NDIA Accountability Project

Complex neurological disability affecting mobility and community participation

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 3723

Submission on the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submitted by:

I am an NDIS participant living in , regional Tasmania, with a complex neurological disability that affects my mobility, continence, fatigue, pain, hearing, and ability to participate in community life. My condition fluctuates significantly and requires flexible supports that can respond to changing needs. Living in a regional area presents additional barriers. Many services available in mainland metropolitan cities are unavailable locally, have lengthy waiting lists, or require significant travel. Participants often underspend their plans not because support is unnecessary, but because suitable services cannot be accessed. The NDIS has enabled me to remain connected to my community through volunteering, church leadership, community participation, and a small micro-enterprise producing and selling eggs and preserves. These activities provide purpose, social connection, independence, and an opportunity to contribute to society despite significant disability.

Key Concerns

  • Proposed section 34A may allow broad reductions to support categories, including social and community participation.
  • Proposed section 25A may disadvantage people with fluctuating neurological and psychosocial disabilities through an “all appropriate treatment” requirement.
  • Restrictions on plan flexibility, including rollovers and reassessments.
  • Changes that may reduce access to small providers, sole traders, and participant-led enterprises.

Recommendations

  • Require the NDIA to consider regional service availability before reducing funding based on utilisation.
  • Ensure access decisions consider whether treatment is reasonably available and accessible.
  • Protect social and community participation supports from broad funding reductions.
  • Establish safeguards so rural and regional participants are not disadvantaged.
  • Preserve participant choice and control, including access to small providers and community-based supports.

I support the long-term sustainability of the NDIS. However, sustainability should not come at the expense of participant choice and control, community inclusion, regional equity, and the ability of people with disability to contribute meaningfully to society.