WITH more than 140,000 Queenslanders relying on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for essential support, advocates and crossbench MPs are warning the Albanese Government not to proceed with any cuts in the upcoming Federal Budget.
Led by Monique Ryan, a group of independent MPs, including Zali Steggall, Kate Chaney and Nicolette Boele, have raised serious concerns about the direction of proposed reforms, particularly any move to reduce funding or tighten access before alternative supports are fully in place.
The MPs have written to Federal ministers Mark Butler and Jenny McAllister urging the Government to rule out cuts and provide greater transparency around its plans for the scheme.
Since its introduction in 2013, the NDIS has become a cornerstone of support for Australians living with permanent and significant disability.
But with costs rising faster than expected, the Government has flagged the need to rein in spending – a move advocates warn must not come at the expense of those who rely on it.
Dr Ryan said the push to reduce costs risks penalising participants for systemic issues within the scheme itself.
“The most vulnerable in our community shouldn’t be penalised for flaws in its design structure,” she said.
She also criticised the lack of clarity around proposed changes, saying the Government has yet to formally respond to a major independent review completed in 2023.
“The current process is cloaked in secrecy, increasing alarm and anxiety among participants, their families and carers,” she said.
A major concern is the delayed rollout of the “Thriving Kids” program, which is intended to provide foundational supports outside the NDIS.
The program is not due to begin until October and will not be fully operational until 2028 – raising fears children could lose access to existing support before new services are ready.
“There is already real distress in the community because of sudden and significant reductions to NDIS plans, often without clear explanation,” Dr Ryan said.
“Vulnerable children can’t be transitioned out of a working system into one that does not yet exist.”
Ms Steggall said any attempt to balance the budget by cutting disability support would have serious human consequences.
“Disability and complex needs are not budget line items,” she said.
“Every cut to the NDIS affects someone’s life – from a child learning to speak to a family struggling to cope.”
