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

Submission 2213

’s Story

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to provide a full account of my brother ’s life, his disability, and the essential role that NDIS supports play in allowing him to live safely, with dignity, and with purpose.

was born with cerebral palsy, affecting the entire right side of his body, and an intellectual disability. From the moment he entered the world, his life was shaped by barriers most people will never face. When he was born, the first words spoken to my mother by the doctor were to “put him away and walk away.” My mother refused. She believed deeply that every person has a right to life. She walked out of that appointment holding ’s hand, determined to give him the life he deserved. She later had me, and from that moment forward, and I have walked through life together.

Growing up with a birth disability means you do not get a starting point. There is no roadmap, no clear medical plan, and no predictable progression. Unlike people who become disabled later in life—who have a “before” and an “after”—children born with disability begin life already fighting for space, access, and recognition. has lived his entire life within that reality.

As his sister, my life has never been like other siblings. I grew up quickly and learned to look after myself. Over time, as our parents passed away, became not only my brother but also my responsibility, my only remaining family, and in many ways, my child. I am his advocate, his historian, and the person who knows him best. At the same time, like my own children, he has the right to his own life and his own home—just as I have the right to work full-time and live my own life while ensuring he is safe and supported.

spent his early childhood at the Spastic Centre boarding school, where he learned to walk and learned to live in a world that once tried to lock him away in an asylum as a baby. He returned home around age ten and attended school until Grade 9 at Seton College, Mt Gravatt. Our mother was determined that both of us would work as soon as we finished school. began working at the Salvation Army workshop, which at the time supported young people with disability. He loved doing woodwork. However, years later, the Salvation Army shifted its focus away from disability employment to drug and alcohol rehabilitation. I received a phone call out of the blue telling me that —along with many of his disable friends—no longer had a job.

Thankfully, I found Swara, a sheltered workshop in Dutton Park where people with disabilities could feel purpose, belonging, and pride. has now attended Swara for more than 40 years. As his CP progresses and causes significant fatigue, he now attends three days per week instead of five. Swara remains one of the most meaningful

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

Submission 2213

parts of his life, along with being able to do his own food shopping and access the community with his support workers, who keep him safe.

Today, is in his 60s. He has only one functioning arm/Leg and now requires a wheelchair because cerebral palsy is winning the fight. No doctor can tell me how he will age or what to expect. Only God knows that. What I do know is this: with NDIS support, can age with dignity, safety, and quality of life.

    lives in his own home with 24/7 support workers in a SIL arrangement, along with a plan manager and support coordinator, all of whom are essential to ensure he remains a successful NDIS participant. He eats with assistance, phones me with assistance, attends the gym, participates in the community (food shopping, movies, visiting me), and attends Swara using a specialized wheelchair taxi. He lives the fullest life I can possibly give him—but only because the NDIS makes it possible.

People often misunderstand what “community access” means. It is not about going out to parties or entertainment. It is about safety, inclusion, and basic human rights. People like cannot simply walk outside and decide where they want to go. They must wait for someone to help them access the world safely. Their window of opportunity is small, and without support, it closes entirely.

This is why Support workers, Support Coordination, Plan Management, OT and Physios are essential. ’s needs are complex, lifelong, and constantly changing. His disability is permanent, and his vulnerability increases every year. Without professional oversight, his supports cannot be delivered safely or effectively.

I have worked full-time my entire life and raising children, managing a household, and caring for my brother. My marriage sadly suffered under the weight of these responsibilities. I have done everything I can for for over 46 years. But I cannot do this alone. The NDIS is the only reason can continue living with independence, safety, and dignity.

I respectfully request that the NDIS continue to fund the supports requires, including Support workers, Support Coordination, Plan Management, OT and Physios, to ensure his needs are met and his quality of life is protected.

Thank you for taking the time to understand ’s story.

Sincerely,

Loving Sister