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Many in the disability community are fearful of losing disability support due to the controversial National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill, according to advocates.
During the committee hearings last week, PWDA Policy Officer, Clara Pirani, explained that many people with disability are experiencing significant fear and anxiety about the proposed reforms, which she argued is due to a lack of trust in government.
"The level of fear in the community is just incredible. A lot of it is coming from a lack of trust in the government. That is exacerbated…with this incredibly significant bill, which will change almost every element of the NDIS, and yet there was no consultation…people in the community are so afraid. They don’t feel heard,”
Ms Pirani claims.
The warning comes as NDIS Minister, Mark Butler, appeared on ABC AM Radio recently, claiming that despite the hundreds of submissions and consultations during the hearings, the government is still pushing ahead with the NDIS Bill reforms.
“This inquiry was a really important opportunity to engage with the community…But, look, at the end of the day…the Senate will decide when this report is delivered. We think the legislation is ready to be debated in the coming fortnight.”
Ashleigh Clarke survived a major fall in 2018 which left her with permanent physical disability and significant mobility challenges. She says the NDIS has been a vital aspect to maintaining her independence, crediting the Scheme for providing her with support workers and the physical assistance required to safely care for her young daughter.
"I wouldn't have been able to become a mum with my disability and…look after my child without NDIS support. It's my main goal to help my child, to raise her well."
However, Ms Clarke is concerned potential funding cuts could reduce community access, leading to social isolation for both her and her child.
"It's very important that she doesn't become isolated because I'm disabled.[we] won’t be able to go out of the house to connect with the community... it's not only affecting me negatively, but it's affecting my daughter and she doesn't deserve that,” she says
“We don't want it to be a situation where I'm not supported, so she ends up being in foster care. That would be worse and a lot more pain for everyone. We still deserve to be supported to be a family and stay a family.”
In Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia’s (A4) submission to the inquiry, the advocacy organisation made the claim that the government opposes Tribunal decisions based on extensive evidence that intensive supports for autistic children are reasonable and necessary.
"The government prefers that NDIS delegates with little or no scientific knowledge... can make binding decisions that deny children they have never met essential supports,” it reads.
Every Australian Counts, agrees, outlining in its submission that NDIS reform must strengthen participant outcomes and rights, not increase uncertainty which shifts the risk onto people with disability and their families.
“What is being proposed in this Bill is not reform, is taking Australia backwards to a cruel and rationed system,” it reads.
Meanwhile PWDA Acting CEO, Megan Spindler-Smith, says one of the deepest concerns across the disability community is the increased likelihood of preventable harm caused by the withdrawal of support should the Bill pass in its current form.
“When support is withdrawn, the need does not disappear and neither do the cost,” Mx Spindler-Smith says.
“In its current form, the bill represents the most significant restructure of the NDIS since its inception. Yet these reforms are being advanced without the transparent evidence base needed to properly understand their broader economic and social consequences.”
However, NDIS Minister Mark Butler claims that the proposed changes to the Bill reflects on three years of work since the independent NDIS Review in 2023 and is endorsed by “all governments at the National Cabinet.”
“I'm absolutely convinced the plan I announced…is the right plan for the NDIS,” Mr Butler says.
Powerd will keep you updated on this story as it unfolds.