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

Submission 1471

NDIS Submission Statement 2026

I am writing to share my experience raising a child with ‘moderate’ level Autism (ASD) and Global Developmental Delay (GDD), and my concerns regarding the proposed NDIS changes. I am the mother of two young children:

• H redacted who has been diagnosed with ASD Level 2 GDD ADHD, and L redacted, aged five years-old whose mild developmental delays we still undergoing assessments awaiting any support. H redacted was under Early Childhood Approach since age three participated in weekly now fortnightly Speech Therapy OT attended an autism Queensland Kindy program one year plus some sessions dietitian at four-five she receiving regular therapies programs ready school At this age still toilet trained minimally verbal refused hold pen pencil unable attend activity longer than thirty seconds go into facilities outside home doctors clinic classrooms lift escalator took people peel her off me drop-off daycare or kindy Now H redacted started grade mainstream which attends full time not yet needed modified curriculum friendships is reading drawing This wonderful outcome would have been achievable without early intervention supports received There are many changes concern but interest brevity I only included ones will make immediate detrimental effect lives H redacted ,L redacted myself those around us.1 Expanded definition Parental Responsibility Still parenting as if were a child doing nearly all daily tasks for providing scaffolding every single moment life For example cleaning teeth there toothpaste found that enough fluoride mint taste We specific model electric toothbrush still function able brush better limited compliance gentle over stimulating get specific toothbrush ready with specific toothpaste kept up high because likes to make ‘potions’ soaps shampoo toothpaste anything else liquid squeeze pump bottle cup water take bathroom possible use iPad keep distracted while brushing teeth clean after used apps rewards encourage getting cleaned them themselves Every moment task like above beyond what expected typical 8-year-old And Bill refuses recognize work These problems known Direct quote on Page of the Explanatory memorandum: Changes may increase expectations informal supports Given most carers female these impacts disproportionately experienced women Labor isn’t for women. 2 Access and lack information treatment impairments required

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment Bill

Submission: Submission-1471

The proposed definition states that “treatment may still be considered appropriate regardless of: -Financial barries -Geographical barriers -A participant’s capacity to access treatment.” The author grew up rurally before moving to a city because H would not have had equal supports regionally/rurally compared to those available now (a real shame). The bill proposes making urban-rural divides worse while also exacerbating rich/poor disparities due to affordability issues related to accessing NDIS treatments. There are no details on who decides these ‘treatments’, which should ideally suit each unique person based individual needs rather being one-size-fits-all as seen elsewhere settings. Will children with severe additional needs complete underfunded programs like Thriving Kids prior to gaining full NDIS support? 3.Ministerial powers include setting pricing & introducing funding caps beyond already announced reductions of at least 10% or more than half, undermining the original intent behind this legislation titled “Saving the NDIS For Future Generations”. This proposal directly contradicts its title and opens NDIsS up for arbitrary cuts by future governments without regard towards individual circumstances. If passed it will fundamentally change what is meant by an NDIS program requiring renaming if we want something resembling current principles such as individualized assessments and plans. It really scares me that H ’s funding could be cut arbitrarily anytime regardless other reasons besides disabled people costing too much money. Even proposed capacity building reduction can significantly impact services e.g., Autism Queensland’s school readiness program where missing out even a few weeks therapy means losing spot in waiting list next year starting school. These cuts have larger implications far exceeding missed sessions alone, 4.Increased automation lacks adequate safeguards evidenced from IAT rollout experience within Aged Care sector providing cautionary example regarding NDIS Support Needs Assessment Model. Evidence shows overlooked needs underestimated carer strain participants receiving lower classification levels transparency limited daily seeing poor inadequate outcomes pushing back into review system using more assessor time than needed initially determining correct level care AI summarizing assessment findings etc but decisions need to made adequately trained experienced health professionals 5.Unscheduled plan reviews occur every ninety days.

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

Submission 1471

If unscheduled plan reviews are only to occur in the most urgent of circumstances, 90 days just to make a decision on if the NDIA are going to reassess the plan (let alone actually completing the plan review and the funding being available to use) is way too long. A benchmark of urgent and immediate requires an urgent and immediate response. The most alarming part of this proposal is that the NDIA doesn’t even have to respond in 90 days. No response after 90 days is not treated as a refusal (ie a reviewable decision), we can be left waiting for help for an indefinite period of time. This is dangerous. My work as a community physiotherapist aims to keep people in their own homes and avoid a hospital admission. I cannot even comprehend how we will be able to support people at home with the NDIA able to go MIA. I call for:

• Delaying the legislation of the proposed Bill to allow time for co-design
• Significant and real co-design with the disability community, where what they say can influence the outcome. A voice is only meaningful if it is capable of changing a decision.
• A harm tracker mandated to count the number of suicides and avoidable deaths of disabled people, avoidable hospital admissions and delayed discharges, with an optional portal for people to self report lost ability to work, families separated and opportunities lost. If the government is so sure this proposed Bill will not harm disabled people and their families, hen let’s track that.Prove us wrong.

I hope that someone,somewherewill read our submissionsand considerwhatwehavetosay. Thank youfor yourtime.