Submission 2926 — Name Withheld — NDIS Future Generations Bill

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

Submission 2926

Submission on the NDIS Amendment Bill

Name: Email: Submission requested to be treated as anonymous I am a: Parent and caregiver of an NDIS participant.

I am concerned that proposed changes to the NDIS may reduce access to supports for children and young people with complex disabilities, increase reliance on standardised assessments, weaken review and appeal rights, reduce access to community participation supports, and increase pressure on families who are already providing substantial care.

As a single mother raising a teenage son with Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder and significant support needs, I worry about what these changes will mean for his future, safety, independence, and wellbeing.

My son experiences behaviours of concern including aggression, self-injury, property destruction, absconding risks, and significant dysregulation. His disability impacts every aspect of his life, including education, relationships, community participation, and safety.

One of our biggest challenges is isolation. Community participation funding is not an optional extra. It helps my son build skills, remain connected to the world around him, and access meaningful opportunities. When those supports are reduced, his isolation increases, his wellbeing declines, and the pressure on our family grows significantly.

My son’s capacity fluctuates considerably. What he can do on one day may be very different from what he can do on another. This is why I am deeply concerned about increased reliance on standardised assessments. I do not believe a checklist or automated process can accurately capture the complexity of his needs.

I live in a regional area where disability services are already limited. Families in regional communities often face fewer providers, longer waiting lists, and reduced access to specialist services. Any reforms must recognise these additional barriers.

I am also concerned about any changes that weaken review and appeal rights. Families need access to fair and independent review processes when decisions do not accurately reflect a participant’s support needs. Participants should continue to have access to internal review, independent review, and merits review through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

Recommendations

1. Maintain adequate disability funding for children and young people with complex support needs.

2. Protect community participation supports that reduce isolation and improve long-term outcomes.3. Ensure support needs are assessed through a person-centred approach rather than relying primarily on standardised assessment tools.

3. Ensure decisions continue to be informed by families, clinicians, therapists, educators, supportworkers, and participants.

4. Protect respite and support services that sustain families and prevent carer burnout.

5. Preserve participants’ rights to internal review, external review, and independent merits reviewthrough the Administrative Review Tribunal.

6. Recognise the unique challenges faced by families living in regional and rural communities. Closing statement As a mother, my greatest concern is my son’s future. Every decision made today has the potential to affect his opportunities, safety, independence, and quality of life. I want to see an NDIS that remains person-centred, protects human rights, preserves review rights, supports community participation, and recognises the realities faced by families raising children with complex disabilities.