inclusion, opportunity, and equitable support for Australians living with disability. I urge the Committee to carefully consider the long-term human impact these proposed changes may have on participants, carers, siblings, and the broader community.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my submission.
Yours faithfully,