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

Submission 2311

I wish to make a submission to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

I am deeply concerned that the proposed changes will have devastating effects on the mental and physical health of current NDIS participants.

On a personal note, I am frightened for my 42-year-old daughter’s future. I am in my mid- 70s, and care for my husband who is becoming increasingly frail with multiple medical conditions. I still provide emotional support for my daughter and visit her regularly.

She has been living with severe ME/CFS (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome) for 25 years. Although she has had some short periods of remission during that time, she has been virtually housebound since 2012. She has been on the NDIS for 6½ years, and this has enabled her to live independently, have community support and access to psychology, OT and physio. Her current accommodation is far from ideal, but already options are limited. As well as ME/CFS she has severe anxiety and depression, currently being exacerbated by her living arrangements. We live in a retirement village and do not have the space or ability to care for her. She requires a wheelchair for (rare) outings, and can walk small distances around the house, but as with all people with her condition, any “normal” expenditure of energy – be it physical or mental – results in post-exertional malaise. She does not need constant care but does need assistance with all activities of daily living. She is a bright, imelligent woman, whose dream to be an actor was shattered by her disability. Without an individualised NDIS plan – not one which is computer generated – she will deteriorate. My fear is that she, and thousands like her, will end up homeless at worst and with inadequate support at best. She is likely to need a place in a nursing home or hospital.

The changes to this Bill are being rushed before alternatives have been established and are likely to end up costing the Government more in the future. Disability is complex and cannot be managed by a formula. Many conditions, especially that of my daughter, vary from day to day. I am concerned that computer assessments will be used to provide the same answer for vastly different conditions. We have seen Robo-debt and the British Post Office and know that programmers are fallible. With the minister given more power, and right to appeal removed, there appear to be no checks and balances.

We know that the NDIS must be sustainable, but this quick fix will only result in cost- shifting as homeless services, mental health crisis centres, acute hospitals and nursing homes – all of which are already under pressure – try to deal with the slack.

I urge you to reconsider the proposed changes until genuine alternatives are in place, choice, control, appeal rights and individualised support are guaranteed and the Minister – whoever they might be – is not given absolute power.