National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2192
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the upcoming NDIS changes and the impact they may have on my family, particularly my 21-year-old son as he works toward greater independence.
My son currently does not utilise a large amount of NDIS funding, however this is largely because he continues to live at home with significant family support. Like many young adults, he is now at the stage of wanting to move into his own home and begin building a more independent life. This is a positive and important step, but it is also a vulnerable transition period where the right supports can determine whether a person succeeds or struggles long term.
At this stage, he does not require high levels of ongoing support. What he needs is practical, temporary assistance while learning how to manage living independently. This may include support with budgeting, meal planning, shopping, maintaining a home, understanding bills, routines, transport, emotional regulation, and building confidence in managing daily responsibilities. These supports are not about creating dependence. They are about preventing long- term dependence.
My son is a capable young man. To many people, he can appear neurotypical and highly capable. He has learned to “mask” his difficulties well, and for short periods of time he can present as though he is coping without support. However, this comes at a significant mental and emotional cost and is not sustainable over long periods. Many people do not see the exhaustion, stress, and dysregulation that occurs afterwards, or the level of support required behind closed doors to help him remain well and functioning.
Without appropriate support during this critical stage of life, there is a very real risk that he will not be able to maintain independent living or his wellbeing long term. The burden of support will continue to fall heavily on family members, placing ongoing emotional, physical, and financial strain on families who are already doing everything possible to help their loved ones succeed.
I am deeply concerned that reducing flexibility or limiting access to supports now may actually create far greater long-term costs to both the NDIS and broader community systems in the future. Investing in supports early gives young adults the opportunity to build capacity, resilience, and independence before they reach crisis point. Without this, many people may become more reliant on welfare systems, mental health services, crisis supports, hospital systems, or long-term funded care later in life.
With the right support now, I genuinely believe my son has the potential to work at least part-time in open employment in the future. Given time, experience, and gradual skill building, it is possible that within 10 years he could even work full- time and live completely independently. But this will only be achievable if supports are available during these formative years to help build that foundation.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2192