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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

#theGrowingSpace ##Easy Read Summary ###Sam Paior’s Letter to the Senate about the New NDIS Law

Written By:

Name: Sam Paior,
Title/Position: CEO of ‘The Growing Space’,
Date: 25 May 2026.
Contact Information: info@thegrowingspace.com.au*

About this paper

This is an Easy Read paper. It uses easy words and pictures. It is about a new law in Australia. The law will change the NDIS.

The NDIs helps people with disability.It pays for support so people can live a goodlife.More than half a million people are on theNDIS.The full name of the law is long.It is the NDIS Future Generations Bill \x97\x84Bill“ 2026 . The Senate is looking at the law.The Senate wants to hear what people think.Sam Paior wrote a long letter to the Senate.Her letter has redacted Ideas to make the lawbetter.This Easy Read paper lists each of her ideas.Each idea has two parts.

Submission 193

Supplemental Information

Section A:

Question One: What issue exists?

Section B:

Proposed Solutions and Recommendations

About Sam Paior

Hi. My name is Sam Paior. I run a small business called The Growing Space. We help people on the NDIS and their families. I am also a mum to two young adults. Both of my kids are on the NDIS. One has Down syndrome and autism. One has a brain injury. I work with many other people on the NDIS, too. I talk to lots of people in our community. More than \t\tredacted rpeoplehavesharedworrieswithme. Ireadthenewlawmanyotherpapers. ThisEasyReadshareswhatIlearned. IwanttheNDIStolastformanyyears. Butthisnewlawnproblems. Thesenateshouldfixtheproblemsfirst. Myiдейstofixthelawarebelow.

Part 1: People Already On the NDIS

Some parts of the new law worry me. I will share nine (not nine) problems in this part. Each one has an idea about fixing each issue:

Idea #1: Prevent Cuts Without Talking To Us

Problem?

The Minister may reduce some aspects from our plans first, cutting down on funds that help with leaving home, going out socially, visiting friends/family members, shopping etc., you won’t have access to reviews.

How We Think They Can Be Fixed?Talk directly to those who are disabled prior making such decisions;

demonstrate clearly what these changes mean for everyone involved; allow individuals affected to request and receive further evaluations.

Submission 193: Supplementary Submission

Idea 2. Protect people with high support needs

Problem:

Some people need help every moment. Their care ensures their safety and well-being, but cutting this assistance would make some individuals vulnerable without any backup plan; others might face life-threatening situations due to injuries from cuts if there’s insufficient medical attention available.

Idea 4: Keep the whole-of-person rule

What is the problem? Many people have more than one disability. Their disabilities interact with each other.The proposed amendment introduces “directly” into this context.This term creates an obstacle.It may prevent funding of certain supports that are indirectly related as well.

What we suggest fixing: Remove the use of “directly” in legislation.Look beyond individual parts or conditions when considering support needs.

Idea 5: Prevent loss due to delays ordering items such as wheelchairs

What is the issue here?: At times individuals place orders (such as large purchases) which might include essential equipment like Wheelchair.Such acquisitions often require several weeks/months before delivery.Your current NDIS Plan concludes while you’re still waiting on your order.Under recent changes, any funds allocated towards these delayed deliveries would otherwise expire without being utilized effectively.

Our suggestion: Allow those funds from your previous plan to be carried forward onto a new plan.Hold them until both receipt confirmation and payment completion for said item.

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

Idea 6: Keep Fast Review Times When Life Changes

What Is The Problem?

Sometimes you need to change your plan early. Now the NDIA can take 90 days to decide. That is too long when life has changed. There is no safety net if they miss this deadline.

What We Think Could Fix It:

Keep the old timeframe of 21 days. If missed deadlines occur, your changes are accepted automatically. Count any shifts in family help even without planning them ahead.

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

Idea 8: Stop plans being cut off by surprise

What is the problem? The NDIA can try to ring you several times. If they cannot reach you, they stop your plan. You might be sick in hospital. You might go on holiday for two weeks. You might be grieving someone who died.

What we think could fix it*

They must use every method given: Phone, e-mail, paper mail and emergency contact. Try at least sixty days long enough. Pause time if hospitalized or grieving.

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

What we think could fix it

Only allow this power for set topics. Make the time shorter. Talk to disabled people first. Show how the rule will affect people.

Part 2: People Trying To Join The NDIS

This section discusses issues related to accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Here are six challenges along with proposed solutions.

Idea #10: Slow Down The New Test

Problem:

The newly enacted legislation introduces an assessment process that evaluates individuals without any support, disregarding aspects of daily living such as homes or personal lives; this evaluation method hasn’t even had its tools developed but regulations intend on implementing them immediately.

