National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3259
1/6/2026
Dear Committee,
I value the opportunity to make a submission on this hugely significant bill.
I am a disabled young person, autistic advocate and NDIS participant. For me, the value of the scheme is incalculable. The early intervention and support work that the NDIS allowed me to access has shaped the trajectory of my life positively. I’ve graduated high school, held employment, volunteered and have enrolled in university. The 2022 select Senate committee report on autism highlights the outcome I had was unlikely, with most autistic people having poor quality of life outcomes, especially in education. I don’t think I would have had anywhere near a quality, safe, enjoyable or successful time as a child, student and young adult without the NDIS. This is qualitive evidence the NDIS is something which must be protected, because of how it helps people.
Due to the huge changes this bill creates, with at least 160 000 people to be removed, this bill requires significant scrutiny and time. For both the Senate committee, and disability community to scrutinize. That hasn’t been given. This bill has not been properly co-designed, which is a massive flaw in the disability space, where “Nothing about us, without us” is a core principle.
The main point of my submission is to say that this bill will create massive harm and suffering. It is caused by politicians in Canberra who are completely removed from its impacts.
I’ll say it politely. Most of you seem to approach this proposed suffering in a clinical economic sense, with little empathy. Please understand that the bill as it stands will destroy the lives and futures of 160 000 real people. The half baked “foundational supports” will not be enough to support those removed from the scheme.
Mass removal of participants and no intensive co-design is a red line for supporting this reform.
I also urge the committee to carefully examine the quality submissions of Mr Jarrod Sandell-Hay, Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA), and Ms Kate Chaney MP. I see all of them as great community leaders or allies of the disabled community.
The NDIS is the greatest modern social scheme in Australia, and a net economic benefit. I can attest to both these statements. I doubt I would be in university without the early intervention and support work it provided.
Cuts kill. If the committee takes one thing away from this consultation process, it should be those two words.
I thank the committee for their time and consideration of my submission.
Josh Porteus
Youth disability advocate, NDIS participant