Schizoaffective disorder, diabetes mellitus, physical and psychosocial needs requiring ongoing care (Family or carer experience)

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

Submission 2712

Committee Secretary

Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs

Parliament House

Dear committee secretary

I appreciate the opportunity to make a submission to the Senate committee on NDIS amendment (safeguarding the NDIS for future generations) Bill 2026. My primary concern in the bill is automated decisions and algorithms with no individual appeal.

I am 70 years of age and have been increasingly the primary carer for my sister, , for years. I am her nominee for NDIS matters.

has suffered from developmental disability and intellectual impairment since birth.

She has always had physical, emotional (behavioral), intellectual and sensory problems.

She also suffered an additional significant brain injury as a child. She is diagnosed with

schizoaffective disorder, and she has challenging behaviors.          ’s needs are complex.    She is

unable to walk unaided, and she requires incontinence and other aids. She has also repeatedly gotten herself into trouble e.g. she was charged in NSW court as uncontrollable as a teenager.

The combination of these conditions resulted in requiring myself (and our brother) to have been appointed as her guardian and trustee by NCAT. She now lives in a SIL house. Yet, a significant proportion of my time on a daily basis is required, taking care of her.

My main concern is that may be significantly disadvantaged if automated decisions and algorithms are used to determine her needs. She is funded by NDIS as if her primary condition was schizoaffective disorder. I have provided medical evidence regarding all her conditions. In an email with her very recent NDIS plan attached, was this: “Funding has been allocated for ’s access met decision of Schizoaffective Disorder / Diabetes Mellitus/ Other Physical and Other Psychosocial disorders”.

The prospect of a combination of automated decisions, with no individual appeal rights, has implications which are frightening for me.

More than anything, I would like you to consider recommending review and appeal rights be continued to be protected.

Yours sincerely,