Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submitted by: Occupational Therapist The Whole Child Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland

Introduction

I am an occupational therapist currently working in a rural pediatric allied health practice based on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland. I work within a small multidisciplinary team consisting of occupational therapists, therapy assistants, and a Child and Family Wellbeing Practitioner.

I work with children and their families across a range of developmental, physical, emotional, and functional needs. My role involves assessing functional abilities, delivering therapeutic interventions, preparing resources, completing reports, and collaborating with families, schools, support workers, and other professionals to support children’s participation in everyday activities. It also requires significant clinical reasoning and decision-making to ensure supports are individualized, effective, and aligned with each child’s needs and goals.

Working in a regional area has provided me with firsthand insight into the challenges families face when accessing services. Many of the children and families we support have limited access to allied health and specialist services, often requiring extensive travel, long wait times, or significant coordination to access the supports they need. As a result, I have seen how critical NDIS-funded services can be in reducing barriers to access and ensuring children receive timely intervention and ongoing support.

Coming from the Philippines, I cannot help but compare the significant difference in access to disability services between the Philippines and Australia. In my experience, many families in the Philippines face considerable barriers in accessing therapy and support, making it almost impossible for the families to feel supported. This has given me a deep appreciation for the opportunities provided through the NDIS, which enables children and families to access essential supports that can make a meaningful difference.

Relevance to the Bill

While I do not have expertise in policy development or legislation, I understand that the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 aims to improve the sustainability of the NDIS.

As an occupational therapist working directly with children and families, my submission focuses on the practical impact that any changes to NDIS funding and access to supports may have on the children and families I work with. Through my clinical practice, I have seen the positive difference that NDIS-funded supports can make in helping children develop skills, increase independence, and participate more fully in every day life.

The views presented in this submission are based on my experience and observing the important role that therapy services play in helping children and their families achieve meaningful outcomes.

Occupational Therapist Perspective

As an occupational therapist, I see firsthand the significant impact that consistent and timely therapy can have on a child’s development, participation, and overall quality of life. Many children make progress not only because of the strategies used in therapy, but because of the trust, rapport, and supported.

Pediatric occupational therapy requires ongoing clinical reasoning and decision-making throughout every stage of intervention. We continuously analyse a child’s functional abilities, emotional regulation, behaviour, engagement, environmental demands, family circumstances, and response to intervention to determine the most effective approach. Even children with similar diagnoses can present very differently and require highly individualised supports.

I am concerned that efforts to improve the sustainability of the NDIS may unintentionally reduce access to direct occupational therapy services for children who require ongoing intervention. While therapy assistants, support workers, educators, and families all play important roles in supporting children, these supports are most effective when guided by appropriate clinical oversight and intervention from qualified therapists.

In my experience, children achieve the best outcomes when occupational therapy is funded at a level that allows for regular assessment, intervention, review, collaboration with families and schools, and adjustment of strategies as needs change over time. Reducing access to therapy may result in missed opportunities for skill development, reduced participation, and greater support needs in the future.

It is important that future reforms recognise the complexity of paediatric occupational therapy and the critical role it plays in helping children build independence, participate in everyday activities, and reach their full potential.

Recommendations:

I respectfully recommend that the Bill and related reforms ensure:

• That children continue to have timely access to occupational therapy and other allied health services through adequate NDIS funding.
• Continue to recognize the unique challenges faced by children and families living in rural and regional communities, including workforce shortages, travel requirements, and limited service availability.
• Maintaining the funding models that allow for individualised and flexible supports based on a child’s functional needs rather than relying solely on diagnosis or standardised funding approaches.
• Continuously recognizing that effective therapy extends beyond direct face-to-face sessions and includes assessment, report writing, collaboration with families and schools, resource development, and ongoing clinical reasoning.
• The continuous support to early intervention services, as timely access to therapy can improve long-term outcomes and reduce the need for more intensive supports in the future.
• That the experiences and perspectives of clinicians, children, and families be meaningfully considered when implementing NDIS reforms to ensure continued access to essential supports and services.

Closing Statement

Thank you for the opportunity to provide this submission.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is seeing children make progress towards their goals and become more confident, independent, and engaged in their everyday lives. I feel privileged to play a part in that journey and to support children and families as they work towards meaningful outcomes.

While I support efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the NDIS, it is important that any reforms do not inadvertently create further barriers for children and families living in rural and regional areas, where access to services is already limited. Consideration must be given to the realities of regional service delivery and the vital role that allied health supports play in helping children achieve meaningful outcomes.

I hope the perspectives shared in this submission assist in ensuring that future changes to the NDIS continue to support equitable access to evidence-based services and enable all children, regardless of where they live, to reach their potential and participate fully in their everyday lives.

Thank you for considering this submission.