THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

People relying on the NDIS will be left without access to crucial services or end up in places unable to meet their needs under a planned overhaul, state and territory disability ministers warn. In a damning submission made on the final day of a parliamentary inquiry reviewing the National Disability Insurance Scheme reforms, the ministers took aim at the federal Labor government. They warn limiting the expanding NDIS costs is important, but not at the expense of people's wellbeing. "States and territories are not in a position, and have made no agreement, to deliver like-for-like services to people who are exited from the NDIS," they said. Without broader improvements across the disability support system, there was a significant risk people with disability would end up in hospitals or other inappropriate settings "or have no access to services at all", the ministers said. They said the changes were too interested on cost savings and put the scheme's original intent at risk. "The pace of reform - focused heavily on expenditure constraint, without a clearly defined broader ecosystem and with limited consultation - creates a significant risk of fragmented service delivery," the…

A major report into an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been delayed for a second time, with furious negotiations to pass the changes through federal parliament. The government is seeking a deal with the Greens which would extend an inquiry into the controversial changes in exchange for the minor party's support for an unrelated overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Labor hopes to slash the $56 billion cost of the NDIS by moving hundreds of thousands of participants onto other state-run disability supports that are yet to be developed. A snap parliamentary inquiry into the proposal was scheduled to hand down its report on Tuesday, but had delayed its deadline until Friday. Two sources close to the committee have told AAP the report will not be published until Tuesday. The reason for the delay was unclear, but it adds to questions about the future of the reforms, which state governments, the federal opposition and the Greens have criticised. Disability groups told the probe vulnerable Australians could die under the government's proposal and NDIS providers would find it harder to do business. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John…

A major report into an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been delayed for a second time, with furious negotiations to pass the changes through federal parliament. The government is seeking a deal with the Greens which would extend an inquiry into the controversial changes in exchange for the minor party's support for an unrelated overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Labor hopes to slash the $56 billion cost of the NDIS by moving hundreds of thousands of participants onto other state-run disability supports that are yet to be developed. A snap parliamentary inquiry into the proposal was scheduled to hand down its report on Tuesday, but had delayed its deadline until Friday. Two sources close to the committee have told AAP the report will not be published until Tuesday. The reason for the delay was unclear, but it adds to questions about the future of the reforms, which state governments, the federal opposition and the Greens have criticised. Disability groups told the probe vulnerable Australians could die under the government's proposal and NDIS providers would find it harder to do business. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John…

A major report into an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been delayed for a second time, with furious negotiations to pass the changes through federal parliament. The government is seeking a deal with the Greens which would extend an inquiry into the controversial changes in exchange for the minor party's support for an unrelated overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Labor hopes to slash the $56 billion cost of the NDIS by moving hundreds of thousands of participants onto other state-run disability supports that are yet to be developed. A snap parliamentary inquiry into the proposal was scheduled to hand down its report on Tuesday, but had delayed its deadline until Friday. Two sources close to the committee have told AAP the report will not be published until Tuesday. The reason for the delay was unclear, but it adds to questions about the future of the reforms, which state governments, the federal opposition and the Greens have criticised. Disability groups told the probe vulnerable Australians could die under the government's proposal and NDIS providers would find it harder to do business. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John…

Centacare Queensland's withdrawal from NDIS disability services ... Centacare Queensland’s withdrawal from NDIS disability services highlights urgent need for systemic reform 28 August 2025 The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) has expressed deep concern about the announcement that Centacare Queensland will cease delivering NDIS-funded disability services, impacting around 700 participants and their families, and placing at risk the employment of more than 600 staff. AFDO acknowledges Centacare’s decision follows an independent review that found its current model was not financially sustainable. However, AFDO warns that this development underscores a broader systemic failure in the NDIS, where pricing and funding structures are forcing long-standing providers out of the sector, while others have collapsed suddenly with devastating impacts. Recent examples, such as the collapse of Annecto, have shown the severe consequences when services end abruptly, leaving participants, families and staff without certainty and facing immediate disruption. In contrast, Centacare appears to have taken more appropriate steps by engaging early with participants and families, s…

