National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 144
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to provide my submission regarding the recent and proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the significant impact these changes are having on my daughter and our family. My daughter is 22 years old and lives with Level 3 Autism, a moderate intellectual disability and Left Atrium Isomerism. Although she is an adult, she requires substantial daily support to safely participate in the community, maintain routine and regulate emotionally. The NDIS has been essential in providing her with access to support workers, community participation and structured activities that have greatly improved her quality of life and sense of belonging. Recently, her support funding was reduced from 23 hours per week to only 10 hours per week. This reduction has had an immediate and devastating impact on her independence, wellbeing and connection to the community. Due to the reduced funding, she no longer has access to day options and regular community activities that were incredibly important to her. These supports were not luxuries — they were essential to her social development, emotional wellbeing and daily routine. as result, my daughter has lost much of her sense of community and social connection. The activities she once looked forward to where she could interact with others build confidence now inaccessible without those opportunities becoming increasingly isolated For someone level disable maintaining routine structure support critical negative effect services emotionally socially These changes also majorly impacted me parent carer struggling full-time employment because larger caring role due loss funded supports Reduction does reduce daughters needs simply shifts burden onto family members Like many carers trying balance employment financial responsibilities care duties these cuts make difficult unsustainable The emotional toll situation overwhelming at times moments exhaustion stress isolation severe thought about relinquishing care daughter know continue managing adequate support Carer burnout real believe adequately recognised discussions Families cannot carry increasing responsibility while essential supports taken away When reach breaking point consequences affect entire families can ultimately place greater strain crisis emergency services I am deeply concerned proposed definition permanence within NDIS Daughters disabilities medical conditions lifelong will improve age Autism intellectual disability complex condition permanent realities every aspect functioning independent Any changes repeatedly prove permanence justify ongoing create additional stress emotiona exhaust uncertainty people already living significant challenges For like mine fear essential supports continued despite fact participant’s condition is lifelong their support remains substantial Idea continually fight that daughters’ disabilities distressing dehumanising Instead allowing focus on care
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 144
stability and quality of life, it creates ongoing anxiety about the future and whether vital supports will continue. I do not feel the changes to the NDIS have been clearly explained to families like mine. There is confusion, fear and uncertainty about how decisions are being made and why essential supports are being removed. Families caring for people with significant disabilities need transparency, consistency and confidence that participants will continue to receive the support they genuinely need. If social and community supports continue to be reduced or removed, people like my daughter risk becoming isolated from society. These supports are vital for inclusion, independence and mental wellbeing. Without them, participants can lose confidence, routine and opportunities for meaningful engagement in the community. Capacity building supports are equally important. Without appropriate supports, people with disabilities are denied opportunities to learn, develop skills and maintain independence. Removing these supports does not reduce a person’s disability or support needs — it simply limits their opportunities and places greater pressure on families and carers. I ask that the inquiry carefully consider the real-life impacts these changes are having on individuals with disabilities and the families who care for them every day. Behind every funding reduction is a person whose quality of life is affected, and a family doing everything they can to cope. Thank you for taking the time to consider my submission. Yours sincerely, redacted