Solution:

Delay starting implementation until more testing can be done,
Present these tests publicly so they’re open to scrutiny;
Gather feedback from those who have disabilities directly involved in shaping how assessments should work properly;

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

Idea 11: Be fair about treatment you can get

Problem:

The new law says you must try treatment first.
But, it ignorestheifthe treatmentisfaraway. It ignores ifyoucannotpayforit. Itignoreslongwaitinglists. This hurts peoplein countrytowns themost.

Solution:

Look atwhateachpersoncanreallydo. Thinkaboutwhere theylive. Thinkaboutrcostandwait lists. Think abouthotherthings thatblockaccess.

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

Idea 13: Keep Help For People Who Will Get Worse

What Is The Problem?

Some people have a condition that gets worse over time. The examples include:

MND,
MS (“Multiple Sclerosis”), and
Parkinson’s disease. Accordingly, under this new legislation, these individuals will find themselves with reduced access to necessary assistance. Precisely speaking though ‘reducing’ might be too strong an expression here as it implies more than just making things harder; hence we suggest using words like ‘‘mitigating’ or `‘alleviating’. These terms are less harsh but still convey what is needed in order not to make matters even tougher on those who need help most urgently due their worsening conditions over time.

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

Idea 15: Keep a 21-day waiting period when joining.

What do you believe would resolve issues?

The current process requires that the NDIA decides whether someone qualifies within 21 business days, but under recent legislation, it has been extended up until now and will be decided in as many as 90 days from submission. This means an additional ten-week gap without any form of assistance or support during which individuals may face significant challenges related to their disability needs being met promptly due to delays caused both internally at government agencies like the NDIA itself, as well as external factors such as supply chain disruptions impacting delivery times on necessary equipment or services provided through this program.

Part 3: People Who Self-Manage

Some people manage their own NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) money. Others hire their own support workers. This section discusses three challenges faced by those who handle this responsibility themselves:

Idea 16 - Keep More Time To Send Claims

Problem?

The current timeframe allows two full calendar years from when services were provided before claiming any funds; however, a recent legislative change reduced that period significantly down to just ninety days—posing significant logistical and practical issues such as what happens during illness or unexpected events in one’s life?

Proposed Solutions

Extend claims processing window up until six-months post-service provision;
Provide additional buffer periods specifically reserved towards emergencies;
Show empathy to individuals managing these responsibilities independently.

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

Idea 18: Do not punish family nominees

What’s the issue?

A person who nominates another as part of an individual’s NDIS plan often does so because they care deeply about that person and want to help. Many times, these individuals do this without being paid or receiving any compensation from government programs like Centrelink. The proposed changes might introduce fines against those nominated under such circumstances, something which would be unfair given how many nominate due purely on compassion rather than financial gain.

Part 4: Things Missing From The Law

Some Big Things Are Missing From The Law. I Will Share Five Ideas To Add.These Would Help Many People.

Idea #19: Let People Check Before They Buy

What Is The Problem?

The Issue Lies In Not Having A Way To Verify Whether One Can Purchase Support Services.You Spend Money And Hope For The Best.Even Staff Provide Different Answers.If The NDIS Later Declines Your Request, You Owe The Paid Amount.

What We Think Could Fix It:

Establish Clear Guidelines For Asking Prior To Making Purchases.A Written Yes By The NDIS Must Be Final.Set Time Limits For Responses.

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

Idea 20: Keep promises in writing

What is the problem? Sometimes the NDIA writes “yes” on paper. Later, it changes its decision and asks that you give them your money again because they made an error earlier. This isn’t right!

What we think can solve this issue:

The NDIA should stick with what’s written down if someone says yes, without asking later whether there was any mistake or not making anyone pay extra when mistakes happen due to their own fault instead of yours.

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

Idea 22: Make all NDIS Papers Easy Read

What Is the Problem? The NDIS sends out lots of papers. Many People Cannot read Them. They Miss Important News About Their Plan.The NDIA Does Not Have To Make Easy Read Papers.

**What We Think Could Fix It:**Make Easy Read the Law.Give People Help to Understand Their Plan.Use Supported Decision-Making.All Of This Should Be Free.

Idea 23: Let People Swap to Cheaper Helpful Things

**What Is the Problem?:**Some Things On the “Not on List” List Could ReallyHelp.Like An App That Reminds You to Brush Your Teeth.A Few Hours With a Lawyer to Check WorkPapers.These Cost Less Than Other Supports.The Rules Do Not Let You Swap to Them.

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

What we think could fix it

Let people swap to a cheaper helpful thing. If it works the same or better, let it be paid. Allow a review if the NDIA says no.

