Monique Ryan (Kooyong, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In 2024, the government passed legislation promising to get the NDIS back on track, but what was sold as a crackdown on fraud has instead clamped down heavily on participants. Clients, advocates and lawyers have reported that new support definitions, funding caps, travel billing restrictions, narrower review pathways and changes to funding periods have reduced participant support. As a result, almost one-third of NDIS participants whose packages have been reassessed since May 2025 have had their support reduced and there is huge anxiety in the disability community about the support needs assessment tool, which is due to be rolled out in mid 2026. I'm hearing from providers like Learning for Life, in Kew, and Abacus, in Hastings, that support for children in the NDIS early childhood pathway is decreasing and that they do not have a clear pathway for transition into the Thriving Kids program.

I believe in the promise of Thriving Kids, but lack of timelines and lack of clarity regarding its rollout are creating anxiety for parents and threatening the financial viability of providers. I'm calling on the responsible ministers to give constituents and their carers greater clarity and confidence in Thriving Kids, in that rollout and in the government's full commitment to the NDIS.