NDIS cuts risk stripping people with disability of essential supports and choice
MEDIA RELEASE
Every Australian Counts has warned that the Federal Budget’s NDIS cuts and changes risk taking essential supports away from people with disability and breaking the promise of choice and control at the heart of the NDIS.
Every Australian Counts Independent Chair Dr George Taleporos said people with disability and our families are deeply concerned that the Budget is being presented as sustainability, while the practical impact are cuts to the supports people rely on every day.
“The NDIS was created so people with disability could live ordinary lives, with the support we need and the right to choose who supports us,” Dr Taleporos said.
“That promise is now at risk”
The budget confirms that from 1 October 2026, budgets for social, civic and community participation and capacity building daily activities will begin to be reset as plans are reassessed or renewed.
Dr Taleporos said these supports are essential.
“Social and community participation supports are essential for people to get out of the house, build relationships, take part in community life, study, volunteer and avoid isolation,” he said.
Every Australian Counts is deeply concerned about the shift away from the key NDIS principles choice and control by forcing participants to use registered providers.
“The most serious abuse is committed by registered providers.”
“What actually keeps people safe is choice and control over our supports, trusted relationships and connection to our community.”
EAC asserts that the Government must commit to a self-directed registration category, as recommended by the NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce.
“People who self manage and self direct our supports, access to unregistered providers is essential. Many people with disability rely on these trusted workers and providers who are flexible, individualised, culturally safe and chosen by us,” Dr Taleporos said.
Every Australian Counts is also concerned about the Budget measure to block fund plan management, support coordination and home and living supports.
“Block funding shifts power away from individual participants and toward government-selected services,” Dr Taleporos said.
“Participants will have less choice about who provides our support. That would undermine our right to choice and control which is fundamental to the promise of our NDIS.
Dr Taleporos called for the Bill to be referred to a Senate committee.
“This legislation must not be rushed,” he said.
“People with disability and our families need to see the detail, understand the consequences and have a genuine opportunity to respond. The future of the NDIS cannot be decided through a fast-tracked political process.”
Every Australian Counts said the NDIS must be safe, fair and sustainable, but sustainability cannot be achieved by cutting essential supports or reducing the rights of people with disability.
“The NDIS promise was simple and essential: people with disability would have the support we need to live our lives, with choice and control,” Dr Taleporos said.
ENDS
Media contact:
Dr George Taleporos
Every Australian Counts Independent Chair
SMS only: 0402 842 040