The NDIS Bill has passed through both Houses of Parliament and is set to become law after receiving Royal Assent from the Governor-General. Royal assent is the stage where the Governor General signs off on a bill and it then becomes the law.

We understand the deep concern and uncertainty that many in our community are feeling.

It’s important to acknowledge these feelings; you are not alone. Thousands of people with disabilities and our families across the country share these emotions. During this time, please remember to reach out for support and know that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Help is available by contacting Lifeline.

Our community has demonstrated incredible strength and resilience throughout this process. Your advocacy has brought much-needed scrutiny

to this legislation, resulting in amendments that may not have occurred without your efforts. Every email, phone call, and meeting with decision- makers made a difference. Thank you for speaking up and making your voices heard.

As the government moves forward with implementing these changes, we urge them to uphold their commitment to co-design. People with disabilities are the experts in our own lives, and it is essential that we remain central to the development of NDIS rules.

Senate Vote Summary

The Bill passed with 39 votes in favour and 12 against, 2 abstained (Senators Reynolds and Kovacic), and 23 were not present for the vote, out of a total of 76 Senators. Support for the legislation came primarily from the Australian Labor Party, One Nation and the Liberal Party. There was strong opposition from the Australian Greens.

What’s Next?

28 days after Royal Assent, the changes to the NDIS legislation will take effect. This includes Section 10 and the lists of what participants can and cannot claim from our NDIS plans. Submissions on the draft lists of NDIS Supports close on Sunday 25th August at 5PM AEST, so make sure you have your say! In case you missed it, check out the podcast on the draft lists: https://youtu.be/7Z6DEePDhCE?si=Y-c6_fVdIfRoNg_5

Make your voice heard on the Lists

The consultation on the draft lists of NDIS Supports closes on Sunday 25th August. The Department of Social Services is processing submissions and survey responses as they are received, and will report back on the outcomes following the closing date.

Make sure to tell DSS about any concerns you have with the lists.

EAC is lodging a submission based on what we have heard from you, our supporters, and we will put this up on our website as soon as possible.

Along with other disability organisations and in line with what you told us at our recent forum, EAC strongly opposes the introduction of restrictive support lists. The lists undermine the NDIS’s core principles by limiting participants’ ability to tailor supports to their unique needs, thereby reducing choice and control, preventing innovation, increasing segregation and overall costs.

Have your say on the draft NDIS Supports lists

at: https://engage.dss.gov.au/consultation-on-draft-lists-of-ndis-supports/

Stay tuned for more details on the changes …

We know that you want to know the details on what all these changes will mean for you and the people you care about. So we will work hard to

find out the details for our community and will bring you our insights as soon as we can. Take care everyone.