Part 5: NDIS providers

Providers provide services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This section discusses challenges faced by service providers that can benefit all participants of the scheme:

Idea #24: Having One Safety Team Instead Of Two

Problem Statement

The current structure includes an independent body called ‘NDIS Commission’ which oversees provider compliance ensuring participant safety; however, recent legislation introduces another oversight entity within DDA (Departmental name redacted). The dual system incurs higher costs due to increased administrative overheads, might lead to conflicting recommendations from both bodies regarding regulatory actions or enforcement measures.

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

Idea 25: Let An Outside Group Set Prices

What Is The Problem?

Now the Minister will set the price for NDIS Supports. But politicians might change prices for the wrong reasons. Prices could be too low for safe care.

What We Think Could Fix It

Let the IHACPA group set the prices. They already set prices for hospitals and aged care. This Was the Idea From the Big NDIS Review.

Part 6: Big Changes to Fair Funding

These changes are very big. I will share 8 problems. They change how the NDIS decides what to pay for.

Idea #26 - Keep Choice and Control In Law

What Is the Problem?

Thenewlawputsmoneyfirst.* It removes the rule about choice and control. This sends the message that disabled people* isaburden.That is a bad shift in how the law thinks.

What We Think Could Fix It-

Make money one part*,nott heboss*.Keep choice and control in t h e l aw.Treat peo ple as p eo pl e, n ot ass costs .*

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

What we think could fix it

Count lived experience as proper evidence.
Count what your doctor sees too.
Do not block support just because research is missing.

Idea 28: Cheaper must still do the same job

What is the problem?

The new law looks for cheaper supports.-= , ,,=,_ .,;,.·But it dropped the rule about same results.A cheaper support might not help you thesame way.

What we think could fix itPut back the rule about same results.A cheaper option must do the same job.

Idea 29: Be fair to parents and families

What is the problem?The new law says parents should do mostcare.But it does not say what a normal parent does.It forgets parents who have a disability too.It forgets families with more than one disabledchild.

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

Idea 30: Protect Dignity In Personal Care

What We Think Could Fix It

Compare To What Any Parent Would Do At That Age. Think About The Parent’S Own Health. Think About The Whole Family Load.

What Is The Problem? The New Law Says Family Must Help First. Only If There Is Harm Will Paid Help Be Given. This Places A Heavy Load On Family Carers. It Can Also Take Away Dignity In Personal Care.

What We Think Could Fix It

Think About Dignity And Choice. Think About The Carer Getting Tired Or Old. Protect Intimate Personal Care Choices. Keep Paying For Capacity-Building.

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

Idea 31: Other services must really exist

What is the problem? The NDIA can send you to another system. Like the health system. But that other system might not give you the help. you could wait years.`

What we think could fix it`

Only send people to a service that is real. it must be open and ready for them. it must be fast enough to help.“`”\n``#Idea _idea 32:_Make NDIS rules ope nand clear

What i sthe proble m ? The new NDIS plans usea computerto set budgets.The comput errulescanchange atany time.the Parliment willnot see when this happens.`

Wh atwethinkcouldfixit `

publishtherulesan dthetechnicalreport.makeParliamentabletovoteonchanges.talktodisabledpeoplebefore any change.“`”

Submission 193: Supplementary Submission

Idea 33.

Tell us how the NDIS is going

Checklist:

What is the problem? We do not know how the NDIS is going. Not enough information or data sharing between stakeholders (public sector). Computers now making decisions, which may be opaque without transparency in processes. The lack of visibility into these changes creates a sense that something significant might have happened but no one knows exactly why this shift occurred within systems.

What can potentially solve/fix?

Share data on an ongoing basis at least once per quarter; Publish statistics regarding claim rejections, safety incidents as well as instances where assistance was overlooked; Provide comparative datasets across different demographic groups such as Indigenous Australians & Culturally And Linguistically Diverse individuals.

Part 7: Computers Making Choices

The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing NDIS Future Generations) Bill 2026, Submission 193 – Supplemental Submission.

Idea #34: Make Safe Rules For Computer Choices

Problem:

The use of computers on claims and plans may lead to issues due to weak legal safeguards; a past incident known as ‘Robodebt’ highlights such problems where automated decisions went awry without adequate checks from humans,

Solution:

A human should review every decision made for accuracy; do not implement computer systems unless robust laws ensure their reliability;

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

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

What we think could fix it

Look at the law after two years. Talk to disabled people during the review. Share the results with Parliament. If people are being hurt, fix the law.

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

My final words

I want the NDIS to last a long time.

I support that big goal,

But the law has problems.

The law needs fixing: here are some suggestions:

Fixing issue number # … (# represents placeholders) The list continues with more items until reaching ‘The law’…

Strong laws help us today AND tomorrow!

