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

Submission 2142

Committee Secretary,

Dear Committee Secretary,

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment Bill Submission

engaged in repetitive self-injurious behaviours; picking and biting my skin, hitting myself; sometimes with dangerous results including concussion and bleeding wounds. With proper support I leave the house regularly. I eat daily. I exercise. My personal hygiene can improve significantly over time as evidenced from being an employee swimming teacher for 4 years now, as well as having improved eating habits due to regular meals every day since receiving NDIS support. The cuts confirmed on this program have led me back into suicidal ideation which has been exacerbated further than ever seen previously during treatment at Noogal Clinic where medication reattached reality but ultimately reduced wellbeing despite poor staff conditions leading up until then. It’s suggested those removed can access help before but let describe what it looked like: in 2021 had a significant psychotic event hospitalised safety community’s discharged to Noogal clinic South Morang where medications attached reality but worsened mental physical health outlook underfunding apparent indifference patient care experience was atrocious prior NDLS cut felt unsafe poorly treated received outdated disproven medical advice worsening condition imagine how much worse this will become former participants flood already broken system.

A small example cost-shifting across federally funded sectors In 2023 covered finger protectors fidgets designed people injuriously behaviors (cost: $36 amount lasting months). Rejected in same products without them picking scalp creating large painful scabs became infected Medicare funded multiple surgical procedures remove resulting lesions; four more go.

For $36, the could saved hundreds of dollars. This is tiny preview coming disabled filling overcrowded beds increased demand homeless shelters food banks and unnecessarily placed retirement homes prisons huge problem before NDIS do not take us backwards

Employment There perception that invisible disabilities simply want work because support I am employed rewarding role possible teaching children swim specialise teach disabled who many

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

Submission 2142

reasons, are more likely to drown than their peers. Because of the NDIS, I help vulnerable kids learn a life-preserving skill that is also fun and good for their physical wellbeing.

Specific concerns with the Bill As a person with psychosocial disabilities, I am most concerned by these three parts of this Bill:

“Functional capacity” as the foundation of plans On its face, this sounds inclusive. But functional capacity testing assesses whether a participant can perform a task, not whether they can safely run their life. It does not account for mental capacity, judgment, risk of exploitation, or supported decision-making.

Cost-shifting to sectors already at capacity This Bill shifts costs to hospitals, emergency departments, police call-outs, legal fees, family breakdowns, prisons, and aged care, none of which have spare capacity.

Suspension of plans and revocation of status after 90 days of “non-contact” This is the most dangerous part of the Bill. The cohort cut off will be those least able to make contact, people with hearing loss, communication deficits (physical or mental), or mental illness. The NDIA already ignores participants’ stated communication preferences. Despite my documented selective mutism (I cannot answer the phone) and repeated requests for text or email, the NDIA continues to call. This clause will kill people.

Conclusion Finally, I would like to suggest that the federal government investigate improving efficiencies within the system, before cutting participant access.I do not support the cuts to the NDIS, and I sincerely hope that those in power come to share that view. Based purely on an economic argument, cuts to the NDIS cannot be justified.Sincerely,