National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3747
I write with a 25 year background of clinical experience in delivering Occupational Therapy services across the lifespan and across public/private and inpatient/community services. I have now worked in the existing NDIS system for 5 years.
I write because I understand that NDIS funding needs to be reviewed for sustainability but I am highly concerned that the current proposed changes have significant risks at leaving our most vulnerable at high risk of isolation, injury and significantly reduced quality of life.
Functional Capacity and Changes to Eligibility –
My key concern here is that capacity is not being assessed holistically – with no consideration of AT or environment or personal circumstances. OT are highly trained in task analysis and environment/contextural factors that impact on a person’s ability to perform tasks. If we do not consider the physical or social environment that they are operating within, then we are not assessing true capacity. This will leave some participants at significant risk of dangerous underfunding and make it impossible for them to build capacity moving forward.
Permanence & Appropriate Treatment –
Concerns here are in relation to not all participants being able to access “all appropriate treatment” to meet an eligibility requirement due to financial, geographical or social barriers. This has the potential for those without money to pay for specific tests or treatments or in regional areas without access or means to travel to metro providers will not be considered eligible. This also is unclear on what constitutes “treatment” and if this is not just considered to be medical than there is these same barriers in accessing Allied health supports to progress outcomes and demonstrate all “treatment” has been explored. Again our most vulnerable are the losers here, and the least likely to be able to advocate for themselves.
Tightening Reasonable and Necessary - amendment focuses more on cost than value for money.
If a cheaper support doesn’t achieve the necessary outcome it does not make it value for money over time. Also the amendment states Published evidence that a support is effective and beneficial for a peer group of participant is more important than participant specific evidence related to their circumstances and individual assessment. This is likely to cause generalisation of supports that are not tailored to participants needs and therefore do not achieved outcomes or true capacity in a one size fits all approach.
Funding Cuts & Ministerial Powers –
The Amendment refers to ministerial powers to make blanket budget reductions without individual consideration. This is a dangerous generalised approach that will leave some people without basic access to their community and isolation people within their homes in relation to CAS. In capacity building this does not allow for capacity building to be tailored to need and means participants with be exposed to increased risks awaiting adequate assessment and intervention to prevents secondary injury and hospitalisation.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3747
I understand and support the need for reform in the NDIS for sustainability. But this Bill is making dangerous changes without adequate oversight and protections for the most vulnerable. I strongly request that this bill be not passed in its current form and there be more stakeholder consultation to look for safer and effective ways to streamline services within NDIS. Existing NDIS processes are unnecessarily convoluted and waste time and money better spent on direct supports and capacity building. Cost savings in these areas would be significant and make for far more sustainable system.
Regards,
Senior Occupational Therapist
29/5/26