National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 2321
Submission on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submitted by: Parent and primary carer of (15 years old)
Introduction
I welcome the opportunity to provide a submission regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.
At the outset, I wish to state my full support for measures that strengthen the long-term sustainability of the NDIS. I support efforts to eliminate fraud, corruption, waste and misuse of Scheme funds and to ensure that funding is directed to participants who genuinely require support so that the Scheme is sustainable and can be there for future generations of Australians living with disability.
However, I am concerned that changes designed to improve efficiency and reduce expenditure must not inadvertently reduce support for participants with severe and lifelong disabilities whose needs are substantial, complex and unlikely to improve over time.
’s Circumstances
My son is 15 years old and lives with me. He has severe and permanent disabilities, including:
Autism Spectrum Disorder – Level 3 Moderate to severe intellectual disability Generalised Anxiety Disorder Bipolar Disorder Type 1 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
is physically a very large young man, standing approximately 183cm tall and weighing approximately 82 kilograms. While he is verbal to a limited degree and can communicate basic requests, his communication is often unclear, inconsistent or does not accurately reflect what he actually wants or needs.
requires a very high level of supervision and support throughout the day. He is unable to remain focused on an activity for more than a very short period and continually changes his mind regarding what he wishes to do. Even simple activities such as watching television can involve a constant change in preferences and require constant support from carers.
also has a voracious appetite and regularly seeks food from the pantry and refrigerator. He frequently refuses meals that I have prepared for him and he can become frustrated when his expectations are not met.
Safety and Behavioural Concerns
One of my greatest concerns is ’s impulsivity and unpredictability. He becomes easily frustrated and this can quickly escalate to aggressive behaviour when he is unable to
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 2321
communicate effectively or when his needs are not immediately understood. I have installed 12 sqm of polycarbonate in the house this year to minimise damage from these outbursts and positioned furniture strategically to reduce the likelihood of holes being kicked in the walls.
Over the period November 25 to mid May 26, the carers have been capturing this data and have reported the following:
Type of behaviour Number of incidents
Physical aggression 67 Property damage 31 Absconding/ Wandering 4 Sexually inappropriate behaviour 4
The above do not include incidents whilst is at his school, Giant Steps Melbourne, and even there, whilst in their wonderful, comprehensive care, has had numerous incidents including sitting on the car bonnet of a member of the public, causing thousands of dollars of damage and standing on his desk and pulling down the aluminium rails supporting the false ceiling in his class room.
Because of his disabilities, cannot safely remain at home without close supervision. He is unable to stay inside the house for extended periods and will often attempt to leave the home when he becomes restless. The carers have done a wonderful job in avoiding any major accidents however this is a significant safety risk for both and others.
When in the community, ’s size, impulsivity and unpredictable behaviour mean that he requires the support of two carers to ensure his safety and the safety of others. This is not a matter of convenience but a necessity arising from his disability-related behaviours.
I am particularly concerned that future interpretations of what constitutes “reasonable and necessary supports” may fail to recognise the practical realities faced by families supporting participants with severe behavioural and intellectual disabilities. Activities that may appear simple, such as attending appointments, shopping or participating in community activities, often require multiple support workers and careful planning to be undertaken safely.
Impact on Family and Informal Supports
I am 61 years old and lives with me. While I remain committed to caring for my son, the physical and emotional demands of supporting him are significant.
I also have another (fifteen year old) son ( ’s twin) who spends half of his time living with me. In order to meet the needs of both children and undertake basic domestic responsibilities such as shopping, meal preparation, cleaning and household management, I require support workers to assist with ’s care while he is at home.
Without this support, it becomes extremely difficult to provide appropriate care for all members of the family and to maintain a safe and stable home environment.
Concerns Regarding Proposed Changes
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 2321
My primary concern is that any reduction in support levels, restrictions on support categories, or narrower interpretations of participant needs may have severe unintended consequences for individuals like and their families.
A reduction in supports could result in:
Increased behavioural incidents and safety risks; Reduced community participation and social inclusion; Greater stress and burnout for family carers; Increased likelihood of family breakdown; Higher reliance on crisis services, emergency interventions and more costly government supports in the future.
For participants with severe and permanent disabilities, appropriate supports are not discretionary - they are essential to maintaining safety, dignity, quality of life and community participation.
Recommendation
I respectfully request that Parliament ensure that, while pursuing the important goal of NDIS sustainability, the legislation continues to recognise and protect participants with severe and complex disabilities.
In particular, I ask that decision-makers retain sufficient flexibility to fund the level of support required for participants whose disabilities create significant supervision, behavioural, communication and safety needs, and that the practical realities faced by ageing family carers are taken into account.
The NDIS has made a profound difference to ’s life and to our family’s ability to care for him safely and I am truly, truly grateful. I support reforms that strengthen the Scheme, but I urge Parliament to ensure that these reforms do not unintentionally reduce the supports that participants like depend upon every day.
Thank you for considering this submission.
Yours sincerely,
Parent and Primary Carer