Submission

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing NDIS Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission: Thank you for providing feedback regarding this bill. I am an experienced speech pathologist working directly within communities supporting individuals of all ages who have various communication needs related to development delay, autism spectrum disorder among others; my submission reflects daily experiences shared across these settings emphasizing timely flexible & age-appropriate support systems needed.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 1405

The Bill’s requirement that functional capacity be assessed without considering environmental or personal circumstances does not reflect how neurodivergent children function in real life. A child may appear capable in a quiet, structured environment but struggle significantly in a classroom, playground or community setting. These contextual needs are central to communication, participation and safety. If eligibility tightens, many autistic and neurodivergent children with genuine support needs will lose access to therapy, AAC support and family coaching. This will have lifelong consequences for education, independence and wellbeing.

Funding reductions and plan renewals

The Bill allows the Minister to reduce funding for groups of supports through legislative instrument. It also introduces automatic plan renewals that may remove one off supports or temporary variations. These changes create uncertainty for families and small providers. Therapy programs rely on predictable funding and continuity. Sudden reductions will disrupt progress and increase stress for families.

Regional access and telehealth

Families in regional and rural areas depend on telehealth and visiting clinicians. If eligibility narrows or reassessments become harder to obtain, these families will be disproportionately affected. Telehealth is a practical and effective mode of delivery for many children with developmental delay and autism. The Bill should ensure that telehealth remains supported and sustainable.

Workforce and provider sustainability

Small practices like mine are already carrying the weight of NDIS administrative requirements. Increased reporting, stricter reassessment rules and funding uncertainty will push many clinicians out of the sector. This will worsen workforce shortages and increase waitlists. If children with low to moderate needs are removed from the scheme without a fully operational alternative in place, many small providers will not survive the transition. This will reduce local access and choice for families.

Unintended consequences for schools and community settings

When children lose access to therapy, the responsibility shifts to teachers, learning support officers and early childhood educators. These staff are dedicated but already stretched. Without adequate support, children will struggle to participate and behavioural incidents will increase. This affects whole classrooms, not just individual students.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 1405

Conclusion and Practical Recommendations

The intention to secure the future of the NDIS is understandable. However, the Bill in its current form risks reducing access to early intervention, increasing pressure on families and schools and destabilising an already fragile workforce. I recommend:

• Do not tighten eligibility or reassessment requirements until alternative supports are fully funded, staffed and operational.
• Ensure developmental delay and neurodivergent needs remain clearly recognised within eligibility pathways.
• Simplify reassessment processes to allow timely plan adjustments.
• Protect flexible service models, including telehealth and allied health assistant supported therapy.
• Guarantee continuity of support for children during any transition period.
• Invest in workforce development and sustainability, particularly for small providers and regional communities.
• Co design implementation with frontline clinicians, families and community organisations to avoid unintended consequences. The NDIS has transformed the lives of many children and families. Any changes must protect access to early, flexible and developmentally appropriate supports so children can participate, learn and thrive in their communities.