National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 2000
I am a: Disabled person who does not access the NDIS but have friends and family who do.
- My connection to this issue
I have numerous friends and family members who access NDIS for a range of I severe issues needing support from extreme mental health needs through to physical disability. I have seen how hard the services are to access in the first place, how hard they can be to retain, and most importantly how significantly they impact those in need. Without NDIS support they are unable to participate in society, to look after themselves or to contribute to community. Without NDIS many of them need ongoing care inside of hospitals and institutions or end up house bound.
- My overall view of this Bill
I have incredibly concerns about this bill and unequivocally condemn further restrictions or changes to the current system. It is the anthesis of what is needed. The proposed changes put so many people with so many diverse needs at risk. I personally do not access or need the NDIS, but of the people I know who do, there is no question that these changes put them at extreme risk of deteriorating health, risk of loss of life, suicide, removal from communities and family and friends and employment. It could not be more dire and I cannot impress upon you how detrimental these proposed changes will be on the disabled community.
- My main concerns
The Loss or reduction of supports - there is urgent need for these supportive services, they are not currently arbitrary or easily accessed, those who have it, need it.
the Crisis situations / “not contactable” rules - these are completely out of touch with the circumstances of ill health and disability as there are countless reasons someone might be uncontactable. To make this a requirement is to be blind to the actual lived experience of disability and its unpredictable circumstances.
the Eligibility or assessment changes - it is already incredibly hard for those already struggling to access NDIS. I do not know anyone who has managed to access it without incredible support from family and friends through an extensive process. The current process is already traumatic and exhausting for those who need it. The NDIS should
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 2000
help not harm, and far too often I have seen it traumatise the most vulnerable people I know.
- What I want the committee to understand
We will all become disabled eventually through age at the very least. These are services you should imagine you need now, to understand how they should function. Disability needs are as diverse as people and so creating severe, sweeping restrictions around access and administration is not just naive, it is willfully cruel. The disabled community and those who love and care for them are clear about their needs and these changes are acting directly against them. It is shameful.
- My position on this Bill
I wholly condemn this bill and am ashamed for what it says about our government, our country and our values. Disability support services are a small portion of annual budgets and should be prioritised not scrutinised. In a healthy Australian future our communities have easy access and all Australians regardless of age and capacity are welcomed and supported to participate and contribute as they are able. I want to live in that Australia, not one that diminishes, punishes and excludes those with support needs.