Government admits NDIS reforms will impact families, downplays fears over state readiness

The government has admitted that contentious National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reforms will affect families, despite downplaying concerns over state readiness. A Senate inquiry recommended that the reforms be passed without significant alterations, which would cut $37.8 billion from the NDIS over four years and eliminate 160,000 participants.

NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister expressed hope and confidence that a deal with the coalition to pass the changes could be reached. Opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston called for a strengthened fraud response within the disability insurance agency. Twelve disability advocacy organizations stated that the reforms should not pass in their current form, emphasizing that they must ensure people are not diverted from or lose NDIS supports unless alternative supports are ready.

Queensland has resisted the Thriving Kids program, a key component of federal plans to cut NDIS costs, arguing it lacks detail and is a cost-shifting exercise. Despite the conflict, the government remains confident that people with disabilities will not be left without necessary support by the 2028 deadline.