Australia’s disability discrimination commissioner, Rosemary Kayess, has urged the federal government to pause its planned overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), warning proposed funding reductions could leave participants in “unsafe situations”.
Kayess appeared before a Senate inquiry examining the Albanese government’s proposed NDIS reforms, which are intended to deliver savings of $37.8 billion over four years.
The inquiry is considering a package of changes that would give the federal minister new powers to reduce entire categories of NDIS-funded support.
Concerns Over Community Participation Funding
One of the proposed measures would allow health minister Mark Butler to cut funding for social and community participation supports by 50%.
Participants use this funding to employ support workers who assist them in accessing public spaces, building independence and maintaining social connections.
The proposed reduction has become a key focus of concern among disability advocates and participants.
Warning of Increased Risk
Under questioning from independent senator David Pocock, Kayess said evidence gathered over many years showed the dangers associated with isolation for people with disability.
“We know it will leave people in unsafe situations,” she told the inquiry.
Kayess referred to evidence presented to the Disability Royal Commission, arguing that social isolation can increase vulnerability and expose people with disability to greater risks.
“We had four-and-a-half years of evidence given to the disability royal commission,” she said.
She said people who become isolated may find themselves in closed or disconnected environments where they face a higher risk of violence, abuse and exploitation.
Call for More Analysis
Asked whether the legislation should pass in its current form, Kayess said it should not.
“No, I think it needs to stop and slow down so there can be far more analysis,” she said.
“I feel the analysis we’ve been able to do over the last couple of weeks is still inadequate.”
Her comments add to scrutiny of the government’s proposed NDIS reforms as the Senate inquiry continues to examine their potential impact on participants and support services.