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

Submission 2109

Dear Parliament,

For me the NDIS means that I can move. Might seem simple to other people but for me it is the world. It means I can actively create systematic change, it also enables me to get up in the morning and dress appropriately for work. I am a person who’s very proud of my appearance, support from the NDIS enables me to dress professionally. It also enable me to be face to face with the people that matter. It provides an avenue for me to communicate effectively with leaders to help make my world and my community a better place.

People who do not have movement due to a disability require assistance to simply get out their front door, specific changes to the NDIS are going to reduce that support and assistance. Even people with a disability who do have a voice need support to function so they can be the voice for those who cannot.

Community access is not going out for lunch, or going out with friends it is about working, getting you on a level playing so you can work and participate in society like every body else. It is studying, it is working, it is allowing a person to participate in their community and their society equally to their colleagues and peers. If community access is minimised, government runs a very high risk of more mental health impacts and an ever-increasing unemployment issue. If people with disabilities are kept in their home, stigmatisation is only going to get worse because people with disabilities will not be seen. Is this what Australia wants for their vulnerable people? The effects and impacts of cutting community access and participation are catastrophic, society already has a fear of disability, these cuts will only make it worse.

Please put yourself in the shoes of a person with a physical or intellectual disability! These people have a right to contribute to their community, their society and they deserve to be heard. Every Australian matters, be conscious of the decisions you make and the impact it’s going to have on those who are going to be severely affected.

Social Worker