NDIA Accountability Project

Sister's reliance on NDIS supports for safe, independent living

‹ PrevPage 1 of 2 · Source p. 1Next ›

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

Submission 3968

Submission Regarding Proposed Changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing as the sister of a woman with a disability who relies on NDIS-funded supports to live safely and independently within Supported Independent Living (SIL).

I do not support any legislation or policy changes that would reduce access to essential NDIS supports. These supports are not luxuries; they are fundamental services that enable people with disability to live with dignity, safety, independence, and inclusion in their communities.

My sister’s life is heavily dependent on the support she receives through the NDIS. Even with her current funding, there are challenges in meeting basic needs. For example, she receives only a limited amount for groceries each week, making it difficult to maintain an adequate quality of life. Further funding reductions would place vulnerable Australians at even greater risk.

Support workers play a critical role in the lives of people with disability. They assist with daily living activities, personal care, medical appointments, community participation, skill development, emotional wellbeing, and safety. Their role is not to fund social activities or personal expenses; rather, they provide the support necessary for individuals to safely access and participate in their communities.

Public commentary has sometimes suggested that NDIS funding is spent on unnecessary activities such as lunches, coffee outings, or trips to the movies. This misrepresents the purpose of support work. The NDIS does not pay for a participant’s food, coffee, or entertainment. Instead, funding supports the presence of a trained worker who assists the participant to safely engage in everyday life and community activities that many Australians take for granted.

Reducing funding risks isolating people with disability from their communities and limiting opportunities for personal growth, independence, and social connection. Without adequate support, many individuals may spend extended periods isolated at home, experience declining mental health, and face increased risks to their physical wellbeing.

People with disability have the same fundamental human rights as every other Australian. They deserve opportunities to participate in society, develop skills, pursue employment where possible, and achieve personal goals. NDIS funding helps make these opportunities accessible.

The supports provided through the NDIS assist with:

  • Accessing medical appointments and healthcare services.
  • Transport and community participation.
  • Daily living activities such as cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene.
  • Developing life skills and independence.
  • Emotional support and social connection.
  • Education, training, volunteering, and employment opportunities.
  • Maintaining safe and stable housing arrangements.
  • Advocacy and communication support where required.
  • Providing reassurance and support to families who cannot provide full-time care.

For individuals with cognitive disabilities, support workers often play a vital role in helping them understand information, navigate systems, communicate their needs, and advocate for their rights. These supports improve safety and reduce vulnerability.

I acknowledge that there have been legitimate concerns regarding misuse of NDIS funding by some providers and organisations. However, the solution is not to reduce supports for participants who genuinely rely on them. Instead, stronger regulation, auditing, oversight, and enforcement should be directed toward providers that are exploiting the system.

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

Submission 3968

Government efforts should focus on:

  • Investigating providers suspected of inappropriate use of participant funding.
  • Strengthening accountability measures across the sector.
  • Improving training and qualifications for support workers.
  • Ensuring support workers receive appropriate education regarding complex disabilities and medical needs.
  • Reducing unnecessary administrative barriers for participants and families seeking essential supports.
  • Making the NDIS more accessible and responsive for participants and their advocates.

My sister has a disability, but she is no less deserving of dignity, opportunity, and support than any other Australian. With the assistance of NDIS-funded supports, she has been able to achieve goals, attend appointments, manage daily living tasks, and participate more fully in her community.

Removing or reducing these supports would not increase independence; it would create greater hardship, increased risk, and poorer outcomes for people with disability and their families.

I respectfully urge Parliament to reject any measures that would reduce essential NDIS supports and instead focus on improving accountability within the system while protecting the quality of life, safety, and human rights of Australians living with disability.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Yours sincerely,