Australians relying on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) have raised concerns about suddenly being cut off after the Albanese government revealed 160,000 participants would be removed from the scheme. NDIS Minister Mark Butler unveiled sweeping changes last week, including tightening eligibility rules, slashing spending, reducing third-party management costs, and introducing new provider standards.
Participants Voice Fears
People living with disabilities have expressed fears they could be among those dumped from the scheme, warning it will reduce their quality of life. Tessa, who lives with autism and psychosocial disability, said the NDIS makes her independence possible. "Because of the NDIS, I can work three days a week and maintain employment," she said. "I can stay out of hospital and live independently." She warned that without the NDIS, she would "not be well" and would "not be able to go to work."
Single mother Kymberly Moss said she is "terrified" for her two daughters with level two autism and additional diagnoses. "People see them functioning in public, but they don't see the meltdowns and aggression at home," she said. "When you cut 160,000 people from the scheme, they don't just stop being disabled."
Provider Concerns
Disability advocate Fardell warned that slashing social and community participation funding would "have a definite impact on participants." She said forcing all providers to register would be the most disruptive change. "Four out of five providers are unregistered sole traders, and this is a huge impact on our industry," she said. "There is a lot of anxiety and panic, but we will deal with this and get through it together."
Minister Defends Reforms
Speaking to Sky News on Sunday, Butler said the government is finally taking financial control of the NDIS, with new laws due to be introduced to Parliament in May. Host Andrew Clennell repeatedly challenged Butler to admit whether the reforms would force more families to pay for services out of their own pockets. Butler responded: "That first tranche of changes that will take effect immediately really is about curtailing out-of-control growth. It's not reducing the scheme size, which is currently over $50 billion, the largest social programme we have outside the age pension."
When pressed further, Butler argued the outcome depended on the type of support required. "If people are not going to be on the NDIS because they're not severely and permanently disabled, there obviously have to be government-funded supports in place for them," he said. Clennell hit back a third time, saying he was "struggling" to get Butler to admit what he believed was the truth. Butler responded: "I don't necessarily accept that. There will be supports available where families live, learn and play, and they are going to be government-funded services."
