NDIA Accountability Project

Severe cerebral palsy and dependence on support workers

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Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

21 May 2026

Committee Secretary Community Affairs Legislation Committee Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600

Dear Committee Secretary,

  1. I make this preliminary submission to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee in relation to the proposed inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

  2. This preliminary submission primarily focuses on isolated provisions in the Bill which require urgent amendment. A supplementary submission will follow, capacity allowing, addressing other matters.

  3. The provisions addressed in this brief submission are: a. the repealing of section 31; and b. proposed subsections 34(1E) and 34(1F).

Submission 861

  1. Beyond these provisions, and my broader commentary relevant to the Bill as a whole, my position is that the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill 2026 should be opposed.

  2. There are many more provisions I oppose, and other amendments that need to be made. My limited capacity to address them in the time allowed will be a common story among my peers and reflects poorly on Government for imposing such a timeframe. I know most will be covered by others, in detail.

  3. I live with severe cerebral palsy, including dysarthria, a complex speech impairment, which has left me completely wheelchair-bound and fully dependent on support workers for daily necessities that others take for granted.

  4. My support needs include assistance with toileting when I need to use the bathroom, and support with managing my daily intake of food and fluids.

  5. Without the NDIS, I would not be able to live the life I am enjoying now.

  6. I already live with reduced support hours of 7 hours, which has caused me to become socially isolated from my friends and peers.

  7. For me, the NDIS is like a placenta and umbilical cord; without it, I cannot survive. Just as no one could justify severing a baby’s placenta and umbilical cord without endangering its life, the same is true for cutting funding to the NDIS.

  8. How can cuts to the funding of the NDIS be justified without endangering the lives of thousands of people with disabilities?

  9. The NDIS is not a discretionary expense. It is essential to life, dignity, independence, inclusion, and basic human rights for people with disability.

  10. Any legislative amendment that weakens access to supports, undermines existing entitlements, or diminishes the ability of participants to live safely and with dignity must be rejected.

Submission 861

  1. I therefore urge the Committee to recommend that the Bill be opposed, and that the Government instead work with people with disability to strengthen, protect, and properly fund the NDIS.

  2. I thank the Committee for its consideration of this submission.

Yours sincerely,

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