National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3294
Submission Regarding Proposed Changes to the NDIS
I never imagined I would be the parent of a child with a disability.
Most of us move through life assuming that serious challenges happen to other people. We don’t expect our child to need disability support, just as we don’t expect to develop cancer or experience a life-changing medical event. Yet we collectively support systems that provide care when these things happen because we recognise that anyone can find themselves needing help.
My son is four years old.
If you met him briefly, you might not immediately see the challenges he faces. He is verbal, affectionate, funny and bright.
On paper, could easily be viewed as a “low-needs” child. The reality is much more complex.
regularly runs away from adults, creating significant safety concerns. He struggles to recognise and respond to his body’s signals, meaning he is still not toilet trained. He experiences substantial difficulties with emotional regulation, impulse control and following directions. Everyday activities that many families take for granted require significant support, planning and intervention.
Most concerningly, his future school has already indicated that, in his current state, they will struggle to support him successfully in a mainstream classroom.
Without ongoing early intervention, children like risk falling through the cracks. They are often not considered disabled enough to receive support, yet they face genuine barriers to participating in education, community activities and daily life. Too often they are labelled as disruptive, difficult or “naughty” when the underlying issue is an unmet developmental need.
The therapies funded through the NDIS are not luxuries. They are targeted interventions that help children develop the skills required to participate in everyday life. For , this means learning to regulate emotions, follow instructions, develop independence, improve safety awareness and engage successfully in school.
These supports are not only beneficial for individual children and families; they are a sound investment in Australia’s future. Early intervention gives children the best opportunity to become independent, engaged and contributing members of society. It reduces future pressure on schools, health services and disability systems while improving quality of life for children and their families.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3294
I fully support the need for a sustainable NDIS. However, I am concerned that reforms aimed at reducing costs may unintentionally remove support from children whose disabilities are less visible but no less impactful.
Decisions about eligibility should be based on functional impact, not assumptions about need. A child who can speak is not necessarily a child who can safely navigate the world, succeed at school or participate independently.
Children like are at a critical stage of development. The support they receive today will shape their outcomes for years to come. I urge lawmakers to preserve access to evidence based early intervention for children with significant functional impairments and to recognise that the cost of withdrawing support is often far greater than the cost of providing it.
Thank you for considering my submission.