NDIS reform legislation delayed

The Australian Government’s proposed Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill 2026 has been delayed. This follows significant feedback through the Senate inquiry process and thousands of submissions from people with disability, families, providers and governments. Key concerns raised through the inquiry include the pace of reform, the impact on people with disability, the need for clearer alternative supports, and the complexity of the proposed changes.  

At Melba, we support reforms that strengthen safety, quality, integrity and the long-term sustainability of the NDIS, while protecting the rights, dignity and wellbeing of people with disability. We will continue to advocate for reforms to be developed carefully, with people with disability at the centre of decision making and a strong focus on continuity of safe, quality supports.  

The Senate inquiry has highlighted serious concerns about how the proposed reforms may affect the safety, dignity and wellbeing of people with disability. Many submissions and testimonies raised questions and shared grave concerns about what these changes would mean in practice, particularly where supports would be removed before clear, accessible and appropriate alternatives are in place. 

We know that delays can make an uncertain time feel even more challenging. However, this delay may create an important and welcome opportunity for government to listen, reflect and respond to the concerns raised by people with disability, families, providers and the wider sector. 

Hopefully the delay provides: 

• more time for governments to listen to the disability community and carefully consider and address the concerns that have been raised. 

• an opportunity to improve areas of the Bill where unintended consequences have been identified for people with disability, families and providers. 

• more time for Melba and the wider sector to advocate for changes that protect choice, control, safety and continuity of support.  

Melba’s position remains unchanged. We support reforms that strengthen the NDIS and ensure it remains available for future generations. However, reforms must not come at the expense of safe, quality supports for people with complex needs who have significant and lifelong disability. 

We will continue to advocate strongly for approaches that put people first, protect human rights, and maintain access to safe, quality supports for people with significant and lifelong disability.