National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2491
Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the NDIS Amendment Bill
I am writing as a community member and ally who is concerned about the impact of the proposed NDIS Amendment Bill on people with disability. While I am not a NDIS participant or carer, I have friends and community members who rely on the scheme and who will be negatively affected by these proposed changes.
Schedule 1. Part 7. “Not Contactable” Provisions
I am particularly concerned by provisions relating to participants who are deemed “not contactable”. People can be unable to respond to communications for many reasons including hospitalisation, mental health crises, housing instability, or a lack of informal support. It is unclear what would constitute “reasonable attempts” to contact a person. Any provision that risks suspending or affecting supports due to a lack of contact will have serious consequences for participant wellbeing and safety.
Schedule 1. Part 8. Changes to the Definition of Permanence
It is deeply alarming that the Bill defines “appropriate treatment” as including treatment that may be considered appropriate “regardless of whether the person’s individual circumstances restrict the person from accessing the treatment”. This disregards the real barriers people face in accessing healthcare and support. Rather than removing barriers, this approach punishes people for circumstances beyond their control, risks their lives and runs contrary to the intent of the NDIS.
Schedule 3: Part 2. Automation of Administrative Action
I am concerned about the inclusion of automated decision-making processes. Disability is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Decisions should be informed by individual circumstances and include meaningful human oversight. Participants should be confident that their needs are being considered fairly and in context, rather than through processes that prioritise administrative efficiency over individual outcomes.
Conclusion
The NDIS must be guided by principles of accessibility, dignity, flexibility, and trust. The proposed changes risk creating additional barriers for participants, particularly those who are already vulnerable or experiencing periods of crisis. Rather than strengthening the scheme, these measures may make it harder for people with disability to access and maintain the supports they rely on.
For these reasons, I urge the Government to withdraw the Bill and undertake consultation with people with disability, advocates and carers.
Thank you for considering my submission.