National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2744
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
I work as an allied health provider, and have 20 years experience providing services across Government, Non-for-Profit and private sectors. My work involves supporting children, young people, and their families. I witnessed what life was like for families prior to the NDIS, and how life changing the scheme has been for individuals and their families since the scheme was implemented. I have grave concerns about the proposed amendments, and the incredible levels of risk the government appears to be wilfully ignoring in proposing the amendments.
The repeal of section 31 risks removing the central legislative protection for participant directed and individualised planning, and fundamentally alters the philosophical underpinning of the NDIS. No two individuals are the same, regardless of their disability. The provision of individualised support packages has allowed me to provide flexible and responsive therapeutic intervention to children and their families. I’ve witnessed the profound impact of individualised planning and support. To allocate funding, without considering the specific individual, their families, and their needs, increases the risk that participants will be less able to achieve their goals, which places incredible strain on families. Do you know what happens when carers are under increased strain? Their mental health worsens and their distress increases. At best, this places strain on state hospital mental health services. At worst, this strain can contribute to devastating, lethal outcomes and the need for coronial investigation.
Concerningly, the explanatory memorandum of the bill acknowledges the impact of the changes, and indicates the risks are acceptable to ensure fiscal responsibility. Carers will be expected to provide more support under the proposed amendments. Since the NDIS was implemented, I’ve witnessed mothers who have been able to return to the workplace. The ability to go to work has ensured they earn their own income and contribute to their superannuation, reducing the risk of living in poverty, both now and in retirement. To wilfully proceed with the amendments places incredible risk to women’s financial security, both in the short and long term. Women in insecure financial positions are at increased risk of homelessness; domestic violence; and poor physical and mental health outcomes. Again, the outcomes of this risk is, at best, strain on other services, and, at worst, devastating, lethal outcomes.
The ministerial powers proposed in the bill are concerning, as there are no required checks and balances to ensure participants and their families are safe. I have witnessed multiple situations where families have taken their plans to the Appeals and Administration Tribunal. In these situations, the NDIA were found to have made incorrect decisions. Every individual and every system can make mistakes. It is important to ensure there are robust mechanisms in place to ensure the safety of vulnerable participants. The ministerial powers proposed are in
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2744
the name of fiscal responsibility. The scheme needs to be sustainable, of this there is no doubt. However, it is important to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants and their families is at the forefront. The ministerial powers outlined in this bill, alongside the mistakes the NDIA are already making (as evidenced by cases taken to the Appeals and Administration Tribunal), highlight that participants and their families will be placed at risk. I reiterate, at best, this places strain on state-based health services. At worst, there will be lethal, devastating outcomes involving coronial investigation.
I am begging Parliament to not proceed with the proposed amendments. I am begging Parliament to stop the proposed bill, given the devastating impacts the proposed changes will have on participants and their families. These are real people, with hopes, dreams and rich, meaningful lives, and the risks to participants and their families are too great. I beg you, please work with the disability community to meaningfully co-design authentic, well-rounded legislation that reduces the risks to participants and their families. I acknowledge the scheme needs to be financially sustainable; however, the risks associated with the proposed changes will result in deaths.
I beg you. Please do not proceed with the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill. Lives depend on it.