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The Australian Government is seeking to pass its controversial National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reform legislation this week, following the release of the Senate inquiry report into the proposed changes.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 would change NDIS eligibility, how supports are funded and determined, and give the Minister new powers over aspects of the scheme. The Government says the reforms are needed to make the NDIS more sustainable and address fraud and market failures.
The Government has estimated the reforms will deliver $37.8 billion in savings over four years, while tightening eligibility could result in around 160,000 fewer people accessing the scheme.
Minister for the NDIS Jenny McAllister has acknowledged the reforms will mean reduced funding for some participants.
“It is a reduction and we don't deny that it will have impacts on people with disability and their families,” Ms McAllister told ABC’s Insiders.
Appearing on ABC Radio National Breakfast on Monday, Ms McAllister said the Government wanted the legislation passed this week.
I’m confident that there is an agreement to be reached,” “We’d like to get this Bill through the parliament this week.
Jenny McAllister
The Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee has recommended that the Bill be passed, while Greens and crossbench senators have raised concerns about aspects of the legislation, including its potential impact on participants, automated decision-making and social and community participation supports.
The proposed changes have faced significant opposition from disability advocacy and human rights organisations.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has called for the Government to delay the legislation, citing concerns about human rights, consultation and accountability.
Disability Discrimination Commissioner Rosemary Kayess says the Commission recognises the need for NDIS reform, including addressing fraud and market failures, but believes the proposed changes require greater scrutiny.
The NDIS is an important national achievement that has transformed the lives of people with disability in so many ways
Rosemary Kayess
“These things are precious and must be protected.”
Kayess has also raised concerns about new ministerial powers, automated decision-making and reductions to social and community participation supports.
She says there has been “no meaningful involvement and participation of people with disability in the design of the proposed reforms”.
People with Disability Australia Interim President Jarrod Sandell-Hay says the proposed savings will have a direct impact on participants.
These cuts mean smaller lives for people with disability, arguing that concerns raised during the inquiry have not been adequately addressed
Disability Australia Interim President Jarrod Sandell-Hay
Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John has also opposed the legislation, saying the proposed funding changes would place additional pressure on people with disability, families and support workers
Budgets are about choices. Support needs do not disappear when funding does. They are pushed onto disabled people, families, support workers and the broader community
Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John
The Australian Human Rights Commission says Parliament’s own human rights committee has raised concerns that the reforms could significantly interfere with rights including equality and non-discrimination, health, privacy, social security and an adequate standard of living.
The Government has indicated it wants the Bill passed this week.
Powerd Media has contacted Minister McAllister for comment.