Submission 1545

Sunnyside Therapy 63-65 Johnston Street​ Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650​​ 0480 343 554​​ info@sunnysidetherapy.com.au

To whom it may concern,

Submission: NDIS Future Generations Bill 2026

I am writing to outline my serious concerns regarding the proposed NDIS Future Generations Bill and to clearly state that I do not support the rollout in its current form. I am based in rural and regional NSW, where access to services is already limited, wait times are often extensive, and participants and families face additional barriers simply because of where they live. Any changes that reduce flexibility, narrow supports, or make reassessments more difficult will have a disproportionate impact on people living in regional communities.

My concern is that this rollout may reduce access to essential supports such as occupational therapy, capacity-building supports, and social and community participation supports. These supports are not optional extras. They are critical in helping people build independence, maintain routines, develop functional skills, remain connected to their communities, and prevent greater difficulties in the future. Without access to these supports, many participants will be left with fewer opportunities to build capacity and less support to live safely, independently, and with dignity.

For people in rural and regional areas, the effects could be even more serious. When services are already scarce, any reduction in funding or support can mean going without help altogether. Families in regional communities already experience challenges accessing timely therapy and support services, and these proposed changes risk widening the gap even further.

I am also concerned about the proposed changes to functional capacity assessments and decision-making processes. High-quality assessments completed by appropriately qualified professionals are essential to ensuring supports accurately reflect a person’s real-world needs and circumstances. Professional judgement matters, particularly when working with people who have complex, fluctuating, degenerative, or multifaceted disabilities. Standardised assessments and rigid frameworks alone cannot adequately capture the day-to-day realities people experience.

I have concerns regarding the increased use of automation, algorithms, and standardised tools in decision-making. Disability support decisions should never become “tick-box” exercises. Human judgement and clinical expertise are essential when assessing complex needs and determining appropriate supports. There are significant risks associated with decisions being made without proper professional oversight, particularly when people’s quality of life, independence, safety, and participation are affected.

Recent media coverage surrounding assessment tools used within the Aged Care system demonstrates the potential risks of over-reliance on standardised systems and automated

Submission 1545

Sunnyside Therapy 63-65 Johnston Street​ Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650​ 0480 343 554​ info@sunnysidetherapy.com.au

processes. I am concerned that a similar approach within the NDS could result in participants receiving inadequate or inappropriate support due to assessments failing to reflect individual circumstances.

I am further concerned about the expansion of ministerial powers within the Bill, including the ability to reduce or limit entire categories of supports. Supports should be determined based on individual need, evidence, and professional recommendations — not broad system-level funding restrictions. Transparency, accountability, and independent evidence-based decision-making are essential to maintaining trust and fairness within the NDIS.

I am also concerned that the Bill may unintentionally narrow access to the Scheme, especially for children aged 0–8, people with psychosocial disability, people with fluctuating or degenerative conditions, and those whose needs are not easily captured by standardised assessments. Early intervention and ongoing support are critical for improving long-term outcomes and reducing future reliance on more intensive systems and services. It is deeply concerning that people may lose access to supports before alternative systems, such as Foundational Supports or Thriving Kids, are fully established and accessible.

The proposed restrictions on reassessment and review are also concerning. Disability and support needs can change rapidly and unexpectedly. Flexibility within the system is essential to ensure participants can access timely reassessments when circumstances change. Delays or barriers to review may place participants at increased risk and result in unsafe or inadequate support arrangements.

Capacity-building and community participation supports are fundamental to independence, inclusion, and human rights. These supports allow people to engage in education, employment, social connection, daily living, and community life. Reducing or removing these supports will not only negatively impact participants, but will also increase pressure on families, carers, health systems, education systems, and crisis services.

I am aware that consultations have taken place with private providers and that alternative approaches to improving the sustainability of the NDIS have been proposed. While I acknowledge that reforms may be necessary, the poor rollout and management of aspects of the scheme should not come at the detriment of participants. Disability does not discriminate. No one chooses to live with disability, and participants should not be placed at a disadvantage because of systemic shortcomings or policy failures.

The NDS has been an incredible initiative that has positively changed the lives of many Australians by improving independence, inclusion, participation, and quality of life. However, reforms must be implemented carefully and in genuine consultation with www.sunnysidetherapy.com.au

Submission 1545

Sunnyside Therapy 63-65 Johnston Street gWagga Wagga, NSW, 2650 0480 343 554 info@sunnysidetherapy.com.au

participants, families, carers, therapists, and providers to ensure they do not unintentionally cause long-term harm.

I respectfully ask Parliament not to proceed with this rollout in its current form and to ensure there are no reductions to participants’ access to occupational therapy, capacity-building supports, or community participation supports. I urge the Committee to listen carefully to the lived experiences of participants, families, carers, and providers before making decisions that may significantly impact the wellbeing and future outcomes of people with disability.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this important matter.

Yours sincerely,

Sophie McRae Occupational Therapist, BHlthScOT www.sunnysidetherapy.com.au