National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1735 - Supplementary Submission
Submission to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS
for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Attention: Committee Secretary, Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs Submitted by email: community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au Date: June 1 2026
George’s Story – Why Capacity Building Matters and Why Historical Compensation Recipients Must Be Protected
George sustained a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident in the 1970s, long before the establishment of the NDIS and before the creation of modern lifetime care schemes such as the National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland and other state-based accident compensation systems.
Following years of legal proceedings, George received a compensation settlement. However, much of that settlement was used to repay government agencies and services that had funded his care and support during the lengthy court process, including Medicare, Centrelink and state-funded disability support systems. The remaining funds were used responsibly to secure his future. George built a wheelchair-accessible home, where he continues to live today, and invested in education and training opportunities that enabled him to pursue disability-friendly employment.
Like many Australians injured decades ago, George no longer has detailed records showing how compensation funds were allocated between future care costs, loss of earnings, pain and suffering and other heads of damage. Courts were not required to retain such records indefinitely and many documents no longer exist.
For many years George lived independently, but the long-term impacts of spinal cord injury gradually took their toll. He developed significant overuse injuries from decades of wheelchair use and experienced recurrent pressure injuries that resulted in lengthy hospital stays and prolonged periods confined to bed. His physical condition deteriorated to the point where he believed his active life was over.
Before entering the NDIS, George had largely accepted that he would no longer participate in sport or structured exercise. He had transitioned to a powered wheelchair, adopted different methods of managing personal care and adjusted to a future that seemed increasingly limited by his disability.
The NDIS changed that.
Through NDIS-funded assistive technology, George received his first properly fitted powered wheelchair. The wheelchair’s pressure-relieving features allowed him to remain out of bed for extended periods without placing his skin at risk. NDIS-funded physiotherapy helped him rebuild strength, address years of deconditioning and manage chronic overuse injuries.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1735 - Supplementary Submission
For the first time in more than a decade, George was able to participate in physical activity again. Using adapted exercise equipment, resistance training and a wheelchair-accessible hand cycle, he gradually regained strength, confidence and independence.
The benefits extended well beyond physical health. George’s mental health improved, his community participation increased and he regained a sense of purpose and enjoyment that had been missing for many years.
Importantly, these supports reduced his reliance on more costly interventions. Investment in physiotherapy, exercise and appropriate assistive technology helped avoid further deterioration, reduced pressure on the health system and enhanced George’s independence.
George’s experience demonstrates why the NDIS must continue to support capacity-building and participation rather than focusing solely on crisis responses.
His story also highlights a serious risk created by the proposed legislation.
George may be considered a person who once received compensation, yet he is not covered by any ongoing accident compensation scheme. The funds he received decades ago have long since been spent on legitimate disability-related needs, housing and education. Without the NDIS, George has no alternative system to fund the support workers he relies on for essential daily activities such as getting out of bed, showering, dressing and managing his personal care.
If the Bill proceeds without specific protections, people like George risk falling through a gap between historical compensation systems and modern disability support arrangements. They may lose access to the NDIS despite having significant support needs, no remaining compensation funds, no living family members to assist and no alternative source of assistance.
Sporting Dreams believes this outcome would be fundamentally unfair and inconsistent with the objectives of the NDIS.
*nb George’s identity has been changed to protect their privacy. Their example represents many, many, many people with disabilities acquired in accidents who are currently rely on the Ndis for supports and without being grandfathered on or another amendment run a risk for serious harm and neglect lost potential and opportunity not only to compete and participate in sport but to live in every day Australia Australian life.