Australia's NDIS reform threatens gender equity for women carers

The Australian Senate is hearing submissions on a proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) bill that would tighten eligibility from 1 January 2028. The bill would require applicants to have tried all “appropriate” evidence‑based treatments before receiving support, giving the minister power to cut entire categories of services without further legislation or consultation.

Advocates warn the changes will entrench gender inequities. Women and girls comprise only 38 % of NDIS participants, yet they make up more than twice the number of primary carers (84.7 % of carers for children with disability). Women are also more likely to have chronic or medically unexplained conditions and to live on lower incomes, meaning the new “pay‑to‑prove” requirements and planned cuts to social and community participation funding could disproportionately exclude them from essential supports.