Chair of advocacy group Every Australian Counts, George Taleporos has welcomed an eight-week extension to a Senate inquiry into major proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), saying it finally allows “proper scrutiny” of reforms critics warn could harm participants.
The extension was secured through a deal between the government and the Greens, pushing the inquiry’s reporting date to mid-August after it was originally due to report this week.
The inquiry has received more than 4,000 submissions in just over two weeks and held public hearings which raised widespread concern from the disability sector.
Taleporos said the process had been inadequate from the start.
“It should never have taken this much pressure to get more time. Giving people with disability and our families just two weeks to respond to a bill that would reshape the future of the NDIS was ridiculous and disrespectful,” he said.
“This bill poses serious risks to our essential supports and will cause harm.”
The proposed legislation, which has been described by the government as necessary to slow growth in a scheme now costing more than $50 billion annually, could see more than 200,000 people removed from the NDIS over four years, delivering an estimated $38 billion in savings.
Critics argue the changes risk reducing access to essential supports, while the government maintains the reforms are needed to improve sustainability, reduce fraud, and restore confidence in the system.
An interim Senate report has recommended the bill proceed, though with added clarifications and a roadmap for implementation.
Coalition senators raised concerns about transparency and safeguards for people affected, while Greens and independent senator David Pocock highlighted issues including expanded ministerial powers and automated decision-making.
Greens amendments reportedly include limits on ministerial powers and increased transparency around automated systems, though the party says it will still oppose the bill.
Women with Disability Australia chief executive Sophie Cusworth said the extension must lead to “genuine consultation”, not minor adjustments, while Australian Autism Alliance co-chair Jenny Karavolos said it was better to spend more time “getting reform right” than fixing long-term mistakes.
Federal minister Mark Butler defended the reforms, saying they remained “absolutely the right package for the NDIS”, and warned delays could cost billions in projected savings.
Source: ABC.