Disability ministers across the political divide have united to defy the Albanese government’s radical overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, warning draft laws risk “undermining the original intent” of Julia Gillard’s landmark reform. In a joint submission, state and territory disability ministers said there was a “significant risk” that Australians with a disability will be funnelled into hospitals – and that some will languish in ward beds with no access to disability services whatsoever – if Health Minister Mark Butler proceeds with his proposed changes in their current form. “The Commonwealth is moving very rapidly to reform the NDIS,” the ministers wrote. “While elements of the proposed reforms have the potential to deliver improved outcomes, the bill in its current form risks undermining the original intent of the NDIS. The pace of reform – focused heavily on expenditure constraint, without a clearly defined broader ecosystem and with limited consultation – creates a significant risk of fragmented service delivery.” The ministers, from all states and territories, went on to argue they were not in a position – and have made no agreement to deliver – like-fo…

States tell Albanese government that NDIS changes could mean people with disabilities are shifted into hospitals <p>Plan to move 240,000 people off scheme leads states and territories to jointly warn they can’t ‘deliver like-for-like services to people who are exited from the NDIS’</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/jun/11/australia-news-live-labor-coalition-one-nation-anthony-albanese-pauline-hanson-capital-gains-housing-peptides-arthritis-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>State and territory disability ministers have rung alarm bells over the Albanese government’s proposed overhaul of the NDIS, warning they can’t deliver “like-for-like services” for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/28/ndis-document-reveals-241000-disability-participants-cut-in-four-years">more than 200,000 participants</…

Disability ministers across the political divide have united to defy the Albanese government’s radical overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, warning draft laws risk “undermining the original intent” of Julia Gillard’s landmark reform. In a joint submission, state and territory disability ministers said there was a “significant risk” that Australians with a disability will be funnelled into hospitals – and that some will languish in ward beds with no access to disability services whatsoever – if Health Minister Mark Butler proceeds with his proposed changes in their current form. “The Commonwealth is moving very rapidly to reform the NDIS,” the ministers wrote. “While elements of the proposed reforms have the potential to deliver improved outcomes, the bill in its current form risks undermining the original intent of the NDIS. The pace of reform – focused heavily on expenditure constraint, without a clearly defined broader ecosystem and with limited consultation – creates a significant risk of fragmented service delivery.” The ministers, from all states and territories, went on to argue they were not in a position – and have made no agreement to deliver – like-fo…

A major report into an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been delayed for a second time, with furious negotiations to pass the changes through federal parliament. The government is seeking a deal with the Greens which would extend an inquiry into the controversial changes in exchange for the minor party's support for an unrelated overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Labor hopes to slash the $56 billion cost of the NDIS by moving hundreds of thousands of participants onto other state-run disability supports that are yet to be developed. A snap parliamentary inquiry into the proposal was scheduled to hand down its report on Tuesday, but had delayed its deadline until Friday. Two sources close to the committee have told AAP the report will not be published until Tuesday. The reason for the delay was unclear, but it adds to questions about the future of the reforms, which state governments, the federal opposition and the Greens have criticised. Disability groups told the probe vulnerable Australians could die under the government's proposal and NDIS providers would find it harder to do business. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John…

NDIS overhaul criticism: State disability members decry Mark Butler's ... Updated June 11, 2026 — 3:54pm,first published 12:29pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA Disability ministers across the political divide have united to defy the Albanese government’s radical overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, warning draft laws risk “undermining the original intent” of Julia Gillard’s landmark reform. In a joint submission, state and territory disability ministers said there was a “significant risk” that Australians with a disability will be funnelled into hospitals – and that some will languish in ward beds with no access to disability services whatsoever – if Health Minister Mark Butler proceeds with his proposed changes in their current form. Health Minister Mark Butler.Alex Ellinghausen “The Commonwealth is moving very rapidly to reform the NDIS,” the ministers wrote. “While elements of the proposed reforms have the potential to deliver improved outcomes, the bill in its current form risks undermining the original intent of the NDIS. The pace of reform – focused heavily on expenditure constrain…

People relying on the NDIS will be left without access to crucial services or end up in places unable to meet their needs under a planned overhaul, state and territory disability ministers warn. In a damning submission made on the final day of a parliamentary inquiry reviewing the National Disability Insurance Scheme reforms, the ministers took aim at the federal Labor government. They warn limiting the expanding NDIS costs is important, but not at the expense of people's wellbeing. "States and territories are not in a position, and have made no agreement, to deliver like-for-like services to people who are exited from the NDIS," they said. Without broader improvements across the disability support system, there was a significant risk people with disability would end up in hospitals or other inappropriate settings "or have no access to services at all", the ministers said. They said the changes were too interested on cost savings and put the scheme's original intent at risk. "The pace of reform - focused heavily on expenditure constraint, without a clearly defined broader ecosystem and with limited consultation - creates a significant risk of fragmented service delivery," the…

