Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Committee

Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Future Planning and Supports) Bill 2026

to the Committee,

i am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and the potential impact these reforms may have on people with disability, families, carers, and support networks across Australia.

While I understand the need for accountability and sustainability within the NDIS, i do not believe these proposed changes adequately protect vulnerable Australians who rely on the scheme for their daily safety, dignity, independence, and survival.

i am particularly concerned about:

• The potential reduction or cap on supports without proper individual assessment
• Increased ministerial powers to change supports and funding categories without sufficient Parliamentary oversight
• The risk of participants losing essential supports through automatic plan renewals or reassessments
• The uncertainty surrounding ‘foundational’ supports that do not yet exist while people lose existing supports now
• The narrowing of eligibility requirements and functional support definitions
• Too much emphasis placed upon high intensity clients - those living complex disabilities – already under immense pressure
• The growing fear, instability, and emotional distress currently being experienced throughout the disability community

For many australians with disability, ndis supports are not luxuries. They are essential supports that allow people to remain safe in their homes, avoid hospitalisation, participate in the community, and maintain basic quality of life.

i am deeply concerned that reforms focused primarily on cost reduction may unintentionally create greater long term costs through increased hospital admissions, homelessness, family breakdown, carer burnout, and institutionalization.

i respectfully ask the Committee and Parliament to:

• Pause and properly review the proposed legislation
• Consult directly with people with disability, carers, support workers, allied health professionals, and advocacy groups
• Ensure transparency, procedural fairness, and human rights protections remain central to any reform process
• Protect participant choice and control
• Ensure no participant loses essential supports before alternative systems are fully operational and proven effective

the NDIS was created to support inclusion, dignity, safety, and participation for Australians with disability. Any reform to the scheme must preserve these principles.

i urge the committee to carefully consider the lived experiences of participants and families before proceeding with changes that may have irreversible consequences.

thank you for considering this submission.

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