Let’s discuss these points further, shall we?

You may reach out via this address below if interested!

Email: info@growing-space.com Thank you so much!

Hard Words Glossary

These are words from the paper. Here is what they mean.

NDIS: -A scheme that pays for disability support.-
Senate: -A group of people who check new laws.-
Bill: -A new law before it is voted on.-
Participant: -A person on the NDIS.-
Nominee: -A person who helps you with NDIS.-
Provider: -A person or group that gives support.-
NDIA: -The team that runs the NDIS.-
NDIS Commission: -The team that keeps NDIS people safe.-
Minister: -A leader in the government.-
Plan: -A list of supports paid by the NDIS.-
Cap: -The most you can get.-
Funding: -Money to pay for supports.-
Eligibility: -Who can join the NDIS.-
Assessment: -A check on what help you need.-
Reassessment: -A new check on your plan.-
Revocation: When the NDIA stops your plan- Suspension:When the NDIA puts your plan on hold. Claim:AkingtheNDSIstopaybackmoney Debt:MoneytheNDIASaysyouowe Review:Acheckbysomeonelse Tribunal:AplacethatchecksunfairchoicesAdvocacy:SpeakingupforsomeneSupportedddecision-making:HelftochooseforyourselfAutomated:DonedbyacomputerSelf-manage:WhentoulookafteryournownNDISMoney.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment Bill

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

Easy Read: Short words with pictures.
Compensation: Money paid for an injury.
First Nations: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
CALD: People from many cultures and languages.
Cohort: A group of people.
Sustainable: Can keep going for a long time.
Functional Capacity: What you can or cannot do.
Peer Reviewed: Checked by other experts.
Materially Improve: Make a real and noticeable change.
Safe Harbour: A safe rule that protects you.
Robodebt: Past computer mistakes that hurt many people.
Parliament: All our elected leaders together.
Replacement Supports: Swapping one support for another.
IHACPA: A group that sets fair prices for care.

Important notes

Make it easy does not give health, legal or any other professional advice. Check with a Professional.*

Make it easy can make mistakes: Check important info*

Easy Read by The Growing Space info

[Image not converted to Markdown – check the source PDF page for the actual content]

Easy Read summary of Sam Paior's letter to the Senate about the new NDIS law

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

About this paper

Submission 193

Supplemental Information

Section A:

Question One: What issue exists?

Section B:

Proposed Solutions and Recommendations

About Sam Paior

Part 1: People Already On the NDIS

Idea #1: Prevent Cuts Without Talking To Us

Problem?

How We Think They Can Be Fixed?Talk directly to those who are disabled prior making such decisions;

Submission 193: Supplementary Submission

Idea 2. Protect people with high support needs

Problem:

Idea 4: Keep the whole-of-person rule

Idea 5: Prevent loss due to delays ordering items such as wheelchairs

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

Idea 6: Keep Fast Review Times When Life Changes

What Is The Problem?

What We Think Could Fix It:

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

Idea 8: Stop plans being cut off by surprise

What we think could fix it*

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

What we think could fix it

Part 2: People Trying To Join The NDIS

Idea #10: Slow Down The New Test

Problem:

Solution:

Submission 193 - Supplementary Submission

Idea 11: Be fair about treatment you can get

Problem:

Solution:

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

Idea 13: Keep Help For People Who Will Get Worse

What Is The Problem?

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

Idea 15: Keep a 21-day waiting period when joining.

What do you believe would resolve issues?

Part 3: People Who Self-Manage

Idea 16 - Keep More Time To Send Claims

Problem?

Proposed Solutions

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

Idea 18: Do not punish family nominees

What’s the issue?

Part 4: Things Missing From The Law

Idea #19: Let People Check Before They Buy

What Is The Problem?

What We Think Could Fix It:

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

Idea 20: Keep promises in writing

What we think can solve this issue:

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

Idea 22: Make all NDIS Papers Easy Read

Idea 23: Let People Swap to Cheaper Helpful Things

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

What we think could fix it

Part 5: NDIS providers

Idea #24: Having One Safety Team Instead Of Two

Problem Statement

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

Idea 25: Let An Outside Group Set Prices

What Is The Problem?

What We Think Could Fix It

Part 6: Big Changes to Fair Funding

Idea #26 - Keep Choice and Control In Law

What Is the Problem?

What We Think Could Fix It-

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

What we think could fix it

Idea 28: Cheaper must still do the same job

What is the problem?

What we think could fix itPut back the rule about same results.A cheaper option must do the same job.

Idea 29: Be fair to parents and families

What is the problem?The new law says parents should do mostcare.But it does not say what a normal parent does.It forgets parents who have a disability too.It forgets families with more than one disabledchild.

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