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

Submission 1550 - Supplementary Submission

Dear Senate Committee,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to share a visionary statement that outlines my advocacy for a stronger and more inclusive National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) specifically focused on people with complex needs living in Supported Independent Living (SIL) group homes.

To embark on this journey, it’s crucial to first understand what constitutes a structured and sound funding model for SIL. The best pathway to achieve financial stability in SIL homes is through block funding, which would enable providers to deliver services effectively and sustainably. Here are the key elements that require attention and action:

• Priority must be given to leadership, oversight, and compliance to ensure quality and safety.
• There need to be safeguards protecting people with complex needs, including securing financial resources for adequate staff-to-resident ratios.
• Training and practice leadership must be sufficiently funded to maintain high standards of care.
• Providers require financial stability to properly train, skill, and retain their workforce.
• Support should be available for services outside the usual scope of practice, especially for irregular support hours.
• Funding for high-intensity supports must be incorporated within individual plans.
• Funding should also cover assistive technology and service compliance within people’s plans.
• Capacity funding for high-intensity support supervision and leadership is essential.
• Adequate funding for on-call arrangements is necessary so that after-hours support is local and easily accessible.
• Demographic supports from skilled allied health professionals must be funded for training and education to assist teams supporting complex needs.
• Funding aligned with the SCHADS award is critical to attract, retain, and fairly remunerate a well- tained and skilled workforce.
• Providers need adequate funding to maintain transport options for participants.
• NDIS planners should have relevant experience and understanding of supports for people with complex disabilities.
• Plans must be individually funded, reflecting the unique needs of each participant rather than adhering to standard cohort templates.
• SIL homes must receive financial stability based on accurate data reflecting the specific needs of each home, avoiding the constraints of fixed pricing measures, therefore favouring block funding.

In conclusion, it is imperative that state and federal governments share the financial responsibility for social services within the disability sector. Future NDIS planning must consider silos for SIL group homes separate from mainstream NDIS services. The NDIS’s primary intent should be to support those with complex disabilities and high physical and medical needs, rather than applying a one-size- fits-all model of care. SIL homes require a complex skill set; consequently, the workforce must be well trained, highly skilled, and supported by strong leadership to provide sensible oversight within balanced budgets.

This approach represents not just a financially sustainable model but a morally sound strategy to build sustainable and nurturing communities for people with complex needs.

I propose this submission to the NDIA as part of my campaign to safeguard SIL group homes along with the people, their families, high-quality providers, and the hardworking workforce who support them.

Thank you for considering this important vision. I look forward to discussing how we can work

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

Submission 1550 - Supplementary Submission

together towards a better NDIS.

Warm regards,