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

Submission 2049

Dear Secretary

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Australia, Section 19 provides that “people with disabilities have the same right as others to live, take part and be included in the commi\unity”. The “reforms’ of this Bill are blatantly about cutting costs and will be to the detriment of disabled people. The False Economy Report shows that from improved participation of people with disabilities reduced burdens of carers and families, the NDIS returns to the Australian economy $2.25 for every $1 invested. Cost cutting for participants is counterproductive. It does not ensure disabled peoples’ dignity, safety and human rights. Instead it will penalise the most vulnerable in our communities, the Government should be focussing on organised fraud and dishonest service providers for cost cutting purposes. More regulation, compliance requirements and better systems should be put in place.

I am most concerned about the tightening of eligibility criteria including those who are already NDIS participants with a permanent disability,.Specifically, that a disability is only deemed permanent if “all appropriate treatment” has been exhausted. This criteria of “all available treatment” appears not to be defined. It will not take into consideration individual circumstances in relation to access to available treatment. This is no level playing field. Many treatments may be available only in major cities or centres. Disabled people, particularly in regional or remote areas, may not have accessibility to such available treatment due to their physical, mental, and/or emotional disabilities. They may also not be able to access “all available treatment” (with multiple visits often being required) due to the financial burden of medical treatment costs, travel, accommodation, carer/family support or other personal circumstances. Thus eligibility to NDIS support will be unfairly denied.

The NDIS was based on individual rights, and was to provide dignity, participation, choice, and independence. The cost cutting reforms undermine these principles.

I request that the Government re-consider the “reforms” with greater consultation with disabled people, their carers, medical professionals and disability organisations.

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