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

Submission 2329

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

Committee Secretary Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs PO Box 6100 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600

Dear Committee Members,

I am writing as a friend of a person with disability who relies on the NDIS to live independently and participate in the community. Although I am not an NDIS participant myself, I have witnessed firsthand the distress and uncertainty these proposed reforms have caused. I am concerned about the noticeable decline in my friend’s wellbeing and level of functioning as they struggle with anxiety about what these changes may mean for their future supports, employment and independence.

My primary concern relates to the extensive powers that this Bill appears to grant to the Minister. Decisions about disability supports have a profound impact on people’s lives. They determine whether a person can leave their home, participate in their community, maintain employment, access healthcare, and live with dignity and independence. I believe decisions of this importance should be subject to full parliamentary scrutiny and debate.

I am concerned that the Bill would allow significant changes to support categories and funding arrangements to be made through legislative instruments rather than through amendments debated and voted on by Parliament. This creates a situation where future reductions or restrictions could occur with less transparency and less accountability than Australians would normally expect for decisions that affect essential supports.

I am also concerned by reports that funding for certain categories of supports may be

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

Submission 2329

reduced through ministerial determinations. Community participation, capacity building and other supports are not luxuries. They are often the supports that enable people with disability to work, study, build relationships and contribute to society.

decisions that affect access to these supports should not be concentrated in the hands of a single Minister without strong safeguards and oversight.

The NDIS was founded on principles of individualised support, choice and control. I am concerned that increasing ministerial discretion may gradually shift decisionmaking away from participants and towards government control over what supports are available. This risks undermining the confidence that participants and families have placed in the Scheme.

Finally, I am concerned that legislation of this magnitude is being progressed within a very limited consultation period. The disability community deserves adequate time to understand and respond to reforms that may affect them for many years to come.

I respectfully ask the Committee to carefully examine the extent of the powers proposed in this Bill and to ensure that any decisions affecting disability supports remain subject to strong parliamentary oversight, transparency and accountability.