Australia’s NDIS Under Review: Tighter Controls Loom for Disability Support

Annabelle Shaw is a hockey enthusiast enjoying a winning streak, having scored eight goals this season for the Panthers.

“I don’t give up,” she says proudly, adding that she celebrates each goal with a cartwheel.

When not on the pitch, Annabelle enjoys working out at the gym with her friends.

Annabelle may soon face restrictions that could prevent her from continuing to play her favourite sport.

Annabelle, a Year 8 student from Western Australia, has Down syndrome – a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 that results in physical and intellectual disabilities. This qualifies her for funding through the NDIS, Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The NDIS was designed to support Australians with lifelong and severe disabilities, fostering greater independence and improving quality of life.

The scheme introduced a needs-based funding model, giving participants freedom to allocate resources according to their individual requirements. Decisions are driven by disabled Australians and their families.

However, the scheme’s rapid growth and rising costs have become a fiscal challenge. The federal government has introduced proposals to implement tighter controls, aiming to reduce the programme’s size and budget.

Annabelle’s funding supports essential therapies, including speech therapy, and funds a support worker to assist her on the hockey field.

“Annabelle needs someone to break things down,” says mother Gillian Croft. “We need to stand over here,” she explains, noting that at practice sessions with up to 50 girls training simultaneously, Annabelle can disengage if she doesn’t understand her role.

“In fast-paced situations, she may disengage and lose interest because she doesn’t understand what’s required,” Croft adds.

The NDIS Amendment bill cleared the House of Representatives in early July but has been delayed, extending the Senate inquiry timeline. The inquiry’s report is due by August 14, after which the legislation is expected to pass in the Senate.

Participants warn that the proposed changes could have significant consequences.

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