National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 358
My name is . I am 64 years old and I am lodging this submission as an NDIS participant since 2018, as I do care deeply about the NDIS and am extremely concerned about the proposed changes, having followed the process from when it was first just a dim thought in a politician’s mind until it was introduced, and following what is happening now.
It started with a movement - Every Australian Counts, and its original purpose was, in my mind, a way of recognising, respecting, caring for and including people with a disability to have a say in their own lives. Giving us Voice, Choice and Control. The NDIS has given me the opportunity to do this to enjoy a better quality of life, by making the relevant and effective therapies available to me which were not available otherwise, to help me maintain my overall well-being (mind and body) and mainly to keep me mobile, active and more engaged with society. The scheme itself has been a great help and support in keeping my family unit as a family unit something so valuable in everyone’s existence.
The Bill, as it stands today is not acceptable the proposed changes virtually wind back the whole intention of the scheme, sweeping people with a disability under the society rug once again. It dehumanises us, and creates a general negative public attitude, creating hatred and discrimination, not to mention disrespect for us as human beings. Do we not have the right to make our own choices? Do we not have the right to be heard, to be seen and treated as a human being (and not just another number in the system)? Are we, the disability community, the burden you are purporting us to be? Does not our participation and contribution to the economy count?
One of my main concerns is that the proposed changes take away from individuality (with eventually automated decisions to be made) and leaving no room whatsoever for appeals or reviews, and that despite all the evidence that can be provided, there would be no venue to appeal a decision. This is so wrong, and in so many ways.
My other concern is the new functionality criteria that will be used since the very beginning, our OT reports carefully outlined what the functional capacity of an individual was so, it seems that these will now no longer have any value. Other assessments and reports would back these recommendations, and a Plan would be formalised still through a decision made by a person) that was individually tailored to that participant. And yet, if the algorithms do not lead to tailored decisions, we have no right to show our evidence, or have our case disputed in a relevant court or Tribunal.
Should this Bill go ahead, for me, it would most likely cut my Daily Activity funds, and my Capacity Building funds, and my access to any appointments, and I would be left with no other alternative than to just go without these supports altogether, and let my situation degrade I am a pensioner, and not a rich one at that. When our son was diagnosed at an early age, there was nothing appropriate or adequate to support him, and we (my husband and I) had to dip into the equity of our house to get these supports. As a result, at this hefty age we still have a mortgage. We are in a family where my husband is the official carer for both my adult son and myself, and he himself is 69 years old and not getting any younger. It could possibly mean burn-out for him as a carer, and affect not
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 358
just his overall health, but his mental health, it would impact on our disabled son, and put pressure (both emotional and mental) on the family unit.
I do realise that the whole NDIS needs attention but these drastic and savage cuts to supports for the people who really need and depend on them is not the answer. This Bill needs to be sent back to the drawing board.
Fraudsters are not going to be deterred by simply requiring them to register, and the larger Providers would have an easy opportunity to abuse plans (another concern if providers can claim directly from the Portal and pay themselves).
Keep Support Co-ordinators these are essential to the smooth running of a participant’s Plan, more so than Plan Managers.
Educate participants more, educate Providers more (so many are of the belief that the NDIS has dictated their rates). Before the NDIS, my usual podiatrist was charging me $60 per visit. Once the NDIS was introduced, she wanted me to agree to the price-guide figure which I believe at the time was around the $150 mark. I was able to shop around and find another one. It is these things that the NDIA needs to look into train them. Educate them. Don’t give them easy access to the price-guide, as they take it as a card blanche for what they want to charge.
And finally, don’t treat us like second-grade citizens. Show us some respect and consideration. Show us we are important enough to contribute to the decisions that are being made in relation to what is important to us. Show us some compassion. Recognise the vulnerability of most of us. Treat us as humans and help us live a life of quality (no, not luxury) and inclusion. We at least deserve that.
And we vote too.