National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 713
Importance of the NDIS
As a speech-language therapist, I see daily how the NDIS enables my clients to access the support they need to communicate, connect, and participate in meaningful ways. It allows for evidence-based therapy that leads to real progress over time.
In contrast, clients without NDIS funding often reduce or go without therapy altogether, which significantly impacts their communication, independence, and participation.
As a small, community-based provider, the NDIS has allowed us to deliver services in the environments where communication actually happens - homes, schools, workplaces, and community settings. This supports not only individual outcomes but also inclusion, community understanding, and the development of authentic connections. Importantly, the NDIS has strengthened choice and control, allowing people to access supports in ways that are relevant to their lives.
Changes to the NDIS Act
While I support the need for sustainability and appropriate safeguards, I am concerned that the proposed changes may reduce access to essential supports and increase the risk of isolation for people with disability.
It can feel as though the actions of a small minority are leading to broader restrictions that impact participants and ethical providers alike. The providers I work alongside are deeply committed to high-quality, evidence-based care, often making significant efforts to ensure their clients receive appropriate support.
The NDIS has been instrumental in shifting Australia away from isolation and towards community inclusion. I am concerned that changes affecting access, funding, and participation may unintentionally undermine this progress.
Explanation of changes
At present, there is limited clarity about how these changes will impact day-to-day service delivery and participant outcomes.
In particular, it is unclear how the reforms will affect:
- access to therapy in natural environments (home, school, community)
- the frequency and intensity of therapy for individuals with complex needs
- continuity of care
- how NDIS supports will interact with proposed alternative or “foundational” supports
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 713
As a mobile therapist, these factors are central to effective service delivery. Without clearer guidance, it is difficult to plan services or provide families with confidence about future supports.
Impact of changes on the community
For my clients, the impact could be significant. Many may face reduced access to supports or increased complexity when navigating the system, with limited clarity about alternative options.
This is particularly concerning for individuals with complex communication needs. For example, children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech and similar profiles often require frequent, intensive therapy to make meaningful progress. Reduced access to this level of support may place them at risk of longer-term communication, social, and mental health challenges.
For me as a provider, there may be increased pressure to absorb unpaid work, reduce wages, or increase workload to maintain quality care. In a female-dominated profession, this raises broader concerns about workforce sustainability and equity and sits in tension with national priorities to address the gender pay gap.
More broadly, supports that enable people to participate in their communities are essential - not optional. Any reduction in these supports may increase the risk of isolation and limit opportunities for people to live, learn, work, and connect with others.
Conclusion
I support the ongoing improvement and sustainability of the NDIS. However, it is critical that reforms preserve access to evidence-based supports and protect the core principles of the Scheme: choice, control, participation, and inclusion.