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

Submission 1536

Dear members of the Australian Government,

I write this as a concerned Occupational Therapist working within the NDIS sector. While I acknowledge the perceived bias relating to my employment, my primary fear is for my clients and the community of NDIS participants who rely on the NDIS for safety, dignity, and quality of life.

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

The planned changes appear to recreate conditions associated with institutionalisation: persons living in disability being segregated from community life grouped together unsuitable settings supported under unsafe staffing ratios that fail meet complex needs. The proposed definitions create significant equity gap eligibility risks becoming dependent person’s ability access exhaust all treatments deemed “appropriate” NDIA before applying disproportionately disadvantages people experiencing financial hardship regional barriers long waitlists or limited specialist access solutions fix’ the NDIS budget however it shifts burden back onto families health systems crisis services state / territory services no longer active These are effectively returning Australia prior to the NDIS. Reliance Research Peer-Reviewed Evidence Will decision makers have skills distinguish between high-quality clinical evidence emerging practice evidence unreliable information sources? Will they be clinically qualified decide acceptable best practice each disability? Proposed emphasis research peer-reviewed raises questions about how will interpreted by NDIA applied making example Applied Behaviour Analysis ABA therapy not best practice previously strongly advocated politicians When there no evidence supports provided formal research evidence if limited what framework used ensure participants behavioural needs receive appropriate support?

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

Submission 1536

“Reasonable and Necessary” supports and removal of “Same Outcome”

The NDIS should NOT adopt a “she’ll be right” approach which will prioritise cost over participant safety, dignity, and quality of life. The removal of wording ‘same outcome’ participants will only receive the lowest-cost option, rather than the safest and most clinically appropriate solution. For example, a participant may technically ‘get by’ with a basic off-the-shelf wheelchair. But prolonged use will likely significantly reduce their function and independence while creating serious safety risks for those who support them.A customised wheelchair often provides more suitable seating system; they are costly but enhance already disabled lives & functions without scripted features disability needs increase —and quality worsens.’

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment

Submission: [NDIS] Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill -2026

• Fraudulent Practices: These occur frequently in different sectors due to varying amounts involved which indicates it’s more about system weaknesses rather than individual issues.
  • All participants must be fully aware of recognized disabilities under the NDIS scheme ensuring they comprehend both personal responsibilities within this framework.*
    • Avoid using ambiguous terms like “Other Physical Condition”; these lack clear definitions impacting all parties including service users and professionals alike*

• Establish Clinical Reviews where initial evaluations & continuous participant feedbacks undergo scrutiny from competent HAPRAREgistered medical experts thereby fostering uniformity across decision-making procedures while guaranteeing appropriate care services available**
  • Referencing DVA as a benchmark showcasing efficient peer-assessment methods characterized succinctness relevance professional expertise