National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1905
SUBMISSION TO SENATE COMMITTEE ON NDIS
I am James Mumme OAM and live in Shoalwater WA. I am 79 years old and am facing for. At this point I am fit and capable of everything in my life but I am in frequent spinal pain. I am not yet disabled although I have to watch that I do not lose my balance due to spinal stenosis and loss of nerves to my legs and I am working through treatments. This is the first time I have faced a disabling condition in myself a.though I know a number of people who have major disabilities.
I have heard stories of rorts by companies over-charging for services on the NDIS. It is clear that there needs to be some tightening of how services may be claimed. However the wholesale cuts proposed are unjust, cruel and in the long term counterproductive as people who should be supported at home will end up with worse disabilities or accidents that will need hospitalisation.
Particularly the defining of ‘available’ services needs to be changed. My condition may respond well to physiotherapy, cortisone injections or surgery. With one referral for the opinion of a well respected surgeon, note not an operation, just an opinion, was refused because I do not have private insurance. I assured them that I have adequate funds to cover the operation costs (possibly around $15,000) and am willing to pay upfront. BUT I was still refused presumably because of the risk of complications requiring further costs. So surgery is theoretically available but actually not even a consultation is available.
And I live in a capital city - God help anyone with my conditions who lives regionally. Or has language or cultural barriers that I with good literacy skills and high levels of awareness do not have.
For those who have genuine need for the NDIS, cuts must not be made across the board for administrative expedience.
I urge the Committee and Parliament to make severe changes to the Bill.
Thank you.
James Mumme