To Whom it may concern,

I am a 58 year old man with diplegic cerebral palsy.

I have been on the NDIS for a decade give or take.

The NDIS has given me freedom.

Before the NDIS I was a shut-in, largely house bound, and reliant on others for most kinds of travel outside the house.

I could not walk 100 metres easily.

With the NDIS I’ve been able to live a full and active life again. ’

This is not a luxury – it is a necessity for any human being.

Through the various kinds of AT I’ve been able to access, and especially through regular physio, I’m now in the best health of my life, mentally and physically.

I get help with cleaning and mowing so that I’m no longer embarrassed to have people over.

I’m no longer depressed or overweight. I can walk much farther now. I no longer have dangerous falls thanks to my AT and physio.

I exercise regularly (with physio input) and I volunteer to help run an large international website support forum dealing with substance abuse.

I have what I think is a reasonable expectation to be able to live in my unit for the rest of my life and not be taking up a bed in some aged care home.

That is what I was told way back at the start was the purpose of NDIS – self care and independence for disabled folk.

There are many many people worse off than myself.

We saw the damage, heartache, and tragedy Robodebt caused.

I’m not sure why the current Labor Government thinks that AI assessments of people will result in a different outcome here?

I understand and champion the need to clamp down on shonky providers. Go get ’em…

But please remember – those of us on the NDIS are people.

We need and deserve better that robo-assessments.

As you can see I treasure my hard won independence, but I will admit I’m terrified at losing the supports I’ve come to depend on.

In closing let me reiterate - The NDIS has given me freedom.

Please don’t take that freedom away from those who need it.

Yours

DEREK NUSS

01-06-2026