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

Submission 1429

I am writing this personal statement because the proposed NDIS reforms will directly affect my life, my safety, and my ability to function day-to-day. I have been an NDIS participant for over a decade.Duringthat time, Ihave experiencedthe bestand worstofthescheme.Ihaverelied on ittosurvive,and Ihavebeenharmedbyitsfailures.Iamterrified whattheproposedlegislationwilldotomeandothersousandsof others. Thisstatementisnot theoretical.It isnotinpoliticalItismylivedreality.

Living With Disability and the NDIS:My Reality

Living with adisabilityisan alreadydifficult.Everydayrequiresplanning,support ,an denergy thatmany peopletakefor granted.TheNDISwasmeanttomakelife saferanda more manageable.Insteadit hasbecameasystemtha tincreasinglyhostile,inconsistent,a nd frighteningtonavigate. Irelyonmysupporstos:

• leave m yhome manage dailytasks tainmymentalhealthstay safe stay aliveWithoutthesesupp orts,Iwouldbeisolated,vulnerableandan tserioustrisk. I hav ealreadyexperiencedseveremental healthdeteriorationduringN DISdisputes .Ichaveb enpushedto th epoint ofsuicidalthoughtsbecauseo fthestress,fear, an duncertaintycreated by these system.T heproposed reformsmake me fearthatI willbeforcedbackintothatplace.

The Impactof Funding Cuts:Isolation DeclineandRiskOfDeathThe proposed50%cut toSociala nCommunityParticipationandthe1 0%c utt oCapacity Buildingwilltrappeoplelikeinsideour homes.Thesesupporsarenotluxuries-they arelifelines.W ithoutthem: - cannot safelyleave my home Mydepressionworsens.Myphysicalhe althdeclines.I become socially isolated.I am at riskofs elf-harmorse suicide.

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

Submission 1429

We have already seen what happens when people with disabilities are left unsupported. The death of Anne-Marie Smith is a tragic example. These reforms will create more situations like hers. I am genuinely afraid that I will become one of those statistics.

Independent Assessments and the I-CAN Tool: A System Designed to Cut, Not Support

The proposed assessment model — including the I-CAN tool — is deeply flawed. It ignores clinical evidence, dismisses professional reports, and replaces qualified clinicians with unqualified assessors or automated scoring systems. I spend hours attending medical appointments, therapy sessions, and assessments. My plan is charged thousands of dollars for reports. Yet the NDIS routinely ignores them. If the government introduces a tool designed from the outset to reduce funding, people like me will lose essential supports. This is not reform – it is rationing.

Planners Without Qualifications or Lived Experience

NDIS planners often have:

• no clinical background
• no disability experience
• no understanding of daily functional needs I have been told directly by planners that they are instructed by management to cut, reject, and save money. This is not a person-centred system. It is a cost-cutting exercise disguised as support. The idea that these same planners will have even more power under the new Bill is terrifying.

Choice and Control Under Threat: The Push Against Unregistered Providers

One of the most alarming aspects of the proposed reforms is the clear intention to restrict or eliminate unregistered providers. This would destroy my ability to choose who supports me.In my 10 years on the NDIS: 99% of the fraud, abuse, neglect, and misconduct I have experienced came from registered providers. Registered providers have threatened me, overcharged me, falsified invoices, and put my health at risk.The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has repeatedly failed to act.

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

Submission 1429

Unregistered providers, on the other hand, have been reliable, respectful, and safe. They treat me like a human being, not a revenue stream. Taking away my right to choose them is not “safeguarding.” It is forcing me back into the hands of providers who have harmed me.

Real Experiences of Neglect, Fraud, and Abuse

Taxi Misconduct

I have been:

• overcharged
• threatened
• taken on deliberately long routes
• told “we can charge extra because it’s NDIS” Nothing was done.

Neighbour Neglect Case

My neighbour nearly died after being left on the floor overnight by a registered provider who falsely claimed daily visits. His home was filthy; he was severely unwell; and he was being charged for services he never received.I made over 30 calls to the NDIS, the Commission, SA Police, and AFP before anyone listened.The provider received only an warningand continued working with him.This is the reality of“registered providers.”

One-Sided Cancellation Policies: Punishing Participants for Being Disabled

Providers impose harsh cancellation rules — 24 hours, 48 hours even seven days—andcharge participants the full fee if they are sick or have an emergency.Butproviders cancel:- atthe last minute-lateat night-without noticeAndnothing happens.I once hada psychologistcancel ata10pmthenightbeforemyappointment.Idahadalreadybookedasupportworker.MyplanwasstillchargedThisisdiscriminatoryandsmustbefixed.# The AAT Process Trauma Inequality,and Mental Harm

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

Submission 1429 My AAT experience was one of the most traumatic events of my life.

• ●The NDIA had a multi-million-dollar law firm.
• I had to fight just to get an advocate. The process was hostile, one-sided and mentally damaging. I became depressed and suicidal.Even when participants win, the NDIA can ignore or overturn decisions shortly after.Removingor weakening appeal rightsis dangerousand undemocratic.

Section: ndia waste mismanagement - billions lost internally

The government saystheNDISistoo expensive.I agreeit needs tobe sustainable.Butthecuts should come from withintheadencynotfromparticipants.The NDIA spendsbillionson:

• external contractors LACschurchesbanksinsurance companiesconsultantslaw firms The CEOofthenDISEarnsmorethanthePrime Minister.Therearebillionsin savings available without harming participants.

Denial Of Common-Sense Supports

Then DIsSroutine lydenies supports that are: cheapersafermore appropriate Examples:M eals on WheelsNDisrefusesto fund meal preparation costs even though it is cheaper than paying support workers toc ook with me.Short-Term Accommodation

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

Submission 1429

I used STA responsibly and cost-effectively. Now I am forced into facilities that are traumatic and more expensive, instead of being allowed to stay in a simple hotel for respite. These decisions defy logic and harm participants.

Section: Human Cost - Fear Stress Risk Death

The government must understand that these reforms will cost lives: The Human Cost: Fear, Stress and he risk of death

• Iam scared. -Ia m stressed . -I am exhausted.I am afraidofbeing kicked offthen DIS.ISafraid o losingthesupportsthat keep me alive.Isafeardo becoming isolated and depressed.I am afraidofobecoming another statistic.Ifnotfor my main support worker,Ben,I donot believe Is would still be here.The Senate Committee should:
  • Protect choice control
  • Reject or amend TheBill topreventharm
  • Ensure assessmentsare evidence-based
  • Regulate providers properly
  • Fix cancellation policies
  • Strengthen Quality Safeguards Commission
  • Cut waste within NDIA not participant supports
  • Consult directly withparticipants
  • Prioritise safety dignity human rights The NDISmust besustainablebut at thecost ourlives.

Closing Statement

TheNDIS was created give people disabilitiesdignity independence fair chance life. Proposed reformsthreat those foundations.Asking you listen truly topeople rely Scheme every day.We are numbers budget lineshuman beings whose lifedepend onthesesupports.Dont let legislation harm very peopleNDSIwascreated protect.