National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1298
28/05/2026
To the Senate Inquiry,
I am an Occupational Therapist working within the NDIS sector. Through my role, I support people with significant disabilities to improve their independence, safety, quality of life, and ability to participate in their homes and communities. I have seen firsthand the positive impact the NDIS can have when participants receive appropriate and individualised supports.
Due to the limited timeframe provided for submissions, I have not been able to prepare as detailed a response as I would have liked. However, I feel strongly compelled to voice my opposition to the proposed “Securing the NDIS for Future Generations” Bill.
I am deeply concerned about the proposed changes to eligibility and the definition of functional capacity, particularly the move away from considering the broader life circumstances and context of people with disability. As an Occupational Therapist, functional capacity cannot be meaningfully assessed without understanding the environmental, social, cognitive, emotional, and physical barriers a person experiences in their daily life. Removing this context risks excluding vulnerable individuals from receiving the supports they genuinely require.
I am also extremely concerned about the proposed powers allowing broad funding reductions across participant plans without individualised assessment of need. The suggestion of large- scale cuts to social and community participation and capacity building supports would have devastating impacts on many participants I work with, particularly those who rely on these supports to maintain independence, prevent isolation, access education or employment, and reduce long-term reliance on more intensive services.
Additionally, I strongly oppose the introduction of automated decision-making processes within the NDIS. Disability support needs are highly individual and complex. Funding decisions must remain person-centred and clinically informed, rather than based on algorithms, averages, or financial sustainability targets.
I am also concerned about the wider impact these changes may have on the disability sector workforce and the broader community. Significant funding cuts and participant exclusions will inevitably lead to reduced services, workforce instability, and poorer outcomes for people with disability and their families.
I urge the Senate to carefully consider the significant risks this Bill poses to the safety, wellbeing, independence, and human rights of people with disability and to oppose the proposed legislation in its current form.
Kind regards,
A concerned Occupational Therapist working within the NDIS sector