National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3067
I have worked as a registered psychologist with children and adolescents accessing the NDIS for more than 10 years. Throughout this time, I have seen firsthand the meaningful and lasting impact that individualised, evidence-based psychological therapy can have on the lives of children, young people and their families. I have also seen the significant consequences when appropriate supports are unavailable or delayed.
I am deeply concerned that the proposed changes will reduce access to the individualised supports that many children require. If cost savings are necessary, why can’t the scheme be means-tested to save money? At this point, I fear that the poorest families will be further disadvantaged, and I am deeply concerned about the consequences.
The proposed changes will reduce access to the individualised supports that many children require. In my clinical experience, therapy is most effective when it is tailored to the unique strengths, challenges and goals of each child. Many of the children I support would be unable to engage meaningfully in group-based programs due to anxiety, sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, behavioural challenges or the complexity of their needs.
I am also concerned about proposals that would replace comprehensive multidisciplinary assessments by qualified paediatricians, psychologists and speech pathologists with a computer-generated assessment tool. Clinical assessment requires professional judgement,
observation and consideration of the child's developmental history, functioning andpresentation. These are aspects that cannot be adequately replicated by an automated tool.
The assumption that children can access supports through schools or community programs does not reflect the reality for many families. Some children are unable to attend school because their needs cannot be adequately accommodated, while others attend only part time or have significant barriers to participation. These children should not lose access to the supports they need to develop, learn and participate in their communities.
I am particularly concerned about the potential mental health consequences of these reforms. Without timely access to appropriate psychological support, I believe there is a real risk of increased anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, school refusal, family stress and crisis among children, adolescents and their families. Add to this, Autism is not grounds for a Mental Health Care Plan (which is capped at 10 sessions per year, and parents have an out-of-pocket expense, many cannot afford this).
As a clinician, I regularly see the effects of caregiver burnout. Families who are not adequately supported often experience significant emotional, physical and financial strain. If supports are reduced, the resulting increase in mental health crises, emergency presentations, school disengagement and demand for other government-funded services is likely to result in
greater long-term costs than investing in effective early intervention and ongoingindividualised support through the NDIS.
I respectfully urge the Committee to preserve access to assessments conducted by appropriately qualified clinicians and to maintain access to individualised, evidence-based therapy where clinically indicated. These supports change lives and represent an investment in better long-term outcomes for children, families and the broader community.