National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1422
To the Senate Community Affairs Committee,
I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 and the broader changes currently being discussed around the NDIS.
One of the best things about Australia is that we have built a society where people living with disability are increasingly visible, included, and participating in the community. Community and social participation supports are not optional extras. They are often the very thing that helps participants build confidence, reduce social anxiety, develop independence, and become active and functional members of society.
As somebody with a close family member living with disability, and as somebody who is neurodivergent myself, I understand firsthand that progress happens through micro- steps. For many participants, simply attending a community activity, building routines, learning social skills, or becoming comfortable leaving the house can take months or years of gradual support and consistency.
There is growing concern within the disability community around proposals to significantly reduce funding for community participation and social supports. Slashing these supports may appear to reduce costs in the short term, but I believe it ignores the broader long-term impact on participants, families, mental health systems, carers, and the economy as a whole.
The NDIS should not simply be viewed as a cost. Multiple economic discussions around the Scheme have highlighted that for every dollar invested into the NDIS, there is an estimated return of approximately $2.25 to the Australian economy through increased participation, reduced pressure on other government systems, employment, and improved long-term outcomes. Just because something is expensive does not mean it is not saving the country money overall.
I am also deeply concerned about the level of power proposed under sections 34A and 45C. From my understanding, these provisions could allow future ministers or governments to make sweeping changes to supports, funding categories, or eligibility ules without adequate safeguards, transparency, or meaningful rights of appeal.
That creates significant fear and uncertainty for people living with disability and their families. No matter which political party is in government, there should never be unchecked power over essential supports that vulnerable Australians rely upon to live safely and participate in society.
Many Australians support reform of the NDIS and stronger action against fraud and misuse. However, these reforms should target fraud directly, rather than creating broad powers that could reduce essential supports for legitimate participants who genuinely rely on them.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1422
I respectfully ask the Committee to carefully consider the long-term consequences these changes may have on:
- Community participation and inclusion
- Social anxiety and mental health
- Participant independence and confidence
- Family and carer wellbeing
- Rights to transparency, accountability, and appeal
- Long-term economic and social outcomes for Australia
The NDIS was created to help Australians living with disability live fuller, safer, more connected lives. Community access and social participation are a major part of that outcome, and I believe those supports should be protected, not reduced.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my submission.