A parliamentary inquiry scrutinising the federal government’s proposed overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has pushed back its final report, after three days of public hearings exposed deep divisions over the legislation.
Health Minister Mark Butler announced the reforms in April, with the government arguing that scheme growth needs to be brought under control to ensure the NDIS remains sustainable long term. The Senate committee, chaired by Labor’s Karen Grogan, was originally due to table its findings this week but has now requested an extension to consider further evidence, with a new reporting date set for June 19.
What’s Driving the Pushback
The hearings revealed significant tension both within and outside Parliament. The Greens have been among the most vocal critics, with disability spokesperson Jordan Steele-John calling for a substantially longer inquiry into the changes.
“We’ll obviously continue to talk with other parties within the Parliament and the general community about the changes that we’re proposing to the NDIS. The reality is that the NDIS is growing at an unsustainable rate, and if we don’t take action now, we risk a situation in the future where a future government decides to make massive unfair cuts.”— Jordan Steele-John, Greens Disability Spokesperson
The Coalition has taken a different but equally critical line. Opposition NDIS spokesperson Melissa McIntosh described the delay to the committee’s report as a “callous move,” and was sharply critical of the broader legislative package.
What the Reforms Would Actually Change
At the centre of the proposed changes is a new program called Thriving Kids, designed as a partial replacement pathway for the NDIS aimed specifically at children aged eight and under with developmental delays or autism. The government has said the goal is to reduce annual NDIS growth to between 5 and 6 percent, down from the scheme’s current trajectory.
The model for Thriving Kids was detailed earlier this year, with the government framing it as a way to direct early-years support through a more targeted, cost-effective pathway while preserving full NDIS access for participants with higher and more complex needs.
What Happens Next
With the committee’s reporting date now pushed to June 19, the legislation remains in limbo. Disability advocacy groups, providers, and families are watching closely, given that any changes to eligibility criteria or support pathways for young children could have significant flow-on effects for thousands of families currently navigating the scheme.
Epik Wire will continue tracking the NDIS reform process as the inquiry’s findings are released. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates.
