National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1541
To Members of Parliament and Senators,
Re: Concerns regarding the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 I am writing as an Australian living with significant disability and as a carer to my two children who also live with disabilities, and as a person directly impacted by the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1541
Many people with lifelong disabilities spend years, sometimes decades, engaging in treatment. Treatment can improve coping, increase skills and reduce counters but improvement does not necessarily imply that a person’s condition disappears. The message this may unintentionally send implies: persons must continually prove they have tried hard enough healed enough or pursued sufficient treatment before receiving support. support and treatment are distinct concepts; it also means those without financial resources will no longer receive assistance under current proposals; support would be limited solely based upon wealth and proximity of available treatments options.I’m concerned about who determines whether all appropriate alternatives were explored because already individuals face rejection despite reports from highly qualified medical professionals suggesting other potential life-threatening therapies exist.Do persons now risk death justifying these policies? I’m deeply worried regarding concentration decision-making powers within proposed legislation and reduction practical safeguards participants possess.The concern is budget reductions could occur broadly rather than through individualized assessments affecting complex disability cases especially psychosocial conditions autism invisible impairments what appears as paper adjustments might result real-world consequences I fear how effectively participants challenge such cuts if arising due to broad policy determinants instead specific circumstances. Particularly concerning reduced social community participation supports stated by government materials:“Budget allocations for social civic &&;community participation supports will decrease 50%.”Social engagement funding isn’t recreational spending it’s essential. Supports enable people with disabilities function participate in society build skills increase independence Without informal networks isolation worsens wellbeing reliance on NDIS increases while capacity building diminishes For individuals experiencing Psychosocial Disability Autism Community Participation can mean: preventing isolation, developing confidence, cultivating functional abilities reducing dependence crisis services developing future self-sufficiency Removing these benefits amplifies isolation reduces capability increasing dependency further on the NDIS My goal not mere subservience greater autonomy contribution desire continuous growth overcoming barriers societal integration regardless ability.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1541
The NDIS was intended to support people to pursue goals and increase participation. Reducing supports that help people build capacity may create the opposite outcome.
I respectfully ask Parliament to consider:
- Stronger protections for all people with disabilities, but particularly those with psychosocial, autism and invisible disabilities, as it is not always immediately obvious that there are significant functional capacity impacts.
- Trauma-informed and disability-specific assessment processes that recognise variable functioning. Including greater transparency regarding assessment tools and how decisions translate into participant funding.
- Preservation of social and community participation supports as essential supports rather than optional extras.
- Meaningful consultation with people living with disabilities before reforms of this scale proceed.
- Ministerial determinations cannot override individual participant needs without robust safeguards.
- Participants retain accessible review and appeal pathways.
People with disabilities are not budget figures. We are Australians attempting to live safely, participate in our communities and build better futures. Please ensure reforms protect the integrity of the NDIS without unintentionally reducing the gsupports that enable people with disabilities to live with dignity and independence. Thank you for your consideration.