Response to National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS

for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

As a parent of two children on the NDIS, I am deeply concerned about the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

I understand the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the NDIS and address fraud and misuse within the system. Families also want accountability and quality services. However, many of the proposed changes appear to shift the burden of “fixing” the scheme onto disabled children and families who already face enormous barriers accessing essential supports.

My children rely on the NDIS to participate in everyday life, access therapies, regulate sensory needs, build communication skills, maintain physical and mental health, and safely engage in education and community life. These supports are not optional extras. They are fundamental to their wellbeing, development, dignity, and future independence.

Australia is a signatory to the UNCRPD and therefore has clear obligations to protect the rights of disabled people, including children. The proposed reforms raise serious concerns regarding Australia’s compliance with these obligations.

Article 7 states that children have the right to enjoy all human rights without discrimination or segregation based solely upon disability status; Article19 recognises the right of disabled persons living independently as well as participating fully into society while Articles4(3),5(8),and 26 obligates governments provide habilitation/rehabilitative support for maximum independent participation;

I am particularly concerned about proposals relating stricter eligibility criteria and increased reliance standardised “functional capacity” assessments which cannot be accurately captured short assessment process due disabilities such autism psychosocial chronic illness hypermobility conditions fluctuating etc., disability is dynamic & complex context dependent, The proposed reforms also appear inconsistent with Article (4)(3) of UNCRPD requires government closely consult actively involve person wth disabilties

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

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including children, through their representative organizations when developing laws and policies that affect them. Many disabled people, families, advocates, and organizations have expressed concern that consultation processes have been rushed and that community feedback has not been adequately reflected.

The language surrounding “sustainability” also risks framing disabled people as an economic burden rather than rights holders entitled to support, dignity, and equal participation in society. The NDIS should not be viewed solely through a financial lens. Early intervention, community participation, and appropriate supports reduce long-term costs across health education mental health homelessness crisis systems.

The NDIS has transformed lives It allowed children like mine participate communities develop independence access more equitably improve outcomes Weakening access undermines gains contradicting Australia’s obligations under UNCRPD I urge Government:

• Ensure all reforms are genuinely co-designed with disabled people family advocacy organisations Uphold Australia’s obligations under UNCPRD Protect access complex fluctuating disabilities Avoid one-size-fits-all assessment processes Preserve participant choice flexibility individualised support Focus cost-saving measures on fraud exploitation poor provider regulation rather restricting essential supports Ensure disabled children’s rights wellbeing best interests remain central legislative reform Disabled Australians deserve system grounded human rights dignity inclusion evidence-based support - increasing barriers everyday life possible