Australia Senate passes NDIS overhaul bill

NDIS overhaul disability support Australian Senate Mark Butler disability rights

The Australian Senate has passed the NDIS amendment bill, ‘Securing the NDIS for Future Generations’, following an agreement between the Australian Government and the Coalition. The vote concluded with 28 in favour and 12 against. The government introduced 63 amendments to the bill in response to feedback from disability advocates.

The overhaul is projected to recoup $37 billion for the federal budget over the next four years and $150 billion over the next decade. However, the changes are expected to remove approximately 240,000 people from the National Disability Insurance Scheme. New eligibility assessments are set to take effect in January 2028.

Health and Disability Minister Mark Butler emphasized the need for new support systems, including a proposed ‘Thriving Teens’ program, to assist those who no longer qualify under the stricter criteria. While most state governments have implementation plans for the ‘Thriving Kids’ scheme, Butler noted that significant work remains to prepare for the transition.

People with Disability Australia (PWDA) criticized the decision, describing it as a ‘devastating day’ for the community. Acting CEO Megan Spindler-Smith stated that the community had warned of the potential harm and lost opportunities resulting from these legislative changes.

Entities

Australian Government · Australian Parliament · Australian Senate · Jenny McAllister · Mark Butler · National Disability Insurance Scheme · People with Disability Australia

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The new NDIS eligibility assessments are scheduled to come into effect in January 2028. cathnews.com · www.theage.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] People with Disability Australia expressed devastation and fear regarding the impact of the NDIS changes on the community. linkonline.com.au · cathnews.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The NDIS overhaul is intended to secure the scheme for future generations by addressing rapid growth and fraud. linkonline.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] Most Australian state governments, excluding Queensland, have implementation plans ready for the Thriving Kids scheme. cathnews.com · www.theage.com.au
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Senate passed the NDIS amendment bill with 28 votes in favour and 12 against. linkonline.com.au
[DISPUTED] The NDIS overhaul is projected to recoup $37 billion for the federal budget over the next four years and $150 billion over a decade. cathnews.com · www.theage.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] Health and Disability Minister Mark Butler stated that a ‘Thriving Teens’ program must be established within 16 months to support older children. cathnews.com · www.theage.com.au
[DISPUTED] The legislation is expected to remove 240,000 people from the National Disability Insurance Scheme. cathnews.com · www.theage.com.au

Sources

The NDIS changes pass through Senate [linkonline.com.au]

about 18 hours ago

A devastating day for people with disability as NDIS Bill passes - People with Disability Australia [pwd.org.au]

1 day ago

As NDIS overhaul passes, Butler says states have much work to do [cathnews.com]

about 3 hours ago

Autism NDIS overhaul passes Senate: Labor floats ‘Thriving Teens’ scheme for older children who no longer qualify [www.theage.com.au]

1 day ago