Impact of NDIS changes on people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability (DRO advocacy)

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

Submission 402 - Supplementary Submission

Committee Secretary

Community Affairs Legislation Committee

Submission via portal/email

10 July 2026

Dear Committee Secretary,

Re: Inquiry into the National Disability

Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the

NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

The Senate Committee released its Interim Report on the proposed NDIS Bill on 26 June

  1. The report recommends the Bill proceed with only minor changes, which address a small number of issues raised in submissions to the Committee and in the hearings.

The DSA Consortium welcomes the Committee’s recognition that foundational supports, or supports outside the NDIS, need to be in place before these changes take effect.

At the same time, we are extremely disappointed that the Interim Report does not recommend more substantial changes including a reconsideration or re-drafting of the proposed reform. The recommendations have not meaningfully responded to the issues raised by thousands of people with disability, families and organisations throughout the Inquiry, whose evidence reflected their genuine and real concerns about the impact of these changes.

We acknowledge amendments to the Bill passed the House on 2 July, which included narrowing the scope of some funding cuts and guardrails around the requirement for treatment to meet eligibility. We welcome these amendments but they do not go far enough.

This Bill fundamentally changes the NDIS from an individualised scheme supporting people to realise their human rights to a scheme whose primary goal is financial sustainability. Even with amendments, there is a significant risk of harm to people with disability from these changes, that the Committee must address. These changes will impact the life, safety and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability. The legislation fails to consider appropriate safeguards and supports.

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

Submission 402 - Supplementary Submission

Committee members can refer to the Down Syndrome Australia Consortium’s original submission to this Inquiry for a comprehensive list of our concerns.

The DSA Consortium expects that the additional time for the Inquiry will allow the Committee members the time and opportunity to more carefully consider their position and recommendations to the Senate.

I can be contacted to discuss this supplementary submission.

Darryl Steff, CEO

Erin Papps, Advocacy and Policy Manager

Jessie Spence, Advocacy and Policy Officer