Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has fiercely criticised the Albanese government's proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), labelling them 'immoral' and warning they represent the most significant cuts to a government program in Australian history.
Speaking in the Senate, Senator Steele-John expressed outrage that the upper house would have only 20 working days—nine of which include parliamentary sittings—to review the legislation. 'These cuts are immoral,' he declared. 'This is not what you were elected to do.'
The senator's remarks come as the government pushes forward with reforms that would require Australians to exhaust 'all appropriate' treatment options before accessing the NDIS. Critics argue the changes will severely limit access to essential support for people with disabilities.
The proposed reforms have sparked a broader debate about the future of the NDIS, with disability advocates warning that rushed legislation could have devastating consequences for vulnerable Australians. The government maintains the changes are necessary to ensure the scheme's long-term sustainability.
Senator Steele-John's intervention highlights growing tensions within the Senate over the pace and scope of the reforms, as stakeholders call for more thorough consultation and debate.
