National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1863
I could write pages in relation to the “Securing the future NDIS”. But I am a 68yo, unwell, disillusioned, exhausted, parent of a young man with a Disability.
I want to talk about-
Community Participation Funding Cuts
My son, 28 yo, who has multiple cognitive disabilities and recently moved into a SIL house, has been fortunate enough to benefit from generally good and fair NDIS plans . As we live on the urban fringe ,we have had to rely mostly on 1 to 1 funding for CP and now are faced with the prosect of drastic cuts. Unfortunately, the NDIA idea that “the market” would ensure service coverage has been a failure and local programs do not exist.
As urban-rural fringe dwellers we developed a great program for him , largely within his community with 1 to 1 support.
With a support worker he is able to-
-volunteer two days a week as “PE teachers assistant” at a local primary school
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do light gardening for 4 older people in the community on another day with token payment from them ( filling a need for older people struggle with mowing and weeding)
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catch up with his girlfriend 3 hours per week and other friends 3 hours a week
Attend local football matches, one AFL game a year, one Australian tennis game a year,
-attend 6 matches of NBL a year.
Play basketball once a week in a community basketball inclusion program
All of these activities are highly consistent with his plan goals, develop his skills, and give him real social connection . The thought of a 50% cut would be a disaster for him.
Cutting CP funding can undo much of what the NDIS has provided for our son and other participants. . That is a waste of time and past funds. A lip service to real inclusion with high social costs.
Pease acknowledge that the economic costs will also be enormous, with cost shifting to the justice system, physical and mental health services, housing services, family support services and carers service.
For those like my son in a SIL house we have set up, a cut in CP funding would result in the need for more SIL funding .
Proposed assessment, planning and appeals processes
We have worked tirelessly over the past 5 years to undertake Estate planning with our son in mind. He is an only child and our extended family lives a long way away. He has significant community ties . From when he was a baby, we followed the “ it takes the community to raise a child” approach. We were overjoyed when the NDIS was available as it provided the opportunity for a secure future, in his community. We spent thousands of dollars investigating and setting a up a Centrelink Special Disability trust so we could purchase a house for him to share with other SIL participants (1:3). We spent most of our superannuation
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National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1863
buying a suitable house locally to do this. He received SIL funding with quality input from his therapy team. As well as providing housing for him it is an affordable option for the other participants as the rent is set at social housing rates. The rent covers basics such as maintenance, insurance and rates. We provided fully furnished and equipped house so that he and other PWD who are all on DSP, have a safe and secure future. With all the changes proposed we now fear for them all.
Automated assessments
There is a need for any assessment process to incorporate the understanding that many on NDIS who might seem to be “doing well”, are doing well BECAUSE of the supports the NDIS provides. How will the proposed automated assessment incorporate this?
Concluding Comments
We are now facing uncertainty. It is so unfair on participants and carers who have obeyed the rules and worked so hard to facilitate quality outcomes that increase inclusion, skills and independence.
Finally, this whole process has ended up vilifying many participants and their families. It has caused extreme anxiety for many, and its long-term consequences for many will be dire. The consequences will be very costly to the government , and will again show that cutting services in one area, creates financial and social costs in other areas.
Catriona Knothe
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