NDIS changes ‘retrogressive’ and out of step with review, MPs say <p>Report by Labor-led joint human rights committee says cuts to the $50bn scheme could limit support for those in need</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Sweeping changes to the NDIS appear “retrogressive” and lack alignment with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/07/ndis-review-costs-national-disability-insurance-scheme-bill-shorten">a landmark independent review</a> to improve the $50bn-a-year scheme, a Labor-led committee has found.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/-/media/Committees/pjchr_ctte/reports/2026/Report_7_of_2026/commentary/r7487/Report_extract-50dc6146-f865-f111-a826-7c1e52636a26.pdf">57-page scrutiny report</a> from the joint human rights committee, released on Friday, examined the proposed changes under the Albanese government ahead of a separate report due next week by a Senate inquiry.<strong> </strong>The…

A controversial overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme appears to be on rocky ground after a snap three-day inquiry, during which almost all witnesses criticised the proposed changes. Government officials have revealed a total of 350,000 people will either be kicked off the scheme or diverted to other programs by 2031, prompting accusations from the opposition the plan is a "cost-shifting" exercise. The federal government hopes to legislate the reforms with the support of the Liberals and Nationals before parliament rises for the winter break on July 2. While opposition NDIS spokeswoman Melissa McIntosh has agreed change is needed, she said advocates, states and territories had raised genuine fears about Labor's proposal. "Throughout the hearings, witnesses have been telling the committee that people will die as a result of these changes. It is our responsibility to listen to their concerns," she said. Under the government's plan, hundreds of thousands of people will lose eligibility for NDIS services and be moved to other state-run supports in a bid to cut $56 billion from the spiralling cost of the scheme. But in a scathing submission on Thursday, the states a…

A major report into an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been delayed for a second time, with furious negotiations to pass the changes through federal parliament. The government is seeking a deal with the Greens which would extend an inquiry into the controversial changes in exchange for the minor party's support for an unrelated overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Labor hopes to slash the $56 billion cost of the NDIS by moving hundreds of thousands of participants onto other state-run disability supports that are yet to be developed. A snap parliamentary inquiry into the proposal was scheduled to hand down its report on Tuesday, but had delayed its deadline until Friday. Two sources close to the committee have told AAP the report will not be published until Tuesday. The reason for the delay was unclear, but it adds to questions about the future of the reforms, which state governments, the federal opposition and the Greens have criticised. Disability groups told the probe vulnerable Australians could die under the government's proposal and NDIS providers would find it harder to do business. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John…

How people are assessed for the NDIS is changing ... - The Conversation andreswd/Getty Images The government has announced a new tool to assess the needs of people with disability for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Instead of a having to gather and submit medical reports, new applicants and existing participants being reassessed will have an interview with an National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) assessor. The government says the new process will make support planning simpler, fairer and more accessible. But last week’s announcement has left important questions unanswered. Most notably, how will the outcome of these assessments determine the level of support someone gets? And what evidence will be used in place of doctors’ reports? With minimal consultation so far and little transparency, confidence in the new system is already low. What’s changing? The independent NDIS review reported to the federal government in December 2023 and recommended a raft of reforms. It found current processes for assessing people for the NDIS supports are unfair and inefficient. Gathering evidence from treating doctors and allied health professionals can be time-consuming, due …

NDIS announcement, Mark Butler National Press Club speech - Nine shares Share article The government will drastically slash the cost of running the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by billions of dollars over the next four years after the program became inundated by "fraudsters". Health Minister Mark Butler delivered the sweeping changes in a National Press Club Address today ahead of the federal budget and said the $15 billion blow to the NDIS will ensure it is no longer "an ATM for shonks, grifters, fraudsters and crooks". Describing the changes as "hard but unavoidable" decisions, Butler said the scheme will be redesigned to stop providers from rorting the system and reassess eligibility to reduce the spiralling number of people on the scheme. Advertisement LIVE UPDATES: Trump says he will extend ceasefire Mark Butler announced sweeping reforms to the NDIS in a National Press Club address in Canberra. Alex Ellinghausen READ MORE: Neil wants pokies machines to play 'losing sounds'. Here's why "The NDIS was originally intended to support around 410,000 people with a disability. Today, there are 760,000 people on the scheme," Butler said. "While new eligibility rules ne…

