NDIA Accountability Project

This project is in DRAFT

Concerns regarding review processes impacting families (Participant experience)

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

Submission 1697

Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the NDIS Bill

I am the parent of an NDIS participant and have experienced significant difficulty navigating review and decision-making processes within the Scheme.

I support measures that strengthen the integrity and sustainability of the NDIS. However, I am concerned that aspects of this bill may further disadvantage participants and families during review and decision-making processes if adequate safeguards are not in place.

In my experience, concerns can arise when decisions appear to rely on information outside the scope of the actual review request, or when participants are not given a fair opportunity to understand and respond to the material being relied upon. Situations like this can leave families feeling confused, disadvantaged, and uncertain about how decisions are being made.

I am also concerned that current discussions around NDIS reform can become overly focused on financial sustainability, cost containment, and participant numbers without enough recognition that these decisions directly affect vulnerable people and families navigating disability every day. Participants are not statistics or budget figures. The way legislation is drafted and implemented has real human consequences for people’s independence, wellbeing, dignity, and quality of life.

I encourage the committee to ensure the legislation strengthens:

  • procedural fairness
  • transparency in decision-making
  • clear limits around the information considered during reviews
  • accessible and timely review pathways for participants and families
  • recognition of the lived experiences of people with disability and their carers

Many NDIS participants and carers already face significant emotional, financial, and administrative strain while navigating the Scheme. Legislative reform should improve trust, clarity, accountability, and fairness rather than increasing confusion or imbalance between the Agency and participants.