The recent NDIS “reforms” have thrown thousands of families into chaos, forcing autistic children and children with disabilities to undergo rushed reassessments within 90 days – only for half of them to now be deemed ineligible for the very support they previously qualified for. These aren’t just policy tweaks; they are devastating cuts that are stripping children of essential services and pushing families to breaking point.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, angry, or just completely drained from constantly having to fight for your child’s basic needs, you’re not alone. Parents across Australia are being blindsided by these cuts. If we don’t speak up now, even more families will be left without the support they desperately need.
️ Listen to my full ep about the NDIS cuts with Nicole Rogerson of Autism Awareness Australia here on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or my website.
What’s Really Happening?
The government has positioned these changes as a crackdown on fraud, but the numbers tell a different story:
- $500 million per year is being “saved” by removing children from the NDIS.
- In contrast, fraud prevention measures are only expected to recover $200 million over four years – a fraction of what’s being cut.
- Families are being told their child has “achieved their goals” and is being removed from the scheme – even when they still need intensive support.
- State health and education systems don’t have the resources to absorb these children, leaving families with nowhere to turn.
Why This Matters
For many families, early intervention and therapy funded through the NDIS is the difference between a child thriving and a child struggling for years to come. Without these supports, we are setting children up for failure – which will only lead to more mental health challenges, educational struggles, and increased government costs down the track.
This is not a sustainable solution – it’s a short-sighted cost-cutting measure that puts children’s futures at risk.
How You Can Take Action
We need action now – both immediate steps and long-term advocacy.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Submit Your Story
If your family has been impacted, share your experience here: NDIS Changes Impact Form
These stories will be compiled and submitted to the new NDIS Minister, Amanda Rishworth, so our families are heard.
2. Contact Your Local MP
Our voices are stronger together. If we want change, we need to demand it. Most MPs don’t even realise how these cuts are affecting our community – it’s up to us to make them listen.
Use one of the templates below to email your MP. Feel free to personalise it with your experience to make it more powerful.
- NDIS Advocacy Email Template 1 for if you’re concerned but not personally affected as yet. Click here for a Google docs copy of template 1.
- NDIS Advocacy Email Template 2 for if your child has lost or is losing NDIS support. Click here for a Google docs copy of the template 2.
3. Spread the Word
If you know other families impacted by these changes, encourage them to:
✅ Submit their story using this form.
✅ Email their local MP using the template above.
✅ Speak to local media – publications like Mamamia and parenting magazines are great platforms to raise awareness.
This Isn’t Just Policy – It’s People’s Lives
Families like ours are being left behind, and the government must be held accountable for these devastating decisions.
If we don’t push back, who will?
We deserve a system that supports ALL children, not just those who are deemed “complex enough” to remain on the NDIS.
Let’s make some noise. Let’s demand change. Are you in?
NDIS Advocacy Email Template 1 (If you are concerned but not personally affected as yet)
Subject: Urgent Action Needed: NDIS Changes Are Hurting Families
Dear [Local MP’s Name],
I’m writing as a constituent and a parent who is deeply concerned about the recent changes to the NDIS. These so-called “reforms” are not just minor adjustments – they are cutting off essential supports for children who desperately need them, leaving families without options.
The Reality of These Changes
- Thousands of children are being removed from the NDIS, despite documented needs for ongoing support.
- The claim that children are “achieving their goals” is misleading – many families are told their child still requires intensive therapy but must now seek it elsewhere.
- There are no real alternative supports. State health and education systems are already underfunded and overwhelmed, making it impossible for families to access necessary services.
- The government is cutting $500 million per year from children’s support, while fraud prevention is only expected to recover $200 million over four years – a fraction of what’s being taken.
As a parent of a neurodivergent child, I am terrified for the future. Many of us are already stretched thin – juggling work, advocacy, therapy appointments, and the emotional toll of fighting for our kids. Without NDIS support, children will miss crucial early intervention, leading to worse long-term outcomes and ultimately higher costs to the government in mental health, education, and disability support.
What I Am Asking From You
I urge you to:
- Advocate for transparency around these changes and the true impact on families.
- Demand a pause on eligibility reassessments until genuine state-based supports are in place.
- Push for real consultation with the communities most affected – because right now, we are being ignored.
- Take action on my behalf by advocating for these changes at the federal level.
I look forward to your response on what actions you will take to support the families in your electorate.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]
NDIS Advocacy Email Template 2 (fI your child has lost or is losing NDIS support)
Subject: Urgent: My Family is Being Impacted by NDIS Changes
Dear [Local MP’s Name],
I am writing to you not just as a concerned constituent but as a mother who has been personally affected by the recent changes to the NDIS. These cuts are having devastating consequences on families like mine, and I need your help.
How These Changes Are Affecting My Child & Family
My [child’s name/age] has been receiving NDIS support for [X condition/disability]. Recently, I received notice that [explain how your child has been affected – e.g., their plan was cut, they were removed from the NDIS, or they lost access to crucial therapies].
Without this support:
[Explain what therapies, supports, or services your child will no longer be able to access.]
[Describe the immediate impact on your family – e.g., financial strain, increased stress, difficulty managing your child’s needs.]
[Highlight the long-term consequences – e.g., regression in progress, loss of early intervention benefits, reduced quality of life.]
This decision is not just affecting my child – it is affecting our entire family.
The Bigger Picture
The government claims these cuts are necessary for sustainability, but the numbers tell a different story:
- $500 million per year is being “saved” by removing children from the NDIS.
- In contrast, fraud prevention is expected to recover only $200 million over four years.
- Families are being told their child has “achieved their goals” while also being told they still require intensive therapy – but must now seek it elsewhere.
- The state health and education systems do not have the capacity to support the thousands of children losing access to the NDIS.
What I Am Asking From You
I urge you to advocate on my behalf and fight for:
- A pause on NDIS eligibility reassessments until real state-based services are in place.
- Transparency and consultation – families should not be blindsided by life-changing decisions.
- An urgent review of these cuts and their impact on children before more families are left without options.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further, whether via email, phone, or a face-to-face meeting. If you cannot meet, I ask that you raise this issue with the Federal Government and advocate for families like mine.
Please let me know how you plan to address these concerns. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]
