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

Submission 2121

I am David Foley of Dubbo NSW. I have been a career educator in NSW schools and TAFE.

As an educator and a friend of people who live with significant disabilities I have seen the positive impact the NDIS has delivered to our most vulnerable people. Residing in and working across rural NSW for 40 years until my recent retirement has afforded me deep insights to the isolation and patchy support of the past and how greatly the NDIS has changed lives.

While I appreciate and support the NDIS being a sustainable program and that it has grown to support people who were not the target clientele at its inception. Also that some providers do not act ethically. However, the proposed changes to reel in the budget for the NDIS I fear will significantly cut support to the very people who need the NDIS to live connected, dignified and supported lives.

The bundling of social and community participation into an arbitrary cost cutting exercise will effectively cut social support by 50%. The impact of this will be devastating.

I have a personal friend with Downs Syndrome who was born the same year as my 26 year old daughter. My daughter has been able to attend university, make choices about further study, undertake fulfilling work, build a career and most importantly live independently. A fabulous full life for a young adult. My friend with Downs has not been able to chase life trajectories like my daughter. He utilises funds under the Social and Community Participation to live a meaningful life in our community. To undertake supported work experiences, play touch football in the local competitions. He is happy, has dignity and is a wonderful person.

Please ensure our most vulnerable people who receive NDIS support are not hurt by blunt attempts to save money. Focus on fraudulent providers and recipients who are supported for issues that can be supported through our medical services.

Regards,

David Foley

Welcome to publish my name and comments.