Introduction

Deaf Australia will comment on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 in this Inquiry. This Inquiry has arisen following the Government’s introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 (the Bill), which the Senate referred to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee on 14 May 2026 for inquiry and report. This Bill follows an announcement by Minister Butler MP, Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, on 22 April 2026 at the National Press Club, during which he announced a number of proposed changes and cuts to the NDIS. We will highlight some very important issues about this Bill which must be considered, as they could have a significant impact on people who are d/Deaf, Deafblind or hard of hearing, along with carers and families.

Executive Summary

Deaf Australia’s position is that this Bill creates an unacceptable level of risk to d/Deaf, Deafblind, hard of hearing people along with their carers and families and the wider Deaf community. The Bill should be withdrawn. Deaf Australia acknowledges there is a need for reform of the National Disability Insurance Scheme however this must involve Deaf people in meaningful and democratic consultation. The Government should co-design and consult with Deaf communities, families, carers, First Nations communities, providers, workers, advocates, states and territories and Disability Representative Organisations to design the reform and to implement it with success.