National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission: Submission 1421
Submission to: The Community Affairs Legislation Committee
I am writing as both the Founder and Director of K+C Village (formerly Kids & Community), and as the parent and primary carer of my daughter who is an NDIS participant. For more than 30 years as an occupational therapist, and more than 17 years leading community-based services across the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales, have worked alongside children, young people and families navigating disability, developmental differences and systems that are often already difficult to access and sustain.I have also lived this reality personally as a parent. I am deeply concerned about the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 and the direction these reforms are taking. While the language of “sustainability”is being used,the practical reality isthatthese reformsppear designedto reduceparticipant numbers,reduceaccesstosupportsand centralise decision-making power in waysthat risk disconnecting decisions fromthe real livesofpeople withdisabilityand theirfamilies. Iam particularlyconcernedabouttheprecedentpowersthisBillgivesMinisterto reducero restrict entirecategoriesofsupportsatrosstheschemewithout transparent individualised assessment processes.That levelpower should concern everyAustralian regardlesswhere they sit politically or professionally.Decisions abouthasibility supportsshould never be drivenprimarily by broad funding controls automatedsystemsoradministrative convenience Asbothacliniciananda parent,Iknowthachildrenyoungpeopelandonfamilie do not fit neatly into standardisedassessment tools algorithmsor“tick-box system Good outcomes rely on skilled professional judgment strong relationships understanding peopl within contextreal everydaylives communitieswhichthey exist Theproposed reductions social community participation capacity building supportsaalso deep troubling Thesesupportsarenot optional extras They often verysupportsthaallow children young people attend school build friendships regulate emotions participatecommunity life develop longterm independence simply just have ordinarylife Removing reducingtheses will no remove need Itwillsimply shift cost burden back onto families schools emergency systems and already overstretchedcommunities I am especially concerned about the likely impacton childrend young peoplewith developmental delay autism neurodevelopmental differences whose needs areoften dynamic fluctuating oreasily captured throughstandardised measures Many
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1421
children already struggle to access appropriate supports. These reforms risk pushing families into crisis before support becomes available. I am also deeply concerned that children and families may lose access to supports before Foundational Supports and programs such as Thriving Kids are fully established, funded, staffed and accessible. Across regional and community settings, we already know families experience long waitlists, workforce shortages and barriers accessing support. There is currently no evidence that alternative systems are ready to absorb the level of need these reforms may create. A significant concern for border communities such as the Tweed and Southern Gold Coast is the lack of clarity around how Foundational Supports and Thriving Kids services will operate across state borders. Many families already rely on services across both Queensland and New South Wales based on availability and proximity. Without strong cross-border coordination, these reforms risk creating gaps, confusion and reduced clicks to early supports for children and families living in border regions.In my role across community organisations, consortiums, early childhood services and allied health networks I am hearing significant fear and uncertainty from families clinicians providers Families are frightened about what this means for their childen’s futures Clinicians are conerned about the erosion or evidene-informed practice an independent professional judgment Providers arre deepy worried abotu the long-term sustainability ot quality relationship-based supporst and the devastating life-long impact this will have oon people with disabilities antd their familes.I also wish te express my support fo Occupational Therapy Australia’s “No OTs No NDIS” campaign ask that recommendations made n occupational therapy Australia submission be adopted As an active member of OTA a clinician who has worked within disability earlly intervention and communit systems more than 30 years share sector concerns regarding potential impact these reoms may have access to ocupationa theraapy capacity building participation suports Ocuppational therapists play critical roel helping chilren young peopple adults build functional capcity participate meaningfully everyday lif reduce long term support needs over time These should remain accessible individualised grounded skilled professionnal judgmen. I ask Parliament carefully consider real-world consequences reforms ensure:
- decisions based on individal need qualified professional assessment therapy, capacity building participatoin supports protected fully automated decision-making processes prohibited
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1421
- ministerial powers to impose broad funding reductions are substantially constrained
children and families do not lose support before alternative systems are genuinely available and accessible. The NDIS has created opportunities for people with disability to participate, belong, buid independence and live with dignity. It has changed lives, including my daughter’s cife and the life or our entire family. as both parent and clinician know firsthand what happens when peopie have right suppor around them i seen difference partipation therapy an community connection can make just person disabilty but wellbeing stability future entirfamilies benefit whole communitiies am deeply concerned that reforms risk shifting Australia backwards toward system where people disabilities expected accept fewer opportuniess less participation reduced access supports allow fully engage everyday life comunity People wihdisability deserve same oppotunities learn connect contribute belon every other Australian urge Parliament not los sight real human impact behind these decisions consequences getting wrong will felt children familes communities generations come Kind regards Charmaine Owen