A message to our community on the NDIS Reform Bill

To our WWDA community,

I wanted to write to you directly today.

Parliament has passed the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

If you are an NDIS participant, you may be thinking about your own plan and supports. We know that there is real fear, anger, exhaustion and overwhelm in our community. We are standing with you.

I also want to speak to those of you who are not on the NDIS.

You are part of this too.

Many women, girls and gender-diverse people with disability are already outside the Scheme and struggling to get the support they need.

Our advocacy has never only been about the NDIS. Everyone with disability should be able to access the support they need to live safely, independently and as part of their community, whether they are an NDIS participant or not.

As these reforms are implemented, governments will need to build and strengthen supports outside the NDIS. We will keep advocating to make sure those supports are properly funded, accessible and actually there when people need them.

We know the past few months have been heavy. There has been a lot of debate, uncertainty and information to take in, and there are still important details about how these changes will work in practice that are yet to be decided.

WWDA raised serious concerns throughout this process about how the reforms could affect women, girls and gender-diverse people with disability. That work does not stop because the legislation has passed.

There are still rules to be written, new processes to be developed and major decisions to be made about how the reforms are implemented.

We will continue to be there, advocating, asking questions, pushing for better outcomes and making sure the experiences of our community are heard.

We will keep pushing for strong supports both inside and outside the NDIS, and for women, girls and gender-diverse people with disability to have a genuine say in the decisions that affect our lives.

We will also keep sharing information with you as things become clearer, so you can understand what changes may mean for you and where you can go for help.

For now, please know that WWDA is still here, and we will keep advocating for you and alongside you through what comes next.

Please look after yourself and reach out for support if you need it.

With care and solidarity,

Sophie Cusworth
CEO, Women With Disabilities Australia

If you need support

If you are worried about what the NDIS changes could mean for you, an independent disability advocate can help you understand information from the NDIA, your rights and your options.

It is important to know that the changes will not happen immediately. The NDIA has said that right now, participants can continue using their plans and supports as usual. The changes will happen in stages and will affect people at different times.

It will be important to understand the information you receive from the NDIA about your plan and supports. If you need help understanding that information, you can ask the independent advocate.

If this news is affecting your wellbeing, it is okay to step away from the coverage for a while. Reach out to someone you trust if you need to. Support is available.