Submission to the Senate Inquiry
Executive Summary
I am a Speech Pathologist and small business owner delivering NDIS-funded capacity building supports to school-aged children in home and school environments. I am deeply concerned that the proposed amendments to the NDIS will reduce access to essential supports, increase eligibility barriers,and shift costs onto already overstretched systems such as Medicareand public allied health serviceswhicharenot resourcedto absorb additional demand.Inpracticetheseschangeswould significantly impact my clients through reduced therapyaccessfunctional regression , increased behaviouralandeducational difficultieswhile also placing greater strain onfamiliescarerswhoalready carrying substantial unpaid care responsibilities.They wouldalso makemy current service model financially unviablethreateningthesustainabilityofmysmallbusinessandreducing accessto highly specialised,evidence-based disability support.I urgethe Committee ensurethat anyreforms strengthen— rather than restrict—accesstotimely,specialisedandsuitablesupportsforpeoplewithdisability.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill2026 IamaSpeechPathologistsmallserviceowner providing evidencebasedtherapyassessmenttoschoolagedchildrenunderthen DIScapacitybuildingsupportsi deliver servicestheenvironmentsmattermosttomeclientsincluding schools homes supportingcommunication social relationships daily living skills participationin education community life TheNDISiswhatallows me provide this workinsustainable flexible way whilealsosupporting family As a fulltimemotherworking parttime alongside businessScheme enablesme balance caringresponsibilities withproviding consistent meaningful therapeutic suppor to client It alsolows meoperatetasmallbusinessthatafocuseson longterm functional outcomesrather shorttermdriven intervention Without then NDIsmodel ofcarewould not befinancially viable and both my incomeand my busi ness placed at serious risk ThroughNDSI am ableto supports participantsnot only speech language development but broaderfunctional goals such associalparticipation classroom engagement feeding cooking skill sand communication across keylife transitions including starting school moving into highschool transitioning toward employment pathways These supportsonoptional extras they are foundational toparticipationsafety independence qualityoflif e
I deeply concerned about proposed changes tthe NDIS legislation My clear view is that these reforms appear developed withoutmeaningful consultationwith people who understand the system in practice—participants families,
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1564
and frontline providers. The result is policy that does not reflect the reality of service delivery or the existing pressures across the health and disability sectors. There is already significant strain on the broader health system, particularly Medicare-funded Allied Health Services which are not resourced or structured to absorb the demand currently supported though the NDIS. Many of these services have waitlists exceeding months with limited capacity for complex long-term disability support.If participants are pushed back into this system,the result will be further system collapse longer delays,reduced intervent frequency,and poorer outcomes for vulnerable people.This shift would also have direct consequences for specialised NDIS Providers.Providers such as myself undertake additional training professional development specific neurodivergence and disability practice including syndrome-specific functional approaches This level expertise available in generalist community services.Reducing access therefore risks replacing preventative intervention fragmented or inappropriate care delivered overburdened systems.The impact clients immediate significant.Funding were reduced many my clients unable private due cost lead regression communication daily living skills,behavioural escalation directly linked loss structur support regulation.Therapy skill development safe trusted relationship regulated space supports ability cope school commu environments.These impacts do sit isolation flow outward families schools hea sys Fami carers enormous largely invisible load emotional financial practical balancing constant advocacy coordination care long term uncertainty about child’s future expecting them absorbing reductions formal support realistic significantly increase stress burnout inequality.Proposed changes eligibility concept permanence requirements exhaust all treatments before considered eligible raise serious concerns Many disabilities lifelong Autism ADHD cerebral palsy may genetic developmental acquired birth through traumatic event Requiring prove” permanence exhausting treatments inaccessible unaffordable unavailable locally does not reflect clinical reality Instead it delaying support critical periods early essential. It is important to recognise shifting participants out of the NDIS reduces cost transfers demand onto already stretched systems Medicare public allied health services simultaneously increasing pressure on families reducing workforce participation carers must fill gap left by reduced formals.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1564 The NDIS is not an optional program. It is a foundational system that enables participation, dignity, and equity for people with disability across Australia. Any reform must strengthen access to appropriate supports, not create additional barriers that push costs and responsibility elsewhere.