National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 14
My name is Katrina Hartley and I live with my husband Bruce and my four grown-up children in Mooroolbark Victoria. My daughter Hanna depends on support workers every day for her self-care and being able to get out into the community. Hanna is a bright, colourful young woman who uses a wheelchair more than mobility aids; she loves life!
Hanna turned twenty-six this year while looking forward to moving into her own unit of accommodation if her NDIS funding were reduced or cut off entirely—she would need to stay at home forever! She has worked hard all these years so as not just be strong enough but also well-enough to move from SDA living arrangements where there are support workers around. When we got involved through NDIS, it was great relief because now I see that Hanna will have some choice about how much control over herself she can exercise. The same goes true too when considering what choices her brothers might make later down line once they grow up themselves. The NDIS gave hope back then to our family that our lives wouldn’t always revolve round caring after Hanna anymore & instead allow us normalcy again - peace knowing that one could die peacefully without having someone else take care upon Hanna’s behalf. Before NDIS came along, Hannas’ siblings knew very clearly: When either myself Bruce or my husband passed away due old age/illness etc., they’d end up taking on role of carers for their sister Hanna. It’s impossible even imagine how the daily mental anguish caused by passing such responsibility onto any sibling affected me deeply personally and many other parents in similar situations who share exactly those nightmares! I had given up career opportunity and income source solely dedicated towards being full-time caregiver for Hannah; no savings whatsoever left behind post retirement nor funds available buying second house for Hanna to live independently with wages paid out via support worker services.
The NDIS brought me peace knowing Hanna would be able choose whom she lived alongside as well as lifestyle decisions made regarding living arrangements. And now I am terrified at thought of losing this freedom entirely. There has got better way dealing economic crisis rather than slashing NDIS budget government currently choosing do so. NDIS has brought choice not just funding support workers but also giving control over life choices both mine and families’. it wasn’t only about money spent directly supporting staff salaries, before NDIS we had write begging philanthropic donations wheelchairs adaptable equipment home modifications all these things were needed regularly. i beg that senate- government reconsider changes NDIA funding. as proud citizen Australia introduced revolutionary reforms disabled people deserve best possible care & support system ever created globally, yet you destroy it equally fast record time? katrina hanna hartley
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 14