The Disability Sector Brief, August 2026

The big news this month is the Senate Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

The Inquiry allows people with disability, families, providers, and advocacy organisations give evidence and raise concerns before the Bill is debated in Parliament. The Inquiry received 4000 submissions in the first three days and has now been extended until the 14^th of August.

Key concerns raised include:

1. Reduction of NDIS Supports Before Alternatives Exist

2. Increased Ministerial Powers

3. Proposed Funding Cuts

4. Functional Capacity Assessments

5. Tightened Eligibility Rules

6. Automated Decision Making

7. Impact on People with Psychosocial Disability

8. Impact on Regional and Remote Communities

Below you will find a link to the Federal Government’s webpage which explains the changes in more detail: About the changes to the NDIS | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

In the interim the Federal Government has released a report with four recommendations. In summary these are to:

1. Create a roadmap of timelines.

2. Expand “further clarification” on a range of issues raised in the submissions.

3. Ensure State and Territories fulfil their commitments to support the sustainability of the NDIS.

4. Pass the bill in its current form.

People with Disability Australia have released a joint statement calling for no cuts to the NDIS before alternative services are available. You can find a link to this statement below:

Joint Statement Calls for No Cuts Before Alternative Supports - People with Disability Australia

In other news the NDIA are asking for paid volunteers to assist them test the new planning process.  More information about the test and how you could be involved is available here: New way of planning | NDIS

Additionally an important announcement was made in July which may have been missed in all the news about the senate inquiry. There is a new dedicated NDIS support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, representatives, health workers and community organisations. The number to call is 1800 411 640 with a link to further information here: First Nations Connect

As always the ARC team is here to help answer any questions you may have or assist you find more detailed information to better understand the possible impact of the changes for you and your family.

Image credit: <a href="https://storyset.com/people">People illustrations by Storyset</a>