NDIA Accountability Project

Concerns regarding NDIS support reductions

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

Submission 175

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

Bill 2026 - Submission 1

24th May 2026

Submitted to: Committee Secretary, Community AƯairs Legislation Committee

To Whom It May Concern,

I am making this submission as a parent of an adult NDIS participant with significant and ongoing support needs. I am concerned that several provisions in the Bill may increase uncertainty around future eligibility, supports, and long-term planning for people who rely on the NDIS.

There are a number of concerns I have regarding the proposed Bill. However, the main areas of concern are as follows:

  • Section 34A grants the Minister authority to issue rules that could reduce funding across specified categories of supports without individual assessment. I am concerned this may not adequately consider the individual participant’s safety, functional impact, or the risks associated with reducing supports.

  • Section 33(2EA) grants the Minister authority to cap funding amounts for specific supports based on participant cohorts or categories, potentially without direct parliamentary approval. I believe decisions of this significance should be subject to parliamentary scrutiny and oversight.

  • Section 48A sets rigid boundaries around the circumstances in which a participant’s plan can be reassessed. I am concerned this could leave participants without adequate funding when circumstances change or when current supports are no longer suƯicient to meet their needs.

  • Section 9B appears to define functional capacity against an artificial baseline rather than how a person is actually required to function in everyday life. Disability impacts people within real-world environments and responsibilities, not theoretical benchmarks.

There are many other sections of the Bill that raise concern, and I am sure other submissions will address these in greater detail. However, the provisions above are the ones I believe could have the greatest impact on my own son and others with significant support needs.

I am deeply concerned about how families will be expected to advocate for participants moving forward, and what quality of life may look like if supports are progressively reduced through budget measures and funding caps.

Quality of life is not simply having food on the table or somewhere safe to live. It also includes human connection, participation in the community, access to appointments, and the ability to engage in ordinary aspects of life with appropriate support.

Many people with disabilities require assistance to attend therapy and medical appointments, visit the chemist, get a haircut, purchase clothing, or participate in the community. These are ordinary parts of life that many people take for granted, but which may only be possible for a person with disability when appropriate supports are available.

Thank you for considering this submission.