National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3457
I wish to make a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme regarding the NDIS Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill 2025.
My name is Sasha, I am a student currently studying a Master of Dietetics, with a Graduate Diploma in Public Health and Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Queensland. I am making this submission as a future allied health professional with an interest in disability and health equity. My concerns with the proposed changes are the reduction in participant autonomy, access limitations to necessary supports, and downstream costs for both individuals and the health system.
Although I support efforts of the government to improve long-term sustainability and integrity of the NDIS, the proposed changes present further constraints to individuals’ access to care.
Specifically, I am concerned that caps to participant funding (section 33) and greater legislative power over providers (section 44) may lead to greater block funding arrangements that reduce participant choice and control by encouraging the aggregation of disability services within large organisations. While these models may improve administrative efficiency, they risk prioritising cost savings and potential profiteering over individual needs and preferences. Findings from the Disability Royal Commission highlighted that congregate disability settings, including some group homes, can expose people with disability to increased risks of abuse, neglect and loss of autonomy. Reforms should therefore prioritise participant-directed supports and individual choice rather than incentivising service models based primarily on efficiency. Increased autonomy also incentivizes spending in local economies, which is made possible by access to support.
Investment into the NDIS ensures access to timely supports, allied health services, assistive technology, and capacity-building interventions which prevent deterioration in health and functional capacity. When people lose access to appropriate supports, needs often become more complex and costly. This can increase reliance on hospitals, emergency departments, residential care services, and other government-funded systems. Investing early in support and prevention is more cost-effective than funding crisis responses later.
The NDIS also generates broader economic benefits by enabling people with disability to participate in education, employment, volunteering, and community life. Increased independence and participation contribute to Australia’s economy while improving quality of life and reducing long term reliance on other services. Additionally, sustained investment in disability supports can stimulate innovation, drive the development of assistive technologies, and create opportunities for entrepreneurial and service-sector growth. These innovations not only generate economic benefits and new markets but also enhance the social participation, independence, and functional capacity of people with disability, supporting their ability to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader economy.
Improvement to Scheme integrity should be supported by transparent evidence and independent evaluation. Reforms should put people first and be assessed on their impact on participant outcomes, health, functional capacity, and social and economic participation.
Thank you for considering this submission.