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 resulting in lengthy hospital stays and prolonged periods confined to bed. His physical condition deteriorated so severely it seemed like active life would end for good Before entering into an NDIS program, George largely accepted that he could never participate again sport or structured exercise.He transitioned onto powered wheelchairs adopted different methods managing personal care adjusted increasingly limited by his disability.The NDIS changed all this through assistive technology provided under its scheme.Got first properly fitted power chair which allowed remain out-of-bed extended period without placing skin at risk.NDIS funded physiotherapy helped rebuild strength address years deconditioning chronic over-use 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,housingand education.WithouttheNDIS,Gorgehasnoalternativesystemtofundthesupport workershe reliesonforessentialdailyactivitiessuchasgetting outofbed,showering,dressing anda nd managinghis personal care.Ifth eBillproceedswithoutspecific protections,p ersonslkeG orege ris kfalling througha gapbetweenhistoricalcompensation systemsmoderndisabilitysupport arrangements.Theymay lose access tonedi s despite having significant suppor tneeds,noremain ing compens ationfunds,no living family members ta ssistando no alternative source o f assistance.Sporti ng Dreams believes this outcome wouldbe fundamentally unfair an d inconsistent with th es objectives of then D IS.*nb G or ge’s identity hasbeen changedt oprotect their privacy. Their example represents many,many ,many peoplewith disabilities acquired in accidentswho are currently rely ont h en dis for supportsan dw ithouts being grandfatheredono r another amendment run arisk fors erious harm and neglect lost potential ano pportunitynot only to competeanda n dp articipatein sportbuttoliveineveryday Australia Australian life.