Impact of proposed changes on community participation supports for a 16-year-old NDIS participant

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

Submission 3806

Date: May 31, 2026

I welcome the opportunity to make a submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs about the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

I am the parent of a 16-year-old NDIS participant.

I am concerned about proposed changes that may reduce Social, Civic and Community Participation supports and make it harder for participants to challenge decisions about their funding.

For my child, , community participation is not an optional extra. It is one of the primary ways he builds friendships, develops independence, gains confidence, participates in his community, and experiences the same opportunities that other young people enjoy.

Without these supports, many of the activities that help my child learn, connect with others, and participate in everyday life would simply not be accessible. The likely result would be greater social isolation and increased reliance on family members to provide support that is currently funded through the NDIS.

As my child approaches adulthood, these supports become even more important. The transition to adult life should be about increasing independence and participation, not reducing opportunities and shifting responsibility back onto families.

I urge the Committee to ensure that community participation supports are protected and that participants retain meaningful rights to review decisions that affect their supports and future opportunities.

Thank you for considering my submission.