National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2882
Stop the Cuts to NDIS
Alongside my partner, I am a primary carer and parent for an NDIS participant and prospective NDIS participant. In the last few years we’ve come into care of two teenage children with high and differing support needs. “George” (14) has Autism and a developmental delay. Since coming into our care, George has been assessed as Level 3 (severe). While having improved “Robin” (16) is more high-functioning, with significant ADHD and emotional disregulation, mental health challenges. Robin is in the process of an ASD assessment and will likely qualify for support under the NDIS given current guidelines.
I strongly oppose the bill as it currently stands, and oppose any changes that make access to support more difficult. Please recommend against restricting budgets and access. The arguments around spending and insufficient budget ring hollow when the Albanese government refuses to tax our resource extraction, crack down on multinational tax evasion, individual billionaires, and continues to spend billions on ephemeral AUKUS submarines.
Mark Butler’s points around functional capacity requirements are similarly disingenuous, with functional capacity assessments already being a focus and requirement for accessing NDIS support.
While provider fraud may have some impact, the money defrauded is a drop in the ocean compared to the wealth extraction by mining/gas companies and multi nationals. This messaging rings similar to that regarding “dole bludgers” prior to the Robodebt scandal. I would strongly caution against further restrictions and automated decision making or risk another Robodebt.
As it stands, there are already significant hurdles in applying for NDIS support and ensuring appropriate care. This already biases towards more affluent families who have the education, funds and spare time to collect expert reports and evidence, conduct expensive assessments. It is quite difficult for me to navigate as a relatively high-functioning adult. Let alone a vulnerable participant.
It is the government’s responsibility to provide support for those who need it. For example with the proposed 50% cut to social and community participation funding from October 2026. This is a significant and crucial part of George’s support needs. As someone who speaks in few words and does not interact with his peers, this funding is not just necessary for his enrichment but to help stretch him and improve his capacity. We currently experience behavioural challenges around him threatening and hitting others when disregulated with a meltdown. Reduced social interaction is a recipe for reducing his capacity further. While group programs are welcome, George would still require individual support within these programs - both to engage and for the safety of other participants. And we have struggled to find social groups that accept and accommodate individuals with Level 3 ASD.
Due to external circumstances and the children’s previous household, George would not have had appropriate support during the age range targeted by early
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National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2882
intervention supports.
Due to my caring responsibilities and limited time allowed for submissions, I have not had the chance to prepare a more detailed and thorough response.
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