Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Committee National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill
2026 Submitted by a person supporting a person with lived experience of disability. My 50-year-old brother who suffers intellectual impairment and high level autism has been on the NDIS scheme since its inception into our area in 2014. Prior to that, he was in a mainstream school for as long as my mother could keep him there which was in line with the prevailing disability philosophy of the time. In fact we have come to suspect he must have suffered severe bullying if not outright abuse, and it is only with the NDIS supports that we have been able to surround our brother with the types of support and services he needs to accept that his limitations are no barrier to him receiving the respect and opportunities the rest of us take for granted. To compound matters, our father died when my brother was a very young child, leaving my mother with four children to raise; she now being an eighty-five year old frail lady forgetful lady challenges looking after our brother increasing In last twelve years changes seen thanks assistance cannot be overstated However how our brother live once elderly mother dies issue major stress fear all especially mother during COVID suffering massive heart attack continues constant medical attention Despite deep love desire best outcomes none siblings families careers demand time caring brother responsibility none manage without incredible help Lyle receives from carers coordination required organise these alone serious job knowing available access first place Since accessing recommended by Support Coordinator marked improvement happiness comfort progress Our significant social communication difficulties but goal remain living family home independently once mother dies This realistic possibility practicalities running household also regards loneliness mental health issues result those suffering isolation
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1460
Ironically, the savings to us as taxpayers from our brother remaining independent will be huge despite the expenses incurred by the NDIS assisting him achieve his goal. Saying this, we completely support changes made to make sure that the NDIS can continue running smoothly without any problems or issues with money wastage fraud etc., but some proposed changes seem more focused towards those who need help most:
- Cutbacks social participation - an area where my brother really needs assistance now & into next year; Changes coordination – a part which has helped me out greatly; prior to having someone appointed Support Coordinator I had no idea about services he could get nor how access them given complexity involved here someone like my brother cannot manage alone; iCAN tool used determine funding levels - during secondary school years my brother learned ways mask disability extent capable fooling casual observer As age increased further vague responses were needed people think coping fine even misrepresent what actually able do Family lives real fear when asked Lyle claims capability almost everything ICAN assessment might rate higher level than actual functioning ability; The impact all these changes have on my brother unable cope change. Some previous amendments resulted in needing daily schedule changed and emotional outbursts increasing alarmingly stress levels did Although never physically harmful others these outbursts sharply increase intensity violence frequency Anxiety around electronic plan development Not human assistance instead relying technology seems robodebt scheme waiting happen again, While family grateful Australian government taxpayers providing framework for amazing supports brother aware of necessary adjustments ensure sustainability future generations vulnerable How savings required found however issue We fervently hope community disabled aren’t chosen bear brunt.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1460