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

Submission 3824

I am writing due to my concerns regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

Speaking as an occupational therapist, I can see that there are many areas that will have significant impact on my clients.

I believe that cumulatively the reforms will have an effect that could potentially be devastating to many people living with disabilities, and the people around them who love and support them.

I would like to refer you to OTSi Submission 21 May 2026, where a thorough exploration of the likely impact of the Bill (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) is provided.

I will quote from the Conclusion (9) in their submission, as it expresses my view.

“The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 represents a profound shift in the legal and philosophical foundations of the NDIS.

While framed as a sustainability reform, the cumulative effect of the amendments risks fundamentally altering the meaning of participation choice and control, weakening individualised planning, narrowing access pathways and embedding increasingly standardised and fiscally driven approaches to disability support.

The repeal of section 31, the expansion of Ministerial funding reduction powers, The tightening of permanence requirements and the broad authorisation of automation collectively signal a movement away from the original intent of the Scheme.

OTSi remains deeply concerned that the reforms will disproportionately impact people with invisible, fluctuating and complex disabilities, while simultaneously increasing reliance on unpaid carers and crisis systems. This will occur in the context of reduced or withdrawn access to occupational therapy and other capacity building approaches.

Sustainability cannot be measured solely through reductions in Scheme expenditure. A genuinely sustainable NDIS must also preserve dignity, safety, family stability, human rights and equitable access to support.“

I would add my voice to OTSi’s where they state it “urges the Committee to substantially amend the Bill, retain core participant protections, strengthen safeguards and delay implementation until meaningful consultation, impact assessment and foundational support systems are properly established.”