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

Submission 1826

Dear Committee Secretary,

I am writing to you as the parent of a child with Down Syndrome, in response to the recent announcements regarding changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). My son was born 1 month after the NDIS rolled out as a trial in our area almost 13 years ago. This makes him one of the longest running participants on the scheme and one of the oldest who has been on the scheme since they were a baby. His achievements and full life are a testament to the success of the NDIS and the amazing therapists we have been able to worked with. Over the years his plan amount has gradually decreased and we have scaled back on supports, but this has always been reasonable and within our family’s capacity. I am concerned that the recent proposed amendments will cause large changes to people’s plans too quickly and this will put many people with disability and their families at risk. Peak bodies including People with Disability Australia, Children and Young People with Disability Australia, Down Syndrome Australia, carer groups and provider groups have all raised concerns about the proposed changes. Of particular concern is the proposal to remove cohorts of people from the NDIS while adequate alternative supports are not in place. Families, schools, hospitals and support services are already under pressure and will not be able to cope with an influx of people. Blanket cuts to funding will also risk people being left without essential supports and needed services closing as they lose viability. The proposal to use a one size fits all approach to functional assessments fails to recognise the complexities of disability while the introduction of AI generated plans while at the same time reducing people’s capacity to appeal decisions risks repeating past mistakes with automated systems. The way these changes have been proposed are bringing great uncertainty to families and services causing stress and confusion. Meaningful consultation with people with disability, families, representative organisations and support services is needed before any changes are made. I understand that the NDIS must be sustainable and that fraud and inefficiencies should be addressed. However, I am deeply concerned that the proposed changes will put people with disability at great risk without strengthening the system.

Thank you for considering the submissions on this matter.