National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3033
Submission to the NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the
NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
I am deeply grateful for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
My family’s experience demonstrates that a relatively small NDIS plan can change the course of a life—not only for the participant, but also for their family and for Australia’s economy.
Before the NDIS
Before my child accessed the NDIS, he was non-verbal. His behaviours were so challenging that childcare services could not keep him enrolled after he hit other children. At school he was placed in special education, was frequently sent home because of his behaviours, and was only able to participate in around a quarter of the curriculum.
I was unable to work because his support needs were so high. I could not contribute to the workforce or pay taxes.
At just six years of age, my son attempted suicide. While we waited for NDIS access, he entered the mental health system and received psychology support every fortnight. Those professionals were lifesavers, but the mental health system was not designed to provide the disability-specific supports he needed.
He had no friends.
After the NDIS
The NDIS changed everything.
My son learned to speak. His behaviours reduced to socially acceptable levels. He no longer experiences suicidal thoughts and no longer requires mental health treatment. At the age of 13, he made his first friend.
He moved from special education into mainstream schooling and is now attending university. He also holds a modified part-time job and pays tax.
I have been able to return to work and pay tax myself.
If his NDIS supports enable him to graduate with a STEM qualification, Australia will gain decades of tax contributions from a highly skilled worker. Instead of one taxpayer, the NDIS has created two.
Value for money
My son’s NDIS plan is approximately $30,000 over two years. In reality, we spend only around $8,000 each year.
Every dollar has been spent responsibly.
Every service was delivered by appropriately qualified, AHPRA-registered professionals where applicable. Our support coordinator provided only five hours of support, but those five hours taught me how to find appropriate providers, include “no phone” clauses in service agreements, verify worker clearances, understand compliance requirements, and manage the plan safely and independently. Those few hours represented excellent value.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3033
Every dollar went to Australian providers, who employed Australian workers and paid Australian taxes. Several providers were not-for-profit organisations. During funding gaps, some even provided services pro bono because they cared about my son’s wellbeing.
Throughout our experience there were no scams, no fraudulent providers, no poor-quality services, and no workers distracted by mobile phones while supporting my child. We received professional, ethical, high-quality care.
Please do not reduce access to small plans
I understand the importance of ensuring the NDIS is financially sustainable. However, I urge you not to target smaller plans for savings.
Small plans can produce extraordinary returns.
A modest investment has enabled one child to communicate, participate in education, enter employment, and attend university. It has also enabled his mother to return to the workforce. Together, we now contribute taxes instead of relying on more costly crisis services.
In our case, the NDIS has not been a cost to Australia. It has been an investment—one that is already paying dividends and will continue to do so for decades.
Please protect small plans. They create independence, strengthen families, reduce long-term costs, and build Australia’s future workforce.
, mother of an NDIS participant.