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

Submission 1550

Dear Senate Enquiry,

A submission into the NDIS review, this is happening before our eyes and needs urgent consideration and this decision overturned.

Dear NDIS Minister,

I am writing to urgently bring to your attention an alarming and deeply concerning trend occurring in the recent NDIS plan reviews affecting individuals living in Supported Independent Living (SIL) group homes. These individuals, profoundly disabled with lifelong physical and medical conditions that deteriorate with age, are facing unjust and detrimental funding cuts that threaten their wellbeing and dignity.

I currently manage a group home providing support to four residents with significant physical and medical disabilities, all facing progressive decline as they grow older. Among them is a 70-year-old lady born with spina bifida, resulting in paraplegia and full-time wheelchair dependence. She is non- verbal, suffers serious swallowing difficulties, and is at high risk of dysphagia. Over the years, her health has deteriorated to the point where she requires full assistance for all daily living activities. Her care demands 1:1 staff ratios for most care needs, this often reducing to a 1:3 ratio during times when supervision alone is required.

Given the profound nature of her disabilities and ongoing decline, it is both unreasonable and unacceptable that her support funding should be cut. Yet, during her last NDIS plan review, a drastic reduction in funding was imposed. The NDIS planner incorrectly assumed potential health improvement and authorised a step-down plan projecting significant funding cuts over the next three years. Furthermore, it was recommended that she undergo an independent medical review to reassess her capabilities and diagnosis — an action that is not only unnecessary but demeaning. This approach flagrantly disregards her human rights and highlights the current flaws within the NDIS system.

Such a reduction in funding directly hampers the SIL provider’s ability to deliver necessary care. If these cuts persist, the provider may be forced to cease services altogether. This begs the critical question: where is this lady meant to live, and how is she expected to survive without support? I am certain that the NDIS was never intended to act as a cruel arbiter trampling on the dignity and needs of the most vulnerable.

As the Minister responsible for the NDIS, I implore you to intervene personally to overturn such callous and unjust decisions. This situation is a clear violation of social justice, human rights, and the very principles upon which the NDIS was founded. It is imperative that funding decisions for people with complex, profound disabilities are made with integrity, compassion, and respect for their lifelong care needs.

Thank you for your urgent attention to this critical matter.

Kind regards,