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

Submission 2230

Letter Body

Dear Committee, I am writing to express my deep concern about the proposed amendments to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). My youngest daughter has been an NDIS participant since its trial phase; she joined the second intake in October 2013 due to her age diagnosis cerebral palsy. In introducing his bill Mr Butler stated that with it he seeks restore original intent providing lifetime supports Australians significant disability while also securing scheme future generations Based lived experience those aims reflected measures proposed The original intention was provide people genuine choice control across their lifetimes This instead shifts key aspects back into government hands Without meaningful involvement who helped shape original NDIS critical issues risk overlooked At same time does demonstrate how changes will achieve sustainability promises Many of these risks serious harm participants including adverse health outcomes ways echo dangers seen Robodebt We have already consequences decision-making systems lack transparency accountability now remove effective rights review as well There can no longer be any credible claim known fact currently most appeals decided favour participants demonstrates often understand own circumstances best errors occur Removing such context would create unacceptable risk harming Reviewable decisions and reassessments Across coming up years ndis I many errors daughters plans other participants These included communication misunderstandings data entry mistakes omissions caused by a lack knowledge poor transfer information When issued wrongs re-assessment appeal rights essential While inevitable complex system removing them for devastating participants For example recent plan listed capital funding $, redacted: s47 - irrelevant material Instead correct amount supported quote That intended cover two pairs AFO ankle foot orthotics life until obvious error corrected daughter could purchased without mobility increasing support needs costs remainder her life pain suffering Plans without are preferred option however then transparency right to review is crucial Unspent funds from previous should remain available where approved has not yet been delivered.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment

Submission:2230

Capital funds:

Sometimes an item is approved in a plan but the funds aren’t used before it ends due reasons beyond participant control other life events delaying purchase. The process vehicle modifications currently going through Car modifiers extremely high demand wait time months from paying deposit being sent modification itself takes around three months total our process take close years NDIS approval final payment quicker some friends.

Capacity building:

it took two years determine which best suited circumstances assessment complex as expected expense size funding provided therapist complete assess write report unlikely fit single period specialised therapists prepare these reports long waiting lists ongoing relationship participants example many equipment support needs families trying progress especially children grow develop.

Core Supports:

alowing funds roll over gives flexibility use most needed foreseeable situation require more than usual budgets managed make possible without overspending situations may include hospitalisation holidays special events informal taking leave health crisis affecting informals For example,as parent supporting teenager cannot transfer assistance I’ve needed additional help surgery or away After surgery unable lift six weeks made extra essential No built into this submission broader issue scope of. While support efforts reduce fraud strengthen sustainability NDIS reforms must not disadvantage with complex and high support needs Fraud Sustainability persuasive concepts invoking them does demonstrate proposed measures achieve either goal genuine will come listening people rely scheme every day because often placed identify waste practical solutions occasions told pursue lower-cost solution disability-related need accept option preferred by the even when expensive less effective purpose proposal to providers registered also likely deliver benefits claimed Registration increases costs ultimately borne participant Scheme making NDIS less sustainable rather so It doesn’t guarantee safety prevent fraud already examples registered neglecting defrauding demonstrates registration alone is ineffective safeguard If protect preserve reform focus on improves outcomes instead increasing spend provider registration busy work increase carer payment living wage means test inline allow themselves reducing burden informal supports capacity notice things off act that.

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

Submission 2230

Importantly, decision-making power of this magnitude should not be concentrated in a single dividual even with clear safeguards, transparency, and meaningful avenues for review. In a democratic system, reforms of this significance must be subject to independent oversight so that participants are protected from error, unfairness, and misuse of authority, including by future governments. Without these protections, the bill risks undermining the trust, accountability, and participant-centred principles on which the NDIS was originally built. Thank you for your consideration.