Women With Disabilities Australia welcomes the eight-week extension to the Senate inquiry into the NDIS Reform Bill.
These reforms are complex, far-reaching and deeply consequential for people with disability. The original inquiry timeframe was inaccessible and inadequate for the level of scrutiny required.
WWDA CEO Sophie Cusworth said the extension suggests Parliament is beginning to listen to the disability community.
“This Bill is too significant, too complex and too consequential to be rushed through Parliament,” Ms Cusworth said.
“People with disability have raised serious and consistent concerns about the risks of this Bill, and we welcome any additional time for proper scrutiny.”
WWDA acknowledges that the changes secured, relating to treatment requirements, cuts to supports, ministerial powers, automated decision-making and restrictive practices appear to move in the right direction. These changes are important, and they respond to significant concerns raised by the disability community.
However, Ms Cusworth said WWDA’s concerns are not limited to any single provision.
“Our concern remains that these reforms will make it harder for people with disability to access the supports they need to live safely and independently,” she said.
“Significant cuts to the NDIS and participants’ supports will never be safe policy unless there are strong, accessible and properly funded alternatives in place.”
For women, girls and gender-diverse people with disability, the risks are particularly serious. Many already face barriers to accessing the Scheme and are more likely to carry unpaid care responsibilities when formal supports are reduced or removed.
“This extension must be used for genuine consultation with people with disability, careful scrutiny of the Bill, and a clear commitment that no reforms proceed unless they protect the rights, safety and independence of our community,” Ms Cusworth said.
“Changes around the edges will not be enough if the Bill still carries serious risks for people with disability.”
WWDA continues to call on the Government to ensure that no changes to the NDIS proceed without meaningful engagement with people with disability and clear evidence that reforms will not cause harm.
