National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 74
My name is . I am 66 years old and parent/nominee (and VCAT appointed Guardian) for my 36-year-old participant son .
was abused in a group home in 2013 (prior to NDIS) and it changed his life forever.
He has very complex support needs and the PTSD that occurred due to the abuse – where he nearly lost his life – has now resulted in him refusing support from new support workers meaning he relies on family members. We have been through the Tribunal process three times to ensure he has support – and each time NDIA conceded 99% of our requested supports before hearing.
He has a team of 7 workers, some who have been with him since he joined the NDIS in 2017.
Because of the group home experience, we, as a family, chose to hire workers with a great attitude but no previous experience – and then we trained them to support . Some of our workers have been with for more than 8 years. They are independent and unregistered – but completely competent in providing complex support.
Two things about the proposed legislation terrify us:
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As of 1st July 2026 – his unregistered workers will no longer be able to support him. Not only will we lose their skills, but we have NOBODY to replace them.
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The “god-like” powers given to the Minister will allow him to ignore previous Tribunal proceedings which provided 24/7 1:1 support - and force to go into a group home because the Minister will consider “1:1” support not “financially sustainable” for the scheme -AND – that will not be a “reviewable decision” so we cannot challenge it.
After spending over 16 years trying to get independent of my support (because I’m not immortal), it looks like I will have to move back in with him to keep him safe for when he doesn’t have support workers.
is exactly who the NDIS was designed for.
nearly died once. Next time we won’t be so lucky.
The proposed legislation is dangerous to people with complex support needs.
I am asking the committee to reject this bill until it is amended to allow independent review/oversight/consequences of any decisions made by the Minister which could cause harm to participants. Having “regard for safety” is not enough.
I am happy to appear before the committee (via zoom) if required.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 74