National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 2290

Dear Senators, I am writing to share my perspective on the proposed NDIS 2026 Bill, and to ask that, as you consider this legislation, you keep firmly in mind the people at the heart of the scheme ––the participants and their families––whose lives will be directly shaped by the decisions made in Parliament. My family is one of many whose lives has/has been transformed by the NDIS. Our son has been able to thrive, develop independence, continue learning & growing even while navigating illness,social upheaval,& significant changes within our family.The NDIS hasn’t removed everyday challenges that come with disability nor should anyone assume it replaces normal pressures health,family&life.But it provided stability,dignity,the supports allow him participate world confidently.It’s from gratitude,lived experience I raise following concerns: 1.I support parts Bill want NDIs remain sustainable Agree intent behind several elements ‘2026’ bill.NDIs strong fair financially so can continue supporting Australians w/disability generations.Families like mine rely scheme we want protected not hollowed out.Sustainability cannot achieved cutting essential first planning replacement later must built evidence consultation deep understanding lived realities disability. 2.Pace reform feels rushed risks repeating past mistakes Fear government moving too quickly without fully understanding consequences for participants.We’ve seen what happens when systems restructured inadequate:people fall cracks,families burnout vulnerable Aussies pay price.If reforms are rushed may find ourselves back here few years discussing yet another round major cuts again asking most vulnerable bear burden budget pressure.Cannot afford repeat this cycle. 3.Extraordinary ministerial power no guaranteed right of appeal Bill proposes giving Minister broad authority determine reasonable necessary limiting or removing avenues appealing profound shift away rights-based foundation the NDIS.Families my ask Does any truly understand live in disability? Qualifications,what lived experiences daily proximity to inform these decisions.Because people who will feel consequence policymakers theyare participants whose supports theoretical but essential.4.Cuts that have already been assessed as reasonable and necessaryMany projected savings appear coming reducing supports currently relied on.The proposed 50% reduction social & community participation funding one concerning examples.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 2290

For our family, this would mean our son going from four days a week of structured learning and support to just two. This is not a minor administrative adjustment – It is fundamental loss in routine, skill-building social connection stability. it also places enormous pressure back onto families already sacrificed employment superannuation financial security care their loved ones. 5.The assumption state-based support can simply “take over” When NDIs introduced State disability services dismantled.Families told NDIS national system now under people may pushed toward state based do exist.This creates dangerous gap where participants lose essential before any replacement system built tested staffed .The public narrative does reflect reality Much commentary surrounding has shaped misleading headlines.NDIs pay haircuts movie tickets café lunches entertainment.It pays worker time participant access community safely.These misconceptions contributed undermining public understanding risks justify cuts will harm very scheme designed support.Who speaking paricipants At grassroots level families frightened.paricipants anxious.We watching decisions being made about us without often meaningful understand daily life with disability actually looks like The was created give choice control fair go as currently drafted reverses many principles.I ask consider only financial modelling human impact.families rely these supports keep loved safe engaged connected.participants progress independence wellbeing depend continuity care And whether proposed concentration power reduction rights cuts align values on which the founded.Sustainability must come from targeting fraud organised crime cutting essential Supports want remain sustainable strong enough to future generations.But sustainability cannot achieved by reducing genuine need every day.If government seeking savings then priority should be clear: target fraud, organise crime groups exploiting not families and who basic quality of life Families mine problem. Participants attending therapy or accessing community systems have adequately resourced detect prevent misuse.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 2290

Cutting legitimate supports while criminal exploitation continues is not sustainability – it is simply shifting the burden onto the most vulnerable.

Proposed Section: People Removed from the NDIS Still Need Support

Much has been said about “taking people off the NDIS,” and I agree that the scheme should be reserved for those who genuinely need disability-related supports. However, people who are deemed ineligible for the NDIS do not suddenly stop needing help. Many will still require allied health, therapy, or functional support to maintain their health, independence, and participation. If the intention is to transition some individuals out of the NDIS, then there must be a clear well-funded alternative. One option could be strengthening the primary care system —for example expanding access to allied health through enhanced care plans for people with formal diagnoses assessed by GPs Without such pathways we risk creating a situation where people lose essential supports without nowhere turn placing further pressure on families Health services And already stretched community systems Reform cannot simply remove people From The ndis without ensuring they have Access To appropriate evidence-based Supports elsewhere Thank you For your time and commitment Ensuring That the ndis remains A System Upholds dignity fairness Sustainability genuine support Australians With Disability Yours sincerely