National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2841
As an NDIS participant living with a progressive physical disability since birth, I am writing to object to the NDIS Future Generations Bill 2026 in its current form.
While I am fully aware of the issues surrounding wasted and misused funds, I firmly believe that many of the proposed changes will be deeply damaging to those of us who do not misuse the scheme and rely on it daily just to function.
While the timeline to review this bill has been entirely insufficient, I am particularly concerned about the following areas:
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Non-Reviewable Decisions: Granting the Minister the power to cut funding without a mechanism for appeal is deeply concerning
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Unscheduled Reassessment Rules: The proposed rules to restrict a participant’s right to review leave individuals vulnerable to sudden funding drops
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Automated Systems in Decision-Making: Implementing automated systems for crucial decision-making, with no mechanism for individual appeal, is flawed and dangerous
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Mandatory Provider Registration: Forcing independent and unregistered providers to register risks decimating the flexible workforce that self-managed participants rely on.
Assessment must be properly based on individual needs; an automated system simply cannot achieve this. What one person with a physical disability can do, another might not. I rely on assistance for almost every physical aspect of my day-to-day life. Furthermore, because my disability is progressive, my need for support increases as I age. It is entirely unreasonable that if I were to receive a cut in funding, I would have no right to appeal. This potential loss of funding, combined with tougher rules for reassessment if my needs unexpectedly change is a source of great anxiety.
In regards to the provider registration changes slated for July 2027, this will directly harm my ability to manage my care effectively. Because I am self managed, I utilize independent providers for some of my supports. This provides great flexibility in who I employ and allows me to negotiate reasonable rates of pay that are lower than the maximums outlined in the NDIS pricing guide. Mandatory registration threatens this, as the administrative burden and possible costs will likely drive these dedicated workers out of the sector, disrupting my trusted support network.
Additionally, I strongly oppose the clause giving the Minister the power to directly alter NDIS laws without requiring the support of the states and territories.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2841
I urge the committee to prioritize the lived experiences of participants and reject clauses that strip away our fundamental rights to review, appeal and our choice of care.
Thank you for your time,