FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 July 2025

NDIS Support Lists Are Failing People with Disability, National Survey Finds

A national survey conducted by Every Australian Counts has revealed widespread concern about the federal government’s new approach to determining which supports are “in” and “out” under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). These rigid lists are increasing the complexity of the NDIS, stifling cost-effective practical solutions and are likely contributing to an increase in the cost of disability services.

The survey, completed by more than 500 NDIS participants, family members, advocates, and providers, found that:

• 88.2% of respondents believe the government is not properly assessing the risks these changes pose to people with disability.
  
• Only 3.3% felt confident the risks are being appropriately considered.
  
• 75% of respondents have already experienced problems with the new In and Out rules.
  

The most common issues included:

• Conflicting messages from the NDIA
  
• Loss of flexibility in their plan
  
• Confusion about what’s allowed
  
• Loss of previously funded supports
  
• Risk to health, safety, and wellbeing

The real-world consequences are being felt by participants across Australia. One person explained how critical home automation technology that is now on the “out” list has kept them alive:

“When I fall… I can’t speak, move a finger, turn my head, place my cochlears back on… Without the cameras and working home automation, I would be dead.”

Another participant highlighted how more accessible and affordable assistive communication tools are being denied:

“iPads and communication apps are being dismissed as ‘lifestyle items’ – even though they’re vital for non-verbal communication. We’re forced to buy more expensive devices just to prove it’s a disability-related need.”

Everyday items are also being wrongly excluded, even when they are essential for independence:

“A robot vacuum or Thermomix may seem standard to others, but they are essential tools for people like me. Without them, I can’t manage basic tasks or eat safely.”

Every Australian Counts is calling on the government to urgently rethink the use of rigid support lists and co-design an approach that restores flexibility, recognises the need for individualised solutions, and upholds the human rights and the original intent of choice and control in the NDIS.

Dr George Taleporos, Independent Chair of Every Australian Counts said:

“The message from the disability community is clear: the support lists, as they stand, are causing confusion, restricting choice, and undermining participant outcomes.

“This is not what we asked for when we shared our stories with the NDIS Review,” 

“We need the government to recognise that people with disability are the experts in our own lives, and to uphold the key principles of choice and control that the NDIS was built on.”

Media Contact: 

Dr George Taleporos

0402 842 040