National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 984

NDIS Amendment Bill 2026 – Senate Inquiry – A Submission.

Introduction: A submission regarding the proposed changes in regulations, rules and laws related to the NDIS Amendment Bill 2026 and associated funding reductions for PWD.

Rationale: As a sample of what the proposed changes to the NDIS Act will have on a wide range of PWD, we present a case, based on the needs of our son, as just one example. Our son, who is a 33 yr old, is autistic, with a sever Intellectual Disability, no expressive language, very minimal receptive language comprehension, and a wide range of other impairments. He is accurately described a 2 yr old child, trapped in the body of a 33 yr old man. For the purpose of this inquiry, our lived experience with our son is used as an illustration, of the impact, a reduction in NDIS funding, will have on his wellbeing, health and functional capacity. We would appeal to members of this Inquiry to keep in mind, the ‘Authority’ which this parliament has, over the individuals who have no power to speak for themselves. Please exercise this ‘Authority’ cautiously.

Submission:

We submit the following via point form and appeal to the inquiry to adjust amendments which ensure that all PWD, who have no power to speak for themselves, have their rights and funding preserved. .

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 984

Point 4:

‘The Appeal Process’ Focusing on our son, as an example, the proposed amendments will limit access to the ‘NDIS Appeal Process’. For example access to an appeal process when a decision, by either the NDIS or NDIA, reduces funding or denies access to ‘a review of services’, will result in the following.

negate due process.

limit independence and choice and control.

increase risk of being denied essential services.

result in insecurity and anxiety and deny the fulfilment of the goals of individuals.

NOTE; The current appeal process, system within the NDIS, is not perfect, however if appeal access, to an independent advocate system, such as ‘The Tribunal’, would have to be considered, to be discrimination. The concept of ’An ‘Independent Tribunal’ inside the NDIS, is unacceptable.

Point 5

‘Plan Assessment’ Focusing on our son, as an example, the proposed amendments to the ‘Assessment Process’ to determine the need of an individual will inevitably, result in a denial and/or a reduction in services caused by a reduction in allocated funds via plan budgets. Currently a PWD develops a plan based on their individual needs, often with assistance from a person who meets them face to face and knows them well. The new planning process, with the formation of ‘A set of Evaluators’, who have a background in O.T. Dietary, and other therapies, who will complete a ‘Tick Box’ assessment via a phone call, has to be considered to be a questionable method. The results of this ‘I-Can –Version 6’, tick box assessment, would then, via ‘AI’, be used for ‘The Measurement of Functional Capacity’. This will result in reduced levels of funding and poor individual outcomes for PWD because of the following.

lack of individual input gained from direct observations.

it lacks integrity, honest and transparency, which will be hidden behind the ‘Magic of AI’ be unsuitable for individuals who are ‘non-verbal’, ‘intellectually disable’, ‘profoundly autistic’, ‘use devises to communicate’, as well as a wide range of sensory impairments. reduce individual rights. prevent / limit the right to appeal a decision.

Thank you for reading and considering this ‘Submission’. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any issues.

Bruce and Karen Donaldson.