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

Submission 2284

My name is , I am a disabled person currently on the NDIS. I am writing to express my concern and fear regarding the proposed changes to the NDIS, especially the move toward standardised functional assessments and changes in the eligibility and reassessment processes. The proposed bill and the cuts to funding have me fearing for my life, and the lives of other disabled Australians.

Since being on the NDIS and receiving supports I’ve had less suicide attempts, less self harm and less admissions into the public mental health system. My OT and Psychologist have been helping to improve my capacity where I am now able to engage with a support worker in the community. Having access to the NDIS has helped reduced crises, reduced hospital admissions, supported emotional regulation and assisted with independence.

If my funding or supports were to be reduced or cut completely, I would not survive.

The proposed reforms will push more people (including myself) back into crisis, increasing pressure on hospitals, mental health systems and other services that are already at capacity or inaccessible.

Funding should be based on an individuals needs and circumstances, not entire categories decided by the minister. Myself alongside most other participants have complex disabilities that cannot be shoved into a box and decisions should not be made solely on a label someone decides to stick on me. A standardised “tick-box” assessment put into a computer cannot accurately capture the complexity of many disabilities, particularly those with multiple disabilities, experience fluctuation in capacity, complex diagnoses and psychosocial disabilities. One diagnosis does not effect all people the same way. It is so important to asses people individually and to use the information provided by the professionals that know us, our needs and how our disabilities affect us, when assessing a plan and a persons needs.

This bill does not target fraud in scheme. It targets a vulnerable community and individuals. It will affect legitimate participants, carers and families already struggling to access necessary supports. The proposal is already using extreme distress to all.

Thank-you,