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

Submission 1838

I am the parent of 3 NDIS participants, two of whom have a dual ASD/ID diagnosis. Firstly, let me say that having NDIS access has been life changing for my children. At 4 years old, my son’s behaviour was so dysregulated and violent he was a danger to others. He was also non-verbal. Now, at 14, he has made a seamless transition to high school and no longer needs to use his AAC, as he can communicate without it. All of this is thanks to the quality, tensive early intervention he received. Without it, I firmly believe his behaviours would now be so extreme that he would require 2:1 support at all times.

In regards to the NDIS Future Generations Bill 2026, there are a lot of things I am worried about as a parent. The proposed 50% cut to Social and Community Participation budgets will directly affect my family, and not in a good way. My 11 year old daughter, who is level 3 ASD/ID, is prone to absconding, amongst other behaviours, and there is no way we can safely access the community as a family without a support worker, especially as I have two other children with disabilities to support. Even something as simple as going to the supermarket is out of the question, because the second I take my eyes off my daughter, to put something in a trolley, she’d be gone. As a single parent, who works full time, I am also extremely worried this will adversely affect my ability to earn a living. How is forcing more carers (and let’s face it, the vast majority of us are women) into unemployment a helpful outcome?

Many families with disabled children are already disadvantaged in comparison to families with typical children. We can’t do the same things that other families regularly do without a second thought. A day at the beach, for example, a quintessential Australian experience, is not something I can even consider. For my family, it’s just too fraught with danger. My children, due to their disability, also don’t have the sort of friendships and leisure opportunities that other children their age are able to participate in. There’s a dearth of these sort of activities available in the community for disabled children, especially those who have a more severe form. Those that do exist are expensive, as they charge high NDIS rates. Getting out into the community is a bright spot in my children’s lives, something to look forward to. If you take this away, it’s just one more way their lives will be made smaller and less-than, in comparison to their peers.

The Minister has used an example of support worker’s scrolling on their phones as a reason for the decision, but if that’s the case, you’re punishing the wrong people. If I had a support worker who was lazy or not providing adequate support, then I would not employ them.

An across-the-board cut, without any regard to a participant’s circumstances, and with no avenue to appeal, will be devastating to so many people. Unless, of course, you’re also cutting the price guide line items in half, which I assume you’re not.

The new requirement that all workers be registered is worrying for a lot of us who have spent time (and parts of our budget) training support workers. I would really hope that the requirements for those who are currently independent of a big company are not too onerous, so we are able to keep the staff that we already know and trust.

I have never asked for an unscheduled change of circumstances review, but as a single parent, with no family support, it is a constant worry that something may happen to me (in

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

Submission 1838

terms of my health) that would require extra support. The proposed new rule (S48A), allowing up to 90 days for the NDIA to decide whether or not to grant the review, would be devastating in this regard. It’s something I hope I never have to worry about, but surely there needs to be emergency options available for emergency medical situations that might arise.

The proposed new S34A powers, for the Minister to be able to cut budgets at his/her whim, without any rights to appeal, is terrifying, given who knows what’s going to happen in the future. These powers can be passed on to anyone, and that means disabled people will be forever holding their breath, unless there are safeguards, and review options, put in place.

In terms of ‘parental responsibility’, and broadening the parameters of what we’re meant to do, I would like to state unequivocally that most of us are already running on fumes. My children still require the level of support that would be given to much younger children, and it never ends. What is the point of pushing us all into an early grave? In my case, I already know that I need to live forever, because there’s no-one else who is going to advocate for my children. Please don’t make this any harder for us.

I could go on, about other points contained within the Bill, but if I make this too long, I’m not sure anyone will read it. (let’s face it, I’m not sure you’re going to read it, anyway. Just like all those professional reports we submit at review time!)

Please consider the thoughts of disabled people and their carers, and agree to further consultation before this bill is passed.