National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1591
Dear The Senate Committee,
I write in response to National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed changes to the NDIS, particularly the move toward standardised functional assessments and tighter eligibility and reassessment processes.
You are unable to create blanket rules and policies for participants of the NDIS.
As an occupational therapist of 10 years, the participants need to be at the centre of these choices.
Some conditions are degenerative; some conditions alter functional capacity day to day and most disabilities are lifelong. To have an individual need to prove their lifelong condition is ‘ongoing’ shows a complete lack of understanding disability.
Occupational Therapists are trained allied health professionals who dedicate their careers to evaluating a person’s FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY.
FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY is its definition takes into consideration all factors demonstrated in the PEO model below, without separation.
Occupational Therapist have well developed and evidence based tools to evaluate functional capacity. I ask that we do not waste the public’s money on developing tools that already exist.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1591
I find it very concerning that it is proposed that assessments are not going to be administered by educated, AHPRA certified and experienced health professionals.
I write on behalf of all the clients I work with who rely on the NDIS to access therapy and that cutting generic percentage reductions could result in severe psychosocial impacts, isolation, and human needs not being met.
The registration process to become a provider of the is an expensive and long process with no one checking registered providers. Fraud DOES need to be addressed, and cutting participants funding is not the answer.
Sincerely,
Occupational Therapist.