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

Submission 3836

Inquiry: The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment

(Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Committee Secretary Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs PO Box 6100 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600

deeply concerned about this issue. Dear Committee Members,

I am writing as a friend of a person with disability who relies on the NDIS to live independently and participate in the community. While I am not an NDIS participant myself, I have witnessed firsthand the distress and uncertainty that these proposed changes have already caused.

Over recent weeks, I have observed a significant decline in my friend’s wellbeing and level of functioning as a direct result of the anxiety surrounding these proposed reforms. The uncertainty about future access to supports, possible changes to eligibility, reduced flexibility, and loss of participant choice and control has created substantial stress. This stress has had a noticeable impact on their ability to manage day-to-day activities, maintain focus, and participate fully in work and community life.

I am particularly concerned that these reforms may undermine the principles of choice and control that have been central to the NDIS. My friend currently relies on being able to choose providers and arrange supports in a way that works for their individual circumstances. Any move towards greater restrictions, provider panels, commissioned services or reduced flexibility risks diminishing the ability of participants to direct their own lives and obtain supports that genuinely meet their needs.

I am also concerned about the broader employment consequences of these reforms. My friend works in the disability sector and is able to maintain employment because of the current support coordination model. If support coordination is reduced, restricted or fundamentally changed, there is a real possibility that they could lose not only the supports that enable them to work, but also the employment that provides them with purpose, financial security and community participation. The potential impact of these reforms therefore extends well beyond disability supports and into economic participation and workforce inclusion.

Another significant concern is the extent of the powers proposed to be granted to the Minister. The Bill appears to allow substantial decisions regarding support categories and funding levels to be made through legislative instruments rather than through full parliamentary scrutiny. Changes that could significantly affect the lives of people with disability should be subject to transparent parliamentary debate and oversight,

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

Submission 3836

particularly where they may result in reduced supports or reduced access to essential services.

Finally, I am concerned that legislation of this magnitude is being considered within a very limited consultation period. The disability community, participants, families, workers and advocates deserve sufficient time to understand the proposals and provide meaningful feedback. Decisions that will affect the lives of hundreds of thousands of Australians should not be rushed.

I respectfully ask the Committee to carefully consider the impact these reforms may have on people with disability, their families, their employment opportunities and their wellbeing, and to ensure that any changes preserve participant choice, control, dignity and independence.

Yours faithfully,

        , NSW