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

Submission 3956

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to you regarding the opportunity the recipients of the NDIS have, to provide a submission on the NDIS Future Generations Bill 2026.

As a parent of a young adult woman with down syndrome, I have seen firsthand how important the NDIS is for her and in general for people with a disability and their families. I am concerned that some of the proposed changes could have unintended consequences for participants who rely on consistent and appropriate supports to live safely and independently.

I ask that the following changes be considered for participants who are already on the NDIS.

• Before any percentage reductions to participant funding are introduced, I believe there should be genuine consultation with the disability community, a published impact statement, and access to individual review where a reduction negatively affects a participant’s plan.

• Participants with high or complex support needs should not be subject to blanket funding reductions. People who require 24/7 supervision, intensive behavioural supports, complex health supports or continuous one-to-one assistance are often already funded at the minimum level needed to remain safe.

• Any funding cap values should be included in the NDIS Rules, where they can be properly scrutinised, rather than being placed in documents that receive less parliamentary oversight.

• I ask that the word “directly” be removed from section 34(1)(aa) so that participants continue to be assessed using a whole-of-person approach rather than a narrow interpretation of disability-related needs.

• Where a participant has already committed to purchasing an approved support before their plan ends, that funding should remain available until the support is delivered, or for up to 12 months into the new plan.

• The current 21-day timeframe for reassessment decisions should remain. Participants also need the protection of deemed decisions if timeframes are missed, and changes in informal supports should not have to be “unanticipated” before they can be considered.

• Participants experiencing an urgent crisis should have access to a fast emergency reassessment process with decisions made within 14 days. Delays in these situations can place people at significant risk.

• The legislation should clearly define what constitutes reasonable attempts to contact a participant and recognise circumstances such as hospitalisation,

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

Submission 3956

bereavement, mental health crises and other significant life events that may prevent someone from responding within expected timeframes.

9. Finally, I ask that the transitional rule-making powers in Schedule 5 be limited, transparent and subject to consultation with the disability community so thatsiginificant changes cannot be introduced without appropriate oversight.

The NDIS exists to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Any reforms should strengthen participants’ rights, improve transparency and ensure people continue to receive the supports they need to live safely, with dignity and as independently as possible.

Thank you for considering my submission and for the work you are doing to improve the future of the NDIS.