What disability advocates are saying about the NDIS reform bill 2026

The Senate inquiry into the NDIS Amendment Bill 2026 received more than 4,500 submissions, the vast majority opposing the bill. Disability advocacy organisations — some of which were central to establishing the NDIS in the first place — have been among the most vocal critics. This article sets out what they are saying and why, with links to the original statements and sources.

People with Disability Australia (PWDA)

PWDA is Australia's national cross-disability peak body. As reported by Green Left, PWDA CEO Megan Spindler-Smith condemned the Senate committee's recommendation that the bill be passed. She said the disability community had made clear the consequences of the bill passing, describing how participants who lose support face reduced work hours, inability to engage in their community, seeing friends less, increased reliance on family and loss of independence. She referenced the Disability Royal Commission, saying the harm it documented is not a distant memory.

PWDA has also raised specific concerns about automated decision-making in the bill — one protection was secured through the House amendments requiring that any automated decision be reviewable by a human, though advocates say more protections are needed.

Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA)

As reported across Australian Community Media mastheads, DANA warned the legislation risks causing foreseeable harm to people with disability. The organisation's position is that it supports genuine, well-sequenced reform that creates a sustainable NDIS while ensuring that no person with disability loses access. It does not believe the current bill meets that test.

Every Australian Counts

Every Australian Counts was the campaign that drove the establishment of the NDIS. As reported by Green Left, the organisation called on the Senate not to support the bill in its current form, listing significant concerns including participants' funding being set below assessed need, increased reliance on unpaid carers, automated decision-making, and expanded ministerial powers to reduce funding.

The Australian Human Rights Commission

Rosemary Kayess, Disability Discrimination Commissioner with the Australian Human Rights Commission, also opposed the bill in its current form, as reported during the inquiry. The Commission's concerns centred on the shift away from a rights-based framework and the risk that people with disability will face barriers to accessing the supports they need.

The Greens

The Greens issued a dissenting report and have pledged to vote against the bill. As reported by Honi Soit, Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John wrote that if the bill passes parliament it will be devastating to the lives of disabled people and their families, and called on the crossbench and the opposition to join them in opposing it. The Greens also highlighted the contribution of disability students in tertiary education who warned the bill would prevent an entire cohort of thinkers from participating fully in society.

The joint statement of 12 organisations

As reported by Australian Community Media, 12 disability advocacy organisations issued a joint statement saying the reforms cannot pass parliament in their current form. The statement called for guarantees that people will not be diverted from or lose NDIS supports unless alternative supports are funded, operational, accessible and available in practice.

The government's position

The government argues the reforms are necessary to put the NDIS on a sustainable footing. NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister has said a deal with the Coalition to pass the bill is close, and has downplayed concerns that state-based disability supports will not be ready to fill any gaps. SBS News reports that the government has admitted the reforms will impact families. The Senate inquiry committee — with a Labor majority — recommended the bill be passed without substantial alteration.

What you can do

The bill has not yet passed into law. If you want to make your voice heard, you can contact your Senator directly. If you are a participant worried about your plan, get independent advice before your next plan review — our guide on preparing for a plan reassessment sets out practical steps. If you are an advocate or organisation, the Senate crossbench remains the pressure point.

This article is general information dated 16 August 2026. It presents the views of third-party organisations as reported in public sources. Juste is not affiliated with any advocacy organisation or political party. For official information visit ndis.gov.au.