National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2394
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to you regarding the NDIS Future Generations Bill 2026 as a parent of two children who are NDIS participants living in the City of Moreton Bay, Queensland.
I am asking you to oppose this Bill.
In January this year, significant changes were made to our daughter’s NDIS plan. Her plan was not due for review; however, it was reassessed and reduced by nearly 50 per cent. We were given no opportunity to provide updated documentation, participate in a planning meeting, or explain our daughter’s current needs before these decisions were made. The decision appears to have been made without adequate consideration of her disability-related support needs or the evidence of the supports required to keep her safe and enable her participation in everyday life.
Our daughter’s life—and our family’s life—changed overnight. Essential therapy services were removed, access to intensive therapy was lost, and funding for critical support workers was significantly reduced. These cuts have placed our daughter at considerable risk and have contributed to several serious incidents, one of which resulted in hospitalisation. We firmly believe this outcome could have been prevented had her plan been assessed fairly and with proper consideration of her circumstances.
Further compounding these issues, the NDIS approved funding for a power wheelchair, but the vehicle modifications required to transport it have been denied twice, including after a Section 100 review of the original decision. The wheelchair was funded to enable community participation; however, without a way to transport it, it cannot be used for its intended purpose. This decision appears disconnected from practical reality and undermines the very purpose for which the wheelchair was funded.
With a single decision made by a delegate, my daughter’s ability to participate in her community, access early intervention during these critical developmental years, and receive support to maintain her safety has been significantly impacted.
A system intended to support vulnerable Australians living with permanent and lifelong disabilities is instead creating uncertainty, distress, and additional administrative burden for families like ours. We are now pursuing a matter through the Administrative Review Tribunal, requiring considerable time and energy that would be far better spent caring for our daughter. Many families are already experiencing significant caregiver burnout from providing round-the-clock care. I would invite anyone making these decisions to spend just 24 hours in our shoes and witness the realities of disability firsthand, rather than relying solely on paperwork that may or may not be fully considered by the NDIS.
The NDIS is central to safety, stability, independence, and quality of life. Disability is not one-size-fits-all. Even people with the same diagnosis can have vastly different support
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2394
needs. People’s circumstances change, and this is particularly true for children, whose needs can evolve rapidly as they grow and develop.
The proposed changes, including tougher unscheduled reassessment rules, reduced opportunities for meaningful review, and barriers to submitting change of circumstance requests, are not in the best interests of participants. Families need a system that is responsive and adaptable when needs change, not one that makes it harder to seek support when circumstances deteriorate.
While we recognise the importance of ensuring the NDIS remains sustainable, sustainability must not come at the expense of fairness, individualised support, and participant wellbeing. The scheme must remain participant-focused, equitable, and responsive to the real-world needs of people living with disability and the families who care for them.
I urge you to oppose the NDIS Future Generations Bill 2026 and advocate for reforms that strengthen both the sustainability of the scheme and the rights, safety, and wellbeing of participants.
Yours sincerely,