Submission Against Changes to the NDIS

My name is Seb Hurrell and I am a young adult living with a lifelong intellectual disability. My support worker is helping me write this letter.

The NDIS has changed my life for the better in so many ways. Before I received support, I struggled with confidence, independence and being involved in my community. The support I receive through the NDIS has helped me build skills, make connections and work towards goals that I never thought would be possible.

One of the things I am most proud of is starting my own small business. It gives me purpose, structure and something meaningful to focus on. It makes me feel like I am contributing to society rather than sitting at home doing nothing. The support I receive helps me continue working towards becoming a more independent and active member of my community.

Through my NDIS-funded social and community activities, I have also made a friend through a bowling group. This friendship means a lot to me. It helps me feel connected and included. It gives me something to look forward to each week and helps my mental health and wellbeing. Without this support, I would spend most of my time alone at home, isolated from other people and disconnected from my community.

I am working very hard towards living independently one day. My support workers are helping me develop the skills and confidence I need to achieve this goal. They are not just workers who come and go. They are people I trust and rely on. They understand me, support me and help me navigate daily life. The relationships I have built with my support workers are extremely important to me.

I am very concerned about the proposed changes to the NDIS because I believe they will have a negative impact on my life and the lives of many other people with disabilities.

It feels unfair that participants are being asked to carry the burden of fixing problems within the system when the focus should be on addressing fraud and poor oversight. People with disabilities are not the problem.

I am also concerned that there has not been enough consultation with people who will be directly affected by these changes. Decisions about the future of people with disabilities should not be rushed. Participants, families and carers deserve to have their voices heard.

One of the most upsetting parts of the proposed changes is the increased use of artificial intelligence and computer-based decision making. My disability is lifelong. It will not improve or disappear. The thought of having to repeatedly prove my disability to an AI system every time my plan is reviewed is humiliating and degrading. I am a person, not a data set or an algorithm.

The social and community participation supports in my plan are not luxuries. They are essential supports that help me maintain friendships, confidence, routine and connection to my

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

Submission 1750 - Supplementary Submission

community. Activities like my bowling group help prevent loneliness, anxiety and depression. These supports help people like me stay connected and avoid reaching crisis point. If these supports are reduced or removed, the consequences will be serious. More people with disabilities will become isolated, experience poorer mental health and lose opportunities to participate in society. In the long term, this will create greater costs for the community through increased demand on health, housing and other support systems. The NDIS has helped me become more independent and build a future for myself. It has given everyone an opportunity to learn grow contribute to my community I want continue building skills becoming as possible Reducing now would undo years progress make it much harder achieve goals Like many disabilities worry about future The confidence relationships am helping prepare time when family may not always able support These helps safer independence People deserve dignity inclusion independence choice We have control over our supports participate communities everyone else believe proposed changes harmful rushed unfair respectfully urge Parliament pass current form work disability families carers strengthen without taking away that help us live meaningful lives Thank you considering submission Seb Hurrell