The government’s recent “let’s-fix-the-NDIS” campaign feels less like a thoughtful reform and more like a rushed “cut now, figure it out later” strategy. Outgoing Labor Minister Bill Shorten is leaving politics at the end of the month, proudly declaring the NDIS is now “sustainable.” But here’s the plot twist: apparently, sustainability means removing thousands of children from the scheme and calling it progress.
Side Note: Listen to my episode on this topic “The NDIS Shake-Up and National Autism Strategy: What Jane Really Thinks” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
What’s Really Happening?
Every week, 1,200 families receive what can only be described as breakup letters from the NDIS. The message? “Prove your child still needs support in 28 days, or we’re cutting them off.”
The government’s reform plan aims to save $19 billion, but here’s where it gets grim: $500 million of those savings come from removing children annually. In comparison, the much-publicised fraud crackdowns contribute just $200 million over four years. So, while fraud isn’t the cash cow they’ve made it out to be, removing children from vital support is where the real “savings” lie.
Families with children who have documented needs are being told, “Yes, your child requires intensive, ongoing therapy. No, we’re not paying for it. Best of luck with the health system!” And for those wondering if the state health system can fill the gap – I don’t see how it can.
The Gaslighting is Real
The NDIS claims that kids are leaving the scheme because they’ve ‘achieved their goals.’ Advocates? They’re calling BS. The truth is, the NDIS doesn’t even have data to back this up.
When a child’s parents are told they’ve “achieved their goals” but still need therapy, the question isn’t if the system is failing but why it’s pretending otherwise.
Where Are They Sending These Kids?
Here’s the kicker: state health systems were gutted when the NDIS launched. The promised “foundational support” systems? They’re not ready yet. Families are essentially being pushed out of one system into thin air.
Imagine being kicked off a boat before the life raft is built. That’s where we’re at.
The Rhetoric vs. Reality
The government is using “fraud” as the buzzword to justify these cuts. In fact, they even conducted market research to learn that shouting “fraud and rorting” would make the public more accepting of changes.
But here’s the kicker: only 1% of the supposed savings are from fraud prevention. The rest? It’s from cutting off kids who still need help.
The Dark Reality
Let’s break it down:
- Savings are being made by removing kids who still need support.
- Families are being redirected into systems that can’t help them.
- Meanwhile, the government is patting itself on the back for its “success.”
For families, this isn’t a win. It’s a devastating loss.
Parents’ Perspective: A System That’s Failing Us
If you’re feeling abandoned by a system that promised to help, you’re not alone. These cuts are more than numbers on a budget – they’re life-altering for families already stretched thin. The government’s ‘sustainability’ comes at the expense of children’s futures.
The Final Irony
As Bill Shorten steps away from politics, he gets to claim a win: ‘fixed the NDIS.’ But for the families left behind, there’s no celebration – only the reality of scrambling for support that no longer exists.
What Can We Do?
We can’t let this slide under the radar.
- Talk about it. Share your stories with local representatives, friends, and advocacy groups.
- Push for transparency. Demand accountability for reforms that cut off kids without a real safety net in place.
- Support one another. Join parent networks to share resources and solutions.
Our kids – and our families – deserve better. The NDIS was built to help, not abandon. Let’s make some noise. Because right now, the system isn’t working for us; it’s working against us.
Let’s fight for the system we were promised.
- I’d love it if you could share this post to help raise awareness. Together, we can demand better for families and kids who need support.
- Add your experience to my survey or join the conversation in the ADHD Mums Facebook Group
- Summary of NDIS Changes on 3rd October 2024 can be found HERE
- Early Intervention Requirements FAQ linked HERE
- ADHD Mums Jotform Survey is HERE
- Listen to The NDIS Shake-Up and National Autism Strategy: What Jane Really Thinks on Apple Podcasts or Spotify