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

Submission 1506

deep concerns regarding the proposed changes to the NDIS and the reported cuts to social and community participation funding. While I support the bill I feel there are some areas the need to me changed.

I am a mother of a 42-year-old woman with down syndrome. Without eh NDIS social and community participation funding her quality of life would be extremely limited.

During the covid period, when many activities and support stopped, I witnessed a significant decline in my daughter’s wellbeing. Her physical health deteriorated and her self-esteem and sense of self-worth became very low. Since receiving this funding, however she has completely blossomed. She has lost weight, become healthier, and grown into a confident and valued member of our community.

We live in a very small county town with a population of approximately 250 people. Because of this isolation, community participation is essential for her mental health, independence and overall wellbeing.

At 65 years of age, I am no longer physically able to transport her to the activities, appointments and events that her carers and support workers currently assist her with. Without this support, not only would her mental and physical health suffer greatly but mine would as well.

Her transport funding is also critically important. Living in a small rural town means there are very limited services available locally. Without transport support, she would not be able to attend her daily activities, medical appointments or participate in community life.

I strongly believe that a 50% reduction in social and community participation funding is discriminatory towards people living with disabilities. Every person deserves the right to participate in their community and live with dignity and inclusion.

I am also very concerned that there appears to be no avenue for appeal regarding these funding cuts. In other government- funded systems, such as Centrelink, individuals have the right to appeal decisions affecting their payments. the same applies to aboriginal funding. If funding in those areas were cut, there would not only be avenues for appeal but also significant public concern that those communities were being unfairly targeted. People with disabilities and their families deserve the same fairness and opportunity to have decisions reviewed.

The NDIS was originally designed to support independence, inclusion and quality of life for people living with disabilities. These supports are not luxuries they are essential in allowing people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities and live with dignity and independence.

I respectfully ask that these proposed changes be reconsidered, particularly for vulnerable people living in rural and regional communities who rely so heavily on these supports to maintain their health, independence and connection to society. Any decisions regarding

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

Submission 1506

changes to the NDIS should involve consultation with people living with disabilities, their families, carers and disability advocates before any changes are made.

Thank you