The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) has warned that proposed reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) risk leaving people with disability worse off if not carefully designed and implemented.
AFDO CEO Ross Joyce said reform must prioritise outcomes for people with disability, not simply deliver budget savings or internal expenditure shifts.
“The purpose of the NDIS is to support people with disability to live ordinary lives, with dignity, independence and participation in the community. If reform is driven primarily by cost control, we risk undermining that purpose,” Mr Joyce said.
AFDO is particularly concerned about the risk of people losing support without accessible, funded and agreed alternatives in place, especially as governments seek to shift participants into mainstream and foundational services.
“These decisions have real impacts on real people. When supports are reduced or removed, it affects whether someone can work, study, maintain their health or simply get through the day,” Mr Joyce said.
“Australia cannot afford a system where people are found ineligible for the NDIS but cannot access support anywhere else.”
“These risks are most acute for people with psychosocial disability and those with complex and lifelong needs, who already face significant gaps in mainstream systems.”
AFDO is also concerned about the impact on children, including those with autism and developmental delay, as reforms shift toward early and foundational supports.
“Early support is critical, but families must not lose access to the help they rely on before alternative systems are fully funded and in place,” Mr Joyce said.
AFDO Chair Grant Lindsay said: “reform must be accompanied by clear investment in health, mental health, education and community services to prevent cost shifting and service gaps.”
“Reform will only succeed if it is matched by strong, accessible mainstream systems. Otherwise we simply move pressure from one part of the system to another,” the Chair said.
The Chair also emphasised that people with disability must play a central role in shaping the changes.
“People with disability are not just stakeholders. We must be partners in designing reforms that affect our lives.”
AFDO supports action to address fraud and poor provider practices but cautions against broad measures that reduce access to necessary supports.
With growing uncertainty across the disability community, AFDO is calling for clear transition arrangements and guarantees that no one will lose support before alternatives are in place.
AFDO reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively with government, as long as that is genuine engagement, stating that the success of reform must ultimately be measured by whether it improves the lives of people with disability.
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ross Joyce, CEO – AFDO
mobile: 0402 842 040 (text preferred to connect) or email: ceo@afdo.org.au
Click here for details on the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) and our member organisations.
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