Submission 2507
The possible impact of new NDIS reforms on people with intellectual disability
Submitted by: Speak Out Association of Tasmania on behalf of our members. Date: 10th July 2026
Speak Out Advocacy welcomes measures aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). However, we are
concerned that recent NDIS funding reforms, may have unintended consequences for people with intellectual disability.
This consultation paper outlines concerns identified by Speak Out Advocacy with the firsthand experiences and views of people with intellectual disability from our membership.
Voices of People with Intellectual Disability
Speak Out is a membership organisation for people with intellectual disability, with approximately 150 members across Tasmania. At recent Self Advocacy Group meetings, members discussed the proposed changes, the impact the changes are
already having on their lives and their call for actions to the Australian Government. Their comments demonstrate the real-world implications of these reforms.
Community Participation and Family Connections
Many members spoke about the importance of funded support to maintain relationships and participate in community life.
“I am scared that I won’t have support to take me to see my aging parents on the weekends.”
“I need more support to be part of the community.”
“People with a disability have the right to community access funding.”
“I like to go and see my friends at community access.”
SPEAK OUT ADVOCACY: Submission to the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Submission 2507
Independence and Skill Development
Members highlighted the critical role NDIS funding plays in supporting independence and personal growth.
“I have learnt to do things with my NDIS support, without the NDIS supports I wouldn’t have learnt different things like to live in my house and community.”
“It is ridiculous people’s funding has been cut, and it denies people the right to learn new skills.”
“Do not cut our NDIS funding because it will take our independence away.”
Fear and Anxiety About Funding Changes
Many members described feeling uncertain and nervous about the proposed changes.
“I am a little bit nervous.”
“I want the NDIS to stop unfunding people who need the money.”
“Funding should not be cut; our human rights are denied.”
“Do not take my funding.”
“Don’t cut my funding I need it to have a fun and safe life.”
SPEAK OUT ADVOCACY: Submission to the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Submission 2507
Being Heard and Included in Decision Making
Members consistently expressed frustration that decisions are being made without adequate consultation.
“Come and visit us Minister Butler and face us in person.”
“Come and meet us and speak to us instead of rolling over our plans and cutting our funding.”
“The minister needs to listen to us and not just take our funding without hearing what we need our support and funding for.”
“Don’t take our funding talk to us first.”
“Listen to the people that will be impacted.”
“Listen to people.”
“I would like someone to come to our self advocacy groups to hear us all out and to
get down to the bottom of the NDIS funding issues and answer our questions with respect and truth.“
Accountability and Fraud Prevention
Members expressed support for stronger action against providers engaging in fraudulent activity. Making it clear that efforts to improve sustainability should target fraud and poor provider practices, rather than reducing supports for people with disability.
“Don’t punish us, blame the shonky providers.”
“Providers need hefty fines and tougher fraud prevention laws.”
SPEAK OUT ADVOCACY: Submission to the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Submission 2507
Conclusion
People with intellectual disability rely on the NDIS to live independently, participate in their communities, maintain relationships, learn new skills, and exercise their rights as equal citizens.
The views expressed by Speak Out members demonstrate significant concern that current budget and funding reforms may reduce flexibility, create uncertainty, and undermine the principles of choice and control that underpin the NDIS.
Self-advocates have been clear in their message: they want to be consulted before decisions are made about their lives. They want Government representatives to hear directly from people with disability, understand the realities of living with disability, and ensure reforms do not diminish opportunities for inclusion, independence, and community participation.
Speak Out Advocacy respectfully urges the Australian Government and the Hon Mark Butler MP to continue meaningful consultation with people with disability, their families, and advocacy organisations. Sustainable reform is important, but it must be
achieved alongside the protection of human rights, self-determination, and participant wellbeing.
Nothing about us, without us.