National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 867
Our daughter, now in her early twenties, was born with a condition that resulted in a moderate intellectual disability. She will always require continuous supervision and support and will never be able to safely live independently without ongoing assistance.
Before the introduction of the NDIS, the level of care our daughter required placed considerable pressure on our family. My wife was unable to fully engage in the workforce for many years because our daughter relied on constant care and supervision. Our lives revolved around medical appointments, therapies and daily support needs, while we also funded many therapies and services privately. As a consequence, our household income was significantly reduced over time, along with our capacity to contribute to superannuation and taxation due to our caring responsibilities.
The NDIS transformed our family’s circumstances. Access to funded support workers enabled my wife to return to full-time employment, rebuild her superannuation and once again contribute more fully through workforce participation and taxation. Most importantly, it gave our daughter the opportunity to build a meaningful life beyond the family home.
Through funding for Assistance with Social and Community Participation, our daughter is able to spend time with peers her own age and take part in ordinary community activities such as dining out, attending movies, bowling, volunteering and participating in social outings. She also benefits from occasional group respite weekends, which provide important opportunities for social interaction, personal development and greater independence.
It is important to note that NDIS funding only covers the cost of support workers. Our daughter personally pays for all activity-related expenses through her Disability Support Pension.
On 14 May 2026, the Australian Government introduced the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 into Parliament. The proposed reforms include changes to eligibility requirements, planning arrangements and funding structures, including a proposed 10% reduction to capacity building supports and a 50% reduction to social and community participation supports from 1 October 2026.
For families such as ours, these proposed cuts are deeply concerning. Without adequate social and community participation supports, our daughter’s independence, opportunities and overall quality of life will be significantly diminished. The ability to maintain friendships, engage in the community and experience life beyond the home should not be treated as a non-essential service.
People living with disabilities deserve more than support limited to basic personal care such as eating, showering and remaining at home.
These supports are essential not only for our daughter’s wellbeing, confidence and connection to the community, but also for enabling my wife and I to continue working full-time, maintain financial independence and contribute to the broader economy and tax system.
While reducing these supports may deliver short-term budget savings, the long-term social and economic consequences for people with disabilities, carers and families are likely to be substantial. Increased social isolation, greater dependence on unpaid family carers and reduced workforce participation by carers will ultimately shift the burden elsewhere.
We fully acknowledge the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the NDIS. However, sustainability should not come at the cost of social inclusion, independence and the
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 867
ability of people with disabilities to participate meaningfully in their communities and live fulfilling lives.