NDIS changes ‘retrogressive’ and out of step with review, MPs say
Summary
A government committee reviewed the proposed changes to Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and found that the changes could reduce support for over 200,000 participants. The committee said the changes may not align with human rights laws and could limit access to disability services, despite the government’s goal to keep the scheme financially stable.Key Facts
- The NDIS is a $50 billion per year program providing disability support in Australia.
- Proposed changes would introduce a legal test from 2028 to decide who can access the NDIS based on their ability to function.
- Around 241,000 people could lose NDIS access by mid-2031 under this test.
- The government says the changes aim to make the NDIS sustainable and redirect some people to other mainstream services.
- The committee raised concerns about whether alternative services are available and accessible to those removed from the NDIS.
- The changes are considered “retrogressive,” meaning they may reduce human rights protections by limiting support.
- The report said decision-makers would not have to consider individual circumstances, like location or financial ability, when approving treatment.
- Disability ministers from states and territories said they might not be ready to support those leaving the NDIS.
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