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

Submission 1895 - Supplementary Submission

Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the NDIS Amendment Bill / NDIS

(Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill My name is . I am the parent and full-time carer of my three-year-old daughter,‿ who lives with complex disabilities and high support needs. I have been involved with the NDIS for more than two years and have spent that time fighting continuously to access the therapies and supports my daughter requires. Caring for a child with significant disabilities is not something that stops at the end of the day.It is a 24-hour responsibilitythat affects every aspect of lifephysically emotionallyfinancially mentall.Families like mine rely on the NDIS noluxuries butfor essential supports that allow our childrenthe opportunity develop skills improve independence participate in everyday life.Iam deeply concerned about proposed changesunder the NDISAmendment Billdirection system movingin.My experience ndis has too often one exhaustionconstant advocacy feeling neither child nor family treated human beings genuine needs.Failure Proper Consider EvidenceOne most distressing parts navigatingndishas repeated experience submitting extensive evidence specialist reports only those appear ignored inadequately considered.For daughters recent review personally submitted over thirtyreports qualified professionals care therapy.Despite this,essential therapies supported still left out her plan.This then forces families endless review processes internal reviews appeals simply to access supports clearly documented necessary.The burden places parents caregivers unreasonable Families expected become advocates administrators coordinators legal representatives already providing around-the-clock care.Currentsystem feels adversarial fear proposal will make even worse.Underfunding Early Intervention Essential TherapiesThehas worked well when provided daughterwithaccesstherapy intensive early intervention supports.These supports improved her independent development overall qualityoflife.However despite clear evidenceneed‿ consistently underfund fortherapies she actually requires.

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

Submission 1895 - Supplementary Submission

Early intervention is critical.

These therapies are not optional extras. They help prevent complications from worsening over long-term dependency while giving children every opportunity possible as they grow older into adulthood with independence.

Reducing or restricting support now will not save money down road; instead it creates greater dependence needs higher costs both NDIS broader health system later on,

Families repeatedly told that therapy can simply be done at home parents instead of being funded appropriately While I do everything possibly within my power at home am physiotherapist occupational therapist speech therapist These professionals complete years university training clinical practice Unrealistic unfair expect parents replace specialist services. The expectation unpaid carers absorb these responsibilities demonstrates serious misunderstanding realities face family members.

Cost Reports Functional Capacity Assessments Another major issue constant reports assessments justify supports funding those often inadequate.

I was recently informed six hours would fund functional capacity assessment However, therapy centre involved daughter’s care advised minimum fifteen hours realistically needed to properly assess this concern raised effectively told should push back therapists attempt make them complete assessment inadequately allocated funds. This places families impossible situations Therapists cannot ethically detailed assessments without sufficient time yet without these assessments risk lower future plans because evidence considered insufficient. it becomes cycle:

• Insufficient Funding
• Inadequate reports due limitations
• Denied Supports Further reviews and appeals then additional requests for more evidence The process exhausting damaging already under immense pressure.

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

Submission 1895 - Supplementary Submission

Impact on Parents and Carers

The emotional and mental toll of navigating the NDIS system has been severe. Instead of feeling supported, many parents feel blamed, dismissed,

and forced to constantly justify their child’s needs. I have personally experienced planners speaking to me in ways that felt disrespectful and dismissive while I was simply trying to advocate for my daughter. At one point I was told to “stop being argumentative” for raising legitimate concerns about my child’s supports and funding.Parents should not have to fight this hard for basic necessities fortheir children.The current system contributes significantly to carer burnout andmental health deterioration.Many carers are already functioningunder extreme exhaustion due to the demands of caring forchildren with complex disabilities.Adding continual battles with thenNDIS creates enormous additional stress and crisis for families.

Concerns About the Proposed ChangesI am particularly concerned that the proposed changes will:

• increase barriers to accessing support,- place even greater expectations on unpaid carers,- make it harder for children to access early intervention,- increase reassessments and administrative burden,- create more fear and instability for vulnerable families,and prioritise cost-cutting over individual human needs.Every child’s situation is different.Disability cannot be reducedto formulas, automated processes or rigid funding categories.Families need planners and decision-makers who properly readreports, understand complex needs and assess each participant as anindividual person.

Recommendations

I respectfully ask the Senate Committee to consider the following:1.Protect and strengthen access to early interventiontherapies for children with disabilities.2.Ensure planners and decision-makers are properly trained to assess complex cases and fully review submitted evidence.3.Reduce the excessive administrative burden placed onfamilies and carers.4.Ensure adequate funding is provided for FunctionalCapacity Assessments and specialist reports.5.Recognize the limits of unpaid carers and stop shiftingprofessional therapy responsibilities onto parents.

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

Submission 1895 - Supplementary Submission

• Improve transparency, accountability and consistency in planning decisions.
• Ensure children with disabilities are treated as individuals with human dignity, not as budget figures or administrative tasks. Conclusion The NDIS has the potential to change lives when it works properly.I have seen firsthandthe progress my daughter can make whenshe receives therightsupport.HoweveryI havexperiencedenormous harm causedby underfundinginadequate planning processesand constant needto fightfor essential supports.Families like minearenotaskingunnecessary services.Wearquiringchildrenwithdisabilities havea fair opportunity todvelopparticipateandlevelivedignity.I urge Senate Committee carefully consider real-lifeconsequenceschangesmayhavonvulnerable childrencarersamiliesacrossAustralia.Childrenshouldnotlosecriticalopportunitiesdevelopmentbecausetheir familiestoo exhaustedcontinuetofightingsystemmeanttosupportthem.