NDIS Reforms and Bill 2026 National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing
the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
My name is Jelena Cindric, and I am a Disability Support Worker based in New South Wales. I have worked in this sector for eight years, after changing careers to follow what I believe is my purpose: helping people with disability live with dignity, connection, and choice.
I am writing to raise serious concerns about the proposed reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the 2026 legislation.
Throughout my career, I have supported participants with a wide range of needs, including domestic assistance, personal care, transportation, shopping, and community engagement. Some of my most meaningful experiences have been with non-verbal and physically disabled participants. One of my highlights was supporting a participant in swimming sessions—engaging through music and movement and seeing the genuine joy this brought to them.
I have also worked extensively with participants experiencing mental health challenges. This area is particularly important to me due to the impact mental illness has had on my own family and friends. I am deeply committed to recovery-oriented, person-centred care.
Over time, I have worked as a Support Worker, Senior Support Worker, Team Leader, and House Manager. I approach my role with strong ethics, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, individualised care.
There is a common misconception that support workers “do nothing” or are disengaged when supporting a participant for example using phone. This is not the reality. The role is skilled, demanding, and requires constant awareness, responsibility, and adaptability. All support workers are responsible for their own action so not all support workers are the same.
My responsibilities include:
Supporting participants with transport, appointments, shopping, and community participation Monitoring health indicators such as blood pressure and blood glucose levels Assisting with medication and treatment compliance, including injections Writing detailed progress notes, incident reports, and behaviour tracking (ABC charts) Recognising and responding to behavioural, emotional, and medical changes Supporting participants experiencing complex behaviours, including distress, delusions, and hallucinations Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including Support Coordinators, Behaviour
Support Practitioners, Occupational Therapists, and management
Attending ongoing training, meetings, and maintaining NDIS compliance
I have supported participants through behaviours of concern and worked closely with Behaviour Support Practitioners and Occupational Therapists to implement strategies that reduce escalation. Through consistent support, I have seen participants stabilise and avoid hospitalisation for extended periods.
Every participant is different. Each has unique needs, preferences, and goals. Support workers provide not just practical assistance, but connection, stability, and reassurance. We help ensure participants are not isolated and have someone to rely on when needing support.
While I support efforts to strengthen integrity and reduce fraud within the NDIS,
I am deeply concerned that aspects of the 2026 reforms may have unintended negative consequences.
I am particularly concerned about:
Reduced flexibility and potential significant reduction to social, community, and capacity-building supports, which are essential for independence and wellbeing Increased reliance on standardised functional assessments that may not reflect complex, fluctuating, or culturally diverse needs Rapid implementation of expanded provider registration requirements, which may reduce the available workforce, especially in regional and high-demand areas Increased administrative burden that takes time away from direct care without sufficient transition support or funding
From frontline experience, I can confidently say that relationships, continuity of care, and community participation are not optional—they are essential supports. When these are reduced, participants are at risk of isolation, deterioration in mental health, and crisis escalation.
Without careful planning, these reforms may increase pressure on already overstretched systems, including hospitals, mental health services, housing, and the justice system. I have personally witnessed individuals in mental health crisis waiting extended periods in hospital settings due to system strain. There are also serious concerns about workforce impact. Many support workers may face job insecurity, and there is little clarity on how they will transition into alternative roles. This creates uncertainty not only for workers, but also for participants who rely on established relationships and trust. Changes of this scale require careful planning, consultation, and time. The NDIS must remain flexible and responsive to individual needs. What works for one participant may not work for another, and participants must retain their right to choice and control.
I respectfully ask that the Government and Parliament:
Protect flexibility in funding for social and community participation supports ensure functional assessments are used alongside professional judgement, with meaningful input from participants and engagement with their support teams Implement changes gradually, with clear timelines and appropriate transition periods Invest in psychosocial supports both within and alongside the NDIS to ensure no one is left without appropriate care
Provide clear, accessible, and transparent communication to participants, families, and workers about upcoming changes
The NDIS has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many Australians. It is essential that reforms strengthen the system without disruptions to their current support systems.
Introduce appropriate caps on provider charges to ensure reasonable profit margins, while maintaining high-quality and sustainable service delivery for participants.
Recognise that support workers are essential to the success of the NDIS and ensure they are adequately supported, protected, and valued within any reforms
I respectfully ask you to reflect on how it would feel if your own income were reduced by thirty percent or more. This is the reality many in the sector may face, and it has real consequences for both workers and the people they support.
I am deeply concerned about the potential for increased rates of suicide, alcohol and substance abuse if vulnerable individuals lose access to appropriate support and services. There is also a risk that people may reach a point of considering end-of-life options due to distress and lack of support, which highlights the critical importance of maintaining strong, accessible care systems
I would welcome the opportunity to share further frontline insights and practical recommendations.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kind regards,