A major report into an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been delayed for a second time, with furious negotiations to pass the changes through federal parliament. The government is seeking a deal with the Greens which would extend an inquiry into the controversial changes in exchange for the minor party's support for an unrelated overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Labor hopes to slash the $56 billion cost of the NDIS by moving hundreds of thousands of participants onto other state-run disability supports that are yet to be developed. A snap parliamentary inquiry into the proposal was scheduled to hand down its report on Tuesday, but had delayed its deadline until Friday. Two sources close to the committee have told AAP the report will not be published until Tuesday. The reason for the delay was unclear, but it adds to questions about the future of the reforms, which state governments, the federal opposition and the Greens have criticised. Disability groups told the probe vulnerable Australians could die under the government's proposal and NDIS providers would find it harder to do business. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John…

NDIS overhaul criticism: State disability members decry Mark Butler's ... Disability ministers across the political divide are uniting to defy the Albanese government’s radical overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, with all states and territories warning draft laws risk “undermining the original intent” of Julia Gillard’s landmark reform. In a joint submission, state and territory disability ministers said there was a “significant risk” that Australians with a disability will be funnelled into state-funded hospitals – and that some will languish in ward beds with no access to disability services whatsoever – if federal Health Minister Mark Butler presses ahead with his plans. The government forecasts that 350,000 people will either exit the NDIS or be diverted from the scheme, after changes designed to cut spending by $38 billion over four years. However, Health Department officials conceded to a parliamentary inquiry on Thursday that the government had not calculated how many people in each state would be affected. Independent Senator David Pocock asked how senators, and state governments, could be expected to endorse the proposed changes when they did not kno…

Tightened eligibility and cuts to plans: what the NDIS changes mean … SolStock/Getty Images In sweeping reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) announced today, the government will cut 160,000 participants from the scheme over the next four years and reduce funding for the average plan by A$5,000 in the next two years. Speaking at the National Press Club today, NDIS Minister Mark Butler argued the scheme “costs too much and is growing too fast”. He claimed the NDIS was losing its social licence, with six in ten Australians believing the scheme was “broken”. Without significant changes, he argued, the NDIS “will not be able to deliver what Australians with disability deserve”. Instead, he wants to return the NDIS to its original intent and improve the scheme’s financial sustainability. So what are these changes? And what might they mean for NDIS participants and their families? Read more: NDIS slashed and higher health insurance subsidy for over-65s scrapped, in Health Minister Butler’s package What changes will be made? The government’s plan to secure the NDIS will have four pillars: fighting fraud and stopping rorts slowing rapid cost increases clearer eligibil…

A major report into an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been delayed for a second time, with furious negotiations to pass the changes through federal parliament. The government is seeking a deal with the Greens which would extend an inquiry into the controversial changes in exchange for the minor party's support for an unrelated overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Labor hopes to slash the $56 billion cost of the NDIS by moving hundreds of thousands of participants onto other state-run disability supports that are yet to be developed. A snap parliamentary inquiry into the proposal was scheduled to hand down its report on Tuesday, but had delayed its deadline until Friday. Two sources close to the committee have told AAP the report will not be published until Tuesday. The reason for the delay was unclear, but it adds to questions about the future of the reforms, which state governments, the federal opposition and the Greens have criticised. Disability groups told the probe vulnerable Australians could die under the government's proposal and NDIS providers would find it harder to do business. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John…

A major report into an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been delayed for a second time, with furious negotiations to pass the changes through federal parliament. The government is seeking a deal with the Greens which would extend an inquiry into the controversial changes in exchange for the minor party's support for an unrelated overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Labor hopes to slash the $56 billion cost of the NDIS by moving hundreds of thousands of participants onto other state-run disability supports that are yet to be developed. A snap parliamentary inquiry into the proposal was scheduled to hand down its report on Tuesday, but had delayed its deadline until Friday. Two sources close to the committee have told AAP the report will not be published until Tuesday. The reason for the delay was unclear, but it adds to questions about the future of the reforms, which state governments, the federal opposition and the Greens have criticised. Disability groups told the probe vulnerable Australians could die under the government's proposal and NDIS providers would find it harder to do business. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John…

A major report into an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been delayed for a second time, with furious negotiations to pass the changes through federal parliament. The government is seeking a deal with the Greens which would extend an inquiry into the controversial changes in exchange for the minor party's support for an unrelated overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Labor hopes to slash the $56 billion cost of the NDIS by moving hundreds of thousands of participants onto other state-run disability supports that are yet to be developed. A snap parliamentary inquiry into the proposal was scheduled to hand down its report on Tuesday, but had delayed its deadline until Friday. Two sources close to the committee have told AAP the report will not be published until Tuesday. The reason for the delay was unclear, but it adds to questions about the future of the reforms, which state governments, the federal opposition and the Greens have criticised. Disability groups told the probe vulnerable Australians could die under the government's proposal and NDIS providers would find it harder to do business. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John…

People relying on the NDIS will be left without access to crucial services or end up in places unable to meet their needs under a planned overhaul, state and territory disability ministers warn. In a damning submission made on the final day of a parliamentary inquiry reviewing the National Disability Insurance Scheme reforms, the ministers took aim at the federal Labor government. They warn limiting the expanding NDIS costs is important, but not at the expense of people's wellbeing. "States and territories are not in a position, and have made no agreement, to deliver like-for-like services to people who are exited from the NDIS," they said. Without broader improvements across the disability support system, there was a significant risk people with disability would end up in hospitals or other inappropriate settings "or have no access to services at all", the ministers said. They said the changes were too interested on cost savings and put the scheme's original intent at risk. "The pace of reform - focused heavily on expenditure constraint, without a clearly defined broader ecosystem and with limited consultation - creates a significant risk of fragmented service delivery," the…

Huge NDIS 'reset' will cut off 160000 people from support - The Nightly Mark Butler details huge NDIS ‘reset’ that will cut off 160,000 people from receiving support by 2030 About 160,000 people receiving support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme will lose it by 2030, under a major reset of the runaway taxpayer-funded program. Katina Curtis The Nightly 5 Min Read 22 Apr 2026 Updated 23 Apr 2026 Comments Play Video NEWS WORTHY: "Thousands to lose NDIS access amid changes to scheme" with Ben O'Shea Federal Politics Editor Katina Curtis explains why thousands of Aussies are set to lose NDIS access after cost blowouts prompt major changes to the scheme. About 160,000 people receiving support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme will lose it by 2030, under a major reset of the massive taxpayer-funded program. Health Minister Mark Butler detailed an overhaul of the NDIS that means it will still grow in dollar terms each year, but at a rate lower than inflation in the immediate future. A dramatic shift in community sentiment about the NDIS — with seven in 10 people saying it had grown too large and struggled with dodgy providers, and six in 10 saying it was broken — …

People relying on the NDIS will be left without access to crucial services or end up in places unable to meet their needs under a planned overhaul, state and territory disability ministers warn. In a damning submission made on the final day of a parliamentary inquiry reviewing the National Disability Insurance Scheme reforms, the ministers took aim at the federal Labor government. They warn limiting the expanding NDIS costs is important, but not at the expense of people's wellbeing. "States and territories are not in a position, and have made no agreement, to deliver like-for-like services to people who are exited from the NDIS," they said. Without broader improvements across the disability support system, there was a significant risk people with disability would end up in hospitals or other inappropriate settings "or have no access to services at all", the ministers said. They said the changes were too interested on cost savings and put the scheme's original intent at risk. "The pace of reform - focused heavily on expenditure constraint, without a clearly defined broader ecosystem and with limited consultation - creates a significant risk of fragmented service delivery," the…

A major report into an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been delayed for a second time, with furious negotiations to pass the changes through federal parliament. The government is seeking a deal with the Greens which would extend an inquiry into the controversial changes in exchange for the minor party's support for an unrelated overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Labor hopes to slash the $56 billion cost of the NDIS by moving hundreds of thousands of participants onto other state-run disability supports that are yet to be developed. A snap parliamentary inquiry into the proposal was scheduled to hand down its report on Tuesday, but had delayed its deadline until Friday. Two sources close to the committee have told AAP the report will not be published until Tuesday. The reason for the delay was unclear, but it adds to questions about the future of the reforms, which state governments, the federal opposition and the Greens have criticised. Disability groups told the probe vulnerable Australians could die under the government's proposal and NDIS providers would find it harder to do business. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John…

NDIS overhaul will ‘harm’ Australians with disabilities, government’s own committee warns <p>Reform advisory committee says changes will undermine scheme’s original intentions and give unprecedented power to the health minister</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/jun/03/politics-live-australia-aukus-submarines-pauline-hanson-anthony-albanese-angus-taylor-question-time-senate-estimates-labor-one-nation-coaliton-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>The national disability insurance scheme’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/15/budget-ndis-cuts-funding-gap-changes-strict-criteria">proposed overhaul</a> will cause “material harm” to Australians with disabilities, undermine its original intentions and hand unprecedented power to the health minister, the federal government’s own reform advisory committee warn…

Disability ministers across the political divide have united to defy the Albanese government’s radical overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, warning draft laws risk “undermining the original intent” of Julia Gillard’s landmark reform. In a joint submission, state and territory disability ministers said there was a “significant risk” that Australians with a disability will be funnelled into hospitals – and that some will languish in ward beds with no access to disability services whatsoever – if Health Minister Mark Butler proceeds with his proposed changes in their current form. “The Commonwealth is moving very rapidly to reform the NDIS,” the ministers wrote. “While elements of the proposed reforms have the potential to deliver improved outcomes, the bill in its current form risks undermining the original intent of the NDIS. The pace of reform – focused heavily on expenditure constraint, without a clearly defined broader ecosystem and with limited consultation – creates a significant risk of fragmented service delivery.” The ministers, from all states and territories, went on to argue they were not in a position – and have made no agreement to deliver – like-fo…

What we know about the NDIS cuts, and what they'll mean for people with ... The latest National Disability Insurance Scheme’s (NDIS) quarterly report [1] shows the average plan size per participant fell 4% between 2020 and 2021. This confirms what many disability advocates have been warning about for some time: that the government is seeking to rein in costs of the NDIS by reducing individual plans. While 4% does not sound a lot, the impact is being felt more by some groups, and some future changes mean care funding may get worse in the future. Read more: Explainer: how much does the NDIS cost and where does this money come from? [2] Making the NDIS sustainable For some time, the government has been warning the NDIS is financially unsustainable [3] , with predictions spending on the NDIS could grow to A$40.7 billion [4] in 2024–25. This figure is more than $8.8 billion above what the government estimated the NDIS would cost annually. There have been criticisms [5] , by disability advocates and also Labour opposition, of these estimates of a cost blowout, so at the end of last year the government commissioned a review of these predictions, known as the Taylor Francis [6] report. Th…

People relying on the NDIS will be left without access to crucial services or end up in places unable to meet their needs under a planned overhaul, state and territory disability ministers warn. In a damning submission made on the final day of a parliamentary inquiry reviewing the National Disability Insurance Scheme reforms, the ministers took aim at the federal Labor government. They warn limiting the expanding NDIS costs is important, but not at the expense of people's wellbeing. "States and territories are not in a position, and have made no agreement, to deliver like-for-like services to people who are exited from the NDIS," they said. Without broader improvements across the disability support system, there was a significant risk people with disability would end up in hospitals or other inappropriate settings "or have no access to services at all", the ministers said. They said the changes were too interested on cost savings and put the scheme's original intent at risk. "The pace of reform - focused heavily on expenditure constraint, without a clearly defined broader ecosystem and with limited consultation - creates a significant risk of fragmented service delivery," the…

A major report into an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been delayed for a second time, with furious negotiations to pass the changes through federal parliament. The government is seeking a deal with the Greens which would extend an inquiry into the controversial changes in exchange for the minor party's support for an unrelated overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Labor hopes to slash the $56 billion cost of the NDIS by moving hundreds of thousands of participants onto other state-run disability supports that are yet to be developed. A snap parliamentary inquiry into the proposal was scheduled to hand down its report on Tuesday, but had delayed its deadline until Friday. Two sources close to the committee have told AAP the report will not be published until Tuesday. The reason for the delay was unclear, but it adds to questions about the future of the reforms, which state governments, the federal opposition and the Greens have criticised. Disability groups told the probe vulnerable Australians could die under the government's proposal and NDIS providers would find it harder to do business. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John…

A major report into an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been delayed for a second time, with furious negotiations to pass the changes through federal parliament. The government is seeking a deal with the Greens which would extend an inquiry into the controversial changes in exchange for the minor party's support for an unrelated overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Labor hopes to slash the $56 billion cost of the NDIS by moving hundreds of thousands of participants onto other state-run disability supports that are yet to be developed. A snap parliamentary inquiry into the proposal was scheduled to hand down its report on Tuesday, but had delayed its deadline until Friday. Two sources close to the committee have told AAP the report will not be published until Tuesday. The reason for the delay was unclear, but it adds to questions about the future of the reforms, which state governments, the federal opposition and the Greens have criticised. Disability groups told the probe vulnerable Australians could die under the government's proposal and NDIS providers would find it harder to do business. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John…

NDIS Changes 2026: What They Mean for You & Your Support Plan Your straightforward guide to what’s changing and when. If you’ve seen the headlines about the NDIS this week, you might be feeling a little anxious, and that’s completely understandable. We’ve read through everything so you don’t have to. Here’s what was actually announced, what it means for you, and what happens next. The Australian Government has announced a significant package of NDIS reforms as part of the Federal Budget, aimed at making the Scheme more sustainable and cracking down on fraud. Many changes are years away, and the government has committed to consulting the disability community throughout. Changes to your support budget Funding for social and community participation (group activities, community programmes, supported outings) will be reset. The average participant spend in this category will come down from around $31,000 to $26,000 over the next two years, returning to roughly 2023 levels. These adjustments roll out progressively from 1 October 2026. The government has confirmed these changes will not affect supports essential to critical care and daily living needs. To rebuild genuine community opport…

NDIS reforms raise key implications for psychosocial supports Back to News The Federal Government has announced a significant reset of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), with wide-ranging changes expected to reshape access, supports and system design over the coming years. These reforms signal a shift not only in how the Scheme operates, but in how people with disability, including those with psychosocial disability, engage with support systems more broadly. In an address to the National Press Club on 22 April 2026, Minister for Health, Ageing, Disability and the NDIS, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, outlined a major reform package for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). See our Media Release:No exit without a safety net The NDIS reforms will be delivered through four pillars: The Australian Government has provided a factsheet,Securing the NDIS for future generations, which provides information on changes and timeframes. 1.Returning the NDIS to its original intent – to support people with permanent and significant disability through a new functional-capacity model.• The functional-capacity model will be based on assessing a significant reduction in a pers…

Disability ministers across the political divide have united to defy the Albanese government’s radical overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, warning draft laws risk “undermining the original intent” of Julia Gillard’s landmark reform. In a joint submission, state and territory disability ministers said there was a “significant risk” that Australians with a disability will be funnelled into hospitals – and that some will languish in ward beds with no access to disability services whatsoever – if Health Minister Mark Butler proceeds with his proposed changes in their current form. “The Commonwealth is moving very rapidly to reform the NDIS,” the ministers wrote. “While elements of the proposed reforms have the potential to deliver improved outcomes, the bill in its current form risks undermining the original intent of the NDIS. The pace of reform – focused heavily on expenditure constraint, without a clearly defined broader ecosystem and with limited consultation – creates a significant risk of fragmented service delivery.” The ministers, from all states and territories, went on to argue they were not in a position – and have made no agreement to deliver – like-fo…

A major report into an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been delayed for a second time, with furious negotiations to pass the changes through federal parliament. The government is seeking a deal with the Greens which would extend an inquiry into the controversial changes in exchange for the minor party's support for an unrelated overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. Labor hopes to slash the $56 billion cost of the NDIS by moving hundreds of thousands of participants onto other state-run disability supports that are yet to be developed. A snap parliamentary inquiry into the proposal was scheduled to hand down its report on Tuesday, but had delayed its deadline until Friday. Two sources close to the committee have told AAP the report will not be published until Tuesday. The reason for the delay was unclear, but it adds to questions about the future of the reforms, which state governments, the federal opposition and the Greens have criticised. Disability groups told the probe vulnerable Australians could die under the government's proposal and NDIS providers would find it harder to do business. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John…