Submission 1407

Submission to the Inquiry into the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

My name is Kathryn Dobb and I was, up until recently, a Head Teacher Special Education with more than 25 years of experience working in public education with students with disability, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, mental health challenges, complex behavioural needs and additional learning and support needs.

Throughout my career, I have seen the challenges that many of these families faced, bringing up children with a disability and the impact that this had, not just on the child, but all family members. When the NDIS scheme was introduced, I witnessed firsthand, the genuine support that this offered to these families and the positive changes it made to all involved. Prior to the NDIS, families were often overwhelmed and isolated, struggling to manage on a day to day basis, burning out from the lack of support in terms of accessing vital services and interventions such as speech and occupational therapy as well as social opportunities to access the wider school community.

I write this submission out of deep concern regarding aspects of the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 and the potential impact it may have on vulnerable children, young people and their families.

Since the NDIS was implemented, families have been able to access these therapies and behavioural supports, which, in turn, improved the students’ communication and social skills both at school and at home. This allowed many students to access community and recreational activities that before, relied heavily on the parents to take them to these services, but in many cases, were unable to do this.

We had many students, who with NDIS support, started to build independence and confidence, which started to reduce behaviours arsing from frustration, anxiety and isolation.

This meant, most importantly, that parents who had previously been unable to maintain employment due to the constant demands of caring for a child with disability were often able to return to the workforce, contribute economically and regain a sense of identity and wellbeing beyond their caring role.

The benefits of appropriate support extend far beyond the individual participant. They positively affect schools, workplaces, mental health systems and the broader community.

I am also deeply concerned about proposals that may result in significant reductions to participant plans and supports, particularly reports of reductions of up to 30% in some areas.

Many of the supports that may be viewed as “non-essential” are in fact critical preventative supports that maintain mental health, social connection, emotional regulation and family functioning.

For children and young people with autism and other disabilities, social isolation is already a significant issue. Reducing supports that allow participation in community activities, mentoring, social programs and respite opportunities risks pushing these children further into isolation and disengagement.

As educators, we know that isolation and lack of support frequently contribute to:

• increased anxiety and depression;
• school refusal;
• behavioural escalation;
• family breakdown and long-term dependence on more intensive services later in life.

Reducing support does not remove need. It simply shifts the burden back onto families who are often already physically, emotionally and financially exhausted.

Submission 1407

The families I have worked with are not seeking luxury or unnecessary assistance. Most are simply trying to survive while supporting a child with complex needs.

Many parents already juggle full-time caregiving responsibilities; interrupted employment; financial pressure; ongoing advocacy and case management and emotional stress and exhaustion.

Without adequate supports, many parents will again be forced to leave the workforce or reduce their working hours. This not only affects household income and mental health but also reduces broader workforce participation at a time when Australia can least afford it.

The mental health impact on parents, siblings and carers cannot be understated. In my professional experience, the stress experienced by these families is already immense. Increased uncertainty and fear surrounding future supports is compounding this anxiety.

One of the most distressing concerns repeatedly expressed by parents is fear for what will happen to their child when they are no longer alive or capable of providing care themselves. For many families, the NDIS has represented some security and hope for the future. Any erosion of that certainty creates profound distress.

I am also concerned that there has not appeared to be sufficient consultation with key stakeholders, including families; carers; educators; disability professionals; allied health providers and disability advocacy organisations.

Those working directly with children and families understand the practical realities of disability support and the long-term consequences when early intervention and ongoing supports are reduced.

Meaningful consultation with those who live and work in this space daily is essential before implementing changes that may significantly alter the lives of vulnerable Australians.

-I respectfully urge the Committee to consider the following recommendations:

-Ensure that any changes to participant plans include transparent safeguards and independent review mechanisms. -Limit discretionary powers that may allow plans to be reduced without sufficient evidence, consultation or appeal processes. -Provide funding for social, community and capacity-building supports that reduce isolation and improve long-term outcomes. -Conduct broader consultation with families, educators, allied health professionals and disability organisations before implementing major reforms. Recognise the long-term economic and social benefits of adequately supporting children and families early, rather than shifting greater costs onto schools, hospitals, mental health systems and carers later.

In conclusion, I have seen the positive effect that the NDIS has had on children and families who were previously struggling without adequate support.

While I acknowledge the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the NDIS, I strongly believe reforms must not come at the expense of the wellbeing, dignity and inclusion of children and young people with disability and the families who care for them.

The true measure of a society is how it supports its most vulnerable members. I urge the Committee to carefully consider the potential human impact of these proposed changes.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide this submission.

Submission 1407

Kathryn Dobb

27 May 2026