National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3790
I am concerned that the bill is going to disadvantage people with disabilities and subsequently the general health of our whole country.
As a person who lives with a disability, and previously worked in the disability sector as a clinical and public health professional - I see the cuts to the NDIS as short-sighted and problematic.
Living with a disability is extremely hard. It is also expensive. I am unable to work due to a permanent disability following a car accident. Last year I did a long hike and a weekly pottery class - Because I had my medical needs supported. My income and medical costs were abruptly stopped in February. I have waited since January to access centrelink payments, of which I am eligible but have not been approved for as yet. My medical bills cost hundreds of dollars every week. An appointment, of which I have up to 16 in a week costs upwards of $850, of which I have to pay upfront. I have not socialised in months, I barely go outside, and have to choose between food or medical care. I live with chronic pain and psychological symptoms - and this is not living. This is the situation many will be put in if their medical costs are withdrawn, and I believe many people who are currently somewhat engaged in society because their medical costs are supported - may not be able to cope without.
The public and political discourse about expenditure and people ‘scamming’ the system makes disabled people have to advocate harder. This requires more use of resources - more time, more appointments, more energy. No person I have ever met with a disability or working in the disability space overuses resources or scams the systems. Sure - this may occur, but that must be the minority. Also being supported to do some everyday things, that most people take for granted - does not make someone a scammer. People with disabilities should be supported to live full lives. This is only possibly with seeing health as multidimensional
Increasing administrative and compliance requirements is going to take more resources in the long run. Places like Cohealth and VAHS in Melbourne are underresourced, and it is places like this that are going to cop the additional patient load if NDIS cuts are made. This is going to impact entire communities that rely on these services. Similarly placing restrictions and limits on plans is going to add additional stress on both patients and practitioners. People will likely go longer without accessing care - decreasing their health status, or may present at places like hospitals. I have presented at a hospital for acute situations multiple times, and been told that I should have seen my GP. It takes 2
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3790
weeks to get an appointment with my GP in the private clinic, and 2 months for my GP in the public clinic. This is going to be the reality for many if their services are cut.
Similarly - consideration for the clinicians working with people with disabilities. They have extensive knowledge sets, and often need to consider complex health presentations in the context of complex psychosocial situations eg limited income, housing concerns, low social supports. This is more than a cough that needs a 3 day medical certificate for an employer. These patients require longer and more frequent appointments, often requiring multidisciplinary teamwork and additional reporting. We need to keep these health professionals and value what they do and the time it takes, rather than constantly undermining their work in the media and political discussion.
The is the consistent response from many is that people are taking advantage of the system. Flip the conversation - how do we support people with disabilities best? If that is changing the system - that is fair, but painting both disabled people and professionals working with people with disability, and removing supports and services is not the answer long term. Maybe community health needs to be funded at higher levels? Maybe doctors and health professionals working with complex patients need to berenumerated at an appropriate wage that incentivises staying in this field? We do not question paying a locksmith $400, why are we questioning a physio getting $120? these are both skillsets.
Making care harder to access for people with disabilities is going to decrease the overall health of our society. People will have reduced capacity to participate in society, which impacts individuals, families, other relationships, work capacity and entire communities.
I hope more consideration is given more thought - both in how it is changed and how people living with disability and those working in the sector are presented.
Reduced primary management of health via the NDIS is going to lead to increased pressure on low cost and public resources - that already have significant wait times.