The Albanese government's proposed changes to the NDIS have faced strong criticism from cross-benchers and the Greens, who argue the reforms are too drastic and could harm over 770,000 Australians with disabilities. The Senate inquiry report warns that the bill may lead to significant cuts in individual support budgets as it aims to save $37.8 billion over four years by tightening eligibility and implementing functional assessments by 2028.
While the Labor-chaired committee supports the bill, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on vulnerable populations, particularly women, as responsibilities may shift from the NDIS to families. Disability advocacy groups have called for a thorough gender impact assessment, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the changes before implementation.