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

Submission 1498

I am writing this submission on behalf of my sister, redacted:, her daughter redacted: and the rest of her family. For them,and for thousands offamilies like theirs,the NDIsis fundamentally not about “extras.” It isthe foundationof basic human rights: inclusion ,communication,safetycommunity participation meaningful relationships, anda baseline ability fora ourfamilytoc continue caring sustainably overthelong term .

Id deeply value everything then DND has enabled to achieve.Ithas opened up h er world providedindividualizesupportsthat genuinely work.While I absolutely support the overarching need forsustainableNDS sustainability cannot come at cost broad cuts reduced flexibility or erecting barriers people with significant disabilities their families. What isroutinely left out legislative economic discussions surrounding NDIS“sustainability is enormous amount unpaid labor carriedby familes.NDSDoesnotexistvacuum; it relies heavily scaffolding family care that includes :

• Daily Administration : Endless hours spent appointment scheduling coordination multiple allied health professionals rigid provider management. - Advocacy & Problem Solving Constant systemic navigation trainingsupport staff and active daily troubleshooting make ordinary life accessible.- Clinical Emotional Support Managing complex behavior support facilitating communication managing transport logistics carrying heavy permanent emotional load Thislaborperformed gladly love but finite.When ndis framework functions flexibly preserves familys capacity keepcaring when restricted entire system risks breaking weight shifted back ontofamilies.Having reviewed summary proposed changes have major concerns how these legal adjustments will manifest in ’sdailylife: Redefining Functional Capacity’and ’Reasonable Necessary Supports: We are deeply concerned narrowing frameworks resultrigid automated matrixes fail account nuanced reality ofsignificantpermanentdisabilities Decisions must remain evidence based highly individualized dictated by clinicalreality rather arbitrary funding caps.Ministerial Powers to Reduce Funding for Specified Groups Grant centralised power reduce fundingentire classes supports strips away core foundational promiseindividualised scheme deemed unnecessary groupsupports department may exact lifeline keeps safe participating her community.

• Limiting Unscheduled Plan Reassessments and Introducing Strict End Dates: Disability is rarely static. Health conditions fluctuate, family circumstances change, and crises occur. Restricting a participant’s ability to request an unscheduled reassessment ignores the unpredictable nature of living with a disability and risks leaving vulnerable participants stranded without adequate support when they need it most. The Concept of “All Appropriate Treatment” for Permanence: Introducing this terminology runs the dangerous risk of forcing individuals to undergo exhausting, necessary or unproven medical treatments simply to prove their disability still permanent” retain access basic support.Inclusion opens up worlds.We have seen firsthand profound difference robust reliable communication individualized make .I urge Senate Committee look past purely fiscal metrics real human impact these proposed changes ask NDIS remain scheme based dignity opportunity belong decisions regarding funding support must remain firmly rooted individu needs clinica ensure NDIS remains empowerin tool administrativ barriar.Thank you considerin perspectiv.