27th May 2026
NDIS Submission: (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
To whom it may concern,
I am writing on behalf of my sibling Sam Petersen, my family and all members of our community.
A successful NDIS affects ALL OF US.
I understand that the NDIS is a relatively new aspect of our government and with that comes trial, error, teething issues and feedback.
My sibling and I are here to give some vital feedback.
Sam has dystonia which severely affects their mobility and speech.
As a child growing up in the 80’s and 90’s I recall my sibling being excluded, marginalised and not given opportunities. It was a very bleak time for people with disabilities. What is most concerning is that I grew up with a sense that this was all “normal”. Fast forward to 2026 and the world must look a whole lot different, right?!
I think a huge part of the debate going on about the NDIS is that we all can’t see how “ableist” we are.
We are going back and forth, discussing whether a person with a disability should have access to this service or access to that service as if their quality of life is up to us. Their QUALITY OF LIFE! Who are we to measure that??
We need a REASONABLE balance of policies that brings those with a disability in line with that of “able bodied” (and “able minded”) Australians. This is equity.
Sam has sent a submission regarding their experiences. They have poured an immense amount of energy into advocating for themself and others. Sam has suffered so much in so many ways that no person, particularly in a country such as ours, should ever have to.
I can’t even begin to express the pain I have felt and feel for my sibling. Despite this Sam has gone after life with a fire that no one can match. Since the NDIS came in Sam has finally been able to live more, get out more, advocate more, experience more and get a bit closer to that quality of life so many of us enjoy without batting an eyelid.
What blows my mind is the fact that so much of Sam’s limitations in life have nothing to do with disability itself. These limitations have come about because of our exclusive, ableist culture that says “you can’t have access to that”.
To be completely honest, I don’t understand all the details behind which things should be cut, how much should be cut, exactly how this should work and what this would look like but all I can say is, those that are proposing the kind of cuts that would devastate the disabled community need to think twice.
I am a working taxpayer. My taxes go toward funding the NDIS. I would not for a second swap places with my sibling so that I can “reap the benefits.”
No. I will continue to live my life, pay my taxes and be so bloody grateful for my privilege.
Let’s look for other areas we can save money: unnecessary admin tribunals where they make people jump through hoops to prove their disabilities, registered provider companies charging for support that NDIS participants never received, goods and services that are suddenly priced higher when “NDIS” is mentioned…
Let’s wake up. Let’s think very carefully about how we move forward. Let’s progress.
Thank you for taking the time to read my submission.
Please feel very free to communicate with myself and my sibling going forward.
Sincere regards,