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

Submission 1771

I wanted to share my own story with you because I feel that many policy makers are failing to recognise, or understand, the broader human and economic consequences that these changes will have.

My daughter redacted is now 23 years old. She was born prematurely as a twin (at redacted hospital, redacted) ,and suffered a brain haemorrhage at three days old.She later diagnosed Cerebral Palsy.with both physical intellectual disabilities .For many years i unable worked due complexity of redacted ’s care needs, supporting her multiple surgeries intensive therapy rehabilitation periods.From onwards did this single mother while raising additional children on Carers pension while father lived different state.When redactedwas age fifteen made decision return university retrain enter workforce.I had seen first hand difference allied health providers our family,wanted be position extend help others.Following six years juggled studies parenting **redacted’s extensive support needs educational all children including managing online schooling scenarios during Covid lockdowns.In graduated Master Speech Pathology degree.

Was only able returned work force provided by NDIS supported workers assist **redacted Without that support study subsequent employment would never been possible.

Since started small business maintain flexibility required continue supporting **redacted through medical appointments Allied Health needs periodic instability My ability earn income constantly impacted by her support requirements.If becomes unwell support workers cannot attend, I can’t work If unavailable I also don’t informal support network just me traditional NGO role with rigid KPI’s inflexible scheduling simply not sustainable for circumstances.My family has lived financial vulnerability last 11 years are beginning regain some stability now situation remains precarious Cannot recoup lost earnings buffer protect us from hardship.The proposed changes threaten my family two directions simultaneously. If **redacted’ s funding reduced quality life independence community participation and develop relationships outside home will significantly impact At same time if hours reduce no longer maintained employment Simply without disability supports i unable to contribute economy . If the proposed changes proceed likely lose own family but many families who as speech pathologist.

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

Submission 1771

There is no financial capacity within my business to absorb the proposed cuts to allied health pricing. These reductions would force me to work in such a way that it would significantly increase my burnout risk and reduce the quality of care provided to participants on my caseload. I am already functioning at full capacity trying to balance clinical work, business demands, and caring responsibilities.

The impact on my health due to these proposed changes, the uncertainty about our future, and the impact that I see on all of the families who I support, is already significant. The government will lose:

• The income tax that I pay personally;
• Taxes paid through my business;
• Repayment of HECS debt;
• Taxes paid by support workers employed redacted’s care; And economic activity generated from secondary services connected with disability supports small businesses operation. I do not believe broader economic consequences reforms are being adequately considered. I also deeply concerned narrative surrounding fraud under NDIS Small providers operate transparently conceal fraudulent conduct In contrast large organizations high participant volumes better positioned obscure inappropriate billing practices Yet current reform direction appears favor larger while placing pressure smaller community-based clinicians Businesses To date every provider reported for fraudulent practices been registered provider action against them ever taken. Additionally Significant Cuts Participant Plans occurring legislation passed Therapy allocations falling below evidence based recommendations effective intervention leaving many without meaningful access Supports Also extremely concern rollout models Thriving Kids Key Worker framework where untrained minimally qualified replace Clinicians specialist qualifications years experience This risks significantly reducing quality safety efficacy Intervention provided vulnerable